Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a pinball game machine for increasing a sense of expectation given to a player by providing various variable performances including a possibility of a time-shortening winning.SOLUTION: It is possible to switch to an easy-ball-entry state according to a determination result of winning / losing determination, a performance regarding whether winning or not is executed while including a mode for directing presence or absence of satisfaction of a ready-to-win by using a performance pattern in a first specific performance for suggesting a determination result by second winning / losing determination, and a determination result from among winning, c time-shortening winning, and losing is directed without executing a performance regarding presence or absence of satisfaction of a ready-to-win in a second specific performance for suggesting a determination result by the second winning / losing determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technique related to a pinball game machine (also called a pachinko game machine or a pachinko table).

Background Art

[0002] As a pinball game machine, one having an easy ball - entry state is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The easy ball - entry state is a game state in which control for making it easier to enter balls into the start port than in normal games is executed. As the easy ball - entry state, a short - time game in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is known. In a short - time game, generally, control for shortening the variation time of a special symbol compared to a normal game is executed. As types of short - time games, there are a short - time game that operates after the end of a jackpot (so - called "a - type short - time"), a short - time game that operates when a jackpot has not occurred up to a specified number of determination times during a low probability period (so - called "b - type short - time"), and a short - time game that operates when a specific special symbol is displayed during a low probability period (so - called "c - type short - time").

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a pinball game machine having an easy ball - entry state, further improvement in the interest of the game is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technique disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] (1) In a pachinko game machine according to one embodiment disclosed in this specification, there are a first win / loss determination means for executing a first win / loss determination based on the ball entry into the first start port; a second win / loss determination means for executing a second win / loss determination based on the ball entry into the second start port; a special game means for executing a special game advantageous to the player compared to the normal game based on the determination result of the first win / loss determination or the second win / loss determination; a ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry facilitating state in which the ball entry into the second start port becomes easier than in the normal game; and a win / loss presentation means for suggesting the determination result by the first win / loss determination or the second win / loss determination using presentation symbols. When at least a specific determination result different from the special game is selected by the second win / loss determination, if the game state is the normal game, it switches to the ball entry facilitating state, and if the game state is the ball entry facilitating state, it does not switch. In this pachinko game machine, among the win / loss presentations, a first specific presentation for suggesting the determination result by the second win / loss determination executed in the ball entry facilitating state mainly includes a mode of presenting whether a reach is established using the presentation symbols, and a presentation for suggesting the determination result when the reach is established, and has a first number of patterns as a presentation mode. Among the win / loss presentations, a second specific presentation for suggesting the determination result by the second win / loss determination executed during the normal game does not present whether the reach is established, and mainly includes a presentation for suggesting the determination result with a second number of patterns less than the first number of patterns. According to the pachinko game machine of this embodiment, compared with the first specific presentation that has no possibility of winning in the ball entry facilitating state, in the second specific presentation that has a possibility of winning in the ball entry facilitating state, since there are more opportunities to be executed as a presentation in which the presentation mode changes according to the operation by the player, it is possible to attract the player's interest in winning in the ball entry facilitating state. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game in the pachinko game machine provided with the ball entry facilitating state.

[0007] (2) In the above-described pachinko gaming machine, the second specific presentation may mainly include a presentation in which a presentation mode indicating whether or not it is the specific determination result changes according to an operation received by an operation reception unit that receives an operation from a player during the second specific presentation. According to the pachinko gaming machine of this form, in the second specific presentation that may win the easy ball entry state, the opportunity for the presentation mode indicating whether or not it wins the easy ball entry state to be executed as a presentation that changes according to an operation from the player increases. Therefore, it is possible to further attract the player's interest in winning the easy ball entry state.

[0008] (3) In the above-described pachinko gaming machine, all of the second specific presentations may be presentations in which the presentation mode changes according to the operation received by the operation reception unit during the second specific presentation. According to the pachinko gaming machine of this form, in all of the second specific presentations that may win the easy ball entry state, the presentation mode changes according to an operation from the player. Therefore, it is possible to further attract the player's interest in winning the easy ball entry state.

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms different from pachinko gaming machines. The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized, for example, not only in the form of a pachinko gaming machine but also in the form of a control method for a pachinko gaming machine and a program for a pachinko gaming machine.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] As described above, according to the present invention, since the variation in the normal state of the second special symbol may result in a winning possibility due to a short winning time by the specific symbol, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that enhances the presentation power by changing the variation presentation accordingly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board 400 of the pachinko machine 10.

[0013] The pachinko machine 10 is a ball-pitching game machine corresponding to a prepaid card (so-called "CR machine") and is connected to the card unit 80. The card unit 80 realizes the lending of game balls in the pachinko machine 10 based on the information recorded on the prepaid card. The pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 130, a handle 140, and an effect button 160.

[0014] The outer frame 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 includes a pair of hinges 112 that support the inner frame 120 in an openable and closable manner.

[0015] The inner frame 120 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including the game board 400. The inner frame 120 includes a pair of hinges 122 that support the front frame 130 in an openable and closable manner.

[0016] Below the front frame 130 on the front surface of the inner frame 120, an upper tray 124, a lower tray 126, and a keyhole 128 are provided. The upper tray 124 stores the game balls launched toward the game board 400. The lower tray 126 stores the game balls that overflow from the upper tray 124. The keyhole 128 accepts an operation for fixing and releasing the inner frame 120 to / from the outer frame 110 with a key, and also accepts an operation for fixing and releasing the front frame 130 to / from the inner frame 120 with a key.

[0017] On the upper tray 124, a balance display device 152, a ball lending switch 154, and a settlement switch 156 are provided. The balance display device 152 displays the balance of the prepaid card held by the card unit 80. The ball lending switch 154 accepts an instruction from the player to execute lending of game balls based on the balance of the prepaid card held by the card unit 80. The settlement switch 156 accepts an instruction from the player to return the prepaid card from the card unit 80.

[0018] The front frame 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 400. The front frame 130 includes a transparent plate 132 positioned in front of the game board 400. Thereby, the player can visually observe the game board 400 through the transparent plate 132. The transparent plate 132 is made of glass, and the front frame 130 is also called a glass frame. On the front surface of the front frame 130, there are provided a lighting decoration 134 and a speaker 136. The lighting decoration 134 emits light according to the progress of the game. The speaker 136 outputs sound according to the progress of the game.

[0019] The handle 140 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 receives an operation input from the player for launching the game ball. The handle 140 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 130 on the front surface of the inner frame 120.

[0020] The effect button 160 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 receives an operation input from the player for the effect. The effect button 160 is provided on the upper tray 124 on the front surface of the inner frame 120.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, on the back surface of the inner frame 120, there are provided a game ball tank 172 and a payout device 174. The game ball tank 172 stores game balls replenished from the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout device 174 pays out the game balls stored in the game ball tank 172 to the upper tray 124.

[0022] On the back surface of the inner frame 120, there are further provided a main control device 210, a sub-integrated control device 220, an effect symbol control device 230, a payout control device 240, a launch control device 250, an external connection terminal board 265, and a power supply board 290. These control devices are computers equipped with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc., and execute various control processes based on a computer program.

[0023] The main control device 210 controls the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 10. The sub-integrated control device 220 controls the effects according to the progress of the game based on the commands from the main control device 210. The effect symbol control device 230 controls the effects using the effect symbols based on the commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The payout control device 240 controls the payout of the game balls based on the commands from the main control device 210. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of the game balls onto the game board 400 based on the operation input from the player to the handle 140. The external connection terminal board 265 outputs a signal indicating the game state in the pachinko machine 10 to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0024] The power supply board 290 supplies power to each part of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply board 290 includes a power switch 292 and a RAM clear switch 294. The power switch 292 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko machine 10. When it is pushed to one side, it enters the on state where power is supplied to the pachinko machine 10, and when it is pushed to the other side, it enters the off state where the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off. The RAM clear switch 294 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko machine 10. When not operated, it maintains the off state, and when pushed in, it enters the on state. When the RAM clear switch 294 is pushed at the time of power-on, the main control device 210 is configured to be able to delete (clear) various information related to the game progress as the "RAM clear" process.

[0025] On the back surface of the inner frame 120, a setting changeover switch 302 and a setting change switch 304 are further provided. The setting changeover switch 302 and the setting change switch 304 are provided in the main control device 210. A plurality of set values (for example, jackpot probability) that define the game characteristics are stored in advance in the main control device 210. The setting changeover switch 302 accepts an operation to start (on state) and end (off state) the switching of the settings related to the game characteristics of the pachinko machine 10. The setting change switch 304 accepts an operation to change the settings when the switching of the settings is made effective by the setting changeover switch 302.

[0026] In this embodiment, when changing the setting of the gaming characteristics of the pachinko gaming machine 10, before turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 inserts a key into the setting change switch 302 and rotates the setting change switch 302 to the first position (on state). Then, when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the main control device 210 determines that it is in an effective state for accepting changes in the gaming characteristics. In this effective state, each time the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304, the main control device 210 changes to the setting number obtained by adding 1 to the current setting number. For example, each time the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304, the main control device 210 sequentially changes the setting number from setting 1 to setting 2, setting 3, setting 4, setting 5, setting 6, and when reaching setting 6, changes the setting number back to setting 1 again. Then, when the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 rotates the setting change switch 302 to the second position (off state), the main control device 210 terminates the reception of the input from the setting change switch 302 and determines the setting number received immediately before as the setting after the change.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in the form of a plate facing the front of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The game board 400 includes a board surface 402, guide rails 404 and 406, a plurality of game pins 408, a center case 410, a lighting decoration 414, normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, 424, a normal symbol operation gate 430, a normal electric accessory 440, a first start opening 451, a second start opening 452, and a big winning opening 460. The game board 400 further includes a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol hold display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol hold display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, a second special symbol hold display device 476, and an effect symbol display device 480.

[0028] The game board surface 402 of the game board 400 is the surface facing the front of the pachinko machine 10. The guide rails 404 and 406 of the game board 400 form a game area GA having a substantially circular shape by surrounding the center of the board surface 402 in a circular shape. A plurality of game pins 408 on the game board 400 are implanted on the board surface 402 and form a passage for the game balls flowing through the game area GA. The plurality of game pins 408 includes a windmill pin 409 having a rotating member.

[0029] The center case 410 of the game board 400 is a member provided at the center of the game area GA. The center case 410 forms a passage for the game balls flowing through the game area GA. An effect symbol display device 480 is provided at the center of the center case 410. The effect symbol display device 480 displays effect symbols as part of the effects according to the progress of the game. In the present embodiment, the effect symbol display device 480 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0030] The electric decoration 414 of the game board 400 emits light according to the progress of the game. In the present embodiment, the electric decoration 414 is provided on the center case 410. In other embodiments, the electric decoration 414 may be provided directly on the board surface 402.

[0031] The normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, and 424 of the game board 400 are winning openings configured to allow the game balls flowing down through the game area GA to enter. The entry of the game balls into the normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, and 424 triggers the payout of prize balls.

[0032] The normal symbol operation gate 430 of the game board 400 is a gate configured to allow the game balls flowing down through the game area GA to pass through. The passage of the game balls through the normal symbol operation gate 430 triggers the execution of a win / loss determination (lottery) using the normal symbol (ordinary symbol). The determination result (lottery result) of the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display device 471. The normal electric accessory 440 is arranged on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol operation gate 430.

[0033] The normal electric accessory 440 of the game board 400 is an accessory configured to be openable and closable according to the lottery result by the normal symbol. The normal electric accessory 440 inhibits the passage of the game balls flowing down to the second start port 452 in the closed state, and allows the passage of the game balls flowing down to the second start port 452 in the open state. The normal electric accessory 440 becomes open only when the determination result of the normal symbol is a winning result. The normal electric accessory 440 is disposed on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol operation gate 430.

[0034] The first start port 451 of the game board 400 is a winning port configured to allow the game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of the game balls into the first start port 451 triggers the payout of the bonus balls and also triggers the win / loss determination (lottery) using the lottery result of the first special symbol (first special figure). The determination result (lottery result) of the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 473. The first start port 451 is disposed below the center of the center case 410.

[0035] The second start port 452 of the game board 400 is a winning port configured to allow the game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The second start port 452 is configured such that the entry rate of the game balls increases when the normal symbol operation gate 430 is opened. The entry of the game balls into the second start port 452 triggers the payout of the bonus balls and also triggers the win / loss determination (lottery) using the second special symbol (second special figure). The second start port 452 is disposed on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol operation gate 430, and is arranged together with the normal electric accessory 440.

[0036] The big winning opening 460 of the game board 400 is a winning opening configured to be openable and closable according to the lottery result by at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. When in the closed state, the big winning opening 460 inhibits the entry of game balls flowing down in the game area GA, and when in the open state, it allows the entry of game balls flowing down in the game area GA. The big winning opening 460 becomes open only when the lottery result by the special symbol is a winning result (for example, a big win, a small win, etc.). The entry of a game ball into the big winning opening 460 triggers the payout of prize balls. The big winning opening 460 is disposed below the right side of the center case 410.

[0037] The normal symbol display device 471 of the game board 400 displays the determination result of the normal symbol based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 430. The normal symbol display device 471 displays the determination result of the normal symbol by variably displaying a plurality of normal symbols and then fixedly displaying the normal symbol corresponding to the determination result.

[0038] The normal symbol hold display device 472 of the game board 400 displays the number of held memories of the normal symbol. The held memory of the normal symbol is the storage of data used for the determination of whether a normal symbol is valid, for which the display process of the determination result in the normal symbol display device 471 is held.

[0039] The first special symbol display device 473 of the game board 400 displays the determination result of the first special symbol based on the passage of a game ball through the first start opening 451. The first special symbol display device 473 displays the determination result of the first special symbol by variably displaying a plurality of first special symbols and then fixedly displaying the first special symbol corresponding to the determination result.

[0040] The first special symbol display device 473 of the game board 400 displays the determination result of the first special symbol based on the passage of a game ball through the first start opening 451. The first special symbol display device 473 displays the determination result of the first special symbol by variably displaying a plurality of first special symbols and then fixedly displaying the first special symbol corresponding to the determination result.

[0041] The second special symbol display device 475 of the game board 400 displays the determination result of the second special symbol based on the passage of the game ball through the second start port 452. The second special symbol display device 475 displays the determination result of the second special symbol by variably displaying a plurality of second special symbols and then fixedly displaying the second special symbol corresponding to the determination result.

[0042] The second special symbol hold display device 476 of the game board 400 displays the number of held memories of the second special symbol. The held memory of the second special symbol is the storage of data used for the determination of whether or not the second special symbol for which the display process of the determination result in the second special symbol display device 475 is held.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes an effect corresponding to the variation of the first special symbol in the effect symbol display device 480 during the variation of the first special symbol, and executes an effect corresponding to the variation of the second special symbol in the effect symbol display device 480 during the variation of the second special symbol. The pachinko gaming machine 10 preferentially executes the variation of the second special symbol without executing the variation of the first special symbol and the variation of the second special symbol simultaneously. In other embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may preferentially execute the variation of the first special symbol, or may execute the variation of the first special symbol and the variation of the second special symbol simultaneously.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control device 210 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a RAM 210m which is a non-volatile memory capable of data rewriting. The RAM 210m is configured to be able to hold the storage of various information related to the progress of the game regardless of the presence or absence of power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the present embodiment, the RAM 210m is configured to be able to hold data even without an external power supply by a battery backup function using a built-in battery.

[0045] The pachinko gaming machine 10, as an electrical configuration that outputs signals to the main control device 210, includes, in addition to the setting changeover switch 302 and the setting change switch 304, a general winning opening switch 420s, an operating gate switch 430s, a first start opening switch 451s, a second start opening switch 452s, and a count switch 460s. The general winning opening switch 420s detects the entry of game balls into the normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, 424 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The operating gate switch 430s detects the passage of game balls through the normal symbol operating gate 430 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The first start opening switch 451s detects the entry of game balls into the first start opening 451 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The second start opening switch 452s detects the entry of game balls into the second start opening 452 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The count switch 460s detects the entry of game balls into the big winning opening 460 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210.

[0046] The pachinko gaming machine 10, as an electrical configuration that operates based on control signals from the main control device 210, includes, in addition to the normal symbol display device 471, the normal symbol hold display device 472, the first special symbol display device 473, the first special symbol hold display device 474, the second special symbol display device 475, and the second special symbol hold display device 476, a normal electric accessory solenoid 440d and a big winning opening solenoid 460d. The normal electric accessory solenoid 440d opens and closes the normal electric accessory 440 based on control signals from the main control device 210. The big winning opening solenoid 460d opens and closes the big winning opening 460 based on control signals from the main control device 210.

[0047] The sub-integrated control device 220 is configured to be communicable with the main control device 210 in one direction from the main control device 210. The sub-integrated control device 220 receives an operation input from a player via the effect button 160. The sub-integrated control device 220 outputs control signals to the electric ornament 134, the electric ornament 414, the speaker 136, and the effect symbol control device 230 based on commands from the main control device 210, thereby realizing an effect according to the progress of the game. The effect symbol control device 230 controls the image to be displayed on the effect symbol display device 480 based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The effect symbol display device 480 displays various effect images including the effect symbol based on the image signal from the effect symbol control device 230.

[0048] The payout control device 240 is configured to be mutually communicable with the main control device 210. The payout control device 240 controls the lending and launching of game balls, and controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control device 210. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a full switch 126s as an electrical component that outputs a signal to the payout control device 240. The full switch 126s detects that the game balls stored in the lower tray 126 are full, and outputs the detection signal to the payout control device 240. The payout control device 240 outputs a command for instructing the stop of the launch of the game balls to the launch control device 250 based on the detection signal from the full switch 126s.

[0049] The launch control device 250 is configured to be communicable with the payout control device 240 in one direction from the payout control device 240. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of game balls onto the game board 400 based on the operation input of the player through the handle 140. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration connected to the launch control device 250, a handle volume 140b, a touch switch 140t, a launch stop switch 140s, and a launch motor 140m. The handle volume 140b detects the amount of operation of the handle 140 by the player corresponding to the launch intensity of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The touch switch 140t detects the player touching the handle 140 using static electricity, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch stop switch 140s detects the operation input of the player indicating the stop of the launch of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch motor 140m launches the game ball based on the control signal from the launch control device 250.

[0050] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a back wiring relay terminal board 260, an external connection terminal board 265, a payout relay terminal board 270, and a card unit terminal board 280 as terminal boards for relaying signals.

[0051] The back wiring relay terminal board 260 is configured to be able to exchange signals with the main control device 210 and the payout control device 240. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration for outputting signals to the back wiring relay terminal board 260, an inner frame opening switch 120s, a front frame opening switch 130s, and a ball depletion switch 172s. The inner frame opening switch 120s detects the open state of the inner frame 120, and outputs the detection signal to the back wiring relay terminal board 260. The front frame opening switch 130s detects the open state of the front frame 130, and outputs the detection signal to the back wiring relay terminal board 260. The ball depletion switch 172s detects the depletion of balls in the game ball tank 172, and outputs the detection signal to the back wiring relay terminal board 260.

[0052] The external connection terminal board 265 is configured to relay information related to the game output from the main control device 210 via the back wiring relay terminal board 260 to the hall computer 90 that manages the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout relay terminal board 270 is configured to be able to exchange signals with the back wiring relay terminal board 260. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration connected to the payout relay terminal board 270, a payout motor 174d and a payout switch 174s. The payout motor 174d sends out game balls from the payout device 174 to the upper tray 124 based on a control signal from the payout control device 240. The payout switch 174s detects the game balls sent out from the payout device 174 and outputs its control signal to the payout control device 240.

[0053] The card unit terminal board 280 is configured to be able to exchange signals with each other between the payout control device 240 and the card unit 80. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration connected to the card unit terminal board 280, a balance display device 152, a ball lending switch 154, and a settlement switch 156.

[0054] The power supply board 290 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210 in one direction from the power supply board 290. The power supply board 290 outputs signals indicating the states of the power switch 292 and the RAM clear switch 294 to the main control device 210.

[0055] When the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins a jackpot in the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, it executes a jackpot game (special game) that opens and closes the first big winning opening 460. After the jackpot game ends, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 shifts to a normal game or a probability-variable game based on the type of special symbol that caused the jackpot game. The probability (probability-variable grant rate) of shifting to a probability-variable game after the jackpot game ends is preset. In a normal game, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to a normal probability (low probability). In a probability-variable game, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to a high probability that is higher than the normal probability. In a probability-variable game, it becomes easier for game balls to enter the second start opening 452 than in a normal game (so-called "electric support"). The duration of the probability-variable game is the period until the next jackpot game is executed, or the period until a special symbol lottery is executed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 150 times). The specifications regarding the jackpot and probability-variable games in this embodiment are as follows. First special symbol jackpot winning probability: Normal game 1 / 319, Probability-variable game 1 / 74. Second special symbol jackpot winning probability: Normal game 1 / 319, Probability-variable game 1 / 74. Probability-variable grant rate: First special symbol 50% Second special symbol 100%

[0056] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to set a time-saving game (time-saving state) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the start opening than in the normal game. In the time-saving game, by changing at least one of the opening time of the normal electric accessory 440, the time until opening, the number of openings, and the winning probability of the normal symbol, it becomes easier for game balls to enter the second start opening 452 than in the normal game (so-called "electric support"). The pachinko gaming machine 10 can set three types of time-saving games, namely, time-saving game a, time-saving game b, and time-saving game c, according to the progress of the game.

[0057] The a-time-short game (a-time-short state) is a time-short game (time-short state) that is granted according to the type of jackpot symbol after the jackpot game based on the first special symbol ends. The duration of the a-time-short game is the period until the next jackpot game is executed, or the period until a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 100 times) of special symbol draws are executed. The specifications of the a-time-short game in this embodiment are as follows. <Normal game> <a-time-short game>Release time of a single ordinary electric accessory 0.2 seconds 2.0 secondsAverage time from the start of normal symbol variation to release 8.0 seconds 0.5 secondsNumber of releases per win 1 time 2 times Probability of winning for normal symbols 4 / 20 19 / 20

[0058] The b-time-short game (b-time-short state) is a time-short game (time-short state) that is granted when the miss of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 950 times) with the normal probability (low probability). The duration of the b-time-short game is the period until the next jackpot game is executed, or the period until a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 1000 times) of special symbol draws are executed. In this embodiment, after the b-time-short game is granted once, if there is no jackpot game, the b-time-short game will not be granted again. The specifications of the b-time-short game in this embodiment are as follows. <Normal game> <b-time-short game>Release time of a single ordinary electric accessory 0.2 seconds 2.0 secondsAverage time from the start of normal symbol variation to release 8.0 seconds 0.5 secondsNumber of releases per win 1 time 2 times Probability of winning for normal symbols 4 / 20 4 / 20

[0059] The c-time-short game (c-time-short state) is a time-short game (time-short state) that is granted without going through a jackpot game when winning in the second special symbol draw (in this embodiment, the c-time-short winning probability is 1 / 90). The duration of the c-time-short game is the period until the next jackpot game is executed, or the period until a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, 300 times) of special symbol draws are executed. The specifications of the c-time-short game in this embodiment are as follows. <Normal game> <c-time-short game>Release time of a single ordinary electric accessory 0.2 seconds 2.0 secondsAverage time from the start of normal symbol variation to release 8.0 seconds 0.5 secondsNumber of releases per win 1 time 2 times Winning probability of normal symbols: 4 / 20 4 / 20

[0060] Note that since the b short-time state and the c short-time state are not executed through a big win game, it is considered that the winning probability of the normal symbols is not changed to a high probability. In this case, the winning probability of the normal symbols may not be changed even for the a short-time state executed through the big win game, or only the winning probability of the a short-time state may be changed, and the winning probability may not be changed for at least one of the b short-time state and the c short-time state. When only the winning probability of the a short-time state is changed, different game states with different degrees of advantage for the player can be realized by providing a difference in game characteristics between the a short-time state and the b short-time state and the c short-time state. Also, when the winning probability of the normal symbols is not changed in any of the a short-time state, the b short-time state, and the c short-time state, the same game characteristics can be realized between the respective short-time states.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed by the main control device 210. The main control device 210 repeatedly starts the main routine (FIG. 5) as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.

[0062] After starting the main routine (FIG. 5), the main control device 210 determines whether the main routine is started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10). If it is not the start of the main routine by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes initial setting processing (step S20). In the initial setting processing (step S20), the main control device 210 performs initial settings for each part such as the CPU and I / O.

[0063] In the initial setting processing (step S20) executed in the off state where the RAM clear switch 294 is not pressed and the setting change switch 302 is in the off state when the power is turned on, the main control device 210 performs initial settings for each part while holding various information related to the progress of the game (for example, various flags and counters) stored in the RAM 210m.

[0064] In the initial setting process (step S20) executed when the RAM clear switch 294 is in the ON state pressed at power-on and the setting change switch 302 is in the OFF state, the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information regarding the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m and sets (resets) these various pieces of information to initial values.

[0065] In the initial setting process (step S20) executed when the RAM clear switch 294 is in the ON state pressed at power-on and the setting change switch 302 is in the ON state, the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information regarding the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m, except for the information counting the number of losing times of special symbols required for starting the b-time short game, and sets (resets) these various pieces of information to initial values.

[0066] In the initial setting process (step S20) executed when the RAM clear switch 294 is in the OFF state not pressed at power-on and the setting change switch 302 is in the ON state at power-on, after receiving the setting change of the game characteristics, the main control device 210 performs the initial setting of each part while holding various pieces of information regarding the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m.

[0067] After executing the initial setting process (step S20), the main control device 210 repeatedly executes the initial value random number update process (step S70) until the next timer interrupt. In the initial value random number update process (step S70), the main control device 210 updates the initial value random number used for updating the jackpot determination random number described later.

[0068] When the main routine is started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: "YES"), the main control device 210, as a process of updating various random numbers, executes an initial value random number update process (step S30), a jackpot determination random number update process (step S32), a special figure determination random number update process (step S34), a special figure variation pattern determination random number update process (step S36), a win determination random number update process (step S40), a general figure determination random number update process (step S42), and a general figure variation pattern determination random number update process (step S44).

[0069] In the initial value random number update process (step S30), the main control device 210 updates the initial value random number used for updating the jackpot determination random number. In this embodiment, the initial value random numbers are 22,993 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 22,992".

[0070] In the jackpot determination random number update process (step S32), the main control device 210 updates the jackpot determination random number used for determining the jackpot of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the jackpot determination random numbers are 22,993 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 22,992". The main control device 210 is configured to be able to adjust the jackpot probability of the special symbol by setting a prescribed number of values among the jackpot determination random numbers as the values for which the special symbol is a jackpot.

[0071] In the special figure determination random number update process (step S34), the main control device 210 updates the first special figure determination random number and the second special figure determination random number used for determining the jackpot figure and the losing figure of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the first special figure determination random numbers are 200 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 199", and the second special figure determination random numbers are 11 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 10".

[0072] In the special symbol variation pattern determining random number update process (step S36), the main control device 210 updates the random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol, which is used for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol is 16,384 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

[0073] In the winning determination random number update process (step S40), the main control device 210 updates the random number for determining a win of the normal symbol, which is used for determining a win of the normal symbol. In this embodiment, the random number for determining a win of the normal symbol is 65,536 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 65,535". The main control device 210 is configured to be able to adjust the winning probability of the normal symbol by setting a prescribed number of values as the values for winning with the normal symbol among the random numbers for determining a win of the normal symbol.

[0074] In the normal symbol determination random number update process (step S42), the main control device 210 updates the random number for determining the winning symbol of the normal symbol, which is used for determining the winning symbol of the normal symbol. In this embodiment, the random number for determining the winning symbol of the normal symbol is 19 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 18".

[0075] In the normal symbol variation pattern determining random number update process (step S44), the main control device 210 updates the random number for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol, which is used for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol. In this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern of the normal symbol is 16,384 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

[0076] After executing the process of updating various random numbers (steps S30 to S44), the main control device 210 executes a ball entry confirmation process (step S50). In the ball entry confirmation process (step S50), the main control device 210 confirms the entry of game balls into various start ports, start gates, and winning ports, and executes a process according to the ball entry. Details of the ball entry confirmation process (step S50) will be described later.

[0077] After executing the ball entry confirmation process (step S50), the main control device 210 executes a pass / fail determination process (step S52). In the pass / fail determination process (step S52), the main control device 210 determines the pass / fail by the special symbol lottery and the pass / fail by the normal symbol lottery, respectively. Details of the pass / fail determination process (step S52) will be described later.

[0078] After executing the pass / fail determination process (step S52), the main control device 210 executes a general power operation process (step S54). In the general power operation process (step S54), the main control device 210 controls the opening and closing of the general electric accessory 440 based on the winning of the normal symbol. Details of the general power operation process (step S54) will be described later.

[0079] After executing the general power operation process (step S54), the main control device 210 executes a special game process (step S54). In the special game process (step S54), the main control device 210 controls a special game (for example, a big win game, a small win game, etc.) based on the winning of the special symbol. Details of the special game process (step S54) will be described later.

[0080] After executing the special game process (step S54), the main control device 210 executes an illegal monitoring process (step S60). In the illegal monitoring process (step S60), the main control device 210 monitors for any illegal behavior by the player.

[0081] After executing the illegal monitoring process (step S60), the main control device 210 executes an external output process (step S65). In the external output process (step S65), the main control device 210 outputs various information to an external device such as the hall computer 90. After executing the external output process (step S65), the main control device 210 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process (step S75) until the next timer interrupt.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the special drawing start ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control device 210. The special drawing start ball entry confirmation process (FIG. 6) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (FIG. 5), and is a process for confirming the entry of balls into the first start port 451 and the second start port 452.

[0083] After starting the special drawing start ball entry confirmation process (FIG. 6), the main control device 210 determines whether or not a ball has entered the first start port 451 based on the detection signal output from the first start port switch 451s (step S100). If no ball has entered the first start port 451 (step S100: “NO”), the main control device 210 confirms the entry of a ball into the second start port 452 (step S100b).

[0084] If a ball has entered the first start port 451 (step S100: “YES”), the main control device 210 determines whether or not the number of stored first special symbols is full, in other words, whether or not the number of stored first special symbols has reached the upper limit value (for example, 4) (step S105). If the number of stored first special symbols is full (step S105: “YES”), the main control device 210 confirms the entry of a ball into the second start port 452 (step S100b).

[0085] If the number of stored first special symbols is not full (step S105: “NO”), the main control device 210 executes a special drawing extraction random number storage process (step S110). In the special drawing extraction random number storage process (step S110), the main control device 210 extracts a jackpot determination random number, a special drawing determination random number, and a special drawing variation pattern determination random number, and stores these random numbers as the stored first special symbols.

[0086] After executing the special figure extraction random number retention memory process (step S110), the main control device 210 executes the special figure retention number command transmission process (step S120). In the special figure retention number command transmission process (step S120), the main control device 210 transmits a special figure retention number command indicating the number of retention memories of the first special symbol that has not been consumed as the variable display of the special symbol to the sub-integrated control device 220. The special figure retention number command may be information indicating an increase in the retention memory of the first special symbol.

[0087] After executing the special figure retention number command transmission process (step S120), the main control device 210 executes the retention destination pre-read determination process (step S130). In the retention destination pre-read determination process (step S130), the main control device 210 executes a pre-read determination for determining the determination result of the validity determination based on the retention memory prior to the validity determination process (step S52) for the retention memory of the first special symbol, and transmits a retention pre-read command indicating the determination result of the pre-read determination to the sub-integrated control device 220. In this embodiment, the determination results of the pre-read determination include "big win", "loss with super reach effect", "loss with normal reach effect", and "loss without reach effect". Thereby, the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a pre-read effect suggesting the determination result of the pre-read determination based on the retention pre-read command. After executing the retention destination pre-read determination process (step S130), the main control device 210 confirms the entry of the ball into the second start port 452 (step S100b).

[0088] When the entry of the ball into the first start port 451 has not occurred (step S100: "NO"), when the number of retention memories of the first special symbol is full (step S105: "YES"), or after executing the retention destination pre-read determination process (step S130), the main control device 210 determines whether the entry of the ball into the second start port 452 has occurred based on the detection signal output from the second start port switch 452s (step S100b). When the entry of the ball into the second start port 452 has not occurred (step S100b: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the special figure start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

[0089] When the ball enters the second start port 452 (step S100b: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the number of stored second special symbols is full, in other words, whether the number of stored second special symbols reaches the upper limit value (for example, 4) (step S105b). If the number of stored second special symbols is full (step S105b: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the special drawing start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

[0090] If the number of stored second special symbols is not full (step S105b: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes the special drawing extraction random number storage process (step S110b). In the special drawing extraction random number storage process (step S110b), the main control device 210 extracts the jackpot determination random number, the special drawing determination random number, and the special drawing variation pattern determination random number, and stores these random numbers as the stored second special symbols.

[0091] After executing the special drawing extraction random number storage process (step S110b), the main control device 210 executes the special drawing stored number command transmission process (step S120b). In the special drawing stored number command transmission process (step S120b), the main control device 210 transmits a special drawing stored number command indicating the number of stored second special symbols that have not been consumed as the variable display of the special symbol to the sub-integrated control device 220. The special drawing stored number command may be information indicating an increase in the stored second special symbols.

[0092] After executing the special drawing hold count command transmission process (step S120b), the main control device 210 executes a hold destination pre-read determination process (step S130b). In the hold destination pre-read determination process (step S130b), before the pass / fail determination process (step S52) for the hold memory of the second special symbol, the main control device 210 executes a pre-read determination to determine the determination result of the pass / fail determination based on the hold memory, and transmits a hold destination pre-read command indicating the determination result of the pre-read determination to the sub-integrated control device 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a pre-read effect that suggests the determination result of the pre-read determination based on the hold destination pre-read command. After executing the hold destination pre-read determination process (step S130b), the main control device 210 ends the special drawing start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6). Note that in the special drawing start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6), the hold destination pre-read determination process (step S130) may be a process executed before the special drawing extraction random number hold memory process (step S110), or the hold destination pre-read determination process (step S130b) may be a process executed before the special drawing extraction random number hold memory process (step S110b).

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the general drawing start ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control device 210. The general drawing start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for confirming the entry of a ball into the normal symbol operation gate 430.

[0094] After starting the general drawing start ball entry confirmation process in Figure 7, the main control device 210 determines whether a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 based on the detection signal output from the operation gate switch 430s (step S150). If no ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 (step S150: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the general drawing start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7).

[0095] When a ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 430 (step S150: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the number of stored normal symbols is full, in other words, whether the number of stored normal symbols has reached the upper limit value (for example, 4) (step S155). If the number of stored normal symbols is full (step S155: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7).

[0096] If the number of stored normal symbols is not full (step S155: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes the normal symbol extraction random number storage process (step S160). In the normal symbol extraction random number storage process (step S160), the main control device 210 extracts a winning determination random number, a normal symbol determination random number, and a normal symbol variation pattern determination random number, and stores these random numbers as stored numbers.

[0097] After executing the normal symbol extraction random number storage process (step S160), the main control device 210 executes the normal symbol stored number command transmission process (step S170). In the normal symbol stored number command transmission process (step S170), the main control device 210 transmits a normal symbol stored number command indicating the number of stored normal symbols that have not been consumed as the variable display of the normal symbol to the sub-integrated control device 220. The normal symbol stored number command may be information indicating an increase in the stored normal symbols. After executing the normal symbol stored number command transmission process (step S170), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7).

[0098] Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol validity determination process executed by the main control device 210. The special symbol validity determination process (Figures 8 to 12) is one of the subroutines executed in the validity determination process (S52) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for determining the validity of the special symbol.

[0099] After starting the special drawing validity determination process (Figs. 8 to 12), the main control device 210 determines whether the special electric accessory is in operation, in other words, whether a jackpot game is being executed (step S200). If the special electric accessory is in operation (step S200: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the special drawing validity determination process (Figs. 8 to 12).

[0100] If the special electric accessory is not in operation (step S200: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether a special symbol is being variably displayed (step S205).

[0101] If the special symbol is not being variably displayed (step S205: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol is being fixedly displayed (step S210).

[0102] If the special symbol is not being fixedly displayed (step S210 "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether there is a hold memory for the special symbol (step S215). If there is no hold memory for the special symbol (step S215: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the special drawing validity determination process (Figs. 8 to 12).

[0103] If there is a hold memory for the special symbol (step S215: "YES"), the main control device 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest hold memory among the hold memories of the special symbol and deletes that information from the hold memory (step S220). In the present embodiment, the main control device 210 preferentially reads out the hold memory of the second special symbol. Therefore, when both the first hold memory and the second hold memory exist, the main control device 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest hold memory among the second hold memories, and when only the first hold memory exists, the main control device 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest hold memory among the first hold memories.

[0104] After processing the reserved memory (step S220), the main control device 210 determines whether the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S225). The probability variation flag Fk is a flag that controls the winning probability of the special symbol. The probability variation flag Fk with a value of "0" indicates the normal mode in which the winning probability of the special symbol is controlled to the normal probability. The probability variation flag Fk with a value of "1" indicates the probability variation mode in which the winning probability of the special symbol is controlled to a high probability. The probability variation flag Fk is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to the value "0" or the value "1" according to the type of jackpot symbol when the jackpot game ends.

[0105] When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S225: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the jackpot determination random number read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value by referring to the special symbol winning determination table (probability variation table) for the probability variation mode (step S230).

[0106] When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "0" (step S225: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the jackpot determination random number read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value by referring to the special symbol winning determination table (normal table) for the normal mode (step S235).

[0107] Proceeding to the description of Figure 9, after determining whether the jackpot determination random number read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value (steps S230, S235), the main control device 210 determines whether the determination result of the jackpot determination random number is a jackpot (step S240).

[0108] When the determination result of the jackpot determination random number is a jackpot (step S240: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines a jackpot symbol based on the special figure determination random number read from the reserved memory (step S242). After that, the main control device 210 determines a variation pattern of a special symbol in accordance with the production for notifying the winning of the jackpot based on the special figure determination random number and the special figure variation pattern determination random number (step S244). After that, the main control device 210 executes a jackpot setting process (step S246). In the jackpot setting process (step S246), the main control device 210 sets various parameters for controlling the jackpot game (for example, the opening and closing pattern of the big winning opening in the jackpot game, the production mode of the jackpot game, etc.).

[0109] When the determination result of the jackpot determination random number is not a jackpot (step S240: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes a short-time c determination process (step S250). In the short-time c determination process (step S250), the main control device 210 determines whether the jackpot determination random number read from the reserved memory is a value of a short-time c winning that triggers the start of a short-time c game. After executing the short-time c determination process (step S250), the main control device 210 determines whether the determination result of the short-time c determination process (step S250) is a short-time c winning (step S252).

[0110] When the determination result of the jackpot determination random number is a short-time c winning (step S252: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines a short-time winning symbol based on the special figure determination random number read from the reserved memory (step S254). After that, the main control device 210 determines whether any of the short-time games of short-time game a, short-time game b, and short-time game c is being set (step S256). When not in a short-time game (step S256: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes a short-time c winning variation pattern determination process (step S258). In the short-time c winning variation pattern determination process (step S258), the main control device 210 determines a variation pattern of a special symbol in accordance with the production for notifying the winning of the short-time c game based on the special figure determination random number and the special figure variation pattern determination random number.

[0111] When the determination result of the random number for jackpot determination is not a short win at time c (step S252: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines a losing symbol based on the random number for special figure determination read from the reservation memory (step S262). After determining the losing symbol (step S262), the main control device 210 determines whether any of the short-time games of short-time game at time a, short-time game at time b, and short-time game at time c is being set (step S263). When not in a short-time game (step S263: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the reach counter Ct has a value of "1" (step S264). The reach counter Ct is a counter indicating the remaining number of consecutive losses of special symbols required until the start of the short-time game at time b. The reach counter Ct is set to an initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (FIG. 5), decremented for each loss of a special symbol, and reset to the initial value in response to the execution of a jackpot game.

[0112] When the reach counter Ct has a value of "1" (step S264: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the reach flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S265). The reach flag Ft is a flag that controls a short-time reach effect that notifies the arrival at the short-time game at time b as a variation effect using the variation time that becomes a loss immediately before starting the b-time mode. The reach flag Ft with a value of "0" indicates a control state that does not permit the execution of the short-time reach effect. The reach flag Ft with a value of "1" indicates a control state that permits the execution of the short-time reach effect. The reach flag Ft is set to the value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (FIG. 5) and set to the value "1" in response to the execution of a jackpot game. Therefore, when starting the short-time game at time b without executing a jackpot game even once after starting the pachinko gaming machine 10, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes the short-time reach effect after shifting to the short-time game at time b. In other embodiments, when the reach counter Ct has a value of "1" (step S264: "YES"), the main control device 210 may execute the b-time reach variation pattern determination process (step S266) without executing the control using the reach flag Ft (step S265).

[0113] When the arrival flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S265: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a short-time arrival variation pattern determination process (step S266). In the short-time arrival variation pattern determination process (step S266), the main control device 210 determines a special losing variation pattern in accordance with a short-time arrival effect that notifies the arrival of the short-time game b based on a random number for special figure determination and a random number for special figure variation pattern determination.

[0114] When not winning the short-time c and during the short-time game (step S263: "YES"), when the arrival counter Ct does not have a value of "1" (step S264: "NO"), or when the arrival flag Ft has a value of "0" (step S265: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes a losing variation pattern determination process (step S268). In the losing variation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control device 210 determines a losing variation pattern of the special symbol based on a random number for special figure determination and a random number for special figure variation pattern determination.

[0115] Even when winning the short-time c and during the short-time game (step S256: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a losing variation pattern determination process (step S268). In this case, the main control device 210 does not set a new short-time c game while displaying the short-time winning symbol on the special symbol display device.

[0116] After executing the jackpot setting process (step S246), the short-time c winning variation pattern determination process (step S258), the short-time b arrival variation pattern determination process (step S266), or the losing variation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control device 210 executes a pending information transmission process (step S270). In the pending information transmission process (step S270), the main control device 210 reads the pending memory and then transmits a special figure pending number command indicating the number of remaining special symbol pending memories to the sub-integrated control device 220. The special figure pending number command may be information indicating a decrease in the special symbol pending memory.

[0117] After executing the retained information transmission process (step S270), the main control device 210 executes a special symbol variation start process (step S275). In the special symbol variation start process (step S275), the main control device 210 starts the variation display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device and transmits a special symbol variation start command indicating the lottery result and variation time of the special symbol to the sub-integrated control device 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 causes the effect symbol display device 480 to display a pseudo-effect corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol based on the special symbol variation start command. After executing the special symbol variation start process (step S275), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol validity determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

[0118] Returning to the description of FIG. 8, when the special symbol is in the process of variation display (step S205: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (step S280). If the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (step S280: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol validity determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

[0119] If the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (step S280: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a determined symbol display process (step S285). In the determined symbol display process (step S285), the main control device 210 ends the variation display of the special symbol on the special symbol display device and determinately displays the determined symbol of the special symbol on the special symbol display device. Further, the main control device 210 transmits a symbol determination command instructing the determined display of the effect symbol to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing the determined symbol display process (step S285), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol validity determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

[0120] Moving to the description of FIG. 10, when the special symbol is in the process of determined display (step S210 "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the duration of the determined display of the special symbol has ended (step S290). If the duration of the determined display of the special symbol has not ended (step S290: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol validity determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

[0121] When the duration of the determination display of the special symbol has ended (step S290: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the determination display of the special symbol (step S295). Then, the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol that was determinatively displayed is a jackpot symbol (step S300).

[0122] When the special symbol that was determinatively displayed is a jackpot symbol (step S300: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S302). When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S302: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the probability variation flag Fk to a value of "0" (step S304).

[0123] When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "0" (step S302: "NO"), or after resetting the probability variation flag Fk to a value of "0" (step S304), the main control device 210 determines whether the a-time short flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S306). When the a-time short flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S306: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the a-time short flag Fa to a value of "0" (step S308).

[0124] The a-time short flag Fa is a flag for controlling the a-time short game. The a-time short flag Fa with a value of "0" indicates a control state in which the a-time short game is not executed. The a-time short flag Fa with a value of "1" indicates a control state in which the a-time short game is executed. The a-time short flag Fa is set to an initial value of "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to a value of "0" or a value of "1" according to the type of jackpot symbol when the jackpot game ends.

[0125] When the short - time flag Fa for a has a value of "0" (step S306: "NO"), or after resetting the short - time flag Fa for a to the value "0" (step S308), the main control device 210 determines whether the short - time flag Fb for b has a value of "1" (step S312). When the short - time flag Fb for b has a value of "1" (step S312: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the short - time flag Fb for b to the value "0" (step S314).

[0126] The short - time flag Fb for b is a flag that controls the short - time game for b. The short - time flag Fb with a value of "0" indicates a control state where the short - time game for b is not executed. The short - time flag Fb with a value of "1" indicates a control state where the short - time game for b is executed. The short - time flag Fb is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to the value "1" when the loss of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number of times (950 times in this embodiment).

[0127] When the short - time flag Fb for b has a value of "0" (step S312: "NO"), or after resetting the short - time flag Fb for b to the value "0" (step S314), the main control device 210 determines whether the short - time flag Fc for c has a value of "1" (step S316). When the short - time flag Fc for c has a value of "1" (step S316: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the short - time flag Fc for c to the value "0" (step S318).

[0128] The short - time flag Fc for c is a flag that controls the short - time game for c. The short - time flag Fc with a value of "0" indicates a control state where the short - time game for c is not executed. The short - time flag Fc with a value of "1" indicates a control state where the short - time game for c is executed. The short - time flag Fc is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to the value "1" when winning the short - time lottery in the special symbol lottery.

[0129] When the short c-time flag Fc has a value of "0" (step S316: "NO"), or after resetting the short c-time flag Fc to the value "0" (step S318), the main control device 210 determines whether the arrival flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S320). When the arrival flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S320: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the arrival flag Ft to the value "0" (step S322).

[0130] When the arrival flag Ft has a value of "0" (step S320: "NO"), or after resetting the arrival flag Ft to the value "0" (step S322), the main control device 210 resets the arrival counter Ct to the initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S325).

[0131] After resetting the arrival counter Ct (step S325), the main control device 210 executes a condition device operation start process (step S332), an accessory continuous operation device operation start process (step S334), and a jackpot start effect process (step S336). In the jackpot start effect process (step S336), the main control device 210 starts the jackpot game by transmitting various commands for realizing the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing these processes (steps S332, S334, S336), the main control device 210 ends the special figure hit determination process (Figs. 8 to 12).

[0132] Moving on to the description of FIG. 11, when the special symbol that has been definitely displayed is not the big win symbol (step S300: "NO"), in other words, when the special symbol that has been definitely displayed is a losing symbol or a time-limit winning selected symbol, the main control device 210 determines whether the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1", in other words, whether it is in the probability variation mode (step S340). When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S340: "YES"), the main control device 210 decrements the probability variation counter Ck (step S342). The probability variation counter Ck is a counter indicating the remaining number of draws of special symbols that can be executed in the probability variation mode. After decrementing the probability variation counter Ck (step S342), the main control device 210 determines whether the probability variation counter Ck has a value of "0" (step S344). When the probability variation counter Ck has a value of "0" (step S344: "YES"), the probability variation flag Fk is reset to the value "0" (step S346).

[0133] When the probability variation flag Fk has a value of "0" (step S340: "NO"), when the probability variation counter Ck does not have a value of "0" (step S344: "NO"), or after resetting the probability variation flag Fk to the value "0" (step S346), the main control device 210 determines whether the a time-limit flag Fa has a value of "1", in other words, whether it is in the a time-limit state (step S350).

[0134] When the a time-limit flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S350: "YES"), the main control device 210 decrements the a time-limit counter Ca (step S352). The a time-limit counter Ca is a counter indicating the remaining number of draws of special symbols that can be executed in the a time-limit game. After decrementing the a time-limit counter Ca (step S352), the main control device 210 determines whether the a time-limit counter Ca has a value of "0" (step S354). When the a time-limit counter Ca has a value of "0" (step S354: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the a time-limit flag Fa to the value "0" (step S356).

[0135] When the short-time flag Fa has a value of "0" (step S350: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the short-time flag Fb has a value of "1", in other words, whether it is in the short-time period of b (step S360). When the short-time flag Fb has a value of "1" (step S360: "YES"), the main control device 210 decrements the short-time counter Cb (step S362). The short-time counter Cb is a counter indicating the remaining number of draws of special symbols that can be executed in the short-time game of b. After decrementing the short-time counter Cb (step S362), the main control device 210 determines whether the short-time counter Cb has a value of "0" (step S364). When the short-time counter Cb has a value of "0" (step S364: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the short-time flag Fb to the value "0" (step S366).

[0136] When the short-time flag Fb has a value of "0" (step S360: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the short-time flag Fc has a value of "1", in other words, whether it is in the short-time period of c (step S370). When the short-time flag Fc has a value of "1" (step S370: "YES"), the main control device 210 decrements the short-time counter Cc (step S372). The short-time counter Cc is a counter indicating the remaining number of draws of special symbols that can be executed in the short-time game of c. After decrementing the short-time counter Cc (step S372), the main control device 210 determines whether the short-time counter Cc has a value of "0" (step S374). When the short-time counter Cc has a value of "0" (step S374: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the short-time flag Fc to the value "0" (step S376).

[0137] Moving on to the description of FIG. 12, when the short-time flag Fc for c is "0" (step S370: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol that has been definitely displayed is a short-time winning symbol (step S377). If the special symbol that has been definitely displayed is a short-time winning symbol (step S377: "YES"), the main control device 210 sets the short-time flag Fc for c to "1" (step S378). Then, the main control device 210 executes a short-time counter setting process for c (step S379). In the short-time counter setting process for c (step S379), the main control device 210 sets a value indicating the maximum number of times of executing the lottery of the special symbol in the short-time game for c (in this embodiment, the value "300") to the short-time counter Cc for c.

[0138] If the short-time counter Cb for b is not "0" (step S364: "NO"), or after resetting the short-time flag Fb for b to "0" (step S366), the main control device 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

[0139] If the short-time counter Cc for c is not "0" (step S374: "NO"), or after resetting the short-time flag Fc for c to "0" (step S376), the main control device 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

[0140] If the special symbol is not a short-time winning symbol (step S377: "NO"), or after executing the short-time counter setting process for c (step S379), the main control device 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

[0141] After decrementing the arrival counter Ct (step S380), the main control device 210 determines whether the arrival counter Ct has the value "0" (step S381). If the arrival counter Ct has the value "0" (step S381: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the arrival counter Ct to the initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S383). After resetting the arrival counter Ct, the main control device 210 determines whether any time-saving game is being set (step S385).

[0142] If not in a time-saving game (step S385: "NO"), the main control device 210 sets the b time-saving flag Fb to the value "1" (step S386). Then, the main control device 210 executes a b time-saving counter setting process (step S388). In the b time-saving counter setting process (step S388), the main control device 210 sets a value (in this embodiment, the value "1000") indicating the maximum number of times to execute the special symbol lottery in the b time-saving game to the b time-saving counter Cb.

[0143] If the a time-saving counter Ca does not have the value "0" (step S354: "NO"), or after resetting the a time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S356), the main control device 210 performs a state designation command transmission process (step S390). Also, if the arrival counter Ct does not have the value "0" (step S381: "NO"), if in a time-saving game (step S385: "YES"), or after executing the b time-saving counter setting process (step S388), the main control device 210 executes a state designation command transmission process (step S390). In the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control device 210 transmits a state designation command for designating the game state to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol winning determination process (Figs. 8 to 12).

[0144] Figures 13, 14, and 15 are flowcharts showing the jackpot game process executed by the main control device 210. The jackpot game process (Figs. 13 - 15) is one of the subroutines executed in the special game process (S56) of the main routine (Fig. 5), and is a process for controlling the jackpot game.

[0145] After starting the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 - 15), the main control device 210 determines whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation, in other words, whether the jackpot game is being executed (step S400). If the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation (step S400: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 - 15).

[0146] If the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (step S400: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the big winning opening 460 is open (step S405). If the big winning opening 460 is not open (step S405: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether it is during the interval when the big winning opening 460 is closed between each round of the jackpot game (step S410). If it is not during the interval (step S410: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the jackpot end effect to be executed when ending the jackpot game is being executed (step S415).

[0147] If the jackpot end effect is not being executed (step S415: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the performance time for executing the jackpot start effect has elapsed (step S420). If the performance time for the jackpot start effect has not elapsed (step S420: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 - 15).

[0148] When the performance time of the jackpot start performance has elapsed (step S420: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the big winning opening process (step S425). In the big winning opening process (step S425), the main control device 210 opens the big winning opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the big winning opening solenoid 460d. After executing the big winning opening process (step S425), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0149] Moving on to the explanation of Fig. 14, when the big winning opening 460 is open (step S405: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the number of game balls that have won in the big winning opening 460 has reached 10 (step S430). If the number of game balls that have won in the big winning opening 460 has not reached 10 (step S430: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the opening time for opening the big winning opening 460 has elapsed (step S435). If the opening time of the big winning opening 460 has not elapsed (step S435: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0150] When the number of game balls that have won in the big winning opening 460 has reached 10 (step S430: "YES"), or when the opening time of the big winning opening 460 has elapsed (step S435: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the big winning closing process (step S440). In the big winning closing process (step S440), the main control device 210 closes the big winning opening 460 by outputting a closing signal to the big winning opening solenoid 460d. After executing the big winning closing process (step S440), the main control device 210 executes the jackpot interval process (step S445). In the jackpot interval process (step S445), the main control device 210 sets an interval for closing the big winning opening 460 between each round of the jackpot game. After executing the jackpot interval process (step S445), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0151] When it is during the interval in which the big winning opening 460 is closed between each round of the big win game (step S410: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether or not the interval time for continuing the interval in the big win game has elapsed (step S450). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S450: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the big win game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0152] If the interval time has elapsed (step S450: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether or not the final round in the big win game has ended (step S455). If the final round has not ended (step S455: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes the big winning opening release process (step S465). In the big winning opening release process (step S465), the main control device 210 releases the big winning opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the big winning opening solenoid 460d. After executing the big winning opening release process (step S465), the main control device 210 ends the big win game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0153] If the final round has ended (step S455: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the big win end production process (step S460). In the big win end production process (step S460), the main control device 210 instructs the sub-integrated control device 220 to execute the big win end production. After executing the big win end production process (step S460), the main control device 210 ends the big win game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0154] Moving on to the explanation of Fig. 15, when the big win end production is being executed (step S415: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether or not the production time for executing the big win end production has elapsed (step S470). If the production time for the big win end production has not elapsed (step S470: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the big win game process (Figs. 13 to 15).

[0155] When the performance time of the jackpot end performance has elapsed (step S470: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the accessory continuous operation device operation stop process (step S472) and the condition device operation stop process (step S474). After that, the main control device 210 executes the probability variation flag setting process (step S480). In the probability variation flag setting process (step S480), the main control device 210 determines whether to shift to the probability variation mode after the jackpot game. If shifting to the probability variation mode, the main control device 210 sets the probability variation flag Fk to the value "1". If not shifting to the probability variation mode, the main control device 210 sets the probability variation flag Fk to the value "0".

[0156] After executing the probability variation flag setting process (step S480), the main control device 210 executes the probability variation counter setting process (step S485). In the probability variation counter setting process (step S485), the main control device 210 sets the probability variation counter Ck. If shifting to the probability variation mode, the main control device 210 sets the value indicating the maximum number of times of performing the special symbol lottery in the probability variation mode (in this embodiment, the value "150") to the probability variation counter Ck. If not shifting to the probability variation mode, the main control device 210 sets the value "0" to the probability variation counter Ck.

[0157] After executing the probability variation counter setting process (step S485), the main control device 210 executes the a-time short flag setting process (step S490). In the a-time short flag setting process (step S490), the main control device 210 determines whether to shift to the a-time short game after the jackpot game. If shifting to the a-time short game, the main control device 210 sets the a-time short flag Fa to the value "1". If not shifting to the a-time short game, the main control device 210 sets the a-time short flag Fa to the value "0".

[0158] After executing the short-time flag setting process (step S490), the main control device 210 executes the short-time counter setting process (step S495). In the short-time counter setting process (step S495), the main control device 210 sets the short-time counter Ca. When shifting to the short-time game, the main control device 210 sets a value indicating the maximum number of times of executing the special symbol lottery in the short-time game (in this embodiment, the value "100") to the short-time counter Ca. When not shifting to the short-time game, the main control device 210 sets the value "0" to the short-time counter Ca.

[0159] After executing the short-time counter setting process (step S495), the main control device 210 sets the value "1" to the arrival flag Ft (step S500). Then, the main control device 210 resets the arrival counter Ct to the initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S505).

[0160] Then, the main control device 210 executes the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510). In the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510), the main control device 210 transmits a jackpot end command instructing the end of the effect related to the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 220.

[0161] After executing the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510), the main control device 210 executes the state designation command transmission process (step S520). In the state designation command transmission process (step S520), the main control device 210 transmits a state designation command designating the game state to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing the state designation command transmission process (step S520), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

[0162] FIGS. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the general symbol validity determination process executed by the main control device 210. The general symbol validity determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17) is one of the subroutines executed in the validity determination process (S52) of the main routine (FIG. 5), and is a process for determining the validity of the normal symbol.

[0163] After starting the normal pattern validity determination process (Figs. 16 and 17), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal electric device 440 is operating (step S600). If the normal electric device 440 is operating (step S600: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the normal pattern validity determination process (Figs. 16 and 17).

[0164] If the normal electric device 440 is not operating (step S600: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal symbol is being variably displayed (step S605).

[0165] If the normal symbol is not being variably displayed (step S605: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal symbol is being fixedly displayed (step S610).

[0166] If the normal symbol is not being fixedly displayed (step S610 "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether there is a suspended memory of the normal symbol (step S615). If there is no suspended memory of the normal symbol (step S615: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the normal pattern validity determination process (Figs. 16 and 17).

[0167] If there is a suspended memory of the normal symbol (step S615: "YES"), the main control device 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest suspended memory among the suspended memories of the normal symbol and deletes the information from the suspended memory (step S620). Thereafter, the main control device 210 determines whether the probability change flag Fk or the a-time short flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S625).

[0168] If the probability change flag Fk has a value of "1" (step S625: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for winning determination read from the suspended memory is a winning value by referring to the high-probability normal pattern validity determination table (high-probability table) (step S630).

[0169] When the probability change flag Fk is not the value "1" (step S625: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the winning determination random number read from the pending memory is a winning value by referring to a low-probability general pattern validity determination table (low-probability table) (step S635).

[0170] Moving on to the description of FIG. 17, after determining whether the winning determination random number read from the pending memory is a winning value (steps S630, S635), the main control device 210 determines whether the determination result of the winning determination random number is a win (step S640).

[0171] When the determination result of the winning determination random number is a win (step S640: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines the winning symbol based on the general pattern determination random number read from the pending memory (step S645). Thereafter, the main control device 210 determines the winning variation pattern of the normal symbol based on the general pattern determination random number, the general pattern variation pattern determination random number, and the probability change flag Fk, the a-short flag Fa, the b-short flag Fb, and the c-short flag Fc (step S650). Thereafter, the main control device 210 executes a win setting process (step S655). In the win setting process (step S655), the main control device 210 sets various parameters for controlling the winning game (for example, the opening pattern of the normal electric accessory 440, etc.).

[0172] When the determination result of the winning determination random number is not a win (step S640: "NO"), in other words, when the determination result of the winning determination random number is a loss, the main control device 210 determines the losing symbol based on the general pattern determination random number read from the pending memory (step S662).

[0173] After determining the losing symbol (step S662), the main control device 210 executes a losing variation pattern determination process (step S668). In the losing variation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control device 210 determines the losing variation pattern of the special symbol based on the general drawing determination random number, the general drawing variation pattern determination random number, and the probability variation flag Fk, the a-short-time flag Fa, the b-short-time flag Fb, and the c-short-time flag Fc.

[0174] After executing the winning setting process (step S655) or the losing variation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control device 210 executes a general drawing variation start process (step S675). In the general drawing variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 starts the variation display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 471. After executing the general drawing variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 ends the general drawing win / loss determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0175] Returning to the description of FIG. 16, when the normal symbol is being variably displayed (step S605: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the variation time of the normal symbol has elapsed (step S680). If the variation time of the normal symbol has not elapsed (step S680: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the general drawing win / loss determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0176] If the variation time of the normal symbol has elapsed (step S680: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a determined symbol display process (step S685). In the determined symbol display process (step S685), the main control device 210 ends the variation display of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 471 and determinately displays the determined symbol of the normal symbol on the normal symbol display device 471. After executing the determined symbol display process (step S685), the main control device 210 ends the general drawing win / loss determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0177] Moving on to the description of FIG. 17, when the normal symbol is being definitely displayed (step S610, "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the duration of the definite display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690). If the duration of the definite display of the normal symbol has not ended (step S690: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol hit determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0178] If the duration of the definite display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the definite display of the normal symbol (step S692). After that, the main control device 210 determines whether the definitely displayed normal symbol is a winning symbol (step S694). If the definitely displayed normal symbol is not a winning symbol (step S694: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol hit determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0179] If the definitely displayed normal symbol is a winning symbol (step S694: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the normal electric accessory operation start process (step S696). In the normal electric accessory operation start process (step S696), the main control device 210 sets the start of the operation of the normal electric accessory 440. After executing the normal electric accessory operation start process (step S696), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol hit determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0180] FIGS. 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the normal electric operation process executed by the main control device 210. The normal electric operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19) is one of the subroutines executed in the normal electric operation process (S54) of the main routine (FIG. 5), and is a process for controlling the normal electric accessory 440.

[0181] After starting the normal electric operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal electric accessory 440 is operating (step S700). If the normal electric accessory 440 is not operating (step S700: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the normal electric operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0182] When the ordinary electric device 440 is in operation (step S700: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the ordinary electric device 440 is being opened (step S702). If the ordinary electric device 440 is not being opened (step S702: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether it is within the interval of closing the ordinary electric device 440 when performing multiple openings for each time (step S704). If it is not within the interval (step S704: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes the general power opening process (step S710). In the general power opening process (step S710), the main control device 210 opens the ordinary electric device 440 by outputting an opening signal to the general power device solenoid 440d. After executing the general power opening process (step S710), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0183] Moving on to the description of FIG. 19, when the ordinary electric device 440 is being opened (step S702: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the number of game balls that have won in the ordinary electric device 440 has reached 10 (step S720). If the number of game balls that have won in the ordinary electric device 440 has not reached 10 (step S720: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the opening time for opening the ordinary electric device 440 has elapsed (step S725). If the opening time of the ordinary electric device 440 has not elapsed (step S725: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

[0184] If the number of game balls that have won in the ordinary electric device 440 has reached 10 (step S720: "YES"), or if the opening time of the ordinary electric device 440 has elapsed (step S725: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the general power closing process (step S730). In the general power closing process (step S730), the main control device 210 closes the ordinary electric device 440 by outputting a closing signal to the general power device solenoid 440d.

[0185] After executing the general power lock processing (step S730), the main control device 210 determines whether the final release in the operation of the current general electric actuator 440 has been completed (step S735). If the final release has been completed (step S735: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the general power operation end processing (step S740). In the general power operation end processing (step S740), the main control device 210 sets the end of the operation of the general electric actuator 440. After executing the general power operation end processing (step S740), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation processing (Figs. 18 and 19).

[0186] If the final release has not been completed (step S735: "NO"), the main control device 210 executes the general power interval processing (step S750). In the general power interval processing (step S750), the main control device 210 sets an interval for closing the general electric actuator 440. After executing the general power interval processing (step S750), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation processing (Figs. 18 and 19).

[0187] If it is during the interval (step S704: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the interval time for continuing the interval for closing the general electric actuator 440 has elapsed (step S760). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S760: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation processing (Figs. 18 and 19).

[0188] If the interval time has elapsed (step S760: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the general power release processing (step S770). In the general power release processing (step S770), the main control device 210 releases the general electric actuator 440 by outputting a release signal to the general power actuator solenoid 440d. After executing the general power release processing (step S770), the main control device 210 ends the general power operation processing (Figs. 18 and 19).

[0189] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the main control device 210 and the sub-integrated control device 220. As a configuration related to the control of the game progress, the main control device 210 includes a validity determination means 212, a special game means 214, a probability-variable game means 215, an a-time short game means 216, a b-time short game means 217, and a c-time short game means 218. The main control device 210 includes a command output means 219 as a configuration related to the control of the effect. Each configuration of the main control device 210 is realized software-wise based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a part of various means of the main control device 210 may be realized hardware-wise based on a circuit configuration.

[0190] The validity determination means 212 of the main control device 210 includes a first validity determination means 212a and a second validity determination means 212b. The first validity determination means 212a executes a first validity determination, which is a validity determination regarding the first special symbol, based on the ball entry into the first start port 451. The first validity determination means 212a is a means for executing a validity determination regarding the first special symbol (steps S230 and S235 in FIG. 8) in the special symbol validity determination process. The second validity determination means 212b executes a second validity determination, which is a validity determination regarding the second special symbol, based on the ball entry into the second start port 452. The second validity determination means 212b is a means for executing a validity determination regarding the second special symbol (steps S230 and S235 in FIG. 8) in the special symbol validity determination process.

[0191] When the special game means 214 of the main control device 210 wins a big win in the validity determination of the special symbol (first condition), it executes a big win game (special game) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game by opening the big winning port 460. The special game means 214 is a means for executing a big win game process (FIGS. 13, 14, and 15).

[0192] The probability variable game means 215 of the main control device 210 is a means for setting a probability variable game as one of the ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry facilitating state (electric assist) in which the entry of balls into the second start port 452 becomes easier than in the normal game. The probability variable game is a game state in which the winning probability for winning in the determination of the special symbol is set to a higher probability than in the normal game in the ball entry facilitating state (electric assist) where the entry of balls into the second start port 452 is set to be easier than in the normal game. When the jackpot symbol that caused the jackpot game is a specific jackpot symbol, the probability variable game means 215 starts a probability variable game following the end of the jackpot game. After starting the probability variable game, the probability variable game means 215 continues the probability variable game until winning in the determination of the special symbol or until the number of executions of the determination of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end number (in this embodiment, 150 times). The probability variable game means 215 is a means for executing a probability variable flag setting process (step S480 in FIG. 15) and a probability variable counter setting process (step S485 in FIG. 15) in the jackpot game process. The probability variable game means 215 is a means for executing a determination process using a high probability table (step S630 in FIG. 16) in the normal symbol winning determination process. The probability variable game means 215 is a means for executing a determination process using a probability variable table (step S230 in FIG. 8), a reset process of the probability variable flag Fk (step S304 in FIG. 10), and an update process of the probability variable flag Fk and the probability variable counter Ck (steps S340 to S346 in FIG. 11) in the special symbol winning determination process.

[0193] The a-time short game means 216 of the main control device 210 is a time short execution means that sets an a-time short game (first special game) after ending a big win game (special game) as one of the ball entry facilitating means. The a-time short game is a game state in which the ball entry into the second start port 452 is set to be easier than in a normal game while the winning probability selected by the winning or losing determination of the special symbol is set to a low probability (normal probability) in the normal game. The a-time short game means 216 starts an a-time short game after the end of the big win game based on a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, the a-time short game means 216 starts an a-time short game after the end of a big win game based on a specific type of big win symbol different from the type that starts the probability variable mode. After starting the a-time short game, the a-time short game means 216 continues the a-time short game until winning by the winning or losing determination of the special symbol or until the number of executions of the winning or losing determination of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end number (100 times in the present embodiment). The a-time short game means 216 is a means for executing an a-time short flag setting process (step S490 in FIG. 15) and an a-time short counter setting process (step S495 in FIG. 15) in the big win game process. The a-time short game means 216 is a means for executing a determination process by a high probability table (step S630 in FIG. 16) in the normal symbol winning or losing determination process. The a-time short game means 216 is a means for executing a determination process by a normal table (step S235 in FIG. 8), a reset process of the a-time short flag Fa (step S308 in FIG. 10), and an update process of the a-time short flag Fa and the a-time short counter Ca (steps S350 to S356 in FIG. 11) in the special symbol winning or losing determination process.

[0194] The b-short game means 217 of the main control device 210 is a time-short execution means for setting a b-short game (second special game) as one of the ball entry facilitating means. The b-short game is a game state in which the probability of winning in the determination of the special symbol is set to a low probability (normal probability) in the normal game, and the entry of the ball into the second start port 452 is set to be easier than in the normal game. The b-short game means 217 starts the b-short game when the continuous determination count Nh reaches the activation count Ns (950 times in this embodiment). After starting the b-short game, the b-short game means 217 continues the b-short game until winning in the determination of the special symbol or until the execution count of the determination of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end count (1000 times in this embodiment). The b-short game means 217 is a means for executing the setting process of the b-short flag Fb and the b-short counter Cb (steps S386 and S388 in FIG. 12), the determination process by the normal table (step S235 in FIG. 8), the reset process of the b-short flag Fb (step S314 in FIG. 10), and the update process of the b-short flag Fb and the b-short counter Cb (steps S360 to S366 in FIG. 11) in the special symbol win / loss determination process.

[0195] When the short-time game means 218 of the main control device 210 wins the short-time selection in the determination of the special symbol (second condition) as one of the ball entry facilitating means, it is a short-time execution means for setting a c short-time game (third special privilege game). The c short-time game is a game state in which the ball entry probability to the second start port 452 is set to be easier than that in the normal game while the winning probability in the determination of the special symbol is set to a low probability (normal probability) in the normal game. The c short-time game means 218 starts the c short-time game after winning the short-time selection in the determination of the special symbol. After starting the c short-time game, the c short-time game means 218 continues the c short-time game until winning in the determination of the special symbol or until the number of executions of the determination of the special symbol reaches a predetermined end number (in this embodiment, 300 times). The c short-time game means 218 is a means for executing the setting process (steps S378 and S379 in FIG. 12) of the c short-time flag Fc and the c short-time counter Cc, the determination process by the normal table (step S235 in FIG. 8), the reset process of the c short-time flag Fc (step S318 in FIG. 10), and the update process (steps S370 to S376 in FIG. 11) of the c short-time flag Fc and the c short-time counter Cc in the special symbol determination process.

[0196] In this embodiment, when the c short-time game means 218 wins the short-time selection with a predetermined probability (in this embodiment, 1 / 90) in the determination of the second special symbol executed during the normal game, it sets the c short-time game. In other words, the c short-time game means 218, which is one of the short-time execution means, may switch from the normal game and execute the short-time game based on the determination result of the second determination executed during the normal game. Also, none of the short-time execution means including the a short-time game means 216, the b short-time game means 217, and the c short-time game means 218 executes a new short-time game based on the determination result of the second special symbol determination executed in the ball entry facilitating state (electric support) including during the probability variable game and the short-time game.

[0197] The command output means 219 of the main control device 210 outputs a command including information related to effect control to the sub-integrated control device 220. The command output from the command output means 219 includes information indicating the start and end of the variable display of the special symbol, information indicating the continuous determination count Nh (reach counter Ct), and the like. In the present embodiment, the command output means 219 performs a special symbol retention number command transmission process (step S120 in FIG. 6), a normal symbol retention number command transmission process (step S170 in FIG. 7), a retention information transmission process (step S270 in FIG. 9), a special symbol variation start process (step S275 in FIG. 9), a determined symbol display process (step S285 in FIG. 8), a big win start effect process (step S336 in FIG. 10), a state designation command transmission process (step S390 in FIG. 12), a big win end command transmission process (step S510 in FIG. 15), a state designation command transmission process (step S520 in FIG. 15), etc., and outputs a command including information related to effect control to the sub-integrated control device 220.

[0198] The sub-integrated control device 220 includes a validity determination means 222 as a configuration related to effect control. Each configuration of the sub-integrated control device 220 is realized software-wise based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a part of various means of the sub-integrated control device 220 may be realized hardware-wise based on a circuit configuration.

[0199] The validity determination means 222 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a validity determination effect that suggests the determination result by the validity determination of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The validity determination means 222 is configured to be able to receive an output signal from an effect button 160, which is an operation reception means for receiving an operation from a player. The validity determination means 222 is configured to be able to change the validity determination effect according to the operation of the player received by the effect button 160.

[0200] Among the winning / losing presentations executed by the winning / losing presentation means 222, the first specific presentation SE1 that suggests the determination result by the winning / losing determination of the second special symbol pattern executed in the easy ball entry state (electric assist) including during the probability variable game and the time shortening game mainly includes presentations in which the presentation mode changes according to the variation pattern of the presentation symbol. The presentation in which the presentation mode changes according to the variation pattern of the presentation symbol in the first specific presentation SE1 performs a presentation on whether a reach is established according to the variation pattern of the presentation symbol, and when a reach is established, performs a presentation on whether to win according to the variation pattern of the presentation symbol. Thus, since there are roughly two types of presentations, by providing a rich variety of presentation mode patterns (for example, 300 patterns, etc.), the player is prevented from getting bored. In addition, the first specific presentation SE1 also includes various warning presentations along with the presentation mode. Further, the first specific presentation SE1 mainly includes a presentation (operation invalidation presentation) in which the presentation mode does not change according to the operation of the player received by the presentation button 160 during the first specific presentation SE1. In the present embodiment, 90% or more of the winning / losing presentations executed as the first specific presentation SE1 are operation invalidation presentations, and in other embodiments, all of the winning / losing presentations executed as the first specific presentation SE1 may be operation invalidation presentations.

[0201] Among the win / loss presentations executed by the win / loss presentation means 222, the second specific presentation SE2 that suggests the determination result by the win / loss determination of the second special symbol executed during the normal game mainly includes a presentation (operation-effective presentation) in which the presentation mode changes according to the operation of the player received by the presentation button 160 during the second specific presentation SE2. In the present embodiment, all of the win / loss presentations executed as the second specific presentation SE2 are operation-effective presentations. In other embodiments, 90% or more of the win / loss presentations executed as the second specific presentation SE2 may be operation-effective presentations. Originally, the situation where the win / loss determination of the second special symbol is performed during the normal game is mostly due to the second hold memory remaining when the time-saving game ends. Therefore, although the number of times the second specific presentation is continuously performed is limited, in the present embodiment, since the time-saving game is executed by winning the time-saving during the win / loss determination of the second special symbol in the normal game state, each variation of the second specific presentation SE2 is regarded as more important than the first specific presentation SE1. Therefore, in the second specific presentation SE2, it is conceivable to omit the presentation of whether or not a reach is established and start from the presentation of whether or not all variations win. Since the second specific presentation SE2 has limited opportunities for the number of variations and omits the presentation of whether or not a reach is established, the pattern of the presentation mode is also smaller than that of the first specific presentation SE1. In the second specific presentation SE2, since the presentation mode is limited, the preannouncement presentation is also less than that of the first specific presentation SE1. By making the second specific presentation SE2 a relatively simple presentation with a small number of patterns, the difference in the presentation mode from the first specific presentation SE1 becomes prominent, and a special feeling can also be given to the second specific presentation SE2.

[0202] In this embodiment, the operation-effective presentation in the second specific presentation SE2 is a presentation in which the presentation mode indicating whether or not a short game of type c is won changes according to the operation of the player received by the presentation button 160 during the second specific presentation SE2. In other embodiments, the operation-effective presentation in the second specific presentation SE2 may be a presentation in which the presentation mode indicating whether or not at least one of a big win, a small win, and a short game of type c is won changes according to the operation of the player received by the presentation button 160 during the second specific presentation SE2.

[0203] In this embodiment, the game configuration is such that no ball enters the second start port 452 during normal games. Therefore, the second specific presentation SE2 is executed as a win / loss presentation corresponding to the second hold memory remaining when the probability-variable game ends without winning a big win, or as a win / loss presentation corresponding to the second hold memory remaining when a short game (short game of type a, short game of type b, and short game of type c) ends without winning a big win.

[0204] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific presentation SE1 during a probability-variable game. The presentation screen 550 is a screen that constitutes a series of win / loss presentations displayed on the presentation symbol display device 480 during the probability-variable game. The win / loss presentation by the presentation screen 550 is a presentation (operation-invalid presentation) in which the presentation mode does not change according to the operation of the player received by the presentation button 160 during the win / loss presentation. The presentation screen 550 includes a presentation symbol display area 501, a right-hit suggestion image 552, a state suggestion image 554, and a character image 556.

[0205] The effect symbol display area 501 is an area that displays effect symbols according to the winning or losing result of special symbols. As a basic aspect, the effect symbol display area 501 is composed of three horizontally arranged areas. In order from the left, the left effect symbol 501a, the central effect symbol 501b, and the right effect symbol 501c are variably displayed respectively. After starting the variable display of the three effect symbols, the effect symbol display area 501 temporarily stops the left effect symbol 501a in a swaying state. Following the temporary stop of the left effect symbol 501a, the effect symbol display area 501 temporarily stops the right effect symbol 501c in a swaying state. Following the temporary stop of the right effect symbol 501c, the central effect symbol 501b is temporarily stopped in a swaying state. After temporarily stopping the three effect symbols, the effect symbol display area 501 fixedly displays the three temporarily stopped effect symbols in a completely stopped state. When a big win symbol is fixedly displayed on the first special symbol display device 473 or the second special symbol display device 475, the effect symbol display area 501 fixedly displays a combination of effect symbols (for example, a combination where the three effect symbols are aligned) that suggests a big win.

[0206] The effect symbol display area 501 may produce an effect as to whether the right effect symbol 501c temporarily stops (so-called "reach" state) with the same symbol as the left effect symbol 501a by changing the display mode (for example, moving speed, size, color, etc.) of the right effect symbol 501c while only the left effect symbol 501a is temporarily stopped. The effect symbol display area 501 produces an effect as to whether the central effect symbol 501b temporarily stops (so-called "big win confirmed" state) with the same symbol as other effect symbols, or whether it develops into an effect with a higher expectation of a big win (so-called "super reach" state) in a reach state where the left effect symbol 501a and the right effect symbol 501c temporarily stop with the same symbol. The effect symbol display area 501 produces an effect as to whether the central effect symbol 501b temporarily stops (so-called "big win confirmed" state) with the same symbol as other effect symbols in a super reach state.

[0207] The right-hit suggestion image 552 on the performance screen 550 is an image that suggests to the player the driving of a game ball to the right side of the game area GA (so-called "right hit"). In the present embodiment, the right-hit suggestion image 552 is arranged along the upper end of the performance screen 550, and is an image that sequentially horizontally moves the characters of "right hit" arranged alternately in the horizontal direction and the arrow facing the right side from the left end to the right end of the performance screen 550. In the game by right hitting, it is expected that the game ball will enter the normal symbol operation gate 430, the second start port 452, and the big winning port 460, and it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the first start port 451. In the game by driving the game ball to the left side of the game area GA (so-called "left hit"), it is expected that the game ball will enter the first start port 451, and it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the normal symbol operation gate 430, the second start port 452, and the big winning port 460.

[0208] The state suggestion image 554 on the performance screen 550 is an image that suggests that the game state is the probability variable state. In the present embodiment, the state suggestion image 554 is an image that displays the characters of "Probability Variable Tatsu-kichi Chance", which is the name of the probability variable state, and the characters indicating the number of fluctuations of the special symbol remaining until the end of the probability variable state. The character image 556 on the performance screen 550 is an image that shows "Tatsu-kichi the Bear" which is an anthropomorphic bear. In the present embodiment, the character image 556 is an image that shows "Tatsu-kichi the Bear" with a happy expression.

[0209] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific performance SE1 during the a-time short game. The performance screen 510 is a screen that constitutes a series of win / loss performances displayed on the performance symbol display device 480 during the a-time short game. The win / loss performance by the performance screen 510 is a performance (operation invalid performance) in which the performance mode does not change according to the operation of the player received by the performance button 160 during the win / loss performance.

[0210] The performance screen 510 includes a performance symbol display area 501, a right-hit suggestion image 512, a state suggestion image 514, and a character image 516. The performance symbol display area 501 of the performance screen 510 is the same as the performance symbol display area 501 of the performance screen 550. The right-hit suggestion image 512 of the performance screen 510 is the same as the right-hit suggestion image 552 of the performance screen 550.

[0211] The state suggestion image 514 of the performance screen 510 is an image suggesting that the gaming state is the a-time-short state. In the present embodiment, the state suggestion image 514 is an image displaying the characters of "Tatsukichi Chance", which is the name of the a-time-short state, and the characters indicating the number of fluctuations of the special symbol remaining until the end of the a-time-short state. The character image 516 on the performance screen 510 is an image showing the anthropomorphic bear "Tatsukichi the Bear". In the present embodiment, the character image 516 is an image showing the expressionless "Tatsukichi the Bear".

[0212] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific performance SE1 during the b-time-short game. The performance screen 520 is a screen constituting a series of win / loss performances displayed on the performance symbol display device 480 during the b-time-short game. The win / loss performance by the performance screen 520 is a performance (operation-invalid performance) in which the performance mode does not change according to the operation of the player received by the performance button 160 during the win / loss performance.

[0213] The performance screen 520 includes a performance symbol display area 501, a right-hit suggestion image 522, a state suggestion image 524, and a character image 526. The performance symbol display area 501 of the performance screen 520 is the same as the performance symbol display area 501 of the performance screen 550. The right-hit suggestion image 522 of the performance screen 520 is the same as the right-hit suggestion image 552 of the performance screen 550.

[0214] The state suggestion image 524 of the performance screen 520 is an image suggesting that the gaming state is the b-time-short state. In the present embodiment, the state suggestion image 524 is an image displaying the characters of "Play Time", which is the name of the b-time-short state. The character image 526 on the performance screen 520 is an image showing the anthropomorphic cat.

[0215] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific effect SE1 during the c-time short game. The effect screen 530 is a screen that constitutes a series of win / loss effects displayed on the effect symbol display device 480 during the c-time short game. The win / loss effect by the effect screen 530 is an effect (operation-invalid effect) in which the effect mode does not change according to the operation of the player received by the effect button 160 during the win / loss effect.

[0216] The effect screen 530 includes an effect symbol display area 501s, a right-hit suggestion image 532, a state suggestion image 534, and a character image 536. The effect symbol display area 501s of the effect screen 530 is the same as the effect symbol display area 501 of the effect screen 550, except that it is a smaller area than the effect symbol display area 501. The right-hit suggestion image 532 of the effect screen 530 is the same as the right-hit suggestion image 552 of the effect screen 550.

[0217] The state suggestion image 534 of the effect screen 530 is an image that suggests that the game state is the c-time short state. In the present embodiment, the state suggestion image 534 is an image that displays the characters of "Ultra Tatsukichi Chance", which is the name of the c-time short state, and that winning a big hit will be selected if the rock is destroyed in the effect by the character image 536. The character image 526 of the effect screen 530 is an image that displays an effect in which a karateka tries to destroy a rock.

[0218] Figs. 25 and 26 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the second specific effect SE2. The effect screens 540a, 540b, and 540c in Fig. 25 are screens that constitute a series of win / loss effects displayed on the effect symbol display device 480 when the determination result of the win / loss determination of the second hold memory remaining when the probability variation game or the time-saving game ends is a loss. The effect screens 540a, 540b, and 540d in Fig. 26 are screens that constitute a series of win / loss effects displayed on the effect symbol display device 480 when the determination result of the win / loss determination of the second hold memory remaining when the probability variation game or the time-saving game ends is a win in the time-saving game. The win / loss effects in Figs. 25 and 26 are effects (operation-effective effects) in which the effect mode changes according to the operation of the player received by the effect button 160 during the win / loss effect. In the present embodiment, the win / loss effects in Figs. 25 and 26 are effect modes indicating whether or not a win is achieved in the time-saving game.

[0219] The effect screens 540a in Figs. 25 and 26 are screens displayed at the start of the second specific effect SE2. The effect screen 540a includes an effect symbol display area 502s, a hold symbol display area 503, a left-hit suggestion image 542, and a character image 546. The effect symbol display area 502s is the same as the effect symbol display area 501s except that three effect symbols are definitely displayed simultaneously without being temporarily stopped. The hold symbol display area 503 is an area for displaying hold symbols indicating the existence of the second hold memory. The hold symbol display area 503 displays one hold symbol for each second hold memory. When the preceding second hold memory is consumed, the hold symbol display area 503 erases the hold symbol corresponding to that second hold memory and slides the hold symbol corresponding to the subsequent second hold memory to the left. The left-hit suggestion image 542 is an image that suggests left-hit to the player. In the present embodiment, the left-hit suggestion image 542 is arranged along the upper end of the effect screen 540a and is an image in which the characters "left-hit" arranged alternately in the horizontal direction and the arrows facing left are sequentially moved horizontally from the right end to the left end of the effect screen 540a. The character image 546 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear" with closed eyes. The character image 546 includes an image indicating that if Tatsukichi opens his eyes, a super Tatsukichi chance (time-saving game) will be won.

[0220] The effect screens 540b in FIGS. 25 and 26 are screens that are displayed following the effect screen 540a. The effect screen 540b includes, in addition to the hold symbol display area 503 and the left-win suggestion image 542, similar to the effect screen 540a, an operation suggestion image 548 and a level display image 549. The operation suggestion image 548 is an image that prompts the player to operate the effect button 160. In the present embodiment, it includes an image depicting the effect button 160, the character "Push it!", and an arrow prompting the pressing of the effect button 160. The level display image 549 is an image that displays an effect in which the inside of the frame is filled from left to right each time the effect button 160 is pressed. When the determination result of the success or failure determination of the second hold memory is a miss, the level display image 549 displays an image that stops at a predetermined level without the inside of the frame being completely filled. When the determination result of the success or failure determination of the second hold memory wins the c-time short game, the level display image 549 displays an image in which the inside of the frame is completely filled based on pressing the effect button 160 a predetermined number of times or more within the limited time.

[0221] The effect screen 540c in FIG. 25 is a screen that is displayed following the effect screen 540b when the determination result of the success or failure determination of the second hold memory is a miss. The effect screen 540c includes, in addition to the effect symbol display area 502s, the hold symbol display area 503, and the left-win suggestion image 542, similar to the effect screen 540a, a character image 547x. When displaying the effect screen 540c, the effect symbol display area 502s changes from a state of variably displaying three effect symbols to simultaneously determining and displaying the three effect symbols without temporarily stopping them, and displays a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the losing symbols. The character image 547x is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear" with its eyes closed, similar to the character image 546. The character image 547x includes an image that displays the character "Too bad" suggesting that the determination result is a miss.

[0222] The effect screen 540d in FIG. 26 is a screen that is displayed following the effect screen 540b when the determination result of the second hold memory's success or failure determination wins the c-time short game. The effect screen 540d includes an effect symbol display area 502s, a hold symbol display area 503, and a character image 547z, similar to the effect screen 540a. When displaying the effect screen 540d, the effect symbol display area 502s changes from a state where three effect symbols are variably displayed to simultaneously fixedly display the three effect symbols without temporarily stopping, and displays a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the winning symbols of the c-time short game (in this embodiment, the combination where the central effect symbol 501b becomes the "T" symbol). The character image 547z is an image showing "Takeshi the Bear" with open eyes and a happy expression. The character image 547z includes an image that displays characters suggesting that the determination result is a win in the c-time short game. Since the c-time short win is the timing of winning with the remaining second special figure hold memory when the probability variable state or the time short state (a, b, c-time short) ends and returns to the normal game state, the player can shift to another advantageous time short state (300 times in this embodiment) when they think the advantageous state has ended, which can bring great joy to the player.

[0223] FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing that the contents of the first specific effect and the second specific effect differ depending on the game state. In the easy ball entry state, since it is easy to enter the second special figure start port, the win or loss lottery in this state mainly focuses on the second special figure. Therefore, in order to enhance the effect power, a variable effect with multiple effect periods is performed, including an effect showing whether a reach is established and an effect showing the determination result of the win or loss determination when a reach is established. As a result, the player can enjoy the game in multiple stages, first expecting whether a reach is established with each variation and then expecting whether they win when a reach is established. On the other hand, in the normal game state, since it is difficult to enter the second special figure start port, the win or loss lottery in this state mainly focuses on the first special figure. The win or loss lottery for the second special figure in such a situation is mostly carried out when there is a remaining hold memory of the second special figure and a variation occurs when shifting from the easy ball entry state to the normal game state. Therefore, the variation by the second special figure in the normal game state is limited.

[0224] However, in the case of this embodiment, in the normal game state, in addition to the hit and winning selection, there is a possibility of a short-time winning selection at c in the second special figure. Therefore, although the opportunity for variation is small, it is a special variation that players can expect hits and short-time wins. By starting from the effect that shows the judgment result of the right or wrong judgment (it can also be said that all variation effects are reach effects) without the effect that shows whether or not a reach is established, the sense of expectation can be further enhanced. Since the second specific effect does not perform an effect indicating whether or not a reach is established, the variation effect by the effect symbols is not very important in terms of the effect, and it is conceivable to display it small if it is displayed. Also, if there is a configuration to display a hold symbol on the effect display device in the normal game state, it may be a configuration not to display the hold symbol during the second specific effect. Since it is difficult to enter the ball into the start opening of the second special figure, there is almost no addition of hold memory, and since the number of variations by the second special figure is limited, there is no major problem even if the number of hold memories is not notified. Conversely, by not notifying, the player can be given a sense of tension by making it impossible to know how many times the second specific effect, which is a special effect state, is performed. Conversely, a configuration is also conceivable in which the hold symbol is displayed and the number of times is clearly notified in the second specific effect, and the hold symbol is not displayed in the first specific effect. By doing so, when it is easy to enter the ball into the start opening of the second special figure, the number of hold memories is less likely to be interrupted, so there is no problem even if the display of the hold symbol is omitted. In the first specific effect, since the number of times is limited, by clearly notifying the number of times, the player can be informed of how many chances there are for the short-time winning selection at c.

[0225] Figs. 28 and 29 are explanatory diagrams showing the production patterns of each of the first specific production and the second specific production. The first specific production includes "loss" as a production indicating whether a reach is established or not, and as a variable production until the production symbol reaches (for example, when two out of three symbols are the same and temporarily stop, it is considered a reach), it has a plurality of patterns (variable times) for 0, 1, and 2 - 4 holds respectively. Even after a reach is established, there are various reaches, each of which has a large number of production patterns (sub - classifications) in detail. The second specific production only shows the production result of the pass - fail judgment, so as a major classification, it only has "SP reach". However, since there is also a short - time win at c, production patterns for short - time win at c are added to the medium classification. Even if production patterns (sub - classifications) for short - time win at c are added, the number is less than the total number of production patterns (total number of sub - classifications) of the first specific production. The first specific production has more stages and richer winning or losing patterns compared to the second specific production, such as (1) whether a reach is established or not, (2) if a reach is established, whether it wins, loses, or develops into an SP reach, (3) if it develops into an SP reach, whether it wins or loses, (4) if it loses, whether it wins with a revival production or the loss is confirmed without a revival production, and thus makes the variable production interesting in terms of how it unfolds. On the other hand, the second specific production has fewer stages, such as (1) whether it wins, wins in a short - time at c, or loses, (2) if it loses, whether it wins with a revival production, wins in a short - time at c with a revival win, or the loss is confirmed without a revival production. However, due to the increased number of options of winning, winning in a short - time at c, and losing, even if the variable production itself has a small number of patterns, the pass - fail judgment results are rich, so the result notification itself can be enjoyable. It should be noted that it is not the case that the first specific aspect necessarily includes a production indicating whether a reach is established or not, and the second specific aspect necessarily does not include a production indicating whether a reach is established or not. As long as the main production configuration is the above - mentioned configuration.

[0226] Figs. 30, 31, and 32 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a target achievement effect (mission effect). When the effect screen 560a shown in Fig. 30(1) starts to change, an effect where the character image 566 confronts a large rock starts. At that time, the effect symbol display area 504s is displayed small. Then, a character image of "If you can break the rock, you get a c-time reduction!" is displayed, indicating that if the character image 566 can break the large rock, the c-time reduction will activate. The effect screens 560b shown in Fig. 30(2) and 560c shown in Fig. 30(3) show successful examples of the mission effect. An effect where the character image 566 tries to break the rock is performed. When the rock can be broken, a character image of "Breakthrough successful!" is displayed, and the c-time reduction activates. In this case, the c-time reduction state will be entered from the next change. Also, if it is a win instead of a non-winning c-time reduction, it is conceivable that a character image such as "Big win!" will appear from the broken rock to give notice. In this embodiment, the second special figure changes in the normal game state when the ball entry easy state ends and the game shifts to the normal game state, and when the hold memory of the second special figure remains and causes a change. Also, since the c-time reduction winning probability is higher than the big win winning probability, the main purpose of the change effect is to determine whether or not to win the c-time reduction, and it is considered that the big win is treated as a rare case. Of course, it may be effected as a big win or not depending on the difference in the winning probabilities and the number of time reduction times given by the c-time reduction.

[0227] The effect screens 560d shown in Fig. 31(4) and 560e shown in Fig. 31(5) show failed examples of the mission effect. An effect where the character image 566 tries to break the rock is performed. When the rock cannot be broken, a character image of "Breakthrough failed" is displayed. In this embodiment, when the mission effect fails, the effect symbols also stop in the arrangement of losing symbols, and the change effect ends.

[0228] From the above description, since the second specific effect may vary up to 4 times continuously when the upper limit of the number of hold memories is 4 (in the case of the second special figure priority variation), as a goal achievement effect (mission effect), it may be presented in a configuration of 4 challenges (or the number of times corresponding to the number of hold memories of the second special figure at the end of the easy scoring state). Also, when presenting in a configuration of 4 challenges, the first time could be rock destruction, the second time could be searching for the enemy boss (mission successful if found), the third time could be defeating the enemy boss (mission successful if won in the battle), and the fourth time could be resurrection (mission successful if standing up again from the position of kneeling after losing to the enemy boss in the third time). It is also conceivable to make the mission content of different goals and related sequences enjoyable for the player.

[0229] Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a goal achievement effect (mission effect) of a different configuration. Starting from the effect where the character image 566 confronts a large rock as in Fig. 30(1), the player is prompted to operate the effect button with the effect image 570b shown in Fig. 32(2), and a configuration is adopted to display whether the operation was successful or failed when the button is operated during the valid period. Note that when the valid period of the button operation ends, the result is displayed even if the button has not been operated. And when successful, similar to the effect screen 560c shown in Fig. 30(3), the c-time shortening is activated. Thus, since the second specific effect has few opportunities to be executed but has a high probability of success and the c-time shortening can also be expected, it is also conceivable to enable the operation of the effect button for each variation and configure it so that the player actively requests the display of the determination result. Thereby, the player can enhance the sense of expectation for the second specific effect.

[0230] B. Other Embodiments The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, among the technical features in the above-described embodiments, examples, and modifications, those corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention column can be appropriately replaced and combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. In addition, technical features not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

[0231] At least a part of the above-described embodiments can be applied to an enclosed pachinko machine. An enclosed pachinko machine is a pachinko machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside the pachinko machine, and the enclosed game balls are launched toward the game area of the game board, and then the game balls recovered from the game area are reused for launching into the game area, thereby circulating and using the game balls enclosed inside for the game.

[0232] In the above-described embodiment, all of the second specific effects SE2 may be effects in which the effect mode changes according to an operation from the player received by the effect button 160 during the second specific effect ES2. As a result, in all of the second specific effects ES2 that may win the c-time short game, the effect mode changes according to the operation of the effect button 160 from the player (the effect screens 540a to 540d in FIGS. 25 and 26), so that the player's interest can be further attracted to the winning of the c-time short game.

[0233] The operation-effective effect in the second specific effect SE2 is not limited to the effects in the above-described embodiment, and may be other effects in which the effect mode changes according to the operation of the player.

[0234] The operation-effective performance in the second specific performance SE2 may be executed only when displaying the determination result of the validity determination of the second reserved memory remaining when the probability-variable game or the time-saving game ends, or may also be executed exceptionally when a ball enters the second start port 452 during the normal game. If it is executed only for the remaining reserved memory when the probability-variable game or the time-saving game ends, the sub-integrated control device selects a dedicated performance content when the second special figure fluctuates immediately after shifting from the probability-variable game or the time-saving game to the normal game state, and selects other performance content when the second special figure fluctuates at other timings. With such a configuration, the second specific performance can be regarded as a special performance that is performed only after the probability-variable game or the time-saving game ends. Also, if all fluctuations of the second special figure during the normal game are to be the second specific performance, it can be made into a game property where there is a possibility of always shifting to the second specific performance not only at the end of the probability-variable game or the time-saving game but also during the normal game. Also, although a configuration in which winning the c-time-saving selection is invalid even in the easy ball-entry state has been described, a configuration in which winning the c-time-saving selection is valid may also be used. In that case, it is conceivable to provide the possibility of winning the c-time-saving selection as a variable performance also in the first specific performance. At that time, it may be configured such that winning the c-time-saving selection is invalid even in the normal game state. In that case, it is conceivable to reverse the first specific performance and the second specific performance.

Explanation of Signs

[0235] 10…Pachinko gaming machine 80…Card unit 90…Hall computer 110…Outer frame 112…Hinge 120…Inner frame 120s…Inner frame opening switch 122…Hinge 124…Upper plate 126…Lower plate 126s…Full cup switch 128…Keyhole 130…Front frame 130s…Front frame opening switch 132…Transparent plate 134…Electric decoration (frame electric decoration) 136…Speaker 140…Handle 140b…Handle volume 140m…Launch motor 140s…Launch stop switch 140t…Touch switch 152…Remaining credit display device 154…Ball lending switch 156…Settlement switch 160…Effect button 172…Game ball tank 172s…Ball depletion switch 174…Payout device 174d…Payout motor 174s…Payout switch 210…Main control device 210m…RAM 212…Judgment means 212a…First judgment means 212b…Second judgment means 214…Special game means 215…Probability variable game means 216…a time reduction game means 217…b time reduction game means 218…c time reduction game means 219…Command output means 220…Sub-integrated control device 222…Game state judgment means 230…Effect symbol control device 240…Payout control device 250…Launch control device 260…Back wiring relay terminal board 265…External connection terminal board 270…Payout relay terminal board 280…Card unit terminal board 290…Power supply board 292…Power switch 294…RAM clear switch 302…Setting change switch 304…Setting modification switch 400…Game board 402…Board surface 404…Guide rail 408…Game peg 409…Windmill peg 410…Center case 414…Electric decoration (board surface electric decoration) 420s…General winning port switch 421…Normal winning port 430…Normal symbol operation gate 430s…Operation gate switch 440…Normal electric accessory 440d…Normal electric accessory solenoid 451…First start port 451s…First start port switch 452…Second start port 452s…Second start port switch 460…Big winning port 460d…Big winning port solenoid 460s…Count switch 471…Normal symbol display device 472…Normal symbol hold display device 473…First special symbol display device 474…First special symbol hold display device 475…Second special symbol display device 476…Second special symbol hold display device 480…Effect symbol display device 501,501s,502s…Performance handle display area 501a…Left performance handle 501b…Center performance handle 501c…Right performance handle 503…Pending handle display area 510…Performance screen 512…Right hit suggestion image 514…Status suggestion image 516…Character image 520…Performance screen 522…Right hit suggestion image 524…Status suggestion image 526…Character image 530…Performance screen 532…Right hit suggestion image 534…Status suggestion image 536…Character image 540a…Performance screen 540b…Performance screen 540c…Performance screen 540d…Performance screen 542…Left hit suggestion image 546…Character image 547x…Character image 547z…Character image 548…Operation suggestion image 549…Level display image 550…Performance screen 552…Right hit suggestion image 554…Status suggestion image 556…Character image 560a…Performance screen 560b…Performance screen 560c…Performance screen 560d…Performance screen 560e…Performance screen 566…Character image 505s…Performance handle display area 570a…Performance screen 570b…Performance screen 570c…Performance screen,

Claims

【Claim 1】 A first pass / fail determination means for executing a first pass / fail determination based on the entry into the first start port; A first hold storage means for holding and storing data used for the first pass / fail determination; A second pass / fail determination means for executing a second pass / fail determination based on the entry into the second start port; A second hold storage means for holding and storing data used for the second pass / fail determination; Special game means for executing a special game more advantageous to the player than the normal game based on the determination result of the first pass / fail determination or the second pass / fail determination; Ball entry facilitation means for setting a ball entry facilitated state in which the entry into the second start port becomes easier than in the normal game; Pass / fail presentation means for suggesting the determination result by the first pass / fail determination or the second pass / fail determination using presentation symbols; comprising A pachinko machine that switches to the ball entry facilitated state when the game state is the normal game and does not switch when the game state is the ball entry facilitated state when at least a specific determination result different from the special game is selected by the second pass / fail determination, Among the pass / fail presentations, a first specific presentation for suggesting the determination result by the second pass / fail determination executed in the ball entry facilitated state performs a presentation on whether or not a reach is established using the presentation symbols, and when the reach is established, performs a presentation for suggesting the determination result, and has a first number of patterns as a presentation mode, Among the pass / fail presentations, a second specific presentation for suggesting the determination result by the second pass / fail determination executed during the normal game does not perform a presentation on whether or not the reach is established, and performs a presentation for suggesting the determination result with a second number of patterns less than the first number of patterns, In the first specific presentation, the notification of the hold storage is not performed, and in the second specific presentation, the notification of the hold storage is performed A pachinko machine characterized by this.

Images