Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can more effectively carry out a drawing pattern variation performance by image display means.SOLUTION: A game machine is configured such that: when a variation of a normal drawing pattern turns out to a predetermined mode, a normal profit state is generated in which special drawing pattern start means varies from a second state into a first state; when a special drawing pattern, which varies on the condition that the special drawing pattern start means detects a game ball, turns out to a specific mode, a special profit state is generated; when a special game state start condition is satisfied, a special game state different from a normal game state is generated after end of the special profit state; and a drawing pattern variation performance can be carried out by image display means. The drawing pattern variation performance is carried out to correspond to the variation of the special drawing pattern in the normal game state and to correspond to the variation of the normal drawing pattern in the special game state. In the normal game state, a demonstration performance is started on the basis of not satisfying a special drawing pattern variation start condition in the normal game state, and on the basis of not satisfying a normal drawing pattern variation start condition in the special game state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Gaming machines such as pachinko machines are provided with a symbol display means for displaying a variably changing symbol on the condition that a symbol starting means detects a gaming ball, and a profit state generating means for generating a profit state when the stopped symbol after the change of the symbol display means becomes a specific pattern. This type of gaming machine is configured to execute a symbol change performance by animation on the image display means in response to the symbol change by the symbol display means (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-124357 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional gaming machines, the pattern change presentation by the image display means is always performed in response to the same type of pattern change regardless of the game state, etc., so there is little variation and the presentation effect obtained is not necessarily sufficient. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine capable of more effectively performing a pattern variation presentation using an image display means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention includes a normal symbol display means for variably displaying a normal symbol when a normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied after the normal symbol start means detects a gaming ball, a normal advantage state generating means for generating a normal advantage state when a stopped symbol after the variation of the normal symbol display means becomes a predetermined pattern, a special symbol display means for variably displaying a special symbol when a special symbol variation start condition is satisfied after the special symbol start means detects a gaming ball, a special advantage state generating means for generating a special game state different from a normal game state after the special advantage state ends when the special game state start condition is satisfied, a pattern variation effect display means for executing a pattern variation effect with an image display means, and an actuated ball entry means for changing between a first state in which the game ball can be entered and a second state in which the game ball is more difficult to enter or cannot be entered than the first state. an external signaling means for outputting a signal to the outside of the device; In the gaming machine, in the normal profit state, the operation ball entry means changes from the second state to the first state according to any one of a plurality of operation patterns, and the special symbol start means includes the operation ball entry means, and the symbol change performance display means executes the symbol change performance in response to the change of the special symbol during the normal game state, and in response to the change of the normal symbol during the special game state, The external signal means outputs a common specific signal from a predetermined external terminal every time the special symbol changes during the normal game state, and every time the normal symbol changes during the special game state; When the variation of the special symbol stops and the special symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, a demo command is transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means regardless of the game state, and the sub-control means executes a demo presentation when it receives the demo command during the normal game state, and does not execute the demo presentation when it receives the demo command during the special game state. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to more effectively perform the symbol variation presentation by the image display means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view of a pachinko machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]It is a front view of the game board of the pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] It is a diagram showing the jackpot release patterns, special game states, and their allocation rates for each type of jackpot mode in the first special symbol of the pachinko machine. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the normal profit states (opening / closing patterns) corresponding to the winning modes and types of special game states in the normal symbol of the pachinko machine and their allocation rates. [Diagram 5] It is a diagram showing the jackpot / minor jackpot release patterns, special game states, and their allocation rates for each type of jackpot / minor jackpot mode in the second special symbol of the pachinko machine. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the minor jackpot release pattern of the pachinko machine and the corresponding distribution pattern. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the normal symbol processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the normal symbol variation start processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the normal symbol variation in - process processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the special symbol processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the special symbol variation start processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the special symbol variation in - process processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the external terminal management processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the output signals corresponding to the board - side external terminals of the pachinko machine. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the flowchart of the customer - waiting effect processing of the pachinko machine. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the effects of the liquid crystal display means during the normal game state of the pachinko machine and the time chart of related matters. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a time chart of the presentation of the liquid crystal display means and related items at the end of the jackpot state of the pachinko machine (at the start of the special game state). [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a time chart of the presentation of the liquid crystal display means and related items during the special game state of the pachinko machine. [Figure 20] A figure showing a time chart of the presentation of the liquid crystal display means and related items at the end of the special game state of the pachinko machine. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 20 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a so-called type 1 / type 2 mixed type pachinko machine. In Fig. 1, the gaming machine main body 1 includes an outer frame 2 having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the front of the outer frame 2 by a hinge 3 on one of the left and right sides, for example, the left side, so as to be able to open and close freely. In front of the front frame 4, a glass door 5 and a front panel 6 are arranged adjacent to each other vertically, and each is pivotally supported by the front frame 4 by a hinge 7 on the same side as the hinge 3 so as to be able to open and close freely. Of course, the glass door 5 and the front panel 6 may be made to be able to be opened and closed integrally as one door body.

[0009] In front of the front panel 6, an upper tray 8 is arranged at the top side, which stores game balls dispensed from a dispensing means (not shown) and supplies them to a launching means (not shown). Also, below the upper tray 8, a lower tray 9 is arranged at the left end side, which stores surplus balls when the upper tray 8 is full, and a launching handle 10 is arranged at the right end side. The launching handle 10 is for operating the launching means, and when a player holds and rotates the launching handle 10, the launching means is operated so that the launching strength corresponds to the amount of operation, and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 8 are continuously launched toward the game area 18 (FIG. 2) at a predetermined launch interval (for example, 0.6 seconds). Also, on the upper tray cover 11 that covers the upper tray 8 from the front side, operation buttons 12, 13 for performance, a ball lending operation unit 14, etc. are arranged.

[0010] A game board 15 (Fig. 2) is detachably attached from the front side to the front frame 4, corresponding to the rear side of the glass door 5. The game board 15 has a base plate 16 such as a plywood board, and a guide rail 17 for guiding the game balls launched by the launching means is arranged in a circular shape on the front side of the base plate 16, and a game area 18 inside the guide rail 17 has unit parts such as a central display frame unit 21, a first start winning unit 22, a second start winning unit 23, a normal winning unit 24, and many game nails (not shown) arranged therein.

[0011] The multiple unit parts 21 to 24 of the game board 15 are provided with a first normal symbol start means 31, a second normal symbol start means 32, a first special symbol start means 33, a second special symbol start means 34, a first big prize means 35, a second big prize means 36, a normal prize means 37, a normal symbol display means 38, a normal reserved number display means 39, a right hit lamp 40, a first special symbol display means 41, a second special symbol display means 42, etc. In addition, a liquid crystal display means (an example of an image display means) 43, a movable performance means 44, etc. are arranged on the rear side of the base plate 16.

[0012] The central display frame unit 21 constitutes a display frame for the liquid crystal display means 43 and the movable performance means 44, and has an opening window 45 formed in the approximate center corresponding to the rear liquid crystal display means 43, and is detachably attached from the front side to a mounting hole (not shown) formed in the base plate 16 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the central display frame unit 21 includes a front mounting plate 46 that is disposed outside the mounting hole along the front side of the base plate 16 and through which a game ball can pass in front of it, a decorative frame 47 that is disposed in a roughly gate-like shape in front view from both the left and right sides to the upper side in front of the liquid crystal display means 43 and protrudes forward on the inner periphery of the front mounting plate 46, and a stage 48 that is disposed between the left and right lower ends of the decorative frame 47. The game ball is launched by the launching means and enters the upper side of the game area 18, and is split to the left and right at the top of the decorative frame 47, and flows down either the left flow path (first flow path) 49a on the left side of the central display frame unit 21 or the right flow path (second flow path) 49b on the right side.

[0013] The central display frame unit 21 is provided with a warp inlet 50 through which game balls can flow, on at least one side of the left flow-down path 49a side or the right flow-down path 49b side, for example, on the left flow-down path 49a side. A game ball that flows into the warp inlet 50 while flowing down the left flow-down path 49a rolls freely in the left-right direction on the stage 48, and then falls forward from either a central drop part 51 provided corresponding to the left-right center of the game area 18 or from another part.

[0014] The movable performance means 44 includes a movable body 44a formed in an arbitrary three-dimensional shape. The movable body 44a is configured to be movable in front of the liquid crystal display means 43 from a predetermined origin position by driving of a driving means (not shown).

[0015] Below the central display frame unit 21, a first start winning unit 22 is arranged in the center in the left-right direction along the inside of the guide rail 17, a second start winning unit 23 is arranged on the right side, and a normal winning unit 24 is arranged on the left side.

[0016] The first normal pattern starting means (normal pattern starting means) 31 is intended to start the varying display of normal patterns by the normal pattern display means 38, and is composed of a passing gate through which the game ball can pass, and is equipped with game ball detection means 31a which detects the passage of the game ball, and is arranged on the right flow-down path 49b on the right part of the central display frame unit 21.

[0017] The second normal symbol starting means (normal symbol starting means) 32 is for starting the variable display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 38, like the first normal symbol starting means 31, and is composed of a non-operating winning means that does not have an opening and closing means, and is equipped with a game ball detection means 32a that detects the game ball that has entered. This second normal symbol starting means 32 is provided in the second start winning unit 23 arranged on the most downstream side of the right flow-down path 49b, and is configured so that a game ball that has flowed down the right flow-down path 49b without winning any other winning means will win this second normal symbol starting means 32 with a high probability (for example, 95% or more), although not 100%. When a game ball wins in the second normal symbol starting means 32, a predetermined number of game balls (here, one) per winning are paid out as prize balls. By providing the second normal symbol starting means 32 as described above, it is possible to play without reducing the number of balls held during the right-hitting period described later. As shown in FIG. 2, game pins are arranged immediately above the second normal symbol starting means 32, and this makes it possible to adjust the winning rate of the second normal symbol starting means 32.

[0018] The normal pattern display means 38 is for displaying a varying normal pattern, and is composed of, for example, two LEDs. When either the first normal pattern starting means 31 or the second normal pattern starting means 32 detects a game ball, i.e., when the game ball passes through the first normal pattern starting means 31 and is detected by the game ball detection means 31a, or when the game ball enters the second normal pattern starting means 32 and is detected by the game ball detection means 32a, the two LEDs constituting the normal pattern emit light in a normal variation light emission pattern, and then, if the winning judgment random number value contained in the normal random number information acquired when the game ball is detected by the first and second normal pattern starting means 31 and 32 matches a predetermined winning judgment value, the variation stops in a winning mode (predetermined mode), and otherwise in a losing mode.

[0019] The two LEDs constituting the normal symbol can display one or more winning patterns and one or more losing patterns by combining their light emission patterns (for example, on / off). In this embodiment, three types of winning patterns, a1 to a3, are provided as normal symbol winning patterns as shown in FIG. 4, and the allocation rates of the winning patterns a1 to a3 are set to 30%, 30%, and 40%, respectively.

[0020] In addition, the normal random number information acquired when the game ball is detected by the first and second normal symbol starting means 31, 32 is reserved and stored up to a predetermined upper limit of reserved number, for example, 4 pieces, and each time the normal symbol can be changed, one piece is consumed and the normal symbol is changed. The number of stored normal random number information (normal reserved number) is notified to the player by the normal reserved number display means 39, etc.

[0021] The first special symbol starting means (special symbol starting means) 33 is for starting the symbol variation by the first special symbol display means 41, and is composed of a non-operating winning means having no opening / closing means, and is equipped with a game ball detection means 33a for detecting the game ball that has entered. This first special symbol starting means 33 is provided in the first start winning unit 22, and is arranged in an upward opening manner on the lower side of the stage 48 in correspondence with the central drop section 51. Since there is a route from the warp entrance 50 on the left flow-down path 49a side through the stage 48 to win, the game ball that has flowed down the left flow-down path 49a has a higher probability of winning than the game ball that has flowed down the right flow-down path 49b. When a game ball wins in this first special symbol starting means 33, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, four balls) are paid out as prize balls per winning.

[0022] The second special symbol starting means (special symbol starting means, actuated ball entry means) 34 is for starting the pattern variation by the second special symbol display means 42, and is composed of an actuated winning means that can be changed to a first state in which the game ball can enter the winning hole 52 by the operation of the movable part 52a and a second state in which it is impossible to win (or it is more difficult to win than the first state), and is equipped with a game ball detection means 34a that detects the game ball that has entered the winning hole 52, and when the stopped pattern after the variation of the normal symbol display means 38 becomes a winning state and a normal profit state occurs, the movable part 52a changes from the second state to the first state for a predetermined time according to a predetermined operation pattern. This second special symbol starting means 34 is arranged on the right flow path 49b and downstream of the first normal symbol starting means 31, and the game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 49b can win.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, there are two types of operation patterns of the second special symbol starting means 34 in the normal profit state: a short pattern in which the time of the first state is extremely short, and a long pattern in which the time of the first state is longer than the short pattern. In the first time-saving state, the long pattern is selected in any of the winning patterns a1 to a3 (long opening rate 100 / 100) depending on whether or not the special game state is in a special game state described later and the type of the special game state (first to third time-saving states). In the second time-saving state, if the winning patterns are a1 and a2, a long pattern is selected, and if the winning pattern is a3, a short pattern is selected (long opening rate 60 / 100). In the third time-saving state, if the winning pattern is a1, a long pattern is selected, and if the winning pattern is a2 and a3, a short pattern is selected (long opening rate 30 / 100). In the normal game state, which is not one of the first to third time-saving states, a short pattern is selected in any of the winning patterns a1 to a3 (long opening rate 0 / 100).

[0024] In the case of a long pattern, after switching from the second state to the first state, when a predetermined number of game balls (here, one) enter the winning position, the state switches to the second state and the normal profit state ends. That is, in this embodiment, the number of winning balls is limited to one for one operation of the second special symbol starting means 34 in a long pattern. When a game ball enters the winning hole 52 of this second special symbol starting means 34, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, two balls) per winning position are paid out as prize balls. The long opening rate in the normal game state may be set to a value greater than 0 / 100.

[0025] In the second special symbol starting means 34, the winning hole 52 is formed in a horizontal opening shape, and the movable part 52a is arranged in a state in which it can slide in the front-rear direction near the upstream side (right side) of the winning hole 52, and in the first state, the movable part 52a protrudes forward from the surface of the game board 15 to receive the game ball flowing down the right flow path 49b and guide it to the winning hole 52 side, and in the second state, the movable part 52a retreats to the rear side of the surface of the game board 15 to cause the game ball to flow down the downstream side of the right flow path 49b. Therefore, even if a game ball is placed on the movable part 52a in the first state, if the state is switched to the second state before the game ball enters the winning hole 52, the game ball will fall from the movable part 52a and cannot enter the winning hole 52. Combined with the structure of the second special symbol starting means 34, in the case of a short pattern in which the time of the first state is extremely short, it is substantially impossible to win the second special symbol starting means 34.

[0026] In addition, a closing means capable of closing the winning opening 52 may be provided separately, and the winning opening 52 may be closed except in the first state. This can reliably prevent more than a predetermined number (1 ball) of game balls from winning during operation in the long pattern. This closing means is preferably linked to the operation of the movable part 52a. That is, the movable part 52a and the closing means may be linked so that the closing means opens the winning opening 52 when the movable part 52a is in the first state, and the closing means closes the winning opening 52 when the movable part 52a is in the second state, and the movable part 52a and the closing means may be configured to operate together by turning on and off a driving means such as a solenoid.

[0027] In this embodiment, the selection rate of the operation pattern of the second special symbol starting means 34 is varied depending on the game state, so that the probability of winning the normal symbol is substantially varied depending on the game state. That is, even if a win is drawn in the lottery for winning the normal symbol, if a short pattern is selected, it is substantially the same as a loss. Therefore, if the probability of winning by the lottery for the normal symbol is 1 / 73, the effective probability of winning during the first time-saving state is 1 / 73, whereas the effective probability of winning during the second time-saving state is (1 / 73) x (60 / 100) ≒ 1 / 122, and the effective probability of winning during the third time-saving state is (1 / 73) x (30 / 100) ≒ 1 / 243.

[0028] It should be noted that the second special pattern starting means 34 of this pachinko machine does not open or close the winning opening 52 with the movable part 52a, but for convenience in the following explanation, the sliding movement of the movable part 52a will be referred to as the opening and closing movement, the first state as the open state or opening, the second state as the closed state or closing, and the operation pattern of the movable part 52a as the opening and closing pattern.

[0029] The first special symbol display means (special symbol display means) 41 is composed of a display means such as a 7-segment type capable of variably displaying one or more, for example, one first special symbol (special symbol), and variably displays the first special symbol for a predetermined time on the condition that the first special symbol start means 33 detects a game ball, that is, the game ball enters the first special symbol start means 33 and is detected by the game ball detection means 33a, and when the jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number information acquired at the time of winning into the first special symbol start means 33 matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, it stops in a jackpot state (specific state), when it matches a small jackpot determination value, it stops in a small jackpot state, and otherwise in a miss state. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the first special symbol display means 41 becomes a jackpot state, a jackpot state occurs, and when it becomes a small jackpot state, a small jackpot state occurs (special profit state).

[0030] In this embodiment, three types of A1 to A3 shown in Fig. 3 are provided as the jackpot mode for the first special symbol display means 41, and when the jackpot determination random number value matches the jackpot determination value, for example, one of the jackpot modes A1 to A3 is selected at the allocation rate shown in Fig. 3 based on the jackpot pattern random number value acquired together with the jackpot determination random number value. Also, in this embodiment, the jackpot probability is set to 1 / 199 and the small jackpot probability is set to 0 / 199 for the first special symbol display means 41. That is, there is no case where the first special symbol display means 41 becomes a small jackpot mode, and therefore the special advantage state generated by the fluctuation of the first special symbol is only a jackpot state, and there is no case where a small jackpot state occurs.

[0031] The second special symbol display means (special symbol display means) 42 is configured by a display means such as a 7-segment type capable of variably displaying one or more, for example, one second special symbol (special symbol), and variably displays the second special symbol for a predetermined time on the condition that the second special symbol start means 34 detects a game ball, that is, the game ball enters the second special symbol start means 34 and is detected by the game ball detection means 34a, and when the jackpot determination random number value included in the second special random number information acquired at the time of winning into the second special symbol start means 34 matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, it stops in a jackpot state (specific state), when it matches a small jackpot determination value, it stops in a small jackpot state, and otherwise in a miss state. When the stopped symbol after the variation of the second special symbol display means 42 becomes a jackpot state, a jackpot state occurs, and when it becomes a small jackpot state, a small jackpot state occurs (special profit state).

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, for the second special symbol display means 42, one type of B11 is provided as a big win mode, and three types of B21 to B23 are provided as small win modes. When the big win determination random number value matches the big win determination value, the big win mode B11 is selected with a 100% probability. When the big win determination random number value matches the small win determination value, for example, one of the small win modes B21 to B23 is selected with the allocation rate shown in FIG. 5 based on the big win pattern random number value acquired together with the big win determination random number value. In this embodiment, for the second special symbol display means 42, the big win probability is set to 1 / 199, and the small win probability is set to 198 / 199. That is, for the second special symbol display means 42, if the stopped pattern is not a big win mode, it will always be a small win mode, and there is no case where it will be a miss mode, so if the second special symbol fluctuates, a special advantage state (small win state or big win state) will always occur.

[0033] In addition, the first and second special random number information acquired at the time of winning the first and second special symbol starting means 33, 34 are reserved and stored with a predetermined upper limit of reserved number, for example, 4 each, and when the first and second special symbols become available for variation, if the reserved memory on the second special symbol side is 1 or more, one reserved memory of the second special symbol is consumed to vary the second special symbol, and if only the reserved memory on the first special symbol side is 1 or more, one reserved memory of the first special symbol is consumed to vary the first special symbol. In this way, in this embodiment, both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not in the middle of variation, and when there are reserved memories on both the first special symbol side and the second special symbol side, the variation of the second special symbol is prioritized. The number of stored first and second special random number information (number of first and second special reserved numbers) is notified to the player by the liquid crystal display means 41 or the like.

[0034] In addition, in the case of this embodiment, during the special game states (first to third time-saving states), big win state and small win state (hereinafter referred to as special game states) described below, the game ball is fired toward the right flow path 49b, aiming at the first and second normal pattern starting means 31, 32, the second special pattern starting means 33, 34 and the first and second big prize means 35, 36 (hereinafter referred to as "right hit"). During other periods (non-special game states), the game ball is fired toward the left flow path 49a, aiming at the first special pattern starting means 33 (hereinafter referred to as "left hit"). Therefore, during the special game states included in the special game states, mainly the second special pattern changes, and otherwise the first special pattern changes.

[0035] The first large prize winning means 35 is an actuation type winning means that can be changed between an open state where the game ball can win the first large prize opening 53 and a closed state where the game ball cannot win by the operation of the opening and closing member 53a, and is equipped with a game ball detection means 35a that detects the game ball that has won the first large prize opening 53, and when the stopped pattern after the change of the first and second special pattern display means 41, 42 becomes a small prize state and a small prize state occurs, the opening and closing member 53a is opened according to a predetermined small prize opening pattern. When a game ball wins in this second large prize winning means 35, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, three balls) are paid out as prize balls for one win.

[0036] The first large prize winning means 35 is disposed, for example, downstream of the second special symbol starting means 34 and upstream of the second normal symbol starting means 32 in the right flow-down path 49b. The first large prize winning opening 53 of the first large prize winning means 35 is formed, for example, in an elongated shape along a left-downward inclined passage and in an upward opening shape. The opening / closing member 53a is a plate-shaped body formed in a left-downward inclined shape along the inclined passage, and can slide back and forth by driving an opening / closing driving means such as a solenoid (not shown). When in a closed state, it protrudes forward from the surface of the game board 15 to close the first large prize winning opening 53 and guides the game balls flowing down from the upstream side toward the downstream side (here, the left side) of the inclined passage, and when in an open state, it retreats behind the surface of the game board 15 to open the first large prize winning opening 53.

[0037] FIG. 6(a) shows an example of the opening pattern (small win opening pattern) of the first large winning means 35 in the small win state. In the small win opening pattern shown in FIG. 6(a), when a certain small win start interval ends and the small win state starts, after 100 ms has elapsed, the opening operation is repeated a certain number of times (14 times) for a certain time (48 ms) at a certain interval (632 ms). Since the first large winning means 35 of this embodiment is configured as described above, the game balls that are on the opening and closing member 53a in the closed state fall into the first large winning opening 53 at the next opening, so it is possible to win a large number of game balls in a short opening time.

[0038] The first large prize winning means 35 includes a specific area 54a, a normal area 54b, a movable distribution means 55 for distributing the game balls that have won the first large prize winning opening 53 to the specific area 54a and the normal area 54b, a specific game ball detection means 56a for detecting the game balls that have flowed into the specific area 54a, and a normal game ball detection means 56b for detecting the game balls that have flowed into the normal area 54b. The game balls that have won the first large prize winning opening 53 are detected by the game ball detection means 35a, and then guided to either the specific area 54a or the normal area 54b by the distribution means 55, and are detected by either the specific game ball detection means 56a or the normal game ball detection means 56b, and then guided to the rear side of the game board 15. When the gaming ball that has entered the first big winning hole 53 is guided to the specific area 54a by the distribution means 55 and the specific gaming ball detection means 56a detects the gaming ball (hereinafter referred to as a V winning), a big win state occurs.

[0039] The sorting means 55 can be switched between a V-guiding state in which the game ball is guided toward the specific area 54a and a non-V-guiding state in which the game ball is guided toward the normal area 54b according to a predetermined sorting pattern. Fig. 6(b) shows the sorting pattern of the sorting means 55 corresponding to the small winning opening pattern shown in Fig. 6(a). In the sorting pattern shown in Fig. 6(b), after being in the V-guiding state for a predetermined time (40 ms) at the start of the small winning state, it becomes the V-guiding state again at the first opening of the first major winning means 35. And the V-guiding state continues until the last (14th) opening of the first major winning means 35 is completed and a further V-passing waiting time of a predetermined time (2500 ms) has elapsed. As a result, substantially all the game balls that won in the first major winning means 35 during the small winning state are guided to the specific area 54a side (V-winning). That is, in this embodiment, during the special game state in which right-handed hitting is performed, when the normal symbol becomes the winning mode and a game ball wins in the opened second special symbol starting means 34 and the second special symbol fluctuates, the jackpot state can be generated with a substantially 100% probability.

[0040] When the first major winning means 35 opens according to the small winning opening pattern shown in Fig. 6 and the winning game ball is guided to the specific area 54a side (V-winning), the jackpot state occurs.

[0041] The second major winning means 36 is an actuating winning means that can be changed between an open state in which a game ball can win in the second major winning port 57 and a closed state in which winning is impossible by the operation of the opening and closing member 57a, and is provided with a game ball detecting means 36a for detecting a game ball that has won in the second major winning port 57. When the stopped symbols after the fluctuation of the first and second special symbol display means 41 and 42 become the jackpot mode or when the jackpot state is generated by V-winning, the opening and closing member 57a opens according to any one of one or more types of jackpot opening patterns. When a game ball wins in this second major winning means 36, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls per winning are paid out as prize balls.

[0042] The second large prize winning means 36 is disposed, for example, on the most upstream side of the right flow path 49b, that is, on the upstream side of the first normal symbol starting means 31. The second large prize winning opening 57 of the second large prize winning means 36 is formed, for example, in an elongated shape along a right-downward inclined passage and in an upward opening shape. The opening / closing member 57a is a plate-shaped body formed in a right-downward inclined shape along the inclined passage, and can slide back and forth by driving an opening / closing driving means such as a solenoid (not shown). When in a closed state, it protrudes forward from the surface of the game board 15 to close the second large prize winning opening 57 and guides the game balls flowing down from the upstream side toward the downstream side (here, the right side) of the inclined passage, and when in an open state, it retreats behind the surface of the game board 15 to open the second large prize winning opening 57.

[0043] In addition, the opening pattern of the second large winning means 36 in a jackpot state is such that the closing operation is performed a predetermined number of rounds, provided that a predetermined time (e.g., 28 seconds) has passed since the second large winning means 36 was opened or a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 9 balls) have been won by that time, and in this embodiment there are two types, 3R and 10R, depending on the number of rounds (Figures 3 and 5).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, in the jackpot state that occurs when the first special symbol becomes a jackpot state, the 3R opening pattern is selected regardless of the type of jackpot state. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, in the jackpot state that occurs when the second special symbol becomes a jackpot state, the 10R opening pattern is selected, and in the jackpot state that occurs due to V winning during a small win state, the 10R opening pattern is selected in the case of small win mode B21, and the 3R opening pattern is selected in the case of small win modes B22 and B23, depending on the small win mode. In the case of a jackpot state due to V winning, the first round of the opening pattern is the opening of the first large win means 35 due to a small win state (the small win opening pattern shown in FIG. 6(a) above). Therefore, in each of the opening patterns of 3R and 10R, the second large win means 36 is opened due to the jackpot state due to V winning from the second round onwards, that is, 2R and 9R.

[0045] After the end of the big win state, the special game state occurs with a predetermined probability (here, 100%). In this embodiment, three types of time-saving states (first to third time-saving states) are provided as the special game state, and in the special game state that occurs when the first special symbol becomes a big win state, the first to third time-saving states are selected at a distribution rate of 50%, 30%, and 20% according to the type of the big win state as shown in FIG. 3, and in the special game state that occurs when the second special symbol becomes a big win state, the first time-saving state is selected as shown in FIG. 5, and in the special game state by the V prize when the second special symbol becomes a small win state, the first to third time-saving states are selected at a distribution rate of 70%, 20%, and 10% according to the type of the small win state as shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] During the first to third time-saving states (special game states), a long pattern is selected with a predetermined probability as the opening and closing pattern of the second special pattern starting means 34 in the normal profit state. As shown in FIG. 4, the probability that the long pattern is selected (long opening rate) differs for each time-saving state, and the long opening rates for the first to third time-saving states are 100 / 100, 60 / 100, and 30 / 100, respectively.

[0047] In addition, the special game state (first to third time-saving states) ends when the next jackpot state occurs or when the number of times the normal pattern changes reaches a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times) (when a predetermined ending condition is met) (Figures 3 and 5).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display means 43 includes a symbol variation performance display means 61, a reserved image display means 62, a firing direction indication image display means 63, and the like.

[0049] The pattern change effect display means 61 performs a pattern change effect using the effect pattern 64, and executes a pattern change effect using the effect pattern 64 depending on the game state, in response to the change display of the first and second special patterns (effectively only the first special pattern) by the first and second special pattern display means 41, 42 during the normal game state, and in response to the change display of the ordinary pattern by the ordinary pattern display means 38 during the special game state.

[0050] The reason why the target of the symbol variation effect is changed according to the game state is because the target that the player pays most attention to is different during the special game state and the normal game state. That is, during the normal game state, the player pays attention to the result of the variation of the first special symbol, so the symbol variation effect by the performance symbol is performed in response to the display of the variation of this first special symbol, whereas during the special game state, as described above, the probability of a big win occurring if the second special symbol changes is essentially 100%, so the player pays most attention to the result of the variation of the normal symbol related to the start of the variation of the second special symbol, so the symbol variation effect by the performance symbol 64 is performed in response to the display of the variation of this normal symbol.

[0051] Here, the performance pattern 64 has a plurality of pattern rows (here, three in the left-right direction) consisting of a plurality of numerical patterns and other patterns, and each pattern row is composed of a pattern main body 64a consisting of numbers such as 1 to 8 and the like, and a character or other decorative part 64b accompanying the pattern main body 64a, as shown in Fig. 2. The display mode of the performance pattern 64 can be arbitrarily changed, such as by enlarging or reducing it, changing the display position, and erasing the decorative part 64b.

[0052] The performance symbols 64 start to change by vertical scrolling or the like for each symbol row according to a predetermined change pattern at approximately the same time as the normal symbols or the first and second special symbols start to change, and finally stop at approximately the same time as the normal symbols or the first and second special symbols stop changing so that the stopped symbols on a predetermined effective line become in a predetermined state. The pattern change performance by the performance symbols 64 includes a winning performance in which all the stopped symbols on the effective line are the same, a losing performance in which one of the stopped symbols on the effective line is different from the other stopping symbols, etc., and either the winning performance, the losing performance, etc. is executed according to the result of the change of the normal symbols or the first and second special symbols. In addition, in the pattern change presentation corresponding to the normal pattern, in the case of an actual miss in which a short pattern is selected, that is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the winning pattern a3 occurs during the second time-saving state, when the winning patterns a2 and a3 occur during the third time-saving state, or when the winning patterns a1 to a3 occur during the non-time-saving state (normal game state), a miss presentation is executed instead of a winning presentation.

[0053] The symbol variation effect display means 61 is capable of displaying three kinds of mini symbols 65, 66a, and 66b on the liquid crystal display means 43. The mini symbol 65 corresponds to a normal symbol, and is displayed in a variably manner in synchronization with the variation of the normal symbol. The mini symbols 66a and 66b correspond to the first and second special symbols, respectively, and are displayed in a variably manner in synchronization with the variation of the first and second special symbols. Therefore, for example, even if the second special symbol changes during a special game state, the liquid crystal display means 43 does not perform a symbol variation effect by the effect symbol 64 corresponding to the change, but displays a symbol variation by the mini symbol 66b. Similarly, even if the normal symbol changes during a normal game state, the liquid crystal display means 43 does not perform a symbol variation effect by the effect symbol 64 corresponding to the change, but displays a symbol variation by the mini symbol 65.

[0054] The reserved image display means 62 displays the number of first and second special reserved balls, and when the number of first and second special reserved balls increases based on the first and second special pattern starting means 33, 34 detecting a game ball, it displays one additional first and second reserved image X1~, Y1~ on the liquid crystal display means 43, and when the number of first and second special reserved balls decreases based on the first and second special pattern display means 41, 42 starting a new variation of the first and second special patterns, it erases, for example, the varying reserved image Z and shifts the first and second reserved images X1~, Y1~ by one toward the front of the queue (for example, the right side of the screen), and moves the pushed-out first first and second reserved images X1, Y1 to a predetermined position, for example, to change them into a new varying reserved image Z.

[0055] The launch direction indication image display means 63 is used to indicate the direction to aim when launching, and during a special game state (right hit period), it displays a right hit indication image (first launch direction indication image) 63a indicating that the ball should be aimed toward the right flow path (first flow path) 49b, and during a non-special game state (left hit period), it displays a left hit indication image 63b indicating that the ball should be aimed toward the left flow path 49a.

[0056] In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned launch direction indication image display means 63, a right hit lamp (launch direction suggestion lamp) 40 is provided as a means for notifying the direction to aim at when firing. The right hit lamp 40 is always in a first state (e.g., lit) indicating that a right hit should be performed during the special game state (right hit period), while the right hit notification by displaying the right hit indication image 63a on the liquid crystal display means 43 is executed during at least a part of the special game state (right hit period). The right hit indication image 63a may not be displayed at all during the special game state (right hit period). The same applies to the left hit indication image 63b.

[0057] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the control system of this pachinko machine. In Fig. 7, 71 is a main control board (main control means), 72 is a performance control board (sub-control means), and these control boards 71, 72 are housed in board cases that are detachably attached to appropriate locations on the back side of the game machine main body 1 including the front frame 4 and the game board 15, such as the back side of the back cover that collectively covers the central display frame unit 21 attached to the game board 15 and other multiple game parts from the back side. In addition, in the block diagram of Fig. 7, boards other than the main control board 71 and the performance control board 72 are omitted.

[0058] The main control board 71 controls the overall game operation, and is equipped with a normal random number creation processing means 81, a normal start port check processing means 82, a normal random number memory means 83, a normal pattern processing means 84, a normal pattern display control means 85, a normal profit state generation means 86, a special random number creation processing means 87, a special start port check processing means 88, a special random number memory means 89, a special pattern processing means 90, a special pattern display control means 91, a special profit state generation means 92, a special game state generation means 93, a right hit lamp control means 94, an external terminal management means 95, a control command transmission means 96, etc.

[0059] The normal random number creation processing means 81 is configured to repeatedly generate winning judgment random numbers and the like at predetermined time intervals to be used to determine whether the normal symbol after the change is a winning pattern or not. The normal start port check processing means 82 performs processing based on the detection of a gaming ball by the first and second normal symbol start means 31, 32, and is configured to obtain normal random number information such as winning judgment random number values ​​created by the normal random number creation processing means 81 based on the detection of a gaming ball by either the first or second normal symbol start means 31, 32, and store the normal random number information in a first-in, first-out normal random number storage means 83 up to a predetermined upper limit of reserved numbers (for example, 4).

[0060] The normal symbol processing means 84 performs processing related to the variable display of normal symbols, and executes the normal symbol processing shown in FIG. 8 at regular interrupts every predetermined time (here, every 4 ms).

[0061] In the normal symbol processing (Fig. 8), the normal symbol operation status is referenced (S1). The normal symbol operation status is a status value that indicates the behavior of the normal symbol. For example, if the value is 00H or 01H, it indicates "waiting", if it is 02H, it indicates "changing", and if it is 03H, it indicates "checking". Also, "waiting" indicates that the normal symbol is waiting for the next change, "changing" indicates that the normal symbol is changing, and "checking" indicates that the change of the normal symbol has ended and is being displayed as stopped (confirmed).

[0062] If the normal pattern operation status is 00H or 01H (standby), normal pattern change start processing (S2) is executed; if it is 02H (changing), normal pattern change processing (S3) is executed; and if it is 03H (confirming), normal pattern confirmation time processing (S4) is executed.

[0063] In the normal pattern change start process (S2) when the normal pattern operation status is 01H (waiting), as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether the number of normal reserved items is 0 (S11), and if the number of normal reserved items is 0 (when the normal pattern change has stopped and the normal pattern change start condition is not met), the normal pattern operation status is set to 00H (waiting) (S12), and a customer waiting demo command (BA24H) is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S13), and the normal pattern change start process is terminated.

[0064] On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that the number of reserved normal symbols is not 0, the number of reserved normal symbols is decremented (S14), and a winning judgment random number value is taken out from the head of the queue of the normal random number information stored in the normal random number storage means 83, and a winning / losing judgment (S15) is made depending on whether the winning / losing random number value matches a predetermined winning judgment value, and the stopping pattern and the variation pattern after the variation of the normal symbols are determined based on the winning / losing judgment result (S16), and a normal symbol variation start command is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S17). Then, 02H (changing) is set to the normal symbol operation status (S18), and the normal symbol variation start processing is terminated. The winning probability of the normal symbol is 1 / 73, and when the judgment result is a winning, one of the winning modes a1 to a3 is selected at the distribution rate shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] Returning to the normal pattern processing in Fig. 8, the explanation will be continued. In the normal pattern changing process (S3) executed when the normal pattern operation status is 02H (changing) in S1, as shown in Fig. 10, the value of the normal pattern changing timer that measures the change time of the normal pattern is referenced (S21), and if the value of the normal pattern changing timer is not 0, that is, if it is determined that the timing for the normal pattern to stop changing has not yet been reached, the normal pattern changing process is terminated.

[0066] If the value of the normal pattern change timer is 0 in S21, that is, if it is determined that the timing for the normal pattern change to stop has arrived, a normal pattern stop command is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S22), and various setting processes are performed when the pattern stops (S23), such as setting the normal pattern operation status to 03H (checking), setting the normal pattern operation timer to an initial value corresponding to the confirmed time (500 ms in this case), and clearing various flags related to the pattern change that were set at the start of the change or during the change, such as the changing flag and the normal pattern change counter used to flash the LEDs that make up the normal pattern.

[0067] Then, the special game state flag indicating whether or not the special game state is in progress is referenced (S24), and if the special game state flag is not 5AH (special game state in progress), the normal pattern change process is terminated here. Also, it is determined whether the change in the normal pattern has started during a big win state or a small win state (S25), and if it is determined that the change has started during a big win state or a small win state, the normal pattern change process is terminated here.

[0068] In S24, if the special game state flag is 5AH (special game state), and in S25, it is determined that the change of the normal symbol did not start during a big win state or a small win state, the determination number counter is incremented (S26), and the normal symbol change process is terminated. The determination number counter is related to the signal output from the first external terminal described later.

[0069] Returning to the normal pattern processing in Fig. 8, the explanation will be continued. In the normal pattern confirmation time processing (S4) executed when the normal pattern operation status is 03H (confirming) in S1, the normal pattern operation timer is monitored, and when the value becomes 0, that is, when the elapsed time after the normal pattern variable display ends reaches the fixed time (here, 500 ms), the normal pattern operation status is set to 01H (standby), and the necessary setting processing is executed before the start of the normal profit state according to the type of stopped pattern (win state / miss state), and various setting processing etc. are executed based on the end of the current fluctuation. When the normal pattern operation status is set to 01H (standby), the normal pattern variable start processing (S2) is executed again in the next normal pattern processing (Fig. 8).

[0070] The normal symbol display control means 85 controls the display of the normal symbol display means 38 based on the normal symbol processing by the normal symbol processing means 84. On the condition that the normal symbol display means 38 is in a state where it can be variably displayed and one or more normal random number information is stored in the normal random number storage means 83 (the number of normal holds is 1 or more), after varying the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 38 according to the variation pattern selected by the normal symbol processing means 84, the variation of the normal symbol is stopped by the stop symbol selected by the normal symbol processing means 84.

[0071] When the stop symbol after the variation of the normal symbol display means 38 becomes a winning mode based on the winning determination result by the normal symbol processing means 84 being a win, the normal profit state generating means 86 generates a normal profit state in which the movable part 52a of the second special symbol starting means 34 is opened and closed according to either a short / long pattern.

[0072] In the case of the short pattern, the opening time is extremely short, and it is substantially impossible to win the second special symbol starting means 34. On the other hand, in the case of the long pattern, since the opening time is set sufficiently long, it is easy to win the second special symbol starting means 34 by hitting right. In the long pattern, when a predetermined number (here, 1) of game balls wins during the opening of the second special symbol starting means 34, it closes and the normal profit state ends.

[0073] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the probability (long opening rate) of selecting the long pattern varies according to the game state. The long opening rate during the first time-short state is 100 / 100, the long opening rate during the second time-short state is 60 / 100, the long opening rate during the third time-short state is 30 / 100, and the long opening rate during the normal game state that is not any of the first to third time-short states is 0 / 100. Thus, since the winning probability of the normal symbol during the normal game state is substantially 0%, it is desirable to hit left to vary the first special symbol and first generate a special game state during the normal game state (excluding the special profit state).

[0074] The special random number creation processing means 87 is configured to perform special random number creation processing to repeatedly generate jackpot determination random numbers used to determine jackpot / small jackpot / miss, pattern determination random numbers used to select the stopping pattern after the special pattern changes, fluctuation pattern random numbers used to select the fluctuation pattern, and other specified random numbers.

[0075] The special start port check processing means 88 performs processing based on the entry of a game ball into the first and second special symbol start means 33, 34, and is configured to obtain first and second special random number information such as a jackpot determination random number value and a jackpot pattern random number value created by the special random number creation processing means 87 based on the entry of a game ball into either the first or second special symbol start means 33, 34, and store the first and second special random number information in the special random number storage means 89 up to a predetermined upper limit of reserved numbers (here, 4 each). In this embodiment, the upper limit of the first and second special reserved numbers is set to 4, but this is not limited to this, and for example, the upper limit of the second special reserved number may be set to 0 (no reserved memory), 1, etc.

[0076] The special symbol processing means 90 performs processing related to the variable display of the first and second special symbols, and executes the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 11 at regular interrupts every predetermined time (here, every 4 ms).

[0077] In the special symbol processing shown in Fig. 11, the special symbol operation status is referred to (S31). The special symbol operation status is a status value indicating the behavior of the first and second special symbols, and for example, when the value is 00H or 01H, it indicates "waiting", when it is 02H, it indicates "changing", and when it is 03H, it indicates "checking". Also, "waiting" indicates that the first and second special symbols are waiting for the next change, "changing" indicates that the first and second special symbols are changing, and "checking" indicates that the change of the first and second special symbols has ended and they are stopped (confirmed) and displayed.

[0078] If the special symbol operation status is 00H or 01H (standby), a special symbol change start process (S32) is executed; if it is 02H (changing), a special symbol change process (S33) is executed; and if it is 03H (confirming), a special symbol confirmation time process (S34) is executed.

[0079] In the special pattern change start process (S32) when the special pattern operation status is 01H (waiting), as shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether the first and second special reserved numbers are 0 or not (S41, S42), and if the first and second special reserved numbers are both 0 (when the change of the first and second special patterns has stopped and the special pattern change start condition is not met), the special pattern operation status is set to 00H (waiting) (S43), and a customer waiting demo command (BA14H) is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S44), and the special pattern change start process is terminated.

[0080] In this way, the customer waiting demo command (BA14H) sent in the special symbol change start process (FIG. 12) is different from the customer waiting demo command (BA24H) sent in the normal symbol change start process (FIG. 9).

[0081] On the other hand, if at least one of the first and second special reserved numbers is not 0 in S41 and S42, the first or second special reserved number is decremented (S45), and the first or second special random number is taken out from the queue of the first or second special random number information, and a jackpot / small win / miss is determined (S46) depending on whether the jackpot / small win / miss random number matches a predetermined jackpot / small win determination value, and the stop pattern and change pattern after the change of the first and second special symbols are determined (S47) based on the jackpot / small win / miss determination result, and a special symbol change start command is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S48). Then, the special symbol operation status is set to 02H (changing) (S49), and the special symbol change start process is terminated.

[0082] In this embodiment, the probability of a big win is 1 / 199 for both the first and second special symbols, while the probability of a small win is 0 / 199 for the first special symbol and 198 / 199 for the second special symbol. If the first special symbol is judged to be a big win, one of the big win modes A1 to A3 is selected at the allocation rate shown in Figure 3, if the second special symbol is judged to be a big win, the big win mode B11 is selected, and if the second special symbol is judged to be a small win, one of the small win modes B21 to B23 is selected at the allocation rate shown in Figure 5.

[0083] Returning to the special symbol processing in Fig. 11, the explanation continues. In the special symbol changing process (S33) executed when the special symbol operation status is 02H (changing) in S31, the value of the special symbol changing timer that measures the changing time of the first and second special symbols is referenced (S51) as shown in Fig. 13, and if the value of the special symbol changing timer is not 0, that is, if it is determined that the timing for the first and second special symbols to stop changing has not yet been reached, the special symbol changing process is terminated as it is.

[0084] If the value of the special pattern change timer is 0 in S51, that is, if it is determined that the timing has come to stop the change of the first and second special patterns, a special pattern stop command is sent to the performance control board 72 via the control command sending means 96 (S52), and various setting processes are performed when the patterns stop (S53), such as setting the special pattern operation status to 03H (checking), setting the special pattern operation timer to an initial value corresponding to the determined time (here, 500 ms), and clearing various flags.

[0085] Then, the special symbol determination counter is incremented (S54), and the special game state flag indicating whether or not the special game state is in progress is referenced (S55), and if the special game state flag is 5AH (in special game state), the special symbol variation processing is terminated here, but if the special game state flag is not 5AH (in special game state), the determination count counter is incremented (S56), and the special symbol variation processing is terminated. Note that the special symbol determination counter is related to the signal output from the seventh external terminal described later, and the determination count counter is related to the signal output from the first external terminal described later.

[0086] Returning to the special symbol processing in Fig. 11, the explanation will be continued. In the special symbol confirmation time processing (S34) executed when the special symbol operation status is 03H (confirming) in S31, the special symbol operation timer is monitored, and when the value becomes 0, that is, when the elapsed time after the variable display of the first and second special symbols has ended reaches the fixed time (here, 500 ms), the special symbol operation status is set to 01H (standby), and the necessary setting processing is executed before the start of the special advantage state (big win state, small win state) according to the type of stopped symbol (big win state / small win state / miss state), and various setting processing etc. based on the end of the current variation are also executed. When the special symbol operation status is set to 01H (standby), the special symbol variation start processing (S32) is executed again in the next special symbol processing (Fig. 11).

[0087] The special pattern display control means 91 controls the display of the first and second special pattern display means 41, 42, and starts the variation of the first special pattern by the first special pattern display means 41 or the variation of the second special pattern by the second special pattern display means 42 based on the special pattern processing by the special pattern processing means 90, and stops the variation of the first and second special patterns at the selected stopping pattern based on the lapse of the variation time corresponding to the selected variation pattern.

[0088] The special advantage state generating means 92 is for generating a special advantage state advantageous to the player. When the result of the jackpot determination by the special symbol processing means 90 is a jackpot and the stopped symbols after the variation of the first and second special symbols are in a jackpot state, the jackpot state generating means 92a generates a jackpot state in which the second big prize winning means 36 is opened according to either the 3R or 10R opening pattern (FIGS. 3 and 5). When the result of the jackpot determination by the special symbol processing means 90 is a small jackpot and the stopped symbols after the variation of the first and second special symbols are in a small jackpot state, If a V win occurs during a small win state, the small win state generating means 92b generates a small win state in which the first large win means 35 is opened according to a predetermined small win opening pattern (Figures 5 and 6), and if a V win occurs during a small win state, the large win state generating means 92a generates a large win state in which the second large win means 36 is opened according to either a 3R or 10R opening pattern (Figure 5) (of 3R and 10R, the first round corresponds to a small win state, so the rounds corresponding to the large win state are the second round or later).

[0089] The special game state generating means 93 is for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, and is configured to generate a time-saving state with a predetermined probability (here, 100%) after the end of a big win state, and to end the time-saving state when the next big win state occurs or the normal symbols change a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). Note that the number of times the normal symbols change as a condition for ending the time-saving state is not limited to 100 times, and may be different for each time-saving state.

[0090] In this embodiment, three types of time-saving states, 1st to 3rd time-saving states, are provided as time-saving states, and are selected at a predetermined distribution rate according to the big win mode or the small win mode. That is, in the special game state that occurs when the first special symbol becomes a big win mode, the first to third time-saving states are selected at a distribution rate of 50%, 30%, and 20% corresponding to the big win modes A1 to A3 as shown in Fig. 3, in the special game state that occurs when the second special symbol becomes a big win mode, the first time-saving state is selected as shown in Fig. 5, and in the special game state by V winning when the second special symbol becomes a small win mode, the first to third time-saving states are selected at a distribution rate of 70%, 20%, and 10% corresponding to the small win modes B21 to B23 as shown in Fig. 5.

[0091] During the first to third time-saving states (special game states), a long pattern is selected with a predetermined probability as the opening and closing pattern of the second special pattern starting means 34 in the normal profit state. As shown in FIG. 4, the probability that the long pattern is selected (long opening rate) differs for each time-saving state, and the long opening rates for the first to third time-saving states are 100 / 100, 60 / 100, and 30 / 100, respectively.

[0092] The right hit lamp control means 94 controls the illumination of the right hit lamp (launch direction indication lamp) 40, and turns on the right hit lamp 40 during special game states (first to third time-saving states), during special game states including big win states and small win states (during the right hit period) (first mode indicating that the second flow down path should be aimed), and turns off the right hit lamp 40 during other periods (second mode).

[0093] The external terminal management means (external signal means) 95 controls the signal output from the external terminal, and executes the external terminal management process shown in FIG. 14 at regular interrupts at predetermined time intervals (here, every 4 ms).

[0094] An external terminal board 100 (Fig. 7) for outputting signals to a computer or the like on the hall side is arranged on the rear side of this pachinko machine, and this external terminal board 100 is provided with two frame-side external terminals corresponding to the frame side and ten board-side external terminals corresponding to the game board side. In this embodiment, the information shown in Fig. 15 is output from each of the ten board-side external terminals.

[0095] In the external terminal management process (FIG. 14), it is determined whether or not various conditions are met, and if the conditions are met, the corresponding bit is set (S61). In this case, the bit corresponds to the number of the external terminal on the board side shown in FIG.

[0096] For example, if the condition device is in operation, the third, fourth, and eighth bits corresponding to the special game state signal and the big win signal are set. Also, if the time-saving state is in operation, the third bit corresponding to the special game state signal is set.

[0097] Also, it is determined whether each counter is 1 or more, and if it is 1 or more, the corresponding bit is set (S62). For example, if the special symbol determination counter is 1 or more, the seventh bit is set, and if the determination count counter is 1 or more, the first bit is set.

[0098] In this embodiment, when the normal symbol stops changing during the special game state (except when it starts changing during a big win or small win state), the fixed number counter is incremented in S26 of the normal symbol changing process (FIG. 10), and when the first special symbol stops changing during a non-special game state, the fixed number counter is incremented in S56 of the special symbol changing process (FIG. 13). When the first and second special symbols stop changing, the special symbol fixed counter is set in S54 of the special symbol changing process (FIG. 13) regardless of whether the special game state is in progress or not. The value of each counter is decremented after the process of S62.

[0099] Then, in the external terminal signal output process (S63), a signal is output from the board-side external terminal corresponding to the set bit, and the external terminal management process ends. Thus, in this embodiment, during a special gaming state, a determined number signal is output from the first external terminal (predetermined external terminal) when the normal symbol variation stops (except when the variation starts during the big win state or small win state), but not when the first and second special symbol variations stop. During the normal gaming state, a determined number signal is output from the first external terminal when the first and second special symbol variations stop, but not when the normal symbol variation stops.

[0100] The effect control board 72 is for controlling various effect means such as the liquid crystal display means 43, movable effect means 44, audio output means 101, and electrical decoration means 102, and includes a special hold count display execution means 103, symbol variation effect execution means 104, firing direction indication execution means 105, customer waiting effect control means 106, etc., which are constituted by a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

[0101] The special hold count display execution means 103 performs display control of the first and second special hold counts on the liquid crystal display means 43, and is configured to display on the liquid crystal display means 43 the first hold images X1 to X4 for the first special hold count (maximum 4), the second hold images Y1 to Y4 for the second special hold count (maximum 4), and the in-variation hold image Z corresponding to the first and second special symbols during variation, corresponding to the increase and decrease of the first and second special hold counts.

[0102] The symbol variation effect execution means 104 performs display control of the effect symbol 64 on the liquid crystal display means 43 by the symbol variation effect display means 61 and controls the audio output means 101, electrical decoration means 102, movable effect means 44, etc. associated therewith. During the normal gaming state, it executes a symbol variation effect by the effect symbol 64 corresponding to the variation display of the first special symbol (special symbol) by the first special symbol display means 41. During the special gaming state (during the first to third time-saving states), it executes a symbol variation effect by the effect symbol 64 corresponding to the variation display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 38. A specific example of the effect by the symbol variation effect execution means 104 will be described later.

[0103] The launch direction instruction execution means 105 controls the display of a right hit instruction image 63a and a left hit instruction image 63b on the liquid crystal display means 43 by the launch direction instruction image display means 63, and is configured to display the right hit instruction image 63a during the right hit period (during a special game state) and the left hit instruction image 63b during the left hit period (during a non-special game state) at any position on the liquid crystal display means 43.

[0104] The customer waiting performance control means 106 controls the execution of performance during the customer waiting state, and executes the customer waiting performance process shown in FIG. 16 in the timer interrupt process on the performance control side.

[0105] In the customer waiting performance process (FIG. 16), first, it is determined whether the customer waiting state flag is 01H or 02H (ON) (S71). Here, the customer waiting state flag indicates whether the customer waiting state is in progress, and is set to 01H or 02H at the start of the customer waiting state (S74, S77 described later).

[0106] When it is determined in S71 that the customer waiting state flag is neither 01H nor 02H (S71: No), it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demo command (BA14H or BA24H) has been received (S72, S75). The customer waiting demo command BA14H is sent when the fluctuation of the first and second special symbols has stopped and the special symbol fluctuation start condition is not met (S44 of the special symbol fluctuation start process (Fig. 12)), and the customer waiting demo command BA24H is sent when the fluctuation of the normal symbol has stopped and the normal symbol fluctuation start condition is not met (S13 of the normal symbol fluctuation start process (Fig. 9)). When the customer waiting demo command (BA14H or BA24H) has not been received (S72: No → S75: No), the customer waiting performance process ends as it is.

[0107] When it is determined that the customer waiting demo command BA14H has been received (S72: Yes), if the game is in a normal game state (not including a special profit state or a normal profit state) different from a special game state, the customer waiting start condition is established (S73: Yes), and the customer waiting state flag is set to 01H. On the other hand, when it is determined that the customer waiting demo command BA24H has been received (S75: Yes), if the game is in a special game state (in the first to third time-saving states), the customer waiting start condition is established (S76: Yes), and the customer waiting state flag is set to 02H. When the customer waiting demo command BA14H has been received but not in a normal game state (S73: No), and when the customer waiting demo command BA24H has been received but not in a special game state (in the first to third time-saving states) (S76: No), the customer waiting performance processing ends as it is.

[0108] In this way, the performance control board 72 judges whether the customer waiting start condition is satisfied or not based on the type of the received customer waiting demo command and the game state. That is, during the special game state (first to third time-saving states), if the customer waiting demo command BA24H is received, the customer waiting start condition is satisfied, but even if the customer waiting demo command BA14H is received, the customer waiting start condition is not satisfied. On the other hand, during the normal game state, if the customer waiting demo command BA14H is received, the customer waiting start condition is satisfied, but even if the customer waiting demo command BA24H is received, the customer waiting start condition is not satisfied.

[0109] When the customer waiting start condition is met (S74, S77), the normal customer waiting performance starts (S78), the demo timer is set to an initial value (S79), and the customer waiting performance processing ends. In the normal customer waiting performance, the immediately previous display image continues to be displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43, the illumination means 102 emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the audio output means 101 outputs predetermined background music. The demo timer is used to count the duration of the normal customer waiting performance, and is set to an initial value corresponding to, for example, 180 seconds.

[0110] Also, if the customer waiting state flag is either 01H or 02H (in the customer waiting state) in S71 (S71: Yes), it is determined whether the customer waiting state end condition is satisfied (S80). In this embodiment, it is determined that the customer waiting state end condition is satisfied when the timing to start changing the normal symbol during the special game state and the first and second special symbols during the normal game state arrives, or when the player touches the launch handle 10 (when the touch sensor of the launch handle 10 is turned ON). Then, if the customer waiting state end condition is still not satisfied (S80: No), it is determined whether the customer waiting normal performance is in progress, that is, whether the customer waiting normal performance is in progress or the customer waiting demo performance described later is in progress (S81).

[0111] If the normal waiting performance is not in progress (S81: No), the waiting demo performance continues as is (S87), and the waiting performance process ends. On the other hand, if the normal waiting performance is in progress (S81: Yes), the demo timer is decremented (S82), and if the value of the demo timer after the subtraction is 0 (S83: Yes), that is, if a predetermined time (180 s) has elapsed since the waiting state started, the first waiting demo performance starts if the waiting flag is 01H, and if the waiting flag is 02H, the second waiting demo performance starts (S84-S86). In the waiting demo performance, the liquid crystal display means 43 repeatedly displays a machine image, a company logo image, a still image of the performance pattern 64, and the like in a predetermined pattern, the illumination means 102 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern, and the audio output means 101 outputs a predetermined BGM. Note that audio output may be stopped in the waiting demo performance.

[0112] It is preferable that the second customer waiting demo effect performed during the special game state and the first customer waiting demo effect performed during the normal game state have different contents, but they may be the same. In this case, it is not necessary to provide two types of ON states of the customer waiting state flag.

[0113] After the customer waiting demo performance starts (S81: No), the customer waiting demo performance continues (S87) until the customer waiting state end condition is met (S80: Yes), that is, until the timing to start varying the normal symbols during the special game state, or the first and second special symbols during the normal game state arrives, or until the player touches the launch handle 32. If the customer waiting state end condition is subsequently met (S80: Yes), the customer waiting state flag is set to 00H (not in the customer waiting state) (S89), and the customer waiting normal performance or customer waiting demo performance currently being executed is ended (S90), and the customer waiting performance processing is ended.

[0114] Next, in accordance with the flow of the game in this pachinko machine, the symbol variation presentation by the liquid crystal display means 43 and matters related thereto will be specifically explained with reference to the time charts shown in Figs.

[0115] First, during the normal game state (not including the special profit state and the normal profit state), even if a right hit is made and the normal symbol is changed to hit, the second special symbol starting means 34 opens in a short pattern where a prize cannot be expected (FIG. 4), so it is desirable for the player to hit left to aim at the first special symbol starting means 33. Therefore, the right hit lamp 40 goes out, and the left hit instruction image 63b is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43. When the game ball enters the first special symbol starting means 33 by a left hit (T11 in FIG. 17), the first special symbol is changed by the first special symbol display means 41, and the liquid crystal display means 43 performs a symbol change performance by the performance pattern 64 in response to the display of the change of the first special symbol.

[0116] Then, when the stopped symbol after the first special symbol changes to a jackpot pattern (T12), the condition device is activated and a jackpot state occurs (T13), and the second big winning means 36 opens according to the 3R opening pattern (Fig. 3). During the jackpot state, a jackpot performance is performed on the liquid crystal display means 43. When the first special symbol stops and is fixed (T12), a fixed number signal is output from the first external terminal.

[0117] During the big win state, the second big prize winning means 36 on the right flow path 49b side is opened, so the player hits the right side aiming at the second big prize winning means 36 (special game state). Therefore, the right hit lamp 40 is lit, and the right hit instruction image 63a is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43.

[0118] During the jackpot state, many game balls enter the second large winning means 36 by hitting from the right, but if a game ball that misses the entry into the second large winning means 36 passes through the first normal symbol starting means 31 or enters the second normal symbol starting means 32, the normal symbol of the normal symbol display means 38 will change even during the jackpot state. In this embodiment, since the long opening rate of the second special symbol starting means 34 during the normal game state is 0 / 100 (FIG. 4), it is extremely rare (or impossible) for a game ball to enter the second special symbol starting means 34 even if the normal symbol becomes a winning pattern during this jackpot state and a normal profit state occurs. If a game ball enters the second special symbol starting means 34 during this jackpot state, it is reserved and stored up to the upper limit of the reserved number (4 balls).

[0119] When the big win state ends (the operation of the condition device ends) (T21 in FIG. 18), a special game state (any of the first to third time-saving states) begins. During the special game state, if the normal symbol becomes a winning pattern, there is a possibility that the second special symbol starting means 34 will be opened in a long pattern (FIG. 4), so the player continues to hit to the right (special game state). Therefore, the right hit lamp 40 is lit, and the right hit instruction image 63a is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43.

[0120] During this special game state, the liquid crystal display means 43 performs a pattern change performance by the performance pattern 64 in response to the change display of the normal pattern. Therefore, even if the first special reserved number is 1 or more at the end of the big win state and the change of the first special pattern starts (T21), the liquid crystal display means 43 does not start a pattern change performance corresponding to the change of the first special pattern.

[0121] On the other hand, if the normal symbol is already changing at the time when the big win state ends (T21), the liquid crystal display means 43 does not perform a symbol change performance corresponding to the normal symbol change, and starts a symbol change performance by the performance pattern 64 corresponding to the display of the normal symbol change at the start of the next normal symbol change (T23). Note that, until the symbol change performance starts (T21 to T23), the liquid crystal display means 43 executes a preparation performance. In this preparation performance, the last performance during the big win state, that is, the last performance image in the big win end interval performance (performance image related to the end of the special profit state) is continuously displayed at least in part, and an image indicating that the game is waiting is displayed. This image indicating that the game is waiting may be a wording such as "WEIT" that directly indicates that the game is waiting, or may be a wording such as "XX mode start" that indicates the start of a special game state (performance image related to the start of a special game state) that indirectly indicates that the game is waiting.

[0122] Also, during the special game state, a fixed number signal is output from the first external terminal when the normal symbol stops and is fixed (T24, T25), but this is for normal symbol variations that begin after the special game state begins. For normal symbol variations that begin before the special game state begins, no fixed number signal is output from the first external terminal even if the normal symbol variations stop and are fixed after the special game state begins (T22) (see S25, S26 in Figure 10).

[0123] When the normal symbol changes and stops in a winning state during the special game state (T31 in FIG. 19), a normal profit state occurs, and the second special symbol starting means 34 opens in an opening and closing pattern (either a short or long pattern) selected according to the type of winning state and the type of time-saving state. The probability that the long pattern is selected (long opening rate) differs for each type of time-saving state (FIG. 4).

[0124] When the second special symbol starting means 34 opens in a long pattern (T32), the liquid crystal display means 43 executes a good chance arrival effect. This good chance arrival effect is intended to make the player aware of the arrival of a good chance and arouse a sense of expectation, and it is desirable to display a winning instruction image such as "Aim here and hit →" that instructs the second special symbol starting means 34 to win, in addition to an image indicating a good chance. This winning instruction image may be, for example, an enlarged display of the right hit instruction image 63a.

[0125] When the game ball enters the second special pattern starting means 34 (T33), the second special pattern starting means 34 closes at that point, the normal profit state ends, and the second special pattern is changed by the second special pattern display means 42 and stops in either the big win mode (1 / 199) or the small win mode (198 / 199).

[0126] When the second special symbol stops in a small win state (T34), a 10R or 3R opening pattern is selected according to the small win state (Fig. 5), and the first big prize winning means 35 operates according to the small win opening pattern as the first round (T35). Note that, although Fig. 19 shows a simplified opening pattern for the first round (small win state), it actually opens and closes in the pattern shown in Fig. 6(a).

[0127] When the game ball enters the first big winning means 35 during the small winning state, the game ball is guided to the specific area 54a side with a probability of approximately 100% and becomes a V winning (T36), and the condition device is activated and a big winning state occurs, so that the second big winning means 36 is activated according to the second round onward in the 10R / 3R opening pattern (T37). When the big winning state starts, the liquid crystal display means 43 displays a big winning display following a good opportunity display.

[0128] The special game state ends when the number of times the normal symbols change reaches 100 times (a predetermined number of times) and the 100th normal symbol change ends (T41 in FIG. 20). When the special game state ends (T41), the liquid crystal display means 43 starts displaying the results of the game during the special game state, and even if a new normal symbol starts changing (T42), it does not display the corresponding symbol change using the performance symbol 64. Note that if the final (100th) normal symbol change during the special game state is a miss, the result display may start during the final change, i.e., before the special game state ends.

[0129] Also, when the special game state ends (T41), the left hit period (non-special game state) starts again, and at that point the right hit lamp 40 goes out, but the left hit instruction image 63b does not start to be displayed at that point, and is displayed, for example, superimposed on the result display after a predetermined time has elapsed since the result display started. This allows a certain amount of time to be secured for the result display.

[0130] After the special game state ends, when the first special symbol stops and is fixed after fluctuating (T43, T45), a fixed number signal is output from the first external terminal. Note that in this embodiment, the fixed number signal is also output when the first special symbol that started fluctuating during the special game state stops and is fixed after the special game state ends (T43), but when the first special symbol starts fluctuating during the special game state, the fixed number signal may be configured not to be output even if it stops and is fixed after the special game state ends.

[0131] Furthermore, when the first special symbol starts to vary after the special game state ends (T44), the liquid crystal display means 43 ends the result display at that point, and starts a symbol variation effect by the effect symbol 64 in response to the variation display of the first special symbol. If a predetermined time (180 s) has passed without the first special symbol varying after the special game state ends, the result display ends at that point, and starts a customer waiting demo effect (S85 in FIG. 16).

[0132] As described above, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment includes a normal symbol display means 38 that variably displays a normal symbol on the condition that the first and second normal symbol starting means 31 and 32 detect a game ball, a normal profit state generating means 86 that generates a normal profit state when the stopped symbol after the variation of the normal symbol display means 38 becomes a winning mode (predetermined mode), first and second special symbol display means 41 and 42 that variably display the first and second special symbols on the condition that the first and second special symbol starting means 33 and 34 detect a game ball, a special profit state generating means 92 that generates a special profit state when the stopped symbol after the variation of the first and second special symbol display means 41 and 42 becomes a big winning mode (specific mode), a special game state generating means 93 that generates a special game state different from the normal game state after the end of the special profit state when the special game state start condition is satisfied, a symbol variation effect display means 61 capable of executing a symbol variation effect by a liquid crystal display means (image display means) 43, a second special symbol starting means (operating ball entry means) 34 that can change between a first state in which a game ball can enter and a second state in which it is more difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter than the first state, and an external terminal management means (external signal means) 95 that outputs a signal outside the machine. In the normal profit state, the second special symbol starting means 34 changes from the second state to the first state according to either a short / long pattern (a plurality of types of operating patterns). The symbol variation effect display means 61 executes a symbol variation effect corresponding to the variation of the first and second special symbols during the normal game state and corresponding to the variation of the normal symbol during the special game state. The external terminal management means 95 is configured to output a signal from a first external terminal (predetermined external terminal) every time the first and second special symbols vary during the normal game state and every time the normal symbol varies during the special game state. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively perform the symbol variation effect by the liquid crystal display means (image display means) 43.

[0133] In addition, the external terminal management means 95 is capable of outputting a signal from the first external terminal when the fluctuation of the normal symbols and the first and second special symbols stops. That is, during the normal game state, a signal is output from the first external terminal when the fluctuation of the first and second special symbols stops, and no signal is output from the first external terminal when the fluctuation of the normal symbols stops, and during the special game state, a signal is output from the first external terminal when the fluctuation of the normal symbols stops, and no signal is output from the first external terminal when the fluctuation of the first and second special symbols stops.

[0134] The pattern change effect display means 61 is configured so that when a normal pattern change is initiated during the normal game state, it does not perform a pattern change effect corresponding to that change, but performs a pattern change effect corresponding to the normal pattern change initiated during the subsequent special game state, and the external terminal management means 95 is configured so that when the normal pattern change initiated during the normal game state is stopped during the special game state, it does not output a signal from the first external terminal at the time of the stoppage, and when the normal pattern change initiated during the special game state is stopped during the special game state, it outputs a signal from the first external terminal at the time of the stoppage.

[0135] Furthermore, when the variation of the first and second special symbols starts during the special game state, the pattern variation effect display means 61 does not perform a pattern variation effect corresponding to the variation, but performs a pattern variation effect corresponding to the variation of the first and second special symbols that starts during the subsequent normal game state.

[0136] In addition, during the normal game state, the customer waiting demo performance is started based on the fact that the special symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, and during the special game state, based on the fact that the normal symbol variation start condition is not satisfied. When the variation of the first and second special symbols stops and the special symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, and when the variation of the normal symbol stops and the normal symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, a customer waiting demo command is transmitted from the main control board (main control means) 71 to the performance control board (sub control means) 72 regardless of the game state, and when the performance control board 72 receives the customer waiting demo command, it determines whether or not to execute the customer waiting demo performance according to the game state. Moreover, the customer waiting demo command transmitted when the variation of the first and second special symbols stops and the special symbol variation start condition is not satisfied is different from the customer waiting demo command transmitted when the variation of the normal symbol stops and the normal symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, and the customer waiting demo performance performed during the normal game state is different from the customer waiting demo performance performed during the special game state.

[0137] In addition, if the normal symbol is already changing when the special game state starts, the pattern change presentation corresponding to the change of the normal symbol is not performed until the change stops, and the pattern change presentation starts when the next normal symbol starts changing, and at least a part of the last presentation image during the special advantage state is continued until the next normal symbol starts changing, and an image indicating that the game is on standby is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43.

[0138] In addition, the special game state ends when the normal symbols have changed 100 times (a predetermined number of times), and during or after the final change of the normal symbols in the special game state, the liquid crystal display means 43 starts displaying the results relating to the special game state, and the result display continues until the first and second special symbols start changing thereafter.

[0139] In addition, when the special game state ends, the right hit lamp (launch direction indication lamp) 40 is switched from lit (first mode), indicating that the ball should be aimed toward the right downstream path 49b, to off (second mode), and after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the result display, a left hit instruction image (first launch direction indication image) 63b, indicating that the ball should be aimed toward the left downstream path 49a, is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 43.

[0140] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the number of times that the normal pattern changes as the end condition of the time-saving state is set to a uniform number (100 times) regardless of the type of the time-saving state, but the end condition (the number of times that the normal pattern changes) may be different depending on the type of the time-saving state.

[0141] In the embodiment, the upper limit of the number of reserved symbols for the second special pattern is set to four, and the second special pattern starting means 34 is configured to close if one symbol is won when it opens in a long pattern; however, it may be configured such that no reserved memory is performed for the second special pattern, and when a game ball enters the second special pattern starting means 34 and starts the variation of the second special pattern, the second and subsequent winnings are invalidated, thereby limiting the winnings of the second special pattern starting means 34 to one.

[0142] Also, the upper limit of the reserved number of the second special symbol may be set to 1, and when a game ball enters the second special symbol starting means 34 and starts the variation of the second special symbol, the second winning ball may be reserved and stored, and the third and subsequent winning balls may be invalidated. This allows the jackpot state to be diversified, such as a maximum of 20 rounds or a minimum of 6 rounds, by connecting two jackpots.

[0143] In an embodiment, in the customer waiting presentation processing shown in FIG. 16, if a customer waiting demo command BA14H is received (S72: Yes), and if the game is in a normal gaming state (S73: Yes), the customer waiting normal presentation is started (S78). However, the game may also be configured to start the customer waiting normal presentation (S78) if it is determined in S73 that the game is not in a special gaming state.

[0144] In the embodiment, the display of the left hit instruction image 63b is not started when the special game state ends, but is configured to start after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the result display. However, based on the start of a new change in the first special pattern after the end of the special game state, the display of the left hit instruction image 63b may be configured to start when the result display is ended and a pattern change presentation corresponding to the change in the first special pattern is started.

[0145] In the embodiment, when the fluctuation of the first and second special patterns stops and the special pattern fluctuation start condition is not satisfied, and when the fluctuation of the normal pattern stops and the normal pattern fluctuation start condition is not satisfied, a customer waiting demo command is sent from the main control board 71 to the performance control board 72 regardless of the game status, and when the performance control board 72 receives a customer waiting demo command, it is configured to decide whether or not to execute a customer waiting demo performance depending on the game status, but it may also be configured so that the main control board 71 determines whether or not to execute a customer waiting demo performance depending on the game status and then transmits a customer waiting demo command to the performance control board 72.

[0146] The embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is adopted in a so-called type 1 / type 2 mixed type pachinko machine, but it can also be implemented in other types of pachinko machines, as well as in various types of gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 31 First normal symbol starting means (normal symbol starting means) 32 Second normal symbol start means (normal symbol start means) 33 First special symbol start means (special symbol start means) 34 Second special symbol starting means (special symbol starting means, operation entry means) 38 Normal pattern display means 41 First special symbol display means (special symbol display means) 42 second special symbol display means (special symbol display means) 43 Liquid crystal display means (image display means) 61 Pattern change performance display means 86 Means of generating ordinary profits 92 Means of generating special profits 93 Special game state generating means 95 External terminal management means (external signal means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A normal symbol display means for displaying a normal symbol when a normal symbol variation start condition is satisfied after the normal symbol start means detects a game ball; A normal profit state generating means for generating a normal profit state when the stopped symbol after the change of the normal symbol display means becomes a predetermined pattern; a special symbol display means for displaying a special symbol in a variable manner when the special symbol start means detects a gaming ball and a special symbol variation start condition is satisfied; A special advantage state generating means for generating a special advantage state when the stopped symbols after the variation of the special symbol display means become a specific pattern; a special game state generating means for generating a special game state different from a normal game state after the special profit state ends when a special game state starting condition is satisfied; A pattern change effect display means capable of executing a pattern change effect by the image display means; an operating ball-entry means that can be changed between a first state in which the game ball can be entered and a second state in which the game ball can be more difficult to enter or cannot be entered than in the first state; an external signal means for outputting a signal to the outside of the aircraft; In the normal profit state, the actuating ball entry means changes from the second state to the first state according to any one of a plurality of actuation patterns, The special symbol starting means includes the operation ball entry means. In the gaming machine, The symbol variation effect display means executes the symbol variation effect in response to the variation of the special symbol during the normal game state, and in response to the variation of the normal symbol during the special game state; The external signal means outputs a common specific signal from a predetermined external terminal every time the special symbol changes during the normal game state, and every time the normal symbol changes during the special game state; When the variation of the special symbol has stopped and the special symbol variation start condition is not satisfied, a demo command is transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means regardless of the game state; The sub-control means executes a demo performance when the demo command is received during the normal gaming state, and does not execute the demo performance when the demo command is received during the special gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images