gaming machines

Abstract

To enhance interest in a game in a type 1 / type 2 mixed machine.SOLUTION: A privilege game state for allowing game balls to more easily enter a start pocket than a normal game state is composed of a first privilege game state and a second privilege game state, and a condition for shifting from the privilege game state to the normal game state is allowed to differ between the first privilege game state and the second privilege game state. At least in the first privilege game state, a game machine is constituted such that the first privilege game state is shifted to the second privilege game state when a special pattern is stopped and displayed with a predetermined pattern mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, when a jackpot is hit during play, a jackpot game operation is executed, which repeatedly opens and closes the jackpot opening. Among these gaming machines, those called Type 1 gaming machines require a special symbol, which changes when a ball enters the starting opening, to stop and display in the jackpot pattern. In addition, those called Type 2 gaming machines require a gaming ball to pass through a specific area inside the jackpot opening to require a jackpot.

[0002] Furthermore, gaming machines known as Type 1 / Type 2 hybrid machines combine the jackpot conditions of Type 1 and Type 2 gaming machines, achieving unique gameplay by combining the two types of jackpot conditions. Specifically, a Type 1 gaming machine is configured to transition to a bonus gaming state (such as a time-saving gaming state) in which a Type 2 gaming machine's jackpot (a special jackpot) is more likely to occur upon the occurrence of a jackpot (a special jackpot). The bonus gaming state termination conditions include a continuation termination condition that can easily lead to the next bonus gaming state via a jackpot game activation, and a non-continuation termination condition that makes it difficult to lead to the next bonus gaming state. In such a bonus gaming state, by continuing to satisfy the continuation termination condition without satisfying the non-continuation termination condition, a player may be able to repeatedly win bonus jackpots in a short period of time, thereby generating a so-called consecutive win, and winning a large number of balls.

[0003] Furthermore, in such a type 1 / type 2 hybrid machine, a configuration has been proposed in which the end condition of the bonus game state is changed depending on the trigger for starting the bonus game state (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-103616 A, paragraph

[0235] Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, multiple types of termination conditions are selectively set at the start of the bonus game state, but the termination conditions set at the start are not changed until the bonus game state ends. Therefore, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, although various termination conditions are set in the bonus game state, in any case, the gameplay during the bonus game state is monotonous, with players aiming to achieve consecutive wins by satisfying the continuation termination condition before the set non-continuation termination condition is satisfied.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the current situation, and aims to provide a configuration that can increase the enjoyment of playing on a one-type two-type mixed machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a first starting port into which a gaming ball can always enter, a second starting port that can be changed between a state in which the gaming ball can enter easily and a state in which the gaming ball cannot enter easily, a special symbol display device that displays a special symbol, special symbol display control means that, when a ball enters the first starting port or the second starting port, causes the special symbol to be displayed variably and then to be displayed stationary, a large prize opening that can be opened and closed, a specific area provided inside the large prize opening, small prize control means that, when the special symbol is displayed stationary in a small prize symbol mode, executes a small prize game operation in which the large prize opening is opened once, and a control means that, when the gaming ball enters the specific area inside the large prize opening due to the small prize game operation, or when the special symbol is displayed stationary in a large prize symbol mode, opens the large prize opening multiple times. and a game state control means for controlling the game state between a normal game state and a bonus game state in which it is easier to score a ball into the second starting hole than in the normal game state, wherein the game state control means transitions the game state to the normal game state when a predetermined bonus end condition is met in the bonus game state, and the bonus game state includes a first bonus game state and a second bonus game state in which the bonus end conditions are different, and the game state control means transitions from the first bonus game state to the second bonus game state when, at least in the first bonus game state, the special pattern is stopped and displayed in a predetermined pattern form different from the jackpot pattern form.

[0008] In this configuration, when the special symbol stops in a predetermined pattern, the first bonus game state is transitioned to the second bonus game state, and the bonus termination condition of the bonus game state is changed without ending the bonus game state, thereby varying the game characteristics of the bonus game state, so that the game during the bonus game state becomes more varied than before. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest in playing with a type 1 / 2 hybrid machine.

[0009] In the present invention, a configuration is proposed in which the special pattern is more likely to be displayed in the predetermined pattern form and the small win pattern form after a change in the special pattern caused by the ball entering the second starting hole than after a change in the special pattern caused by the ball entering the first starting hole. In this configuration, it is possible to create a large difference in the degree of advantage between the normal game state, in which it is relatively difficult to get the ball into the second starting hole, and the bonus game state, in which it is relatively easy to get the ball into the second starting hole, so that a well-balanced game can be realized between the normal game state and the bonus game state.

[0010] Furthermore, in the present invention, a configuration is proposed in which the bonus termination condition is satisfied in one of the first bonus game state and the second bonus game state when the special pattern is stopped and displayed a predetermined number of times in a small win pattern form, and the bonus termination condition is not satisfied in the other of the first bonus game state and the second bonus game state even if the special pattern is stopped and displayed a predetermined number of times in a small win pattern form. In this configuration, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small winning symbol mode, it becomes possible to enjoy different game contents in the first special game state and the second special game state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing (A) a closed state and (B) an open state of a specific opening 25 provided inside the second large prize opening device 21. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram explaining some of the game specifications. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the game state. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram showing game characteristics in the normal gaming state. [Figure 8]A state transition diagram showing the game characteristics in the temporary short play state. [Figure 9] A state transition diagram showing the game characteristics in the second time-shortened game state. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a state transition diagram showing the basic flow of a game. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main routine. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the start winning processing. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart 1 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart 2 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart 3 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 16] Flowchart 4 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart 5 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart 6 showing the process of determining whether a special drawing is correct or not. [Figure 19] 1 is a flowchart 1 showing a jackpot game process. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the jackpot game processing. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart 3 showing a jackpot game process. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart 1 showing a small win game process. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart 2 showing the small win game processing. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart 3 showing the small win game processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the following examples and other examples may be combined as appropriate.

[0013] [Configuration Description] (1) Overall structure The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a type 1 / type 2 mixed gaming machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51, which forms a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. An inner frame (not shown) is attached to the outer frame 51 via hinges 53 provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51 so that it can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 51, and a front frame (glass frame) 52 is attached to the front of the inner frame so that it can be opened and closed relative to the inner frame. A glass plate 61 is detachably attached to the front frame 52. A game board 2 (Fig. 2) attached to the inner frame is disposed on the far side (rear side) of the glass plate 61.

[0014] Speakers 66 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and the game sounds and alarm sounds emitted from the speakers 66 enhance the entertainment value of the game and alert the player. The front frame 52 also has a plurality of decorative lamps 65 on the frame side that light up depending on the game status, enhancing the entertainment value of the game through this illumination. An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally provided at the bottom of the front frame 52, and a launch handle 64 is provided to the right of the lower tray 63. When the player rotates the launch handle 64 clockwise, it operates a launching device (not shown) to launch game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 toward the game area 3 of the game board 2.

[0015] Prize balls and loan balls are paid out to the upper tray 55. The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that overflow from the upper tray 55, and is equipped with a ball removal lever (not shown) that ejects game balls in the lower tray 63. By operating this ball removal lever, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box).

[0016] The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called CR machine, and is provided adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a CR settlement display device 95 (see FIG. 4) that has a lending button 57, a settlement button 58, and a balance display device 59. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 55, there are provided an effect button 67 and a jog dial 68 that can be operated by the player.

[0017] 2 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is provided with a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 2a and 2b, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case 5 is disposed in the center of the game area 3, and an LCD screen of a performance symbol display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 5 so as to be visible from the front. The center case 5 is also provided with a warp entrance, warp passage, stage, etc. (not shown).

[0018] A first starting opening 11 is disposed directly below the center case 5, and a normal symbol activation gate 17 and a second starting opening 12 are disposed one above the other to the right of the center case 5. The first starting opening 11 is configured to allow game balls to enter at all times. On the other hand, the second starting opening 12 is configured with a normal electric device 13 equipped with openable wings, and game balls can enter only when the wings are open. The normal symbol activation gate 17 is configured to allow game balls to pass through at all times.

[0019] A first large prize opening device 15 equipped with a first large prize opening 14 is disposed below the normal electric device 13. The first large prize opening device 15 is equipped with an opening / closing piece (not shown) that is operable to switch between an upright position that closes the first large prize opening 14 and a tilted position that tilts forward from the upright position to open the first large prize opening 14. When the opening / closing piece is in the upright position, the first large prize opening 14 is in a closed state where game balls cannot enter the first large prize opening 14, and when the opening / closing piece is in the tilted position, the first large prize opening 14 is in an open state where game balls can enter the first large prize opening 14. The first large prize opening device 15 is equipped with a first large prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 4) that operates the opening / closing piece to open and close, and the opening / closing piece can be controlled to switch between the closed state and the open state by controlling the drive of the first large prize opening solenoid 14b.

[0020] Furthermore, a second large prize opening device 21 equipped with a second large prize opening 20 is disposed below the first large prize opening device 15. The second large prize opening device 21 is equipped with an opening / closing piece (not shown) that is operable to switch between an upright position that closes the second large prize opening 20 and a tilted position that tilts forward from the upright position to open the second large prize opening 20. When the opening / closing piece is in the upright position, the second large prize opening 20 is in a closed state where game balls cannot enter the second large prize opening 20, and when the opening / closing piece is in the tilted position, the second large prize opening 20 is in an open state where game balls can enter the second large prize opening 20. The second large prize opening device 21 is equipped with a second large prize opening solenoid 20b (see FIG. 4) that operates the opening / closing piece to open and close, and the opening / closing piece can be controlled to switch between the closed state and the open state by controlling the drive of the second large prize opening solenoid 20b.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the second large prize opening device 21 has an internal area 23 into which gaming balls that have entered the second large prize opening 20 flow down, and the internal area 23 is provided with a ball outlet 24 through which gaming balls that have entered the second large prize opening 20 flow out into the internal area 23, a specific opening 25 and general openings 26, 26 into which gaming balls that have flowed out from the ball outlet 24 can enter, and shutter leaves 27, 27 for opening and closing the specific opening 25. The shutter leaves 27, 27 are operable to change their positions between an upright position (Figure 3(B)) that opens the specific opening 25 and a tilted position (Figure 3(A)) that tilts inward from the upright position to close the specific opening 25, and are operated to the upright position and the tilted position by a specific opening solenoid 25b (see Figure 4) provided in the second large prize opening device 21. As shown in Figure 3(A), when the shutter leaves 27, 27 are in the tilted position, gaming balls that flow into the second large winning opening 20 cannot enter the specific opening 25, but instead enter the general openings 26, 26. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3(B), when the shutter leaves 27, 27 are in the upright position, most gaming balls that flow into the second large winning opening 20 can enter the specific opening 25. The second large prize opening device 21 is provided with a transparent plate (not shown) that covers the front of its internal area 23, and is disposed so that the transparent plate is embedded in the game board 2 so that it is flush with the game board 2. This allows the player to see the progress of the game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 20 until it enters the specific opening 25 or the general openings 26, 26.

[0022] 2, four general winning holes 31 are provided to the left of the first starting hole 11. These general winning holes 31 are configured to always accept game balls. Furthermore, an outlet 16 is provided at the most downstream part of the game area 3, and if a game ball launched into the game area 3 does not enter any of the winning holes or starting holes, it will enter the outlet 16.

[0023] The gaming area 3 has a left flow area 3a where gaming balls flow down the left side of the central center case 5, and a right flow area 3b where gaming balls flow down the right side of the center case 5. When a gaming ball is hit to the right, the gaming ball that passes over the center case 5 flows down the right flow area 3b, and when a gaming ball is hit to the left, the gaming ball flows down the left flow area 3a. The right flow area 3b is provided with the normal symbol activation gate 17, second start opening 12, first large prize opening 14, and second large prize opening 20. Therefore, by aiming at the right flow area 3b (i.e., hitting to the right), the ball can enter these normal symbol activation gates 17, second start opening 12, first large prize opening 14, and second large prize opening 20. Meanwhile, the first starting hole 11, located directly below the center case 5, is configured so that game balls flowing down the left flow area 3a can enter it due to game pins planted in the game board 2. Therefore, by aiming at the left flow area 3a (so-called left hit), balls can enter the first starting hole 11 and the four general winning holes 31. Because the left flow area 3a and the right flow area 3b are configured in this manner, players can play by selectively hitting from the right or left, aiming at each starting hole 11, 12 and each special winning hole 14, 20. Note that the first starting hole 11 in this embodiment is configured so that game balls flowing down the right flow area 3b cannot enter it due to game pins.

[0024] At the lower right of the game board 2, there are arranged a normal symbol display device 7, a normal symbol reserved number display device 8, a first special symbol reserved number display device 18, and a second special symbol reserved number display device 19, each consisting of a plurality of LEDs, as well as a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10, each consisting of a 7-segment display device. The first special symbol display device 9 displays the first special symbol, and the second special symbol display device displays the second special symbol.

[0025] (2) Electrical configuration 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. This block diagram does not show relay boards or power supply boards that simply relay signals. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 each include a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc. The CPU of each of these control devices starts the programs stored in the respective ROMs in response to interrupt signals with a 2 ms cycle, and executes various controls.

[0026] The main control device 80 receives detection signals via the game board relay terminal board 74 from the first start port switch 11a which detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, the second start port switch 12a which detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, the normal gate switch 17a which detects game balls that have passed through the normal pattern activation gate 17, the first count switch 14a which counts game balls that have entered the first large prize port 14, the second count switch 20a which counts game balls that have entered the second large prize port 20, and each general prize port switch 31a which detects game balls that have entered the general prize port 31. Furthermore, detection signals from a specific port switch 25a that detects game balls that have entered the specific port 25 of the second large prize port device 21 and a general port switch 26a that detects game balls that have entered the general ports 26, 26 of the second large prize port device 21 are input to the main control device 80 via the game board relay terminal board 74.

[0027] The main control device 80 operates according to a program stored in its ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, and outputs the commands to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83. In addition, the main control device 80 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the normal symbol display device 7 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 75, and also controls the lighting of the first special symbol reserved number display device 18, the second special symbol reserved number display device 19, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 8. Furthermore, the main control device 80 is also connected to the first large prize opening solenoid 14b, the second large prize opening solenoid 20b, the specific opening solenoid 25b, and the normal electric solenoid 13a via the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 drives and controls the first large prize opening solenoid 14b to open and close the first large prize opening 14, and drives and controls the second large prize opening solenoid 20b to open and close the second large prize opening 20. It also drives and controls the specific opening solenoid 25b to open and close the specific opening 25. Furthermore, it drives and controls the normal electric solenoid 13a to open and close the second starting opening 12. The main control device 80 also outputs signals for managing symbol fluctuations, jackpots, etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78.

[0028] The payout control device 81 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the main control device 80, and drives the payout motor 90 to pay out prize balls in response to commands sent from the main control device 80. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout switch 91 for counting game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the counting of prize balls is performed by both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81.

[0029] Furthermore, signals from a full switch 92 and a ball out switch 93 are input to the payout control device 81. The full switch 92 detects when the lower tray 63 is full, and outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 upon detection. The ball out switch 93 detects when the amount of game balls stored in the ball tank (not shown) is low or there is no stored ball, and outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 upon detection. When the payout control device 81 receives signals from the full switch 92 and the ball out switch 93, it stops driving the payout motor 90 and stops the payout operation of prize balls. The full switch 92 and the ball out switch 93 are configured to continue outputting signals until the detected state is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 90 upon stopping the signal input.

[0030] The payout control device 81 can communicate with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 79, and drives the payout motor 90 to pay out loaned balls in response to a loan command. The CR unit terminal board 79 is also connected to the settlement display device 94 for two-way communication, and receives signals from the ball loan switch and settlement switch provided on the settlement display device 94. The ball loan switch detects operation of the loan button 57 and outputs a signal, and the settlement switch detects operation of the settlement button 58 and outputs a signal. The payout control device 81 is also connected to the launch control device 84, and sends a launch stop command to the launch control device 84 at a predetermined timing.

[0031] The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 97 to launch gaming balls into the gaming area 3. In addition to the payout control device 81 described above, the launch control device 84 also receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch switch 98, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 99. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop signal is output when the player presses the launch stop switch 99. The launch control device 84 controls so that gaming balls are not launched if a touch signal is not input, and also controls so that gaming balls are not launched when a launch stop signal is input, regardless of the operation of the launch handle 64.

[0032] The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80, sorts them into data for effect display control, sound control, and lamp control, sends the effect display control commands, etc. to the effect pattern control device 82, and distributes the sound control and lamp control data to each control section included in itself (functional components serving as sound control devices and lamp control devices).The functional section serving as a sound control device then operates a sound LSI based on the sound control data to control the output of sound from the speaker 66, and the functional section serving as a lamp control device then operates a lamp driver based on the lamp control data to control the emission of various LEDs and lamps 65.

[0033] Furthermore, switches that detect the operation of the effect button 67, jog dial 68, and decision switch 69 are connected to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when each switch detects an operation by the player, the corresponding signal is input. The jog dial 68 may be configured to be connected to the effect symbol control device 82.

[0034] The effect symbol control device 82 performs control based on the data and commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 83 (those sent from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub-integrated control device 83 based on input from the main control device 80 and input from effect buttons, etc.), and displays effect images such as special effect symbols on the display screen of the effect symbol display device 6. The sub-integrated control device 83 and main control device 80 are connected via a one-way communication circuit from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83 via an effect relay terminal board, and the sub-integrated control device 83 and effect symbol control device 82 are connected via a one-way communication circuit from the sub-integrated control device 83 to the effect symbol control device 82.

[0035] The power supply board (not shown) is configured as a DC power supply that generates DC voltage using power supplied from an external AC power source, and supplies power to each component of the pachinko machine 1 by operating a power switch provided on the power supply board. This power supply board is equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor and other components, and stores power in the backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power source. This allows power to be supplied to the main control device 80 (e.g., the RAM of the main control device 80) during a power outage, and data in the RAM of the main control device 80 is retained for a certain period of time even after power supply from the AC power source is stopped. The backup power supply may be provided in the main control device 80 or in a device other than the power supply board. In this case, the power supply board outputs a supply signal to the device equipped with the backup power source while power is being supplied from the AC power source, and outputs a power outage signal to the device equipped with the backup power source when power supply is stopped.

[0036] [Explanation of operation] (1) Basic operation Next, the basic operation of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. 5, a set number of prize balls are paid out when a ball lands in each of the starting holes 11, 12, each of the major prize holes 14, 20, and the general prize hole 31. Specifically, two prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the first starting hole 11, one prize ball is paid out for each ball that lands in the second starting hole 12, ten prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the first major prize hole 14, ten prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the second major prize hole 20, and five prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the general prize hole 31.

[0037] Here, since the center case 5 is disposed approximately in the center of the game area 3 of the game board 2, a left-handed hit causes a game ball to flow down the left side of the center case 5, and a right-handed hit causes a game ball that passes over the top of the center case 5 to flow down the right side of the center case 5 (see Figure 2). The first start opening 11 and the general winning opening 31 are only allowed to receive game balls that have flowed down the left side of the center case 5 due to their positions and game nails (not shown) planted in the game area 3. On the other hand, the normal symbol activation gate 17, the second start opening 12, the first large winning opening 14, and the second large winning opening 20 are only allowed to receive game balls that have flowed down the right side of the center case 5 due to their positions and game nails. In other words, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that unless the ball is hit from the left, it cannot enter the first starting port 11 or the general winning port 31, and unless the ball is hit from the right, it cannot enter the normal pattern activation gate 17, the second starting port 12, the first large winning port 14, and the second large winning port 20.

[0038] When a gaming ball launched into the gaming area 3 enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a in FIG. 4 detects the gaming ball), the first special symbol begins to change on the first special symbol display device 9, and a lottery is held to determine whether or not there is a jackpot based on a random number extracted as a result of the ball entering the game. Then, the result of this lottery is announced by displaying the first special symbol as still after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the change. Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the first starting hole 11 is stored as a first reserved memory, as will be described later. Up to four first reserved memories can be stored, and the number of first reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18. By consuming the first reserved memories thus stored, the winning / losing lottery and the variation of the first special symbol are executed. The first reserved memory number indicates the number of first reserved memories that have not yet been consumed.

[0039] On the other hand, when the gaming ball launched into the gaming area 3 passes through the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal gate switch 17a in Figure 4 detects the gaming ball), the normal symbol display device 7 starts to display the normal symbol variations, and a random number extracted due to the ball entering is drawn by lottery to determine whether it is a win or a loss. Then, if the normal symbol that stops a predetermined time after the start of the variations is in a predetermined winning state, the wing piece of the normal electric device 13 is driven, and the gaming ball can temporarily enter the second starting hole 12.

[0040] When a gaming ball enters the second start port 12 that has been opened by the drive of the normal electric device 13 (the second start port switch 12a in FIG. 4 detects the gaming ball), the second special pattern begins to fluctuate on the second special pattern display device 10, and a lottery is held to determine whether there will be a big win, a small win, or a time-saving win based on a random number extracted as a result of the ball entering. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fluctuation, the second special pattern is displayed in a frozen state, and the result of this lottery is announced. Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the second starting hole 12 is stored as a second reserved memory, as will be described later. A maximum of one second reserved memory can be stored, and the number of stored second reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 19. By consuming the second reserved memories stored in this way, the winning / losing lottery and the variation of the second special symbol are executed. The second reserved memory number indicates the number of second reserved memories that have not yet been consumed.

[0041] In this embodiment, when a ball enters the first starting slot 11, the first special symbol is changed and a jackpot determination is made. Meanwhile, when a ball enters the second starting slot 12, the second special symbol is changed and a jackpot, small jackpot, or time-saving jackpot determination is made. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first and second reserved memories are consumed first, regardless of their respective order of occurrence. That is, when both the first and second reserved memories exist, the second reserved memory is consumed and the second special symbol is changed. Only when only the first reserved memory exists, the first reserved memory is consumed and the first special symbol is changed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the jackpot probability is the same for both the first and second special symbols and is set to 1 / 320. Furthermore, the small jackpot probability for the second special symbol is set to 1 / 10, and the time-saving jackpot probability is set to 1 / 20. In addition, with the first special symbol, if you do not win the jackpot, it is a miss. With the second special symbol, if you do not win the jackpot, small jackpot, or time-saving jackpot, it is a miss. In addition, the probability of winning the above-mentioned normal symbol is set to 1 / 1.01, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to approximately 1 second.

[0042] Furthermore, in parallel with the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the second special pattern described above, the fluctuation effect of the special effect pattern (not shown) is displayed in conjunction with the fluctuation of each special pattern on the effect pattern display device 6, and then the fluctuation effect is stopped, and the result of the lottery (big hit, small hit, time-saving hit or miss) is announced based on the stopped pattern state of the special effect pattern.

[0043] If the result of the hit / miss determination executed by consuming the first reserved memory is a jackpot, the first special symbol display device 9 stops and displays the first special symbol in a predetermined jackpot symbol mode, and the effect symbol display device 6 stops and displays the special effect symbol in a jackpot symbol mode. This causes a jackpot (hereinafter also referred to as a "first special symbol jackpot") to occur, and a first jackpot game operation is executed in which the first large prize winning port 14 is opened multiple times. Specifically, the first jackpot game operation is an operation in which the first large prize winning port 14 is opened repeatedly 10 times (10R) with intervals between each opening, and one opening ends either when the number of balls entering the first large prize winning port 14 reaches 10 or when 30 seconds have passed.

[0044] On the other hand, if the result of the win / loss determination executed by consuming the second reserved memory is a jackpot, the second special symbol display device 10 stops the second special symbol in a predetermined jackpot pattern, and the special effect symbol display device 6 stops and displays the special effect symbol in a jackpot pattern. This causes a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a "second special symbol jackpot," and collectively with the first special symbol jackpot, also referred to as a "special symbol jackpot") to occur, and a second jackpot game operation is executed, in which the second large prize opening 20 is opened multiple times. The second jackpot game operation is an operation in which the second large prize opening 20 is opened 10 times (10R) with intervals between each opening, and each opening ends either when 10 balls enter the second large prize opening 20 or 30 seconds have elapsed. During this second jackpot game operation, the specific opening 25 is held closed (see FIG. 3(A)). Therefore, a game ball that enters the second big prize entry port 20 during the operation of the second big prize game will not enter the specific port 25, but will enter the general ports 26, 26 and be detected by the general port switch 26a.

[0045] Furthermore, if the result of the judgment based on the second reserved memory is a small win, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined small win pattern, and the special effect symbol is displayed in a stopped small win pattern on the effect symbol display device 6. This results in a small win, and a small win game operation is executed, which opens the second large prize opening 20 once. As described above, in this embodiment, the consumption of the first reserved memory does not determine whether a small win has occurred, so a small win does not occur when the first special symbol changes. In the small win game operation, the second large prize opening 20 is opened for only 1.5 seconds, and after 1.5 seconds have elapsed, the second large prize opening 20 is closed regardless of whether a game ball has entered. In this small win game operation, the specific opening 25 is maintained in an open state (see FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 20 during the small win game operation enters the specific opening 25 and is detected by the specific opening switch 25a.

[0046] Furthermore, if a game ball that entered the second large prize entry port 20 during the small prize game operation enters the specific port 25, a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a special jackpot) is awarded, and a second jackpot game operation is executed to open the second large prize entry port 20. This second jackpot game operation is the same as that executed in response to the second special jackpot described above. In other words, when a small prize occurs, the game ball can be advanced to a jackpot (a special jackpot) by entering the specific port 25 in the small prize game operation immediately following the small prize game operation. In this embodiment, a right hit during the small prize game operation allows the ball to easily enter the opened second large prize entry port 20. Furthermore, since the specific port 25 is always kept open during the small prize game operation, a right hit aimed at the second large prize entry port 20 when a small prize occurs can almost certainly be advanced to a special jackpot. Naturally, if the ball does not enter the second large winning slot 20 during the small win game operation, the special jackpot will not occur.

[0047] In this way, when a small hit occurs, a big hit (a special big hit) can be almost certainly generated. As described above, when a ball enters the first starting hole 11, only the judgment of whether it is a big hit or not is made, whereas when a ball enters the second starting hole 12, not only the judgment of whether it is a big hit but also the judgment of whether it is a small hit or not is made. Therefore, in this embodiment, a big hit can be generated more easily by having the ball enter the second starting hole 12 than by having the ball enter the first starting hole 11. Specifically, as described above, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small hit is set to 1 / 10 and the probability of winning a big hit is set to 1 / 320. Therefore, when a ball enters the first starting hole 11, a big hit occurs only with a probability of 1 / 320, whereas when a ball enters the second starting hole 12, a big hit occurs with a probability of approximately 1 / 10.

[0048] In this embodiment, two types of small wins are prepared: a first small win and a second small win. Which type of small win is won is determined when the win / loss determination is made by consuming the second reserved memory, and the second special symbol and special performance symbol are stopped and displayed in a pattern form corresponding to the type of small win that has been won. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the win / loss determination result by consuming the second reserved memory is a small win, there is a 65% probability that it will be determined as a first small win, and a 35% probability that it will be determined as a second small win. The content of the small win game operation that is executed in response to a small win is the same for the first small win and the second small win, but a role jackpot that develops from the occurrence of a first small win will be a first role jackpot, and a role jackpot that develops from the occurrence of a second small win will be a second role jackpot. The content of the second jackpot game operation after the occurrence of a jackpot is the same for the first role jackpot and the second role jackpot, but as will be described later, the game state after the jackpot game operation ends is different between the jackpot game operation triggered by the first role jackpot and the jackpot game operation triggered by the second role jackpot.

[0049] Furthermore, if the result of the judgment based on the consumption of the second reserved memory is a time-saving hit, the second special symbol is stopped in a predetermined time-saving hit symbol pattern, and the special effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a time-saving hit symbol pattern on the effect symbol display device 6. This results in a time-saving hit. A time-saving hit triggers a transition to the time-saving game state described below, and details of time-saving hits will be described later. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, when the first reserved memory is consumed, it is not judged whether or not a time-saving hit has occurred, so a time-saving hit will not occur when the first special symbol changes.

[0050] (2) Game status The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has two types of game states: a normal game state and a time-saving game state. In the time-saving game state, the opening time of the normal electric device 13 (second starting hole 12) is extended compared to the normal game state, and the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol are shortened.

[0051] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(A), the opening time of the normal electric device 13 is 0.1 seconds in the normal game mode, but 2 seconds in the time-saving game mode. Also, in the normal game mode, the average fluctuation time of the first and second special symbols is approximately 30 seconds in the case of a miss and approximately 120 seconds in the case of a hit (jackpot, small hit, or time-saving hit), whereas in the time-saving game mode, the average fluctuation time of the first and second special symbols is approximately 1 second in the case of a miss and approximately 3 seconds in the case of a hit. Meanwhile, the winning probabilities for each type of win (jackpot winning probability, small hit winning probability, time-saving hit winning probability, normal symbol winning probability) and the average fluctuation time of the normal symbols are set to be the same in the normal game mode and the time-saving game mode (see Figure 5).

[0052] As described above, in this embodiment, a jackpot is more likely to occur when the ball lands in the second starting hole 12 than when the ball lands in the first starting hole 11, so it is generally more advantageous to have the ball land in the second starting hole 12. However, in the normal game mode, even if a player hits the ball to the right and passes the game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 17, the opening time of the normal electric device 13 (second starting hole 12) is extremely short, so the ball is unlikely to land in the second starting hole 12. Therefore, in the normal game mode, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the left and aim for a first special symbol jackpot triggered by the ball landing in the first starting hole 11. In contrast, in the time-saving game mode, the opening time of the normal electric device 13 (second starting hole 12) is relatively long, making it relatively easy to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. Therefore, by hitting the ball to the right and having the ball land in the second starting hole 12, the player can generate jackpots more frequently than in the normal game mode. In other words, the time-saving gaming state is a state that is more advantageous to the player in that it is easier to win a jackpot than the normal gaming state.

[0053] [Explanation of main parts] The main features of the present invention will be described below. (1) Two types of time-saving game modes As described above, this embodiment provides a normal game mode and a time-saving game mode. In the time-saving game mode, it is easier for a ball to enter the second starting hole 12 than in the normal game mode, making it easier to win a jackpot, allowing the player to play more advantageously than in the normal game mode. In this embodiment, the time-saving game mode consists of two types: a first time-saving game mode and a second time-saving game mode. As shown in FIG. 6(A), the first time-saving game mode and the second time-saving game mode have different termination conditions for the time-saving game mode. The average fluctuation time of the special symbols and the opening time of the normal electric device are common to both types of time-saving game mode, and the ease of entering the second starting hole 12 is the same in both time-saving game modes.

[0054] (2) Trigger for starting the time-saving game mode The time-saving game state is generally initiated by a jackpot. Specifically, when a jackpot occurs, the time-saving game state begins after the jackpot game operation based on the jackpot occurrence ends. The type of time-saving game state that begins is determined depending on the game state at the time of the jackpot occurrence. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(B), if a jackpot occurs during normal game mode, the first time-saving game state begins after the jackpot game operation is activated. However, as an exception, if a second-game jackpot occurs, the time-saving game state does not begin, and the normal game state begins after the jackpot game operation is activated. On the other hand, if a jackpot occurs during the time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state begins after the jackpot game operation is activated, regardless of the type of jackpot that occurs. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time-saving game state (second time-saving game state) begins even when the above-mentioned time-saving game state occurs.

[0055] (3) Conditions for ending the time-limited play state The time-saving game state has the following conditions (i) to (iii) for ending, and when any of (i) to (iii) is satisfied in the time-saving game state, the game state transitions to the normal game state. (a) Jackpot (b) A specified number of small wins (hereinafter referred to as the "small win upper limit") (c) The specified number of times (hereinafter referred to as the "Upper Limit Value") the special symbols will fluctuate (the total number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol will fluctuate). 6(A), different values ​​are set for the small win upper limit value and the fluctuation upper limit value in the first time-shortened gaming state and the second time-shortened gaming state. Specifically, in the first time-shortened gaming state, the small win upper limit value is set to 1 and the fluctuation upper limit value is set to 100, and in the second time-shortened gaming state, the small win upper limit value is set to 15 and the fluctuation upper limit value is set to 15.

[0056] The conditions for terminating the time-shortened game state are broadly divided into continuation termination conditions that allow a connection to the next time-shortened game state via a jackpot game operation, and non-continuation termination conditions that make it difficult to connect to the next time-shortened game state.

[0057] Specifically, in the first time-saving game state, the conditions for ending the time-saving game state are (a) a "big win," (b) one "small win," and (c) 100 variations of the special symbol. Among these, (c) "100 variations of the special symbol" corresponds to the non-continuation ending condition. This is because if the ending condition is met and the game transitions to the normal game state, it becomes difficult to start the next time-saving game state.

[0058] On the other hand, in the first time-shortened game state, (i) a "jackpot" corresponds to the continuation termination condition. This is because even if the time-shortened game state ends due to the occurrence of a jackpot, the time-shortened game state (second time-shortened game state) begins when the subsequent jackpot game operation ends (see Figure 6(B)). Note that in the first time-shortened game state, a special jackpot does not occur. This is because, when a small jackpot that triggers a special jackpot occurs, the termination condition of (ii) "one small jackpot" is satisfied, and the time-shortened game state ends. In other words, if a small jackpot occurs in the first time-shortened game state, the small jackpot game operation triggered by that small jackpot is executed in the normal game state.

[0059] Furthermore, in the first time-saving game state, (b) "one small hit" is a continuation termination condition for the first small hit and a non-continuation termination condition for the second small hit. As described above, when a small hit occurs in the first time-saving game state, the small hit game operation is executed in the normal game state, and the special feature jackpot occurs in the normal game state. In other words, when the first small hit occurs, the first special feature jackpot occurs in the normal game state, and after the subsequent jackpot game operation ends, the next time-saving game state (first time-saving game state) begins (see Figure 6(B)). On the other hand, when the second small hit occurs, the second special feature jackpot occurs in the normal game state, and after the subsequent jackpot game operation ends, the game returns to the normal game state, making it difficult to start the next time-saving game state.

[0060] In addition, in the second time-saving game state, the conditions for ending the time-saving game state are (a) a "big win", (b) 15 "small wins", and (c) 15 "changes in the special pattern". Among these, (a) "jackpot" corresponds to the continuation termination condition. This is because, regardless of the type of jackpot, the time-saving game state (second time-saving game state) starts at the end of the subsequent jackpot game operation (see Figure 6(B)). On the other hand, (c) "15 variations of the special symbol" corresponds to the non-continuation termination condition. This is because if the termination condition is met and the game transitions to the normal game state, it becomes difficult to start the next time-saving game state. Although the "15 small wins" in (B) corresponds to the continuation termination condition, the termination condition is not generally met in the second time-saving game state. This is because a small win usually triggers a special jackpot, and the termination condition for the "jackpot" in (A) is met first.

[0061] Thus, the termination conditions of the time-shortened game state are roughly divided into continuation termination conditions that can lead to the next time-shortened game state and non-continuation termination conditions that make it difficult to lead to the next time-shortened game state. That is, in this embodiment, the continuation termination conditions are the substantial continuation conditions of the time-shortened game state, and the non-continuation termination conditions are the substantial termination conditions of the time-shortened game state. As described above, the time-shortened game state is a game state in which a jackpot is likely to occur, and when the continuation termination conditions are satisfied, the next time-shortened game state is started via the jackpot game operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the time-shortened game state, by not satisfying the non-continuation termination conditions and repeatedly satisfying the continuation termination conditions, a series of jackpots that repeatedly occur in a short period of time can be generated, and the player may be able to earn a large profit.

[0062] In this embodiment, even if the time-saving game state ends due to the satisfaction of the non-continuation end condition, the second reserved memory that was not consumed at the time of the end of the time-saving game state is consumed in the normal game state. Therefore, even if the non-continuation end condition is satisfied, immediately after the transition to the normal game state, there is still a chance to return to the time-saving game state in a short time by winning a small win or a time-saving win in the second reserved memory.

[0063] (4) Gameplay The game characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained below. As mentioned above, the time-saving game state is a game state that is advantageous for players who are more likely to win big jackpots than the normal game state and who can also expect to win consecutive jackpots, so the basic gameplay of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is to transition from the normal game state to the time-saving game state, and repeatedly win big jackpots in the time-saving game state to earn balls.

[0064] In the normal game mode, the main objective is to transition to the time-saving game mode upon a jackpot. As shown in Figures 6(B) and 7, in the normal game mode, if a first special symbol jackpot, a second special symbol jackpot, or a first special feature jackpot occurs, the game transitions to the first time-saving game mode via the jackpot game activation. Furthermore, if a time-saving hit occurs, the game transitions to the second time-saving game mode. However, as mentioned above, in the normal game mode, it is difficult for the ball to land in the second starting hole 12, so the player hits the ball leftward, aiming to land it in the first starting hole 11. For this reason, in the normal game mode, a hit related to the second special symbol (a second special symbol jackpot, a small hit, or a time-saving hit) does not generally occur, and a transition to the time-saving game mode does not occur in response to a special feature jackpot or a time-saving hit.

[0065] As described above, in the first time-saving game state, the player can generate a jackpot more frequently than in the normal game state by hitting the ball to the right and having it enter the second starting hole 12. Also, as described above, in the first time-saving game state, a "jackpot (special symbol jackpot)" and a "first small jackpot (1 time)" correspond to the continuation termination conditions, and "100 times of special symbol fluctuation" and a "second small jackpot (1 time)" correspond to the non-continuation termination conditions, and when the continuation termination conditions are met, the game can be connected to the next time-saving game state via the jackpot game operation.

[0066] Here, for the second special symbol (second starting slot 12), the probability of winning a small jackpot (1 / 10) is significantly greater than the probability of winning a large jackpot (1 / 320), so the termination condition for a "large jackpot (special symbol large jackpot)" is rarely met in the first time-saving game state. Also, because a small jackpot is won about once in every 10 variations of the second special symbol, the termination condition for "100 variations of the special symbol" is rarely met in the first time-saving game state. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, in the first time-saving game state, whether the next time-saving game state can be reached is essentially determined by whether the "first small jackpot," which is the continuation termination condition, or the "second small jackpot," which is the non-continuation termination condition, is won. When the first small win is won in the first short-time play state, the first short-time play state starts after the big win play operation ends, so that in the first short-time play state, the second small win is not won, and by repeatedly winning the first small win, it is possible to continue the winning streak while remaining in the first short-time play state.

[0067] On the other hand, in the first time-saving game state, the second special symbol (second starting slot 12) has a relatively high probability of winning a time-saving win, at 1 / 20. As shown in Figure 8, if a time-saving win occurs in the first time-saving game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving game state at the time the time-saving win occurs, and the end conditions of the time-saving game state are changed. At this time, the counts of the number of small wins and the number of special symbol changes related to the end conditions of the time-saving game state are cleared, and the counts of each are restarted from the start of the second time-saving game state.

[0068] In this way, in the first time-shortened gaming state, the "first small win" is the effective continuation condition of the time-shortened gaming state, and the "second small win" is the effective termination condition of the time-shortened gaming state, and by winning the first small win and continuing the first time-shortened gaming state, the gameplay is realized in which as many big wins as possible are generated. Furthermore, in the first time-shortened gaming state, the occurrence of a time-shortened win can transition to a second time-shortened gaming state, which has a different termination condition for the time-shortened gaming state, and the gameplay is realized in which as many big wins as possible are generated, the gameplay is realized in which as many big wins as possible are generated in the first time-shortened gaming state,

[0069] As described above, in the second time-saving game state, the player can generate a jackpot more frequently than in the normal game state by hitting the ball to the right and having it enter the second starting hole 12. Also, as described above, in the second time-saving game state, a "jackpot" and "15 small jackpots" correspond to the continuation end conditions, and "15 variations of the special symbol" corresponds to the non-continuation end condition, and when the continuation end condition is met, the game can be connected to the next time-saving game state via the jackpot game operation.

[0070] As mentioned above, in the second time-saving game state, the termination condition of "15 small wins" is generally not satisfied. Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, in the second time-saving game state, whether the continuation termination condition of "jackpot" is satisfied before the non-continuation termination condition of "15 special symbol variations" is satisfied essentially determines whether the game can proceed to the next time-saving game state. If a jackpot (special symbol jackpot or special feature jackpot) occurs in the second time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state begins after the jackpot game operation ends. Therefore, in the second time-saving game state, by repeating jackpots within 15 special symbol variations, it is possible to continue the winning streak while remaining in the second time-saving game state.

[0071] In the second time-saving game state, if a small win occurs on the 15th variation of the special symbol, the time-saving game state ends when the small win symbol pattern stops and is displayed. Therefore, just like in the first time-saving game state, if a first small win occurs, the game will transition to the first time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game operation based on the first jackpot, and if a second small win occurs, the game will transition to the normal game state after the end of the jackpot game operation based on the second jackpot.

[0072] Additionally, in the second time-saving game state, when the second reserved memory is consumed, there is a relatively high probability of winning a time-saving win (1 / 20). If a time-saving win occurs in the second time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state continues as is. However, when a time-saving win occurs, the counts of the number of small wins and the number of special symbol variations related to the time-saving game state termination conditions are cleared, and each count is restarted from scratch. In other words, in the second time-saving game state, the occurrence of a time-saving win can postpone the fulfillment of the non-continuation termination condition (15 special symbol variations).

[0073] In this way, in the second time-saving game state, a "jackpot" is essentially the effective continuation condition of the time-saving game state, and "15 special symbol variations" is the effective termination condition of the time-saving game state, and by generating a jackpot before the special symbol variations 15 times and continuing the second time-saving game state, a game feature is realized in which as many jackpots as possible are generated. Also, in the second time-saving game state, the occurrence of a time-saving jackpot can postpone the fulfillment of the non-continuation termination condition (15 special symbol variations).

[0074] FIG. 10 summarizes the game content of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the basic gameplay of this embodiment is to generate as many jackpots as possible in a time-saving game state where jackpots are likely to occur and consecutive wins can be expected, thereby earning balls. As shown in FIG. 10, basically, when transitioning from the normal game state to the time-saving game state via a jackpot, the first time-saving game state is entered. Therefore, at the start of the time-saving game state, the gameplay is played by first generating a first small jackpot (continuation termination condition) in the first time-saving game state before the occurrence of a second small jackpot (non-continuation termination condition), thereby continuing the first time-saving game state, thereby generating as many jackpots as possible. Furthermore, if a time-saving jackpot occurs in the first time-saving game state, the game transitions to a second time-saving game state with different termination conditions for the time-saving game state. Then, in the second time-saving game state, the gameplay is played by generating a jackpot (continuation termination condition) before the special symbol changes 15 times (non-continuation termination condition), thereby continuing the second time-saving game state, thereby generating as many jackpots as possible.

[0075] In this embodiment, the second time-saving game state is a more advantageous game state in which the continuation termination condition is more easily satisfied than the first time-saving game state. Specifically, in the first time-saving game state, the continuation termination condition (first small win) and the non-continuation termination condition (second small win) are satisfied at a ratio of approximately 65:35, so there is an approximately 65% ​​probability that the game can be continued to the next first time-saving game state and continue. In contrast, in the second time-saving game state, the continuation termination condition (jackpot) and the non-continuation termination condition (15 special chart variations) are satisfied at a ratio of approximately 80:20, so there is an approximately 80% probability that the game can be continued to the next second time-saving game state and continue.

[0076] [Features of the Example] As described above, in this embodiment, the time-saving game state consists of a first time-saving game state and a second time-saving game state, each with different termination conditions, allowing the player to enjoy two different gameplay styles in the time-saving game state. In particular, in the first time-saving game state, when a time-saving win occurs, the game transitions to the second time-saving game state without triggering a small win or a big win, immediately changing the gameplay of the time-saving game state. Therefore, in addition to the two routes for the first time-saving game state—where a streak can be continued in the time-saving game state by satisfying a continuation termination condition, or where the time-saving game state ends by satisfying a non-continuation termination condition—a third route is also provided: where the gameplay of the time-saving game state changes depending on the time-saving win. Therefore, the first time-saving game state achieves more diverse gameplay than conventional configurations. Therefore, this embodiment makes it possible to enhance the enjoyment of playing with a type-one-type-two hybrid machine. In this embodiment, the second time-shortened game state is a more advantageous game state than the first time-shortened game state. In this way, by making the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state different in terms of advantageousness, the importance of a time-shortened win increases, and the player will have strong expectations (or concerns) about the occurrence of a time-shortened win in the first time-shortened game state, which can further increase the player's interest in the game.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the first special symbol changes due to a ball landing in the first starting hole 11, the first special symbol is not displayed as a time-saving winning symbol or a small winning symbol, and after the second special symbol changes due to a ball landing in the second starting hole 12, the second special symbol is displayed as a time-saving winning symbol or a small winning symbol. Therefore, in this embodiment, a significant difference in the degree of advantage is created between the normal game state in which it is difficult to land a ball in the second starting hole 12 and the time-saving game state in which it is easy to land a ball in the second starting hole 12, thereby realizing a well-balanced game.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, in the first time-shortened game state, the termination condition is satisfied and the time-shortened game state ends when only one small win occurs, whereas in the second time-shortened game state, the upper limit of small wins is set to 15, and the termination condition is not satisfied when only one small win occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to enjoy different game contents when a small win occurs in the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state.

[0079] [Control process explanation] Next, the processing of various programs executed by the main control device 80 will be described. (1) Main routine Figure 11 shows a flowchart of the main routine. The main routine consists of the main process from S10 to S80 and the residual process of S85, which is repeated as long as time permits within the time remaining after executing the main process, and is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt every 2 ms. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S10). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not a value in a predetermined area of ​​RAM (memory) is equal to a predetermined value, and is intended to determine whether or not normal processing may be executed when the processing executed by the microcomputer transitions to the main process.

[0080] If a negative judgment is made in S10 (i.e., it is judged that the interrupt is not normal) (S10: No), the initial setting (S15) is executed, and the remaining process (S85) is performed. In this initial setting, for example, predetermined values ​​are written to predetermined areas of the RAM, and initial values ​​are written to the working area of ​​the RAM, such as setting the first and second special symbols as initial symbols. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in S10 (i.e., it is judged to be a normal interrupt) (S10: Yes), the following output processes are performed (S80): update process of the initial value random number (S20), update process of the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), update process of the random number for determining the first jackpot pattern (S30), update process of the random number for determining the second jackpot pattern (S35), update process of the random number for determining the minor jackpot pattern (S40), update process of the random number for determining a time-saving win (S45), update process of the random number for reaching a win (S50), update process of the random number for determining a variation pattern (S55), win confirmation process (S60), win / lose judgment process (S65), special game process (S70), fraud monitoring process (S75), image output process, etc., and the initial value random number update process (S85) is looped within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input.

[0081] (2) Regarding the start-up winning process Next, the start winning process executed by the main control device 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Figure 12. This start winning process is one of the subroutines called in the winning confirmation process (S60) of the main routine described above. In the start winning process, in S100, it is determined whether the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S100: No), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is positive (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, it is determined whether the number of first reserved memories has reached the upper limit (4). If the determination is positive (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

[0082] In S110, a first extracted random number reserve storage process is executed. In this first extracted random number reserve storage process, a random number for determining a first jackpot, a random number for determining a first jackpot symbol, a random number for reaching a reach, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted and stored as a first reserved memory, and a first reserved number counter indicating the first reserved memory number is incremented by 1, and the necessary process is performed to light up the first special symbol reserved number display device 18 according to the information of the first reserved number counter.

[0083] In S120, it is determined whether the second start port switch 12a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S120: No), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is positive (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to S125. In S125, it is determined whether the number of second reserved memories has reached the upper limit (1). If the determination is positive (S125: Yes), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S125: No), the process proceeds to S130.

[0084] In S130, a second extracted random number reserve storage process is executed. In this second extracted random number reserve storage process, a random number for determining a second big win, a random number for determining a second big win symbol, a random number for determining a small win symbol, a random number for determining a reach, a random number for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted and stored as second reserved memory, and 1 is added to a second reserved number counter indicating the second reserved memory number, and the process required to light up the second special symbol reserved number display device 19 according to the information of the second reserved number counter is performed.

[0085] (3) Regarding the process for determining whether a special drawing is valid or invalid Next, the special drawing hit / miss judgment process executed by the main control device 80 will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 18. This special drawing hit / miss judgment process is one of the subroutines called in the hit / miss judgment process (S65) of the main routine described above.

[0086] In the special symbol win / loss determination process, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether the first and second large prize winning port devices 15, 21 are in operation (i.e., whether the first and second large prize winning game operations or the small prize winning game operations are being executed) (S150). If the determination is affirmative (S150: Yes), the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S150: No), the process proceeds to S155. In S155, it is determined whether the first and second special symbols are being displayed in a variable manner. If the determination is affirmative (S155: Yes), the process proceeds to S390 in FIG. 16, and if the determination is negative (S155: No), the process proceeds to S160. In S160, it is determined whether the first and second special symbols are being displayed in a fixed manner. If the determination is affirmative (S160: Yes), the process proceeds to S400 in FIG. 17, and if the determination is negative (S160: No), the process proceeds to S165.

[0087] In S165, it is determined whether there is any unconsumed second reserved memory, and if the determination is affirmative (S165: Yes), the process proceeds to S170, and if the determination is negative (S165: No), the process proceeds to S180. In S170, the number of second reserved memories is decremented, and an unconsumed second reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in the second reserved memory (numeric data such as random numbers) is moved to a predetermined buffer for jackpot determination. Then, the process proceeds to S175.

[0088] In S175, the table for determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss is activated, and based on this table, the random number for determining whether the second reserved memory is a hit or miss stored in the buffer for determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss is determined, and the second reserved memory related to the random number for determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss is consumed. The table for determining whether the second reserved memory is a hit or miss is set so that the probability of winning a hit is 1 / 320, the probability of winning a small hit is 1 / 10, and the probability of winning a time-saving hit is 1 / 20 (see FIG. 5). After processing S175, the process proceeds to S300 in FIG. 15.

[0089] In S180, it is determined whether there is an unconsumed first reserved memory, and if the determination is affirmative (S180: Yes), proceed to S185, and if the determination is negative (S180: No), the special symbol hit / miss determination process is terminated. In S185, the number of first reserved memories is decremented, and the oldest unconsumed first reserved memory is selected. As in S170 above, the information stored in the first reserved memory is moved to a predetermined buffer for jackpot determination, and then proceed to S190. Note that in the special symbol hit / miss determination process of this embodiment, the second reserved memory is given priority over the first reserved memory and is used to determine whether it is a hit or miss. Therefore, the first reserved memory is only used to determine whether it is a hit or miss if there is no second reserved memory.

[0090] In S190, the first reserved memory's hit / miss determination table is enabled, and based on this hit / miss determination table, the first reserved memory's jackpot determination random number stored in the jackpot determination buffer is determined to be a hit or a miss, and the reserved memory related to the jackpot determination random number is consumed. The first reserved memory's hit / miss determination table has a jackpot winning probability set to 1 / 320 (see Figure 5). Here, in this embodiment, the first reserved memory's hit / miss determination table does not perform a lottery for minor hits or time-saving hits. After processing this S190, proceed to S200 in Figure 14.

[0091] In S200 of FIG. 14, it is determined whether the determination result of S190 is a jackpot or not, and if the determination is affirmative (S200: Yes), the process proceeds to S205, and if the determination is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S230.

[0092] In S205, the jackpot symbol pattern of the first special symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the consumed reserved memory (the random number for determining the jackpot symbol in the buffer for jackpot determination). Here, a plurality of jackpot symbol patterns are preset for the first special symbol.

[0093] In the subsequent variation pattern determination process of S210, the variation time of the first special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. related to the consumed first reserved memory (the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. in the buffer for determining the jackpot), and the variation pattern of the first special symbol is determined according to the variation time. Here, in this embodiment, the variation time of the first special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the variation time of the first special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one variation time is determined from the variation times selectable in each game state.

[0094] In the next S215, the presentation time, interval time, presentation mode of the jackpot game, etc. are set, and the process proceeds to S250.

[0095] On the other hand, in S230, which follows the negative judgment in S200, a process for determining a losing symbol is performed. Then, in the following S235, similar to S210, the first special symbol's fluctuation time and fluctuation pattern are determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach judgment random number, etc., related to the consumed first reserved memory (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach judgment random number, etc., in the buffer for jackpot judgment). Here, even in the case of a loss, similar to the case of a jackpot and a small jackpot, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one fluctuation time is determined from the fluctuation times selectable in each game state. Furthermore, in S240, processing related to a loss is performed, and the process proceeds to S250.

[0096] In S250, a reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories decremented in S185, a command including information on the lottery result in S190 (big win, small win, or miss), and a variation start command including the stop mode of the first special symbol and the variation time of the first special symbol determined in S205 etc. are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This variation start command includes information indicating that the consumed reserved memory is the first reserved memory and information on whether or not to execute a reach effect. Furthermore, in S250, the first special symbol display device 9 is driven and controlled according to the consumed first reserved memory to start varying the first special symbol, and the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated. When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, it stores the information indicated in the command (the number of first reserved memories, the variation time of the first special symbol, the result of the hit / miss determination, the stopping mode of the first special symbol, the content of the big win game, etc.) in a predetermined buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the effect symbol control device 82 along with the variation start command, and the effect symbol control device 82 drives and controls the effect symbol display device 6 in accordance with the received command, and starts displaying the special effect symbol corresponding to the information on the stopping pattern mode and variation pattern of the first special symbol.

[0097] In S300 of FIG. 15, it is determined whether the determination result of S175 is a jackpot or not, and if the determination is affirmative (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, and if the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S320.

[0098] In S305, the jackpot symbol pattern of the second special symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the consumed reserved memory (the random number for determining the jackpot symbol in the buffer for jackpot judgment). Here, a plurality of jackpot symbol patterns are preset for the second special symbol.

[0099] In the subsequent variation pattern determination process of S310, the variation time of the second special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. related to the consumed second reserved memory (the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. in the buffer for determining the jackpot), and the variation pattern of the second special symbol is determined according to the variation time. Here, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the variation time of the second special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the variation time of the second special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one variation time is determined from the variation times selectable in each game state.

[0100] In the next S315, the presentation time, interval time, presentation mode of the jackpot game, etc. are set, and the process proceeds to S380.

[0101] On the other hand, in S320 following the negative judgment in S300, it is determined whether or not there is a small win based on the judgment result of S175, and if the judgment is positive (S320: Yes), it proceeds to S330, and if the judgment is negative (S320: No), it proceeds to S345.

[0102] In S330, the small win pattern type of the second special pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the small win pattern related to the consumed second reserved memory (the random number for determining the small win pattern in the buffer for determining the big win). In this embodiment, two types of small win symbol patterns corresponding to the first small win and the second small win are preset, and depending on the small win symbol pattern determined in S330, it is allocated to either the first small win or the second small win. In addition, in S330, the small win symbol pattern is determined so that it is allocated to the first small win with a probability of 65% and to the second small win with a probability of 35%.

[0103] In the variation pattern determination process of S335, the variation time of the second special symbol is determined based on the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. related to the second reserved memory (the variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. in the buffer for determining the jackpot) and the time-saving flag, and the variation pattern of the second special symbol is determined according to the variation time. Here, even in the case of a small win, as in the case of a jackpot (S310) described above, the variation time of the second special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the variation time of the second special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one variation time is determined from the variation times selectable in each game state.

[0104] In the next S340, the opening operation pattern of the second large winning port 20 in the small win game and the presentation time related to the small win game are set, and the process proceeds to S380.

[0105] In S345, which follows the negative judgment in S320, it is judged whether or not the time-saving bonus has been awarded based on the judgment result in S175. If the judgment is positive (S345: Yes), the process proceeds to S350. If the judgment is negative (S345: No), the process proceeds to S365.

[0106] In S350, the pattern type of the second special pattern that will result in a time-saving effect is determined based on the random number for determining the pattern that will result in a time-saving effect related to the consumed second reserved memory (the random number for determining the pattern that will result in a time-saving effect in the buffer for determining a jackpot). In the following S355, similar to the above S310, the second special symbol fluctuation time and fluctuation pattern are determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number etc. in the buffer for determining the jackpot) related to the consumed second reserved memory. Here, even in the case of a time-saving hit, similar to the case of the jackpot and small hit described above, the fluctuation time of the second special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one fluctuation time is determined from the fluctuation times selectable in each game state. Furthermore, in S360, processing related to the time-saving hit is performed, and the process proceeds to S380.

[0107] On the other hand, in S365, which follows the negative judgment in S345, a process for determining a losing symbol is performed. Then, in the following S370, similar to S310, the fluctuation time and fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol are determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach judgment random number, etc., related to the consumed second reserved memory (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach judgment random number, etc., in the buffer for jackpot judgment). Here, even in the case of a loss, similar to the case of a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a time-saving win, the fluctuation time of the second special symbol selectable in the normal game state (time-saving flag = 0) and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol selectable in the time-saving game state (time-saving flag = 1) are respectively set, and one fluctuation time is selected from the fluctuation times selectable in each game state. Furthermore, in S375, processing related to a loss is performed, and the process proceeds to S380.

[0108] In S380, a reserved number command indicating the number of reserved symbols decremented in S170, a command containing information on the lottery result (jackpot, minor jackpot, time-saving win, or miss) in S175, and a fluctuation start command containing the stop mode of the second special symbol and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol determined in S305 are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This fluctuation start command includes information indicating that the consumed reserved symbol is the second reserved symbol and information on whether or not to execute a reach effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, this fluctuation start command includes information on the number of opening rounds for the jackpot game operation, the number of opening rounds for the bonus jackpot that develops from the minor jackpot game operation, and the game state to be transitioned to after the jackpot game operation and the minor jackpot game operation end. Furthermore, in S360, the second special symbol display device 10 is driven and controlled to start fluctuating the second special symbol according to the consumed second reserved symbol, and the special symbol win / loss determination process ends. When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, it stores the information indicated in the command (the number of second reserved memories, the variation time of the second special symbol, the result of the hit / miss determination, the stopping mode of the second special symbol, the content of the big win game, etc.) in a predetermined buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the effect symbol control device 82 along with the variation start command, and the effect symbol control device 82 drives and controls the effect symbol display device 6 in accordance with the received command, and starts displaying the special effect symbol corresponding to the information on the stopping pattern mode and variation pattern of the second special symbol.

[0109] 16, which follows the affirmative determination of S155, determines whether the special symbol variation time has elapsed, and if the determination is affirmative (S390: Yes), proceed to S395, and if the determination is negative (S390: No), the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated. In S395, the variable display of the special symbol is terminated, and the determined special symbol (i.e., the pattern state determined in the above-mentioned S205, S230, S305, S330, S350, and S365) is displayed, and a pattern determination command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to execute the determined display of the special effect symbol, and the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated.

[0110] 17, which follows the affirmative determination of S160, determines whether the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has ended, and if the determination is affirmative (S400: Yes), proceed to S405, and if the determination is negative (S400: No), the special symbol hit / miss determination process is terminated. In S405, the confirmed display of the special symbol is terminated, and proceeds to S410. In S410, it is determined whether the confirmed and displayed special symbol is a jackpot symbol pattern, and if the determination is affirmative (S410: Yes), proceed to S415, and if the determination is negative (S410: No), proceed to S450.

[0111] In S415, the time-shortening flag indicating the time-shortening gaming state is referenced to determine whether the time-shortening flag is 1 (time-shortening gaming state). If the determination is affirmative (S415: Yes), the process proceeds to S420, and if the determination is negative (S415: No), the process proceeds to S430.

[0112] In S420, the time-saving flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S425. In S425, in the time-saving game state, the time-saving jackpot flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S430. The time-saving jackpot flag is a flag indicating that a jackpot has occurred in the time-saving game state.

[0113] After proceeding to S430, the state designation command sending process (S430), the condition device operation start process (S435), the role continuous operation device operation start process (S440), and the jackpot start performance process (S445) are executed in sequence, thereby starting the jackpot game by sending commands indicating the state of the jackpot game and commands instructing the start of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the special chart hit / miss determination process is completed.

[0114] On the other hand, in S450, which follows the negative determination in S410, it is determined whether the second special symbol displayed is a symbol pattern for a time-saving win. If the determination is positive (S450: Yes), the process proceeds to S455, and if the determination is negative (S450: No), the process proceeds to S475. Note that if the first special symbol is displayed as a confirmed win, the determination in S450 is always negative, and the process proceeds to S475.

[0115] In S455, the time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S460. In S460, the upper limit of fluctuations in the second time-saving gaming state, 15 times, is set in the fluctuation count counter, and the process proceeds to S465. The fluctuation count counter is a counter for counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol related to the termination condition of the time-saving gaming state. In S460, the upper limit of small wins in the second time-saving gaming state, 15 times, is set in the small win count counter, and the process proceeds to S470. The small win count counter is a counter for counting the number of small wins related to the termination condition of the time-saving gaming state.

[0116] In S470, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In this state designation command transmission process, information on the time-saving flag, a command to start the second time-saving game state, etc. are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S470, the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated.

[0117] In S475, which follows the negative determination in S450, the time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether or not the time-saving flag is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S475: Yes), the process proceeds to S480, and if the determination is negative (S475: No), the process proceeds to S500 in FIG.

[0118] In S480, the fluctuation number counter is decremented and the process proceeds to S485. In S485, it is determined whether the fluctuation number counter is 0. If the determination is negative (S475: No), the process proceeds directly to S500 in FIG. 18, and if the determination is positive (S485: Yes), the time-saving flag is set to 0 in S490 and the process proceeds to S500 in FIG. 18.

[0119] In S500 of Fig. 18, it is determined whether the second special symbol displayed is a small win symbol pattern. If the result is affirmative (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S505, and if the result is negative (S500: No), the process proceeds to S550.

[0120] In S505, it is determined whether the symbol pattern of the confirmed small win is the symbol pattern corresponding to the first small win. If the determination is affirmative (S505: Yes), the small win type flag is set to 0 in S510 and the process proceeds to S520. If the determination is negative (S505: No), the small win type flag is set to 1 in S515 and the process proceeds to S520. The small win type flag is a flag for checking the type of small win, and is set to "0" for the first small win and "1" for the second small win.

[0121] In S520, the time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether or not the time-saving flag is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S520: Yes), the process proceeds to S525, and if the determination is negative (S520: No), the process proceeds to S540.

[0122] In S525, the small hit counter is decremented and the process proceeds to S530. In S530, it is determined whether the small hit counter is 0 or not, and if the determination is negative (S530: No), the process proceeds to S540. If the determination is positive (S530: Yes), the time-saving flag is set to 0 in S535, and the process proceeds to S540.

[0123] In S540, the second big winning port device operation start process is executed, and in the next S545, the small winning start performance process is executed. After this S545, the process proceeds to S550.

[0124] In S550, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In this state designation command transmission process, the information of the time-saving flag, a command to end the time-saving game state if the time-saving game state is to be ended, a command indicating the mode of the small win game in the case of a small win, a command to start the small win game, etc. are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S550, the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated.

[0125] (4) Jackpot game processing Next, the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 19 to 21. This jackpot game processing is a process related to the execution control of the first jackpot game operation and the second jackpot game operation, and is executed from the special game processing (S70) of the main routine described above.

[0126] In the jackpot game processing, as shown in Fig. 19, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game operation is being executed (S600). If the determination is affirmative (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and if the determination is negative (S600: No), the jackpot game processing is terminated.

[0127] In S605, it is determined whether the first and second large prize openings 14, 20 are open, and if the determination is positive (S605: Yes), the process proceeds to S650 in Figure 20, and if the determination is negative (S605: No), the process proceeds to S610.

[0128] In S610, it is determined whether or not the interval between open rounds in the jackpot game operation is in progress. If the determination is affirmative (S610: Yes), the process proceeds to S670 in FIG. 20, and if the determination is negative (S610: No), the process proceeds to S615. In S615, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game end presentation is in progress. If the determination is affirmative (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S700 in FIG. 21, and if the determination is negative (S615: No), the process proceeds to S620.

[0129] In S620, it is determined whether the start effect time for the jackpot game has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S620: Yes), the process proceeds to S625, and if the determination is negative (S620: No), the jackpot game process ends.

[0130] In S625, a special prize opening process is executed to open the first and second special prize openings 14, 20. In this special prize opening process, the opening time (30 seconds) preset as the maximum opening time for the first and second special prize openings 14, 20 in the opening round begins to expire in synchronization with the start of opening of the first and second special prize openings 14, 20. After this special prize opening process, the jackpot game process ends. The expiration of the opening time is determined by a subtraction process of the opening timer. Specifically, the opening timer is preset with a counter value equivalent to the opening time (30 seconds), and the counter value is subtracted each time the jackpot game process is executed (each time a timer interrupt process is executed). The opening time is considered to have elapsed when the counter value reaches 0. Naturally, the means for measuring the opening time is not limited to the subtraction process of the opening timer, and other means can also be used.

[0131] 20, which follows the affirmative determination in S605, determines whether the number of game balls entering the first and second jackpot openings 14, 20 has reached 10. If the determination is affirmative (S650: Yes), the process proceeds to S660. If the determination is negative (S650: No), the process proceeds to S655. In S655, it is determined whether the opening time (30 seconds) has elapsed based on the expiration of the opening timer. If the determination is affirmative (S655: Yes), the process proceeds to S660. If the determination is negative (S655: No), the jackpot game processing is terminated. In S660, the jackpot opening closing process is executed to close the first and second jackpot openings 14, 20 (ending the opening round). In the following S665, the jackpot interval process is executed to set the interval between each opening round in the first and second jackpot game operation, and the jackpot game processing is terminated.

[0132] 20, which follows the affirmative determination in S610, determines whether the interval time between the first and second jackpot game operations has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S670: Yes), the process proceeds to S675, and if the determination is negative (S670: No), the jackpot game processing ends. In S675, it is determined whether the final round has ended, and if the determination is affirmative (S675: Yes), the process proceeds to S680, and if the determination is negative (S675: No), the process proceeds to S685. In S680, a jackpot end effect process is executed to transmit a command instructing the effect when the jackpot game is ended to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S680, the jackpot game process is ended. In S685, the large prize opening process is executed. In this process, the same process as in S625 is executed to open the first and second large prize openings 14 and 20, and the opening time (30 seconds) is started.

[0133] 21, which follows the affirmative determination of S615, determines whether the time for the jackpot end presentation has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, where S705 and S710 are executed sequentially, while if the determination is negative (S700: No), the jackpot game process ends. In S705 and S710, the accessory continuous operation device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S715.

[0134] In S715, it is determined whether the time-shortening hit flag is 1 or not, and if the determination is affirmative (S715: Yes), the process proceeds to S720, and if the determination is negative (S715: No), the process proceeds to S735.

[0135] If the process proceeds to S720, the fluctuation count counter is set to 15 times (S720) and the small win count counter is set to 15 times (S725) in order to transition to the second time-shortened game state, and furthermore, the time-shortened flag is set to 1 (S730), and the process proceeds to S755.

[0136] In S735, which follows the negative determination in S715, it is determined whether the second role flag is 1. The second role flag is set to "1" when the second jackpot game is activated, triggered by the second role jackpot. If the determination is negative (S735: No), the variable number counter is set to 100 (S740) and the small win number counter is set to 1 (S745) in order to transition to the first time-saving game state. Furthermore, the time-saving flag is set to 1 (S730), and the process proceeds to S755. On the other hand, if the determination is positive (S735: Yes), the process does not transition to the time-saving game state, so the second role flag is set to 0 in S750 and the process proceeds to S755.

[0137] In S755, a jackpot end command transmission process is executed to transmit a jackpot end command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to end the effects related to the jackpot game, and the process proceeds to S760. In the following S760, a state designation command transmission process is executed to transmit information on the time-saving flag and a command to instruct the transition of the game state to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the special symbol win / loss determination process is terminated.

[0138] (5) Processing of small wins Next, the small win game processing executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 22 to 24. This small win game processing is a process related to the execution control of the small win game operation, and is executed from the special game processing (S70) of the main routine described above.

[0139] In the small win game processing, as shown in Fig. 22, it is determined whether the small win game is in operation (S800). If the determination is affirmative (S800: Yes), the process proceeds to S805, and if the determination is negative (S800: No), the small win game processing is terminated.

[0140] In S805, it is determined whether the second large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is affirmative (S805: Yes), the process proceeds to S850 in FIG. 23, and if the determination is negative (S805: No), the process proceeds to S810.

[0141] In S810, it is determined whether or not the small win game is ending. If the determination is affirmative (S810: Yes), the process proceeds to S900 in FIG. 24, and if the determination is negative (S810: No), the process proceeds to S820.

[0142] In S820, it is determined whether the start performance time for the small win game has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S820: Yes), the process proceeds to S825, and if the determination is negative (S820: No), the small win game process ends.

[0143] In S825, a second large prize opening process is executed. In this second large prize opening process, the second large prize opening 20 is opened and the opening time for opening the second large prize opening 20 starts to expire. In the following S830, a specific opening process is executed. In the specific opening process, a process is performed to open the specific opening 25 provided in the second large prize opening device 21. The specific opening 25 is then maintained in the open state. After this S830, the small prize game process ends.

[0144] 23 following the affirmative determination in S805, it is determined whether the ball entered the specific hole 25. If the determination is affirmative (S850: Yes), the process proceeds to S855, and if the determination is negative (S850: No), the process proceeds to S860. In S855, the development flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S860.

[0145] In S860, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the second large winning port 20 has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S860: Yes), the process proceeds to S865, and if the determination is negative (S860: No), the small winning game process is terminated.

[0146] In S865, the second large prize opening closing process is executed to close the second large prize opening 20. In the following S870, A specific port closing process is executed. In this specific port closing process, a process for closing the specific port 25 is executed, and the specific port 25 is maintained in a closed state. After this S870, the process proceeds to S875, and a small win end effect process is executed in which a command instructing the effect when ending the small win game is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. Then, after S875, the small win game process is ended.

[0147] 24, which follows the affirmative determination of S810, determines whether the time for the small win end presentation has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S900: Yes), proceed to S905, and if the determination is negative (S900: No), end the small win game processing. In S905, the operation of the second large prize opening device 21 is stopped, and in the following S910, a small win end command that ends the presentation related to the small win game is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0148] In the following S915, it is determined whether the development flag is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S915: Yes), the process proceeds to S920, and if the determination is negative (S915: No), the process proceeds to S955. In S920, the development flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S925.

[0149] In S925, the small win type flag indicating the type of small win is referenced to determine whether the small win type flag is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S925: Yes), the second role flag indicating the second role big win is set to "1" in S930, and the process proceeds to S935. If the determination is negative (S925: No), the process proceeds directly to S935.

[0150] In S935, a state designation command transmission process is executed, followed by sequentially executing a condition device operation start process (S940), a role continuous operation device operation start process (S945), and a jackpot start presentation process (S950), thereby starting the second jackpot game operation by transmitting commands indicating the mode of second jackpot game operation and commands instructing the start of second jackpot game operation to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ending the small jackpot game processing.

[0151] On the other hand, in S955, the state designation command transmission process is executed to transmit information such as the time-shortening flag to the sub-integrated control device 83. Then, after S955, the small win game process is ended.

[0152] [Correspondence to claims] The correspondence between the terms used in the above-described embodiments and the terms described in the claims will be explained below. The pachinko machine 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention. The first starting port 11 corresponds to an example of the first starting port of the present invention, and the second starting port 12 corresponds to an example of the second starting port of the present invention. The first special symbol and the second special symbol correspond to examples of the special symbol according to the present invention. The first special pattern display device 9 and the second special pattern display device 10 correspond to examples of the special pattern display device according to the present invention. The steps S300 to S395 of the special symbol win / loss determination process correspond to an example of the special symbol display control means according to the present invention. The first major prize opening 14 and the second major prize opening 20 correspond to examples of major prize openings according to the present invention. The specific opening 25 corresponds to an example of a specific area according to the present invention. The small win game processing (FIGS. 22 to 24) corresponds to an example of the small win control means according to the present invention. The big win game process (FIGS. 19 to 21) corresponds to an example of the big win control means according to the present invention. The time-saving game state corresponds to an example of a bonus game state according to the present invention, the first time-saving game state corresponds to an example of a first bonus game state according to the present invention, and the second time-saving game state corresponds to an example of a second bonus game state according to the present invention. The first jackpot game operation and the second jackpot game operation correspond to examples of jackpot game operations according to the present invention. The occurrence of a small win corresponds to an example of a case where the special pattern of the present invention is stopped and displayed in a small win pattern mode, and the occurrence of one small win corresponds to a case where the special pattern of the present invention is stopped and displayed in a small win pattern mode a predetermined number of times. The time-saving winning pattern pattern corresponds to an example of a predetermined pattern pattern according to the present invention, and the occurrence of a time-saving winning pattern corresponds to an example of a case where a special pattern according to the present invention is displayed stopped in a predetermined pattern pattern. The special symbol win / loss determination process S450 to S490, S520 to S535, and the big win game process S715 to S750 correspond to an example of the game state control means according to the present invention. A "jackpot," "one small jackpot," and "100 changes in the special pattern" correspond to examples of conditions for ending the bonus in the first bonus game state of the present invention, and a "jackpot," "15 small jackpots," and "15 changes in the special pattern" correspond to examples of conditions for ending the bonus in the second bonus game state of the present invention.

[0153] [Another example] Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0154] In the above example, the probability (continuation rate) of moving on to the next time-shortened game state is approximately 65% ​​in the first time-shortened game state and approximately 80% in the second time-shortened game state, and the second time-shortened game state is more advantageous for the player, but by changing the allocation rate between the first and second small wins when a small win is won, or by reducing the upper limit value of fluctuation in the second bonus game state, the first bonus game state may be made a more advantageous game state with a higher continuation rate than the second bonus game state.

[0155] In addition, the degree of advantage (continuation rate, average number of consecutive wins, etc.) between the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state may be set to be approximately the same. This is because even if the degree of advantage does not change when transitioning from the first time-shortened game state to the second time-shortened game state, the change in game characteristics increases the interest of the game and makes it less likely for the player to become bored.

[0156] Furthermore, the game characteristics of the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state are not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the first time-saving game state, the upper limit of fluctuations related to the non-continuation termination condition may be set low so that if no jackpot occurs within the limited number of fluctuations, the game transitions to the normal game state, or a jackpot corresponding to the non-continuation termination condition may be set in the second time-saving game state.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the ball enters the first starting hole 11, only a determination is made as to whether or not it is a big hit, and no determination is made as to whether or not it is a time-saving hit or a small hit, but even when the ball enters the first starting hole 11, a determination is made as to whether or not it is a time-saving hit or a small hit, and it may be possible to transition to a time-saving game state via a time-saving hit or a small hit related to the first special pattern.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, there were only two types of time-saving game states, the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, but it is also possible to provide third and fourth time-saving game states with different ending conditions.

[0159] Furthermore, the time-saving winning symbol pattern may be one type or multiple types, and the time-saving game state may be transitioned to with different termination conditions depending on the time-saving winning symbol pattern. For example, when a first time-saving winning symbol pattern is displayed as a statically stopped symbol, the game may transition to a time-saving game state with a small win upper limit of 15 times and a fluctuation upper limit of 15 times, and when a second time-saving winning symbol pattern is displayed as a statically stopped symbol, the game may transition to a time-saving game state with a small win upper limit of 20 times and a fluctuation upper limit of 20 times. Furthermore, when a first time-saving winning symbol pattern is displayed as a statically stopped symbol, the game may transition from the first time-saving game state to the second time-saving game state, and when a second time-saving winning symbol pattern is displayed as a statically stopped symbol, the game may transition from the second time-saving game state to the first time-saving game state.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if a right hit is made during small win game operation, the ball will almost certainly enter the second large prize entry port 20, and the entered game ball will almost certainly enter the specific entry port 25. However, the ease of entering the specific entry port 25 during small win game operation may be reduced so that failure to enter the specific entry port 25 occurs frequently. In such a configuration, even if a first small win corresponding to the continuation termination condition is won in the first time-saving game state, if the ball fails to enter the specific entry port 25 in the subsequent small win game operation, the game will transition to the normal game state, creating new gameplay characteristics. Furthermore, in the second time-saving game state, if the ball repeatedly fails to enter the specific entry port 25, the small win upper limit of 15 times is satisfied, and the game will transition to the normal game state, creating new gameplay characteristics.

[0161] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the small wins consisted of two types: a first small win and a second small win. However, the small wins may be of one type or three or more types. In the above embodiment, adding a third type, a third small win, and incorporating the third small win into the termination conditions of the time-saving game state can further enhance the gameplay of the time-saving game state. For example, it is proposed to add "two third small wins" to the termination conditions of the first time-saving game state, so that if the first third small win develops into a special jackpot, the game transitions to the second time-saving game state, and if the second third small win develops into a special jackpot, the game transitions to the first time-saving game state. It is also proposed to add "five third small wins" to the termination conditions of the second time-saving game state, so that the second time-saving game state can end if "five third small wins" are met before the "number of special symbol changes" reaches 15.

[0162] Furthermore, when a small win occurs, whether the first small win or the second small win has been won may be clearly indicated to the player, or may be made difficult for the player to understand.

[0163] In addition, the number of small wins and the number of times the special pattern changes, which are related to the conditions for ending the time-saving play state, may be notified to the player at any time during the time-saving play so that the player can easily understand them, or they may not be notified to the player at all.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the presentation of the background image, symbols, etc. may be different for each game state, allowing the player to recognize which game state they are currently playing in. On the other hand, the time-saving winning symbol pattern may be made difficult for the player to distinguish, making it difficult for the player to know whether they are playing in the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state during the time-saving game state. This configuration makes it easy for the player to confuse the first time-saving game state with the second time-saving game state, providing a surprising game experience, such as when a player thinks they are in the first time-saving game state but the time-saving game state ends unexpectedly when the end condition for the second time-saving game state is satisfied, or when a player thinks the time-saving game state will end when the end condition for the first time-saving game state is satisfied but actually finds out they are in the second time-saving game state, thereby avoiding the end of the time-saving game state. In addition, if it is difficult to understand the current game status, a special effect image may be displayed when no change in the game status is not notified, and an effect image suggesting the current game status may be displayed at a predetermined timing.

[0165] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a time-saving win occurs in the second time-saving game state, the counts of the number of small wins and the number of special symbol variations related to the time-saving game state termination conditions are cleared and the counts are restarted from scratch. However, these counts may be carried over without clearing these counts. If the counts of the number of small wins and the number of variations are carried over when a time-saving win occurs in the second time-saving game state, the non-continuation termination conditions (the upper limit of small wins and the upper limit of variations) are more likely to be satisfied in the second time-saving game state than in the above embodiment, resulting in a lower continuation rate in the second time-saving game state. Furthermore, depending on the type of time-saving win won, the counts of the number of small wins and the number of variations may or may not be carried over.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the second special symbol does not win any of the big win, small win, and time-saving win results as a win / loss judgment, it is considered a loss. However, the second special symbol may be configured so that it always wins either a big win, small win, or time-saving win without a loss. In such a configuration, if multiple types of time-saving wins (time-saving win pattern modes) are provided and the game is configured to transition to different time-saving game states depending on the type of time-saving win, further game play can be added. Furthermore, in such a configuration, when a time-saving win occurs with the second special symbol, it is desirable to carry over the counts of the number of small wins and the number of special pattern changes related to the conditions for terminating the time-saving game state without clearing them. In addition, when a second special jackpot occurs, the game may transition to a different time-saving game state after the jackpot game is activated, depending on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed. At this time, each time-saving game state to which the game transitions may be the same as when the time-saving game was generated, or may be a time-saving game state different from when the time-saving game was generated.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the upper limit of the number of second reserved memories is set to 1, but the upper limit of the number of second reserved memories is not limited to 1 and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the upper limit of the number of second reserved memories may be set to 4, the same as the number of first reserved memories. As mentioned above, immediately after the time-saving game state ends, there is a chance of returning to the time-saving game state in a short time by winning a small win or a time-saving win with an unconsumed second reserved memory. Therefore, a configuration in which the upper limit of the number of second reserved memories is 4 increases this chance. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of second reserved memories may be set to 0. In such a case, since the second reserved memory is not consumed immediately after the time-saving game state ends, it becomes difficult to return to the time-saving game state in a short time. In addition, in the above embodiment, when a time-saving win occurs in the normal game state, the game is configured to transition to a time-saving game state (second time-saving game state), but in the normal game state, it is also possible to make it so that a time-saving win does not occur (the time-saving symbol mode is not stopped and displayed), or not transition to the time-saving game state even if a time-saving win occurs. Also, when a time-saving win occurs in the normal game state, it is possible to make it difficult for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and to transition to a time-saving game state with almost the same advantage as the normal game state.

[0168] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a special jackpot occurs in the normal game state, the game is configured to transition to the first time-shortened game state after the jackpot game is activated, but it is also possible to provide a special special jackpot in the normal game state, which transitions to the second time-shortened game state after the jackpot game is activated. In addition, in the above embodiment, if a special jackpot occurs in the time-saving game state, the game is configured to transition to the second time-saving game state after the jackpot game is activated. However, if a special jackpot occurs in the first time-saving game state, the game may transition to the same time-saving game state as when the special jackpot occurred, such as transitioning to the first time-saving game state after the jackpot game is activated. Also, if a special jackpot occurs in the first time-saving game state, the game may transition to the second time-saving game state, and if it occurs in the second time-saving game state, the game may transition to the first time-saving game state. In this way, it is possible to achieve gameplay that further increases the likelihood of time-saving wins and bonus jackpots in the time-saving game state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1. Pachinko machines (amusement machines) 9. First special pattern display device (special pattern display device) 10 Second special pattern display device (special pattern display device) 11 First starting port (first starting port) 12 Second starting port (second starting port) 14 First Grand Prize Winner (Grand Prize Winner) 20 Second Grand Prize Entrance (Grand Prize Entrance) 25 Specific opening (specific area)

Claims

[Claim 1] a first starting hole into which game balls can always be inserted; a second starting hole that can be converted into a state in which it is easy for the game ball to enter and a state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter; a special symbol display device that displays a special symbol; A special symbol display control means for variably displaying the special symbol and then stopping the special symbol when a ball enters the first starting hole or the second starting hole; A large prize opening that can be opened and closed, A specific area provided inside the big prize opening; A small win control means for executing a small win game operation in which the large winning opening is opened once when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win symbol mode; a jackpot control means for executing a jackpot game operation in which the large prize opening is opened multiple times when the game ball enters the specific area in the large prize opening due to the small prize game operation or when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a jackpot symbol mode; a game state control means for controlling the game state between a normal game state and a special game state in which it is easier to get a ball into the second starting hole than in the normal game state; Equipped with the gaming state control means transitions the gaming state to the normal gaming state when a predetermined bonus end condition is satisfied in the bonus gaming state, The bonus game state includes a first bonus game state and a second bonus game state having different bonus termination conditions, the game state control means, at least in the first bonus game state, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined symbol pattern different from the jackpot symbol pattern, causes a transition from the first bonus game state to the second bonus game state, the second bonus game state being a more advantageous game state than the first bonus game state; The bonus end condition is that the special symbol is stopped and displayed at least a predetermined number of times in a small win symbol mode, and the first bonus game state is such that the bonus end condition is satisfied when the special symbol is stopped and displayed once in a small win symbol mode, and the second bonus game state is such that the bonus end condition is satisfied when the special symbol is stopped and displayed a predetermined number of times in a small win symbol mode, When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win symbol mode in the first bonus game state, the bonus termination condition is satisfied, and the game state can be set to the first bonus game state after the big win game is activated when the game ball enters the specific area in the big win opening due to the small win game activation. However, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a small win symbol mode in the second bonus game state and the bonus termination condition is not satisfied, the game state is set to the second bonus game state without transitioning to the first bonus game state after the big win game is activated when the game ball enters the specific area in the big win opening due to the small win game activation. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images