gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can improve amusement toward games.SOLUTION: Upon a trigger of establishment of a predetermined control condition, a main control CPU can control a game state of a game machine into a time-shortened state. After a control is made into the time-shortened state, and upon a trigger of special games being performed the number of times of operations, the time-shortened state may be terminated. Further, the termination timing when the time-shortened state is terminated is different according to a result of a special winning lottery corresponding to a special game that occurs at what number of times of operations, the time-shortened state being terminated after a control is made into the time-shortened state, and upon a trigger of special games being performed the number of times of operations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, are conventionally capable of being controlled to a plurality of gaming states. For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the conditions for ending the advantageous gaming state (short-time state) when controlling to the advantageous gaming state after the end of the jackpot game are varied depending on the type of winning win. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-97584 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such gaming machines, it is desirable to improve the control of the gaming state to increase the interest in the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine that executes a special game based on the result of a special lottery, and includes a game execution means that executes the special game, a game control means that controls the game execution means, and a game state control means that controls the game state of the gaming machine, and the game state includes specific game states including a first specific game state and a second specific game state, and the first specific game state may end when the special game has been executed a maximum number of times since being controlled to the first specific game state, and the second specific game state may end when the special game has been executed a maximum number of times since being controlled to the second specific game state, and when the special game has been executed a maximum number of times since being controlled to the first specific game state, When the first specific gaming state ends as a result of this The timing at which the first specific gaming state ends varies depending on the result of the special lottery corresponding to the special game of the upper limit execution number, and the upper limit execution number of the special game is executed after the game is controlled to the second specific gaming state. When the second specific gaming state ends as a result of this The timing at which the second specific gaming state ends varies depending on the result of the special lottery corresponding to the special game of the upper limit execution number, and the specific gaming state ends, and the result of the special lottery is A winning result indicating that you have won When the first specific gaming state ends, The first specific gaming state ends at a specific timing when symbols are displayed as fixed symbols in the special game, and when the second specific gaming state ends, the second specific gaming state ends at a timing later than the specific timing. The gist of this is as follows. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase interest in games. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the types of jackpot patterns for special patterns, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the types of special winning patterns for special patterns, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the types of conditions for ending the time-saving state. [Figure 4]2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing when a special symbol stops. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the processing at the end of a special hit. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the timing at which the time-saving state ends. [Figure 8] 10(a) to 10(c) are explanatory diagrams showing the final variation effect executed during the execution of the variation game of the first activation number. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine includes a launch handle HD that is operated by a player to launch a gaming ball. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a speaker SP that outputs sound. The speaker SP can execute effects (hereinafter referred to as audio effects) by outputting sounds such as music and sound effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a decorative lamp LA that executes light-emitting effects using a light-emitting element (not shown). The decorative lamp LA can execute light-emitting effects by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing the light-emitting element (not shown).

[0009] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board YB. A gaming area YBa is formed on the front side of the gaming board YB, into which gaming balls can flow. In this embodiment, gaming balls launched by operating the launch handle HD reach the gaming area YBa. The gaming board YB includes an opening window YBb in approximately the center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device 12 having an image display unit GH capable of displaying an image. The effect display device 12 is attached to the gaming board YB so that the image display unit GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the gaming board YB when viewed from the front. For example, the image display unit GH is a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The effect display device 12 is capable of executing various notifications and effects by displaying various images. The effect display device 12 is capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a "display effect") that displays an image imitating a predetermined character or letter as one of the effects. In this embodiment, the effect display device 12 corresponds to an effect execution means that executes an effect.

[0011] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an information display device 13 that can display predetermined information. The information display device 13 is provided on the gaming board YB at a position that can be seen by the player. The information display device 13 includes a first special symbol display unit 13a. The first special symbol display unit 13a is capable of executing a first special symbol variation game, which is a variation game that variably displays predetermined symbols and ultimately displays the first special symbol as a fixed, stopped symbol. The information display device 13 includes a second special symbol display unit 13b. The second special symbol display unit 13b is capable of executing a second special symbol variation game, which is a variation game that variably displays predetermined symbols and ultimately displays the second special symbol as a fixed, stopped symbol. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are symbols for notifying the result of a special winning lottery, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display unit 13a and the second special symbol display unit 13b correspond to game execution means that executes the special symbol variation game.

[0012] In the following explanation, the special winning lottery for the first special symbol will be abbreviated as the "first special winning lottery," and the special winning lottery for the second special symbol will be abbreviated as the "second special winning lottery." Furthermore, the first special symbol changing game will be abbreviated as the "first special game," and the second special symbol changing game will be abbreviated as the "second special game." Furthermore, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as the "special game." In this specification, "changing display" means a state in which the type of displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "determined stop display" means a state in which the symbol is definitively displayed as stopped, and the type of displayed symbol does not change. With respect to symbols, "determined stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning.

[0013] The special symbols that can be derived in the first special symbol display unit 13a and the second special symbol display unit 13b include a special winning symbol as a special winning result, a jackpot symbol as a jackpot result, and a losing symbol as a losing result. In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously. In this embodiment, if a special winning is won in the special winning lottery, a special winning symbol is derived in the special game, and a special winning game is triggered after the special game ends. The special winning game will be described in detail later. Furthermore, if a jackpot is won in the special winning lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and a jackpot game is triggered after the special game ends. In the following description, a jackpot won in the special winning lottery may be referred to as a "pattern winning," and a jackpot game triggered when a jackpot is won in the special winning lottery may be referred to as a "pattern winning jackpot game." The jackpot game will be described in detail later. On the other hand, if neither the special jackpot nor the jackpot is won in the special jackpot lottery, a losing symbol is drawn in the special game. That is, in the first special symbol display unit 13a and the second special symbol display unit 13b of this embodiment, a special game can be executed in which the special symbols are varied and stopped based on the result of the special jackpot lottery.

[0014] The information display device 13 includes a first special hold display unit 13c. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of first special games that have been put on hold is referred to as the "first special hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the first special hold number is "4." The information display device 13 includes a second special hold display unit 13d. The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of second special games that have been put on hold is referred to as the "second special hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the second special hold number is "4."

[0015] The information display device 13 includes a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e is capable of executing a normal symbol variation game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and a normal symbol is finally displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of a normal lottery, which will be described later. In the following explanation, the normal symbol variation game will be abbreviated to "normal game." The normal symbols that can be derived to the normal symbol display unit 13e include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In this embodiment, when a normal winning symbol is won in the normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and a normal winning game is initiated after the normal game ends.

[0016] The information display device 13 includes a regular hold display unit 13f. The regular hold display unit 13f displays information that can identify the number of regular games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met. In the following description, the number of regular games that are on hold will be referred to as the "regular hold number." In this embodiment, the maximum value of the regular hold number is "1." Note that the display units in the information display device 13 do not need to be provided on a single display unit, but may be provided on different parts. The information display device 13 may also include a right-hit display unit that displays information instructing a so-called "right hit," and a round display unit that notifies the maximum number of rounds of play, which will be described later.

[0017] The game board YB is formed with a plurality of winning holes into which game balls can enter. The plurality of winning holes open into the game area YBa. The plurality of winning holes include a first start winning hole 14, a second start winning hole 15, a first large winning hole 18, and a second large winning hole 20. The plurality of winning holes may include a winning hole different from these winning holes.

[0018] The first start winning opening 14 is a winning opening into which game balls are admitted to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game. As an example, the first start winning opening 14 is located below the effect display device 12. The first start winning opening 14 is always open so that game balls can be admitted. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first start winning sensor SE1 that detects game balls that have entered the first start winning opening 14 (see FIG. 4).

[0019] The second start winning opening 15 is a winning opening into which a game ball enters to fulfill the conditions for awarding a prize ball and the conditions for holding the second special game. As an example, the second start winning opening 15 is located to the right of the effect display device 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second start winning sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that enters the second start winning opening 15 (see FIG. 4).

[0020] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal movable piece 16 that can be in a first operating state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the second start winning hole 15, and a second operating state in which a gaming ball can enter the second start winning hole 15. The normal movable piece 16 is always in the first operating state, and operates to the second operating state when a normal winning game is triggered. In other words, when a normal winning game is triggered, the second start winning hole 15 becomes capable of receiving a gaming ball. The gaming board YB is equipped with a first solenoid SL1 as a means for operating the normal movable piece 16 (see FIG. 4).

[0021] The first major winning opening 18 is a winning opening into which game balls are allowed to enter in order to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the first major winning opening 18 is located below the second start winning opening 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that have entered the first major winning opening 18 (see FIG. 4).

[0022] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first special opening / closing piece 19 that can be in an open state in which the first large prize opening 18 is open to allow game balls to enter, and a closed state in which the first large prize opening 18 is closed to prevent game balls from entering. That is, in this embodiment, the first special opening / closing piece 19 corresponds to an operating means that can be in a first operating state in which game balls can enter the first large prize opening 18, and a second operating state in which game balls cannot enter the first large prize opening 18. For example, the first special opening / closing piece 19 may be a door-like member that opens and closes the first large prize opening 18. The first special opening / closing piece 19 is normally in a closed state and operates to an open state when a special win game is triggered. That is, when a special win game is triggered, the first large prize opening 18 is opened to allow game balls to enter. The game board YB is provided with a second solenoid SL2 as a means for operating the first special opening / closing piece 19 (see FIG. 4).

[0023] A passage 26 is provided at the back of first large prize opening 18, through which a gaming ball that has entered first large prize opening 18 can pass. Passage 26 is provided so as to branch into first passage 26a and second passage 26b at branching section 27 downstream of first large prize opening 18.

[0024] The branching section 27 is provided with a distribution shutter 28 that distributes gaming balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18 to the first passage 26a or the second passage 26b by the operation of a fourth solenoid SL4 (see FIG. 4). The distribution shutter 28 operates so as to be able to take a first distribution state in which the gaming balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18 are distributed to the first passage 26a, and a second distribution state in which the gaming balls are distributed to the second passage 26b. The distribution shutter 28 operates in a predetermined operating pattern when a predetermined operating condition is met.

[0025] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a specific passage sensor SE5 that detects a gaming ball that enters the first large prize opening 18 and passes through a specific area in the first passage 26a (see FIG. 4). The specific area is a so-called V-area. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, when the first large prize opening 18 is opened during a special prize game, a jackpot is triggered when the gaming ball that entered the first large prize opening 18 passes through the specific area in the first passage 26a and is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5, thereby triggering a jackpot game. In this embodiment, the allocation of a gaming ball that entered the first large prize opening 18 to either the first passage 26a or the second passage 26b can also be understood as a winning lottery for a bonus item. In this case, the allocation of a gaming ball that entered the first large prize opening 18 to the first passage 26a corresponds to winning a jackpot in the winning lottery for a bonus item. In the following description, a jackpot won in a lottery for winning a role may be referred to as a "playable role win," and a jackpot game that occurs when a player wins a jackpot in a lottery for winning a role may be referred to as a "jackpot game based on a role win." In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment is a gaming machine that can generate a jackpot game based on a symbol win and a jackpot game based on a role win (a so-called "type 1 / type 2 mixed machine").

[0026] The second large prize opening 20 is a prize opening into which game balls enter in order to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the second large prize opening 20 is located below the first large prize opening 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second count sensor SE4 that detects game balls that enter the second large prize opening 20 (see FIG. 4).

[0027] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second special opening / closing piece 21 that can be in an open state in which the second large prize opening 20 is open to allow game balls to enter, and a closed state in which the second large prize opening 20 is closed to prevent game balls from entering. For example, the second special opening / closing piece 21 may be a door-like member that opens and closes the second large prize opening 20. The second special opening / closing piece 21 is normally in a closed state and operates to an open state when a jackpot game is generated. In other words, when a jackpot game is generated, the second large prize opening 20 is opened to allow game balls to enter. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a third solenoid SL3 as means for operating the second special opening / closing piece 21 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, in a jackpot game, the second large prize winning opening 20 is opened, and the condition for awarding a prize ball is met when a game ball that has entered the second large prize winning opening 20 is detected by the second count sensor SE4.

[0028] The gaming board YB has a gate 23. As an example, the gate 23 is located above the second start winning hole 15. The gate 23 has a gate opening 23a formed therein. The gate opening 23a is always open so that gaming balls can enter. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a gate sensor SE6 that detects gaming balls that have entered the gate opening 23a (see FIG. 4). The gate opening 23a is an entrance through which gaming balls are allowed to enter in order to establish the conditions for starting a normal game. Even if a gaming ball enters the gate opening 23a, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established.

[0029] Next, the path along which the gaming ball flows down in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as described above has multiple paths through which gaming balls flow in the gaming area YBa, depending on the launch strength of the gaming balls. The paths through which gaming balls flow can also be understood as the areas through which gaming balls flow. The multiple paths include a first path R1 that flows down the left side of the center frame W (the effect display device 12) and a second path R2 that flows down the right side of the center frame W (the effect display device 12). The first path R1 and the second path R2 may overlap partially or not entirely. In the following description, when the gaming board YB is viewed from the front, the area located to the left of the center line CL that bisects the gaming area YBa into left and right halves is referred to as the left side region R1a, and the area located to the right of the center line CL is referred to as the right side region R2a. That is, in this embodiment, the path that flows down the left side region R1a is the first path R1, and the path that flows down the right side region R2a is the second path R2.

[0030] A player can adjust the launch strength of a game ball by operating the launch handle HD, thereby allowing the game ball to be shot into either the left area R1a or the right area R2a. The first start winning hole 14 is open on the first path R1 (left area R1a). Therefore, if the game ball is launched with a weaker launch strength, the game ball will likely flow down the left area R1a and potentially land in the first start winning hole 14. The second path R2 (right area R2a) has, in order from upstream, the gate opening 23a, the second start winning hole 15, the first major winning hole 18, and the second major winning hole 20. Therefore, if the game ball is launched with a stronger launch strength, the game ball will likely flow down the right area R2a and potentially land in the second start winning hole 15, the first major winning hole 18, the second major winning hole 20, or the gate opening 23a.

[0031] In the following description, firing a game ball toward the left region R1a with a firing intensity that makes it easy for the game ball to flow down the first path R1 may be referred to as a "left hit." Also, firing a game ball with a firing intensity that makes it easy for the game ball to flow down the second path R2 may be referred to as a "right hit."

[0032] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a non-time-shortening state and a time-shortening state as gaming states in which the average fluctuation time of the special game differs. The time-shortening state of this embodiment is a state in which the average fluctuation time of the special game is shorter than that of the non-time-shortening state. Furthermore, the time-shortening state of this embodiment is a state in which the probability of the gaming ball entering the second start winning hole 15 is higher than that of the non-time-shortening state. In other words, in this embodiment, the time-shortening state is a ball-entry rate improvement state in which the rate of the gaming ball entering the second start winning hole 15 is improved compared to that of the non-time-shortening state. In this embodiment, the time-shortening state corresponds to a specific gaming state.

[0033] For example, the rate at which game balls enter the second start winning slot 15 can be improved by performing one of the three controls described below, selected arbitrarily, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is normal symbol variation time reduction control, which shortens the variation time of the normal game. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control, which increases the probability of winning a normal win in a normal lottery (normal win probability). The third control is operation time extension control, which lengthens the total operation time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state during one normal win game. The operation time extension control may be at least one of control that increases the number of times the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state during one normal win game, and control that lengthens the operation time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operation state during a normal win game.

[0034] In particular, in this embodiment, the operating time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operating state in one normal winning game in the non-time-saving state is short enough that the game ball cannot actually enter the second start winning hole 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the non-time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball into the left region R1a than to shoot the game ball into the right region R2a. In other words, the non-time-saving state can be said to be a game state in which hitting from the left is recommended.

[0035] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the operating time during which the normal movable piece 16 operates in the second operating state in one normal winning game in the time-saving state is long enough for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball into the right-side region R2a than to shoot the game ball into the left-side region R1a. In other words, the time-saving state can be said to be a game state in which right-hand hitting is recommended.

[0036] In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, there is a case where the time-shortening state is controlled after the end of the jackpot game. In other words, in this embodiment, the control conditions for the time-shortening state include a jackpot control condition that can be established when the jackpot game ends.

[0037] In addition, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of termination conditions for terminating the time-saving state. Specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the time-saving state may end when a jackpot game is started. In other words, the end condition for ending the time-saving state includes a jackpot end condition that is established when a jackpot game is started.

[0038] In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the time-shortening state may end when a special game is executed a predetermined number of times as an upper limit of the number of times of activation after the time-shortening state is entered. In other words, in this embodiment, the end condition for the time-shortening state to end includes a game count end condition that is established when a special game is executed a predetermined number of times as an activation after the time-shortening state is entered. In this embodiment, the number of activations corresponds to a specific number of times.

[0039] In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the time-saving state may end when the number of times that the special winning symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game reaches a predetermined upper limit of the number of times that the special winning symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game. In other words, the time-saving state of this embodiment may end when the special winning symbol is derived in the special game. In other words, it can be said that the end condition for ending the time-saving state includes a special winning symbol stop end condition that is established when the special winning symbol is derived in the special game.

[0040] Next, a special winning game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The special winning game is initiated after the end of the special game in which the special winning symbol is derived. In the special winning game, a role game is played to open the first large winning opening 18. Specifically, in the role game, a predetermined effect is first played for a predetermined opening time. For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect indicating the start of the role game. In the role game, after the opening time has elapsed, an opening game is played to open the first large winning opening 18. The opening game ends when a first opening end condition is met, in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls (one in this embodiment) enters the game, or a second opening end condition is met, in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the opening game of the role game, the first large winning opening 18 is opened to a predetermined opening mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first large winning opening 18 is opened at the start of the opening game and closed at the end of the opening game. That is, in this embodiment, the first special opening / closing piece 19 operates to the open state when the open game starts, and operates to the closed state when the open game ends. Also, in this embodiment, a predetermined effect is performed during the open game in the role game. For example, the predetermined effect is an open game effect indicating that the open game is being executed to open the first large winning opening 18. Thereafter, in the role game, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined ending time. For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect indicating the end of the role game.

[0041] In the special winning game of this embodiment, if the game ball passes through a specific area in the first passage 26a during the role game, a jackpot game based on the role game win is triggered after the role game ends. Thereafter, the special winning game ends with the end of the jackpot game based on the role game win. On the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through a specific area in the first passage 26a during the role game, the special winning game ends with the end of the role game.

[0042] Next, the jackpot game in this embodiment will be described. In the following description, when simply referring to a "jackpot game," it is intended to include both a "jackpot game based on a symbol hit" and a "jackpot game based on a bonus hit."

[0043] In a jackpot game, a predetermined effect is first performed for a predetermined opening time. For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect indicating the start of a jackpot game. After the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the second large prize opening 20 is opened is performed up to a predetermined maximum number of times. A round game ends when a first round end condition is met, in which a predetermined maximum number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) enter the round game, or when a second round end condition is met, in which a predetermined maximum time has elapsed. In a round game, the second large prize opening 20 is opened to a predetermined opening mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second large prize opening 20 is opened upon the start of a round game and closed upon the end of the round game. That is, in this embodiment, the second special opening / closing piece 21 operates to an open state upon the start of a round game and operates to a closed state upon the end of the round game. In this embodiment, a predetermined effect is performed during a round game. For example, the predetermined effect is a round effect that indicates that a round game is being played to open the second large prize opening 20. When the final round game is completed, a predetermined effect is played for a predetermined ending time in the jackpot game. For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that indicates the end of the jackpot game. Then, the jackpot game ends as the ending time passes.

[0044] Next, the types of winning symbols (big winning symbols and special winning symbols) in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, there are multiple types of jackpot symbols. A type of jackpot game is determined for each of the multiple types of jackpot symbols. In addition, there are multiple types of special jackpot symbols in this embodiment. A type of special jackpot game is determined for each of the multiple types of special jackpot symbols. In this embodiment, the type of winning symbol can also be understood as the type of win. That is, the wins in this embodiment include multiple types of jackpots and multiple types of special wins. In other words, in this embodiment, it can be said that the result of the special win lottery includes multiple types of wins.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3(a), in this embodiment, the jackpot symbols of the special symbols are classified into two groups, ZA and ZB, at a predetermined ratio. Specifically, in this embodiment, of the 100 types of first special symbol jackpot symbols, 30 types of jackpot symbols are classified into ZA symbol, and 70 types of jackpot symbols are classified into ZB symbol. In addition, in this embodiment, all of the 100 types of second special symbol jackpot symbols are classified into ZA symbol.

[0046] In the following explanation, a jackpot based on a jackpot symbol classified as symbol ZA will be referred to as a "jackpot ZA," and a jackpot based on a jackpot symbol classified as symbol ZB will be referred to as a "jackpot ZB." In addition, in the following explanation, jackpot games based on jackpots ZA and ZB will be referred to as "jackpot game ZA" and "jackpot game ZB," respectively.

[0047] In this embodiment, the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game ZA is set to 10. In addition, the upper limit number of rounds in the jackpot game ZB is set to 3. In this embodiment, the upper limit time for each round of the jackpot games ZA to ZC is set to 25 seconds.

[0048] In this embodiment, after the jackpot game based on the symbol hit ends, the game is controlled to the time-shortened state. Specifically, after the jackpot games ZA and ZB end, the game is controlled to the time-shortened state regardless of the game state at the time of the jackpot. In this embodiment, for a symbol hit jackpot, the game state at the time of the jackpot refers to the game state when the jackpot is won in the special lottery.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 3(b), in this embodiment, the special winning symbols of the special symbols are classified into five groups, Za, Zb, Zc, Zd, and Ze, at a predetermined ratio. Specifically, in this embodiment, of the 100 special winning symbols of the first special symbols, 10 types of special winning symbols are classified as Za, 10 types of special winning symbols are classified as Zb, 25 types of special winning symbols are classified as Zc, 25 types of special winning symbols are classified as Zd, and 30 types of special winning symbols are classified as Ze. Note that, in this embodiment, the first special symbols do not include special winning symbols. In other words, in this embodiment, special winning symbols are not derived in the first special game.

[0050] In the following explanation, a special win based on a special winning symbol classified as symbol Za will be referred to as a "special win Za." Similarly, a special win based on a special winning symbol classified as symbol Zb will be referred to as a "special win Zb," a special win based on a special winning symbol classified as symbol Zc will be referred to as a "special win Zc," a special win based on a special winning symbol classified as symbol Zd will be referred to as a "special win Zd," and a special win based on a special winning symbol classified as symbol Ze will be referred to as a "special win Ze." In addition, in the following explanation, special win games based on special wins Za, Zb, Zc, Zd, and Ze will be referred to as "special win game Za," "special win game Zb," "special win game Zc," "special win game Zd," and "special win game Ze," respectively.

[0051] In this embodiment, in the accessory game of the special winning game, the first special opening / closing piece 19 operates in an operation pattern that allows the gaming ball to enter the first large winning opening 18. Also, in the accessory game of the special winning game of this embodiment, the distribution shutter 28 operates in a certain operation pattern. In this operation pattern, the distribution shutter 28 operates in a first distribution state in which the gaming ball that entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the first passage 26a, and a second distribution state in which the gaming ball that entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the second passage 26b. And, in this embodiment, in the accessory game of the special winning game, if the gaming ball passes through a specific area in the first passage 26a and is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5, a jackpot is awarded, and the jackpot game occurs after the accessory game is completed. In the following description, in a special winning game, the passing of the gaming ball through a specific area in the first passage 26a and being detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 is referred to as a "specific condition."

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, in each of the special winning games Za to Ze, the first special opening / closing piece 19 is operated in an operation pattern that allows the gaming ball to enter the first large winning opening 18, and the distribution shutter 28 is operated in an operation pattern that allows the gaming ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 to pass through the first passage 26a. Therefore, in each of the special winning games Za to Ze, a specific condition can be met to trigger a jackpot game. In particular, in each of the special winning games Za to Ze, if the gaming ball is hit to the right during the special winning game, the first special opening / closing piece 19 and the distribution shutter 28 are operated in an operation pattern that causes the gaming ball to enter the first large winning opening 18 and pass through the first passage 26a with an extremely high probability. That is, in this embodiment, in each of the special winning games Za to Ze, if the game ball is hit to the right during the special winning game, there is an extremely high probability that a specific condition will be met and a big winning game will occur.

[0053] In the following explanation, the jackpot games that occur when specific conditions are met in each of the special jackpot games Za, Zb, Zc, Zd, and Ze, will be referred to as "jackpot game Za," "jackpot game Zb," "jackpot game Zc," "jackpot game Zd," and "jackpot game Ze," respectively.

[0054] In this embodiment, the maximum number of rounds in the jackpot game Za is set to 10. That is, in this embodiment, in the special jackpot games Za to Zc, the jackpot opening is allowed a maximum of 11 times in total, including one opening game in the accessory game and ten rounds in the jackpot game. In the jackpot game Zd, the maximum number of rounds is set to 7. That is, in this embodiment, in the special jackpot game Zd, the jackpot opening is allowed a maximum of eight times in total, including one opening game in the accessory game and seven rounds in the jackpot game. In the jackpot game Ze, the maximum number of rounds is set to three. That is, in this embodiment, in the special jackpot game Ze, the jackpot opening is allowed a maximum of four times in total, including one opening game in the accessory game and three rounds in the jackpot game.

[0055] In this embodiment, the upper limit time for each round of jackpot games Za to Ze is set to 25 seconds. Also, in this embodiment, the upper limit number of game balls that can be entered in each round of jackpot games Za to Ze is set to 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game may be controlled to a time-shortened state after the end of a jackpot game based on a hit on a special feature. Specifically, after the end of a jackpot game Za to Zd, the game is controlled to a time-shortened state regardless of the game state at the time of the jackpot. In this embodiment, for a jackpot on a special feature, the game state at the time of the jackpot refers to the game state when a specific condition is met by detecting a game ball by a specific passage sensor SE5 in a special jackpot game. In other words, for a jackpot on a special feature, the game state at the time of the jackpot refers to the game state when a game ball passes through a specific area. On the other hand, after the end of a jackpot game Ze, whether or not the game is controlled to a time-shortened state depends on the game state at the time of the jackpot. If the game state at the time of the jackpot is a non-time-shortened state, the game is controlled to a non-time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game Ze. On the other hand, if the game state at the time of the jackpot is a time-shortened state, the game is controlled to a time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game Ze.

[0057] In this embodiment, each jackpot game has a predetermined end condition pattern for the time-saving state when the game is controlled to the time-saving state after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are multiple types of end condition patterns for the time-saving state, including a first condition pattern, a second condition pattern, and a third condition pattern.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3(c), in the first condition pattern, a first number of activations (e.g., 30) is set as the number of activations required to establish the game count termination condition. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the first condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when the first number of special games have been executed since the time-saving state was entered. Also, in the first condition pattern, the special winning symbols Za, Zc, Zd, and Ze are set as the special winning symbols that establish the special winning symbol stop termination condition, and the upper limit number of times each special winning symbol can stop is set to one. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the first condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when any of the special winning symbols Za, Zc, Zd, and Ze is drawn once in the special game. On the other hand, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the first condition pattern, the time-saving state is not terminated when the special winning symbol Zb is drawn in the special game.

[0059] In the second condition pattern, the number of activations required to establish the game count termination condition is set to a second activation count (e.g., 10,000 times), which is greater than the first activation count. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the second condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when the second activation count of the special game is executed after the time-saving state is entered. Also, in the second condition pattern, the special winning symbol Za is set as the special winning symbol that establishes the special winning symbol stop termination condition, and the upper limit number of times the special winning symbol Za can stop is set to one. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the second condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when the special winning symbol Za is drawn once in the special game. On the other hand, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the second condition pattern, the time-saving state is not terminated when the special winning symbols Zb, Zc, Zd, and Ze are drawn in the special game.

[0060] In the third condition pattern, the second number of activations (e.g., 10,000) is set as the number of activations required to establish the game count termination condition. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the third condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when the second number of activations of the special game are executed after the time-saving state is entered. Also, in the third condition pattern, the special winning symbols Za, Zb, Zc, and Zd are set as the special winning symbols that establish the special winning symbol stop termination condition, and the upper limit of the number of times each special winning symbol can stop is set to one. That is, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the third condition pattern, the time-saving state is terminated when any of the special winning symbols Za, Zb, Zc, and Zd is drawn once in the special game. On the other hand, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the third condition pattern, the time-saving state is not terminated when the special winning symbol Ze is drawn in the special game.

[0061] In the following description, the time-saving state when the termination condition is the first condition pattern may be referred to as the first time-saving state. Similarly, in the following description, the time-saving state when the termination condition is the second condition pattern may be referred to as the second time-saving state, and the time-saving state when the termination condition is the third condition pattern may be referred to as the third time-saving state.

[0062] In this embodiment, after the end of the jackpot game ZA, if the game state at the time of the jackpot was the non-time-shortening state, the end condition of the time-shortening state becomes the first condition pattern, while if the game state at the time of the jackpot was the time-shortening state, the end condition of the time-shortening state becomes the second condition pattern. Also, after the end of the jackpot game ZB, regardless of the game state at the time of the jackpot, the end condition of the time-shortening state becomes the first condition pattern.

[0063] After the end of jackpot game Za, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the second condition pattern regardless of the game state at the time of the jackpot. After the end of jackpot game Zb, if the game state at the time of the jackpot was a non-time-saving state, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the first condition pattern, while if the game state at the time of the jackpot was a time-saving state, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the third condition pattern. After the end of jackpot game Zc, Zd, if the game state at the time of the jackpot was a non-time-saving state, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the first condition pattern, while if the game state at the time of the jackpot was a time-saving state, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the second condition pattern. After the end of jackpot game Ze, if the game state at the time of the jackpot was a time-saving state, the end condition for the time-saving state becomes the first condition pattern. As mentioned above, when a jackpot game Ze occurs and the game state at the time of the jackpot is a non-time-shortened state, the game state is controlled to a non-time-shortened state after the jackpot game Ze ends.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second and third condition patterns are condition patterns in which a larger number of activations is set as the game count ending condition compared to the first condition pattern. Therefore, the second and third condition patterns can be said to be condition patterns that are more advantageous to the player than the first condition pattern in that the game count ending condition is less likely to be met among the conditions for ending the time-shortened state.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first condition pattern is a condition pattern in which the special winning symbol Ze is defined as the special winning symbol for which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is satisfied, while the second and third condition patterns are condition patterns in which the special winning symbol Ze is not defined as the special winning symbol for which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, when the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state and a special winning symbol Ze is won, the special winning symbol stop termination condition is satisfied, so a special winning game Ze occurs during the non-time-saving state, and the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state after the jackpot game Ze ends. On the other hand, when the second or third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state and a special winning symbol Ze is won, the special winning symbol stop termination condition is not satisfied, so a special winning game Ze occurs during the time-saving state, and the game is controlled to the time-saving state even after the jackpot game Ze ends. For this reason, the second and third condition patterns can be said to be advantageous condition patterns for the player in that the time-saving state is less likely to end in relation to the special win Ze than the first condition pattern.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second condition pattern is a condition pattern in which the special winning symbols Zc and Zd are not specified as the special winning symbols for which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is satisfied, while the third condition pattern is a condition pattern in which the special winning symbols Zc and Zd are specified as the special winning symbols for which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, when the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition of the time-saving state and the special winning symbols Zc and Zd are won, the special winning symbol stop termination condition is not satisfied, so the special winning games Zc and Zd occur during the time-saving state, and therefore the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition of the time-saving state after the jackpot games Zc and Zd end. On the other hand, when the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition of the time-saving state, if the special win Zc, Zd is won, the special win symbol stop termination condition is established, and therefore the special win game Zc, Zd occurs during the non-time-saving state, and therefore the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition of the time-saving state after the end of the jackpot game Zc, Zd. Therefore, compared to the third condition pattern, the second condition pattern can be said to be a condition pattern that is advantageous to the player in that the first condition pattern is less likely to be set as the termination condition of the time-saving state in relation to the special win Zc, Zd.

[0067] Next, the effect symbol variation game executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. In this embodiment, the effect display device 12 variably displays effect symbols in multiple columns, and is capable of executing an effect symbol variation game that ultimately derives a combination of effect symbols. That is, in this embodiment, the effect display device 12 corresponds to effect symbol display means that displays effect symbols. In the following explanation, the effect symbol variation game is abbreviated to "effect game." The effect symbols are symbols (decorative symbols) decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are intended to diversify the display effects. In this embodiment, the effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the first, second, and third symbol columns in a predetermined direction.

[0068] The effect game starts with the start of the special game and ends with the end of the special game. Specifically, in the effect game, effect symbols are temporarily displayed as stopped symbols in each of the first to third symbol columns (hereinafter referred to as "temporary stop display"), and then the effect symbols temporarily displayed as stopped symbols in each symbol column are displayed as fixed stop symbols, thereby deriving a combination of effect symbols. In the effect game, a combination of effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. Specifically, when a special winning symbol (special winning result) is derived in the special game, a symbol combination for a special win based on the effect symbols is also derived in the effect game. Furthermore, when a time-saving symbol (time-saving winning result) is derived in the special game, a symbol combination for a time-saving win based on the effect symbols is derived in the effect game. And, when a losing symbol (losing result) is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination based on the effect symbols is derived in the effect game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game may be collectively referred to as "variable game."

[0069] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs control signals such as control commands, which are an example of control information, depending on the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that control signals can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The sub-control board 50 executes predetermined processes based on the control signals input from the main control board 40.

[0070] The main control board 40 will now be described in detail. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main control CPU 41a) and a storage unit (memory). The main control CPU 41a executes a main control program to perform various processes. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control ROM 41b) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and a RAM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control RAM 41c) from which information can be read and written.

[0071] The main control ROM 41b stores judgment values ​​and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main control ROM 41b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is variation information that can identify the variation content of the variation game. In particular, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern may also be information that can identify the presentation content of the presentation game that is performed during the execution of the special game.

[0072] The main control RAM 41c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main control CPU 41a. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 41c includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through the random number generation process performed by the main control CPU 41a. The main control CPU 41a, main control ROM 41b, and main control RAM 41c are not limited to being configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, and may each be configured separately.

[0073] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, the first count sensor SE3, the second count sensor SE4, the specific passing sensor SE5, and the gate sensor SE6. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input the detection signals output by each sensor when it detects a gaming ball. The main control CPU 41a is connected to the information display device 13. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display content of the information display device 13. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a corresponds to a game control means that controls the game execution means.

[0074] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first solenoid SL1, the second solenoid SL2, the third solenoid SL3, and the fourth solenoid SL4. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal movable piece 16 by controlling the first solenoid SL1. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the first special opening / closing piece 19 by controlling the second solenoid SL2. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the second special opening / closing piece 21 by controlling the third solenoid SL3. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the sorting shutter 28 by controlling the fourth solenoid SL4.

[0075] Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described in detail. The sub-control board 50 comprises a sub-control CPU 50a, a sub-control ROM 50b, and a sub-control RAM 50c. The sub-control CPU 50a executes a sub-control program to perform various processes related to the effects. The sub-control ROM 50b stores the sub-control program and judgment values ​​used in predetermined lotteries. The sub-control ROM 50b stores display effect data used for display effects, light-emitting effect data used for light-emitting effects, audio effect data used for audio effects, and movable body effect data used for movable body effects.

[0076] The sub-control RAM 50c stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 50c includes flags, counters, and timers. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 50 is also configured to be able to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control board 50 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

[0077] The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display device 12. That is, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a corresponds to a performance control means that controls the performance execution means. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP.

[0078] Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described. First, the special symbol input process will be described. In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 41a determines whether a gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start winning sensor SE1. When a gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the first special reserve number stored in the main control RAM 41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first special reserve number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a updates the first special reserve number by adding 1. Subsequently, the main control CPU 41a controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. In this way, the reserve condition for the first special game is met when a gaming ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1 when the first special reserve number is less than the upper limit number. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates information (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved number command) that can identify the updated first special reserved number and sets it in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the information (control command) set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 in a predetermined output process.

[0079] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 41c. For example, the random numbers may be special win random numbers used in the special win lottery, special symbol random numbers used in the lottery to determine special symbols, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns. The main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the main control RAM 41c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend its execution until the start condition of the first special game is met.

[0080] When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main control RAM 41c, if a game ball has not entered the first start winning port 14 and if the number of first special reserves is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the game ball has entered the second start winning port 15 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start winning sensor SE2. If a game ball has entered the second start winning port 15, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of second special reserves stored in the main control RAM 41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the number of second special reserves is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a updates the second special reserve number by adding 1. At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the second special reserve display unit 13d to display information that can identify the updated second special reserve number. In this way, the reservation condition of the second special game is met when the second special reservation number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2. Also, at this time, the main control CPU 41a generates information that can identify the updated second special reservation number (hereinafter referred to as the second reservation number command) and sets it in the output buffer.

[0081] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 41c. The main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is to be used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information to be used for the second special game in the main control RAM 41c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can suspend the execution of the second special game until the execution conditions for the second special game are met.

[0082] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. In the special symbol start processing, the main control CPU41a determines whether the execution conditions for the special game are met. The main control CPU41a makes a positive determination when neither a winning game nor a special game is being played, and makes a negative determination when a winning game or a special game is being played. When the execution conditions for the special game are not met, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start processing. When the execution conditions for the special game are met, the main control CPU41a determines whether the second special reserve number stored in the main control RAM41c is "1" or more. When the second special reserve number is "1" or more, the main control CPU41a performs processing to execute the second special game. On the other hand, when the second special reserve number is not "1" or more, the main control CPU41a determines whether the first special reserve number stored in the main control RAM41c is "1" or more. When the first special reserve number is "1" or more, the main control CPU41a performs processing to execute the first special game.

[0083] On the other hand, if the first special reserved number is not "1" or more, the main control CPU 41a determines whether an output flag has been set in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 41c. The output flag is information that can identify that a standby state command that can identify a standby state has been output. The standby state is a state when a special game is not being executed, a winning game has not occurred, and a special game is not reserved. If the output flag has not been set, the main control CPU 41a generates a standby state command and outputs it to the sub-control board 50, and sets an output flag in the main control RAM 41c. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process. On the other hand, if the output flag has been set, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process without generating a new standby state command.

[0084] When performing processing to execute a special game, the main control CPU41a first updates the special reserve number stored in the main control RAM41c by subtracting "1". Specifically, when executing a first special game, the main control CPU41a updates the first special reserve number by subtracting "1" and controls the first special reserve display unit 13c so that the updated first special reserve number is displayed. At this time, the main control CPU41a generates a first reserve number command indicating the updated first special reserve number and sets it in the output buffer. Similarly, when executing a second special game, the main control CPU41a updates the second special reserve number by subtracting "1" and controls the second special reserve display unit 13d so that the updated second special reserve number is displayed. At this time, the main control CPU41a generates a second reserve number command indicating the updated second special reserve number and sets it in the output buffer.

[0085] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires the random number information for the special game that was stored first from the main control RAM 41c. The main control CPU 41a then conducts a special win lottery using a special win random number identified from the acquired random number information. In other words, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a corresponds to a special lottery means that conducts a special win lottery as a special lottery. Specifically, when the main control CPU 41a executes a first special game, it acquires the random number information for the first special game that was stored first from the main control RAM 41c, and conducts a first special win lottery using a special win random number identified from the acquired random number information. Similarly, when the main control CPU 41a executes a second special game, it acquires the random number information for the second special game that was stored first from the main control RAM 41c, and conducts a second special win lottery using a special win random number identified from the acquired random number information.

[0086] Here, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not a jackpot has been won by determining whether or not the value of the special win random number matches the jackpot determination value stored in the main control ROM 41b. If the value of the special win random number matches the jackpot determination value, the main control CPU 41a performs jackpot fluctuation processing. In the jackpot fluctuation processing, the main control CPU 41a determines one of the special symbols classified as jackpot symbols by conducting a lottery to determine the special symbol based on the value of the special symbol random number identified from the acquired random number information. This determined special symbol becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game.

[0087] On the other hand, if the value of the special win random number does not match the jackpot determination value, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the special win has been won by determining whether or not the value of the special win random number matches the special win determination value stored in the main control ROM 41b.

[0088] At this time, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not a special win will be won using different special win determination values ​​for the first special win lottery and the second special win lottery. For this reason, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a special win in the first special win lottery is different from the probability of winning a special win in the second special win lottery. Specifically, in this embodiment, the special win determination values ​​are allocated so that the second special win lottery has a higher probability of winning a special win than the first special win lottery. In particular, in this embodiment, the special win determination values ​​are allocated so that a special win can be won in the second special win lottery, but that a special win cannot be won in the first special win lottery.

[0089] When the value of the special win random number matches the special win determination value, the main control CPU 41a performs special win variation processing. In the special win variation processing, the main control CPU 41a determines a special symbol from among the special symbols classified as special win symbols by performing a lottery based on the value of the special symbol random number specified from the acquired random number information. This determined special symbol becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game.

[0090] If the value of the special win random number does not match either the jackpot determination value or the special win determination value, the main control CPU 41a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main control CPU 41a determines a special symbol as a loss symbol. This determined special symbol becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game.

[0091] Then, when the main control CPU 41a determines the fixed stop symbol to be derived in the special game, it determines the change pattern by conducting a change pattern determination lottery based on the value of the change pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. At this time, if the main control CPU 41a determines a jackpot symbol as the fixed stop symbol, it determines a change pattern from the change patterns for jackpots. If the main control CPU 41a determines a special win symbol as the fixed stop symbol, it determines a change pattern from the change patterns for special wins. If the main control CPU 41a determines a losing symbol as the fixed stop symbol, it determines a change pattern from the change patterns for losing. Then, when the main control CPU 41a determines the change pattern, it ends the special symbol start process.

[0092] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 41a executes a special game by performing a process separate from the special symbol start process. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the display content of the information display device 13 to start the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The main control CPU 41a also sets information specifying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol designation command) in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41a also sets information specifying a variation pattern and instructing the start of an effect game (hereinafter referred to as the variation pattern designation command) in the output buffer. The main control CPU 41a also measures the variation time determined for the variation pattern determined in the special symbol start process.

[0093] Then, the main control CPU 41a controls the information display device 13 so that, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing is derived. As a result, when the result of the special winning lottery is a jackpot, the main control CPU 41a causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in the special game. When the result of the special winning lottery is a special win, the main control CPU 41a causes a special winning symbol to be derived in the special game. When the result of the special winning lottery is a loss, the main control CPU 41a causes a loss symbol to be derived in the special game. Furthermore, when the variation time set in the variation pattern determined in the special symbol start processing has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a sets information (hereinafter referred to as an all-symbol stop command) for deriving a combination of effect symbols in the output buffer.

[0094] Next, a special win process performed by the main control CPU 41a to generate a special win game will be described. The main control CPU 41a performs special win processing after the special game of the special win is completed. In the special win processing, the main control CPU 41a performs control according to the type of special win won, thereby generating a special win game based on the won special win. As a result, in this embodiment, when the result of the special win lottery is a special win, the special win game is generated after the special win symbol is derived in the special game.

[0095] First, the main control CPU 41a starts measuring the opening time in the special feature game, and generates information capable of identifying the start of the special feature game in the special winning game (hereinafter referred to as the special feature game start command) and sets it in the output buffer.

[0096] When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a starts the open game by controlling the second solenoid SL2 to open the first large winning opening 18 based on an operation pattern corresponding to the type of special win. At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the start of the open game to start an effective detection period during which the specific passage sensor SE5 is enabled to detect the game ball. At this time, the main control CPU 41a also generates information (hereinafter, an open start command) that can identify the start of the open game and sets it in the output buffer. Furthermore, in the special win processing, the main control CPU 41a controls the fourth solenoid SL4 to operate the distribution shutter 28 based on a predetermined operation pattern during the special win game.

[0097] Thereafter, when the first opening end condition or the second opening end condition is satisfied, the main control CPU 41a controls the second solenoid SL2 to close the first large prize opening 18, thereby ending the open game. At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the detection valid period to end with the end of the open game. At this time, the main control CPU 41a also generates information capable of identifying the end of the open game (hereinafter referred to as the opening end command) and sets it in the output buffer. Next, the main control CPU 41a starts measuring the ending time of the special feature game. Then, when the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a generates information capable of identifying the end of the special feature game in the special win game (hereinafter referred to as the special feature game end command) and sets it in the output buffer.

[0098] In addition, if the operation of the distribution shutter 28 based on a predetermined operation pattern has not ended at the end of the special feature play, the main control CPU 41a controls the fourth solenoid SL4 to end the operation of the distribution shutter 28 upon the end of the special feature play.

[0099] Then, if a gaming ball is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 within the detection valid period, the main control CPU 41a performs the jackpot processing described below after the special feature play ends. That is, if a gaming ball is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 within the detection valid period, the main control CPU 41a determines that a specific condition has been met. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special feature processing upon the end of the jackpot processing. On the other hand, if a gaming ball is not detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 within the detection valid period, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special feature processing without performing the jackpot processing after the special feature play ends.

[0100] Furthermore, when a gaming ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 within the valid detection period, the main control CPU 41a outputs a detection enable command to the sub-control board 50. On the other hand, when a gaming ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 outside the valid detection period, the main control CPU 41a outputs a detection disable command to the sub-control board 50.

[0101] Next, a big win process performed by the main control CPU 41a to generate a big win game will be described. When a game ball is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 during a special winning game, the main control CPU 41a performs jackpot processing after the special winning game ends. As a result, in this embodiment, when a winning lottery for a winning device is won, a jackpot game is triggered after the special winning game ends. In addition, the main control CPU 41a performs jackpot processing after the special game for the jackpot ends. As a result, in this embodiment, when the result of the special winning lottery is a jackpot, a jackpot game is triggered after a jackpot symbol is drawn in the special game.

[0102] In the jackpot processing, the main control CPU 41a starts measuring the opening time and generates information (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot game start command) capable of identifying the start of the jackpot game and sets it in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a performs processing to execute a round game. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the third solenoid SL3 to open the second large prize opening 20 based on a predetermined opening pattern, thereby starting the round game. After starting the round game, if the first round end condition or the second round end condition is met, the main control CPU 41a controls the third solenoid SL3 to close the second large prize opening 20, thereby ending the round game. The main control CPU 41a repeatedly performs this processing to execute the round game until the maximum number of round games has been played. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a generates information (hereinafter referred to as a round start command) capable of identifying the start of the round game and sets it in the output buffer each time a round game is started. Furthermore, every time a round of play ends, the main control CPU 41a generates information capable of identifying the end of the round of play (hereinafter referred to as a round end command) and sets it in the output buffer.

[0103] When the final round of games is completed, the main control CPU 41a starts measuring the ending time. Then, when the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a generates information that can identify the end of the jackpot game (hereinafter, jackpot game end command) and sets it in the output buffer. After that, the main control CPU 41a ends the jackpot processing.

[0104] Next, a description will be given of the processing relating to the game state performed by the main control CPU 41a. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a performs processing relating to the game state, thereby realizing a game state control means for controlling the game state.

[0105] The main control CPU 41a can control the game state by setting a predetermined value to an activation flag stored in the main control RAM 41c. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the game state to the non-time-shortened state by setting the activation flag to a value that can identify the non-time-shortened state. The main control CPU 41a controls the game state to the time-shortened state by setting the activation flag to a value that can identify the time-shortened state.

[0106] The main control CPU 41a can also set a time-shortening state termination condition by setting a predetermined value to the condition pattern flag stored in the main control RAM 41c. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a sets the first condition pattern as the condition pattern for the time-shortening state termination condition by setting the condition pattern flag to a value that can identify the first condition pattern. The main control CPU 41a sets the second condition pattern as the condition pattern for the time-shortening state termination condition by setting the condition pattern flag to a value that can identify the second condition pattern. The main control CPU 41a sets the third condition pattern as the condition pattern for the time-shortening state termination condition by setting the condition pattern flag to a value that can identify the third condition pattern. When the main control CPU 41a updates the values ​​of the activation flag and the condition pattern flag, it generates a game state command that can identify the current game state and sets it in the output buffer.

[0107] Here, the process when controlling to the time-shortening state will be described. When the main control CPU 41a ends a jackpot game, it updates the value of the activation flag according to the type of jackpot and the game state at the time of the jackpot. This allows the main control CPU 41a to control the game to a time-shortened state upon the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a determines whether to control the game to a time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game based on the type of jackpot and the game state at the time of the jackpot. When controlling the game to a time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game, the main control CPU 41a sets the activation flag to a value that can identify the time-shortened state upon the end of the jackpot game.

[0108] Furthermore, when controlling to the time-shortened state after the end of a jackpot game, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the condition pattern flag according to the type of jackpot and the game state at the time of the jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a identifies the condition pattern to be used when controlling to the time-shortened state after the end of a jackpot game based on the type of jackpot and the game state at the time of the jackpot. Then, when controlling to the time-shortened state after the end of a jackpot game, the main control CPU 41a sets the condition pattern flag to a value that can identify the identified condition pattern upon the end of the jackpot game.

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, a jackpot game based on a special winning feature is triggered when a gaming ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 within the effective detection period in a special winning game. Then, after the jackpot game based on a special winning feature ends, the game may be controlled to a time-shortened state. In other words, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can control the granting of a time-shortened state on the condition that a gaming ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5 within the effective detection period in a special winning game. In this embodiment, the granting condition corresponds to the detection of a gaming ball by the specific passing sensor SE5 within the effective detection period in a special winning game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time-shortened state corresponds to a bonus that is granted upon the fulfillment of the granting condition. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a functions as a bonus granting means that grants a bonus upon the fulfillment of a predetermined granting condition.

[0110] In this embodiment, whether or not the game is controlled to the time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game based on the hit of the role, and the condition pattern when the game is controlled to the time-shortened state, differ depending on the game state when the game ball is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5. In other words, in this embodiment, the benefit that is awarded when the awarding condition is met can be said to differ depending on the game state when the awarding condition is met.

[0111] The main control CPU 41a can perform control to terminate the time-shortening state by executing special symbol stop processing when a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game.

[0112] 5, in the special symbol stop processing, the main control CPU 41a first determines whether or not the time-shortening state is in effect (step Sa1). If the time-shortening state is not in effect (step a1: NO), the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol stop processing. On the other hand, if the time-shortening state is in effect (step Sa1: YES), the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the stopped special symbol is a special winning symbol (step Sa2).

[0113] If the stopped special symbol is a special winning symbol (step Sa2: YES), the main control CPU 41a sets the special winning end update flag stored in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 41c to ON (step Sa3). Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a updates the number of special winning stops stored in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 41c (step Sa4). In this embodiment, the number of special winning stops is information that can identify the number of times that the special winning symbol has stopped for each type of special winning symbol. In the processing of step Sa4, the main control CPU 41a identifies the type of special winning symbol derived in the current special game, and updates the number of special winning stops for the identified special winning symbol by adding 1 to the number of times that the special winning symbol has stopped.

[0114] Next, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of times the special winning symbol has stopped has reached the upper limit (step Sa5). In the processing of step Sa5, the main control CPU 41a identifies the current condition pattern from the value of the condition pattern flag, thereby identifying the number of times set as the upper limit of the number of times in the special winning symbol stop termination condition for each type of special winning symbol. Then, the main control CPU 41a determines that the special winning symbol stop termination condition has been met if the number of times that the special winning symbol has stopped has reached the upper limit for at least one of the special winning symbols. On the other hand, the main control CPU 41a determines that the special winning symbol stop termination condition has not been met if the number of times that the special winning symbol has stopped has not reached the upper limit for all of the special winning symbols.

[0115] If the number of special win stop events has reached the upper limit (step Sa5: YES), i.e., if the special win symbol stop termination condition is met, the main control CPU 41a controls the time-shortening state to end by setting a value that can identify a non-time-shortening state to the activation flag (step Sa6). Next, the main control CPU 41a erases various information related to the control of the time-shortening state (step Sa7). Specifically, the main control CPU 41a erases the value of the condition pattern flag, the value of the special win end update flag, the number of special win stop events, and the number of games (described later) stored in the main control RAM 41c. Then, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol stop processing. On the other hand, if the number of special win stop events has not reached the upper limit (step Sa5: NO), i.e., if the special win symbol stop termination condition is not met, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol stop processing without terminating the time-shortening state.

[0116] On the other hand, if the stopped special symbol is not a special winning symbol (step Sa2: NO), the main control CPU 41a updates the number of games played stored in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 41c (step Sa8). In this embodiment, the number of games played is information that can identify the number of special games played since the time-shortening state was entered.

[0117] Next, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of games has reached the activation count (step Sa9). In the processing of step Sa9, the main control CPU 41a identifies the current condition pattern from the value of the condition pattern flag, thereby identifying the number of times set as the activation count in the game count end condition. Then, if the number of games has reached the activation count, the main control CPU 41a determines that the count end condition has been met. On the other hand, if the number of games has not reached the activation count, the main control CPU 41a determines that the count end condition has not been met.

[0118] If the number of games has reached the activation number (step Sa9: YES), that is, if the count end condition is met, the main control CPU41a controls to end the time-shortening state (step Sa6). Thereafter, the main control CPU41a erases various information related to the control of the time-shortening state (step Sa7) and ends the special symbol stop process. On the other hand, if the number of games has not reached the activation number (step Sa9: NO), that is, if the count end condition is not met, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol stop process without ending the time-shortening state.

[0119] As described above, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes the special symbol stop process, which enables control to end the time-saving state when a special symbol is drawn in a special game, triggered by the establishment of a count end condition. In this embodiment, the timing when a special symbol is drawn in a special game corresponds to the first end timing. That is, in this embodiment, the end timing when the time-saving state ends when a special game is executed the number of times after control into the time-saving state is entered is the first end timing, which is the timing when a special symbol is drawn in a special game.

[0120] In addition, the main control CPU 41a can control the end of the time-shortening state by executing special win end processing when the special win game ends. As shown in Fig. 6, in the special win end processing, the main control CPU 41a first determines whether or not the time-shortening state is in effect (step Sb1). If the time-shortening state is not in effect (step b1: NO), the main control CPU 41a ends the special win end processing. On the other hand, if the time-shortening state is in effect (step Sb1: YES), the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the special win end update flag is in the ON state (step Sb2).

[0121] If the special win end time update flag is ON (step Sb2: YES), the main control CPU 41a updates the number of games played stored in the main control RAM 41c (step Sb3). Subsequently, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of games played has reached the activation count (step Sb4). If the number of games played has reached the activation count (step Sb4: YES), that is, if the count end condition is met, the main control CPU 41a controls to end the time-shortening state (step Sb5). Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a erases various information related to the control of the time-shortening state (step Sb6) and ends the special win end time processing. On the other hand, if the number of games played has not reached the activation count (step Sb4: NO), that is, if the count end condition is not met, the main control CPU 41a ends the special win end time processing without ending the time-shortening state. The processing of steps Sb3 to Sb6 in the special winning end processing is the same as the processing of steps Sa6 to Sa9 in the special symbol stop processing, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0122] As described above, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a executes the special win end process, which enables control to end the time-saving state when the special win game ends, triggered by the establishment of the number-of-times end condition. In this embodiment, the timing when the special win game ends corresponds to the second end timing. That is, in this embodiment, the end timing when the time-saving state ends, triggered by the execution of the number of special games activated after control into the time-saving state, is the second end timing, which is the timing when the special win game ends.

[0123] Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a controls the time-shortening state to end when a jackpot game is started. That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the time-shortening state to end when a jackpot end condition is met. When the main control CPU 41a ends the time-shortening state when a jackpot end condition is met, it erases various information related to the control of the time-shortening state in the same manner as in step Sa7 in the special symbol stop processing and step Sb6 in the special win stop processing.

[0124] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can perform control to end the time-shortening state at different timings depending on the game situation. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when a special game is executed the th activation number of times and the special game is not a special game resulting in a special win, the time-saving state ends when a fixed stop display of a special symbol is displayed in the special game ((A) of FIG. 7). In other words, when a special game is executed the th activation number of times after being controlled to the time-saving state and the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the th activation number of special game is a jackpot, the time-saving state ends when a fixed stop display of a special symbol is displayed in the special game. In other words, when a special game is executed the th activation number of times after being controlled to the time-saving state and the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the th activation number of special game is a jackpot, the time-saving state ends before a winning game occurs. Also, when a special game is executed the th activation number of times after being controlled to the time-saving state and the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the th activation number of special game is a lose, the time-saving state ends when a fixed stop display of a special symbol is displayed in the special game, just like when a jackpot is displayed.

[0125] When the special game is executed the th time of activation, the special game is a special game with a special win, and the number of times the special win stops has reached the upper limit number of times the special win stops, the time-saving state ends when the special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game ((B) of FIG. 7). In other words, when the special game is executed the th time of activation, even if the special game is a special game with a special win, if the special win symbol stop termination condition is met, the time-saving state ends when the special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game.

[0126] When a special game is executed for the th activation number, the special game is not a special game with a special win, the number of times the special win stops has not reached the upper limit of the number of times the special win stops, and the game ball passes through a specific area within the detection valid period in the special win game, the time-saving state ends at the start of the jackpot game based on the hit of the device ((C) of Figure 7).

[0127] When a special game is executed the th activation number of times, the special game is not a special game with a special win, the number of special win stops has not reached the upper limit number of stops, and the game ball does not pass through the specific area within the detection valid period in the special win game, the time-saving state ends when the special win game ends ((D) of Figure 7). In other words, when a special game is executed the th activation number of times after being controlled to the time-saving state, and the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the th activation number of special game is a special win, the time-saving state ends after the win game occurs.

[0128] When a special game other than the first activation count is executed, the special game is a special game with a special win, and the number of times the special win stops has reached the upper limit of the number of times the special win stops, the time-saving state ends when the special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game ((E) of FIG. 7). In other words, when a special game other than the first activation count is executed, the special game is a special game with a special win, and the special win symbol stop termination condition is established, the time-saving state ends when the special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game.

[0129] When a special game other than the activation number is executed, the special game is a special game with a special win, the number of times the special win stops has not reached the upper limit of the number of times the special win stops, and the game ball passes through a specific area within the detection valid period in the special win game, the time-saving state ends at the start of the jackpot game based on the hit of the device ((F) in Figure 7).

[0130] If a special game other than the activation number is executed, and the special game is a special game with a special win, the number of times the special win stops has not reached the upper limit number of times the special win stops, and the game ball does not pass through the specific area within the detection valid period in the special win game, the time-saving state will not end ((G) of Figure 7).

[0131] When a special game other than the first activation game is executed and the special game is a big win special game, the time-shortening state ends at the start of the big win game ((H) in FIG. 7). When a special game other than the first activated game is executed and the special game is a losing special game, the time-shortening state does not end ((I) in FIG. 7).

[0132] Thus, in this embodiment, when a special game is executed the number of times after control has been placed into the time-shortened state and the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the number of times of operation is either a jackpot or a special winning, the timing at which the time-shortened state ends differs depending on whether the win is a jackpot or a special winning. In other words, in this embodiment, when a special game is executed the number of times after control has been placed into the time-shortened state and the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the number of times of operation is either a jackpot or a special winning, the timing at which the time-shortened state ends may differ depending on the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the number of times of operation.

[0133] In addition, in this embodiment, when the time-saving state ends when the special winning pattern stop termination condition is met, the timing at which the time-saving state ends is the same whether the special winning special game is the special game that has been activated the second time or the special winning special game is a special game other than the first time.

[0134] Next, the normal symbol input process performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described. In the normal symbol input process, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor SE6 and the normal hold number is less than the upper limit, it updates the normal hold number stored in the main control RAM 41c by adding 1 and controls the normal hold display unit 13f to display the updated normal hold number. The main control CPU 41a then acquires a random number generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RAM 41c. In this case, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information for the normal game so that the storage order of the random number information can be identified. For example, the random number may be a normal win random number used for determining whether a normal win has occurred (normal lottery). The main control CPU 41a then terminates the normal symbol input process.

[0135] Next, the normal symbol start process performed by the main control CPU 41a will be described. In the normal symbol start process, when a normal win game is not being played and the normal game is not being executed, and the normal reserve number stored in the main control RAM 41c is 1 or greater, the main control CPU 41a updates the normal reserve number stored in the main control RAM 41c by subtracting 1. Also, at this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the normal reserve display unit 13f so that the updated normal reserve number is displayed. Next, the main control CPU 41a reads the random number information for the normal game that was stored first from the main control RAM 41c and performs a normal lottery based on the read random number information. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a performs a normal lottery by determining whether the value of the normal win random number matches the normal win determination value stored in the main control ROM 41b. At this time, the main control CPU 41a performs a normal lottery using a normal win determination value that varies depending on the current game state. For example, in this embodiment, the normal win determination value is assigned to each game state so that when the game is not in a time-saving state, a normal win will not be won regardless of the value of the normal win random number, whereas when the game is in a time-saving state, a normal win will be won regardless of the value of the normal win random number.

[0136] Next, the main control CPU 41a determines the normal symbol to be derived in the normal game and the fluctuation time of the normal game. After that, the main control CPU 41a ends the normal symbol start process. At this time, the main control CPU 41a may determine a shorter fluctuation time for the normal game when in the time-shortened state compared to when in the non-time-shortened state (or may make it easier to determine a shorter fluctuation time for the normal game).

[0137] Then, the main control CPU 41a executes a normal game by performing a process separate from the normal symbol start process. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a starts the normal game and controls the information display device 13 so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is displayed when the variable time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed.

[0138] Next, the normal win processing performed by the main control CPU 41a will be explained. When the normal game of the normal win ends, the main control CPU 41a executes the normal win processing. In the normal win processing, the main control CPU 41a controls the first solenoid SL1 to operate the normal movable piece 16 to the second operating state in an operating mode determined for the normal symbol (type of normal win), thereby generating a normal win game.

[0139] Through such normal pattern input processing, normal pattern start processing, and normal winning processing, the main control CPU 41a operates the normal movable piece 16 so that when the time-shortening state is in effect, the game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning hole 15 than when the time-shortening state is not in effect.

[0140] In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 41a also performs various other processes. For example, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a gaming ball has been detected from each sensor, it generates information indicating that the detection signal has been received and sets it in the output buffer. For example, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a gaming ball has been detected from the first start winning sensor SE1, it generates a first ball entry command indicating that the gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14 and sets it in the output buffer. When the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal indicating that a gaming ball has been detected from the second start winning sensor SE2, it generates a second ball entry command indicating that the gaming ball has entered the second start winning port 15 and sets it in the output buffer.

[0141] In addition, when the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the first count sensor SE3 indicating that a gaming ball has been detected, it generates a first major prize command indicating that a gaming ball has entered the first major prize opening 18 and sets this in the output buffer. When the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the second count sensor SE4 indicating that a gaming ball has been detected, it generates a second major prize command indicating that a gaming ball has entered the second major prize opening 20 and sets this in the output buffer. When the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the specific passage sensor SE5 indicating that a gaming ball has been detected, it generates a specific passage command indicating that the gaming ball that entered the first major prize opening 18 has passed through a specific area in the first passage 26a and sets this in the output buffer. When the main control CPU 41a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor SE6 indicating that a gaming ball has been detected, it generates a gate passage command indicating that the gaming ball has passed through the gate 23 and sets this in the output buffer.

[0142] Next, various processes performed by the sub-control CPU 50a will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives a control signal from the main control CPU 41a, it executes various processes in accordance with the control signal.

[0143] First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol designation command and a variable pattern designation command, it controls the effect display device 12 to execute an effect game corresponding to the special game by starting the variable display of effect symbols. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol designation command, it determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the type of special symbol designated by the input special symbol designation command.

[0144] Specifically, when a special symbol classified as a jackpot symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 50a determines a symbol combination for a jackpot based on the effect symbols. When a special symbol classified as a special winning symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 50a determines a symbol combination for a special winning based on the effect symbols. When a special symbol classified as a losing symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 50a determines a symbol combination for a losing based on the effect symbols.

[0145] Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a variation pattern designation command, it determines the effect to be executed during the execution of the effect game based on the variation pattern designated by the input variation pattern designation command. Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to start the variable display of the effect symbols of each symbol column. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a starts the effect game. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to variably display three columns of effect symbols. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the execution of various effects whose execution has been determined. Next, after starting the effect game, the sub-control CPU 50a temporarily stops the display of the effect symbols of each symbol column when a predetermined timing arrives, and then, upon input of the stop all symbols command, causes the fixed stop display of the effect symbols of each symbol column. The sub-control CPU 50a may also determine and stop the display of the effect symbols of each symbol row when the variable time set for the variable pattern has elapsed, regardless of the all symbol stop command. In this case, the all symbol stop command may be omitted.

[0146] Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to end the effect game by ending the fixed stop display of the effect pattern when the fixed stop time of the special pattern has elapsed.

[0147] Next, processing related to the gaming state will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives a game status command from the main control CPU 41a, it stores a value that can identify the game status specified from the received game status command in the sub-operation flag of the sub-control RAM 50c, and also stores a value that can identify the condition pattern specified from the received game status command in the sub-condition pattern flag of the sub-control RAM 50c. This allows the sub-control CPU 50a to identify the current game status and the set condition pattern.

[0148] Next, we will explain the control of the sub-control CPU 50a for counting the number of jackpot games that have occurred within a specific period (hereinafter referred to as the number of consecutive jackpot games) and the number of prize balls acquired within the specific period (hereinafter referred to as the number of acquired prize balls). Note that the "number of acquired prize balls" here is synonymous with the "number of prize balls awarded when the conditions for awarding prize balls are met."

[0149] In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the value of the consecutive win counter in the sub-control RAM 50c each time a jackpot game start command is input. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the value of the acquired prize ball counter in the sub-control RAM 50c each time a first big prize command is input. Similarly, the sub-control CPU 50a updates the value of the acquired prize ball counter in the sub-control RAM 50c each time a second big prize command is input.

[0150] On the other hand, when the first special game is executed in the non-time-shortened state, the sub-control CPU 50a executes a consecutive game count initialization process to initialize the value of the consecutive game count counter, and also executes an acquired prize ball count initialization process to initialize the value of the acquired prize ball count counter.

[0151] By this control, the sub-control CPU 50a of this embodiment can specify the number of jackpot games that have occurred between the time when a jackpot game was generated and the time when the first special game was subsequently executed in the non-time-shortening state. Furthermore, by this control, the sub-control CPU 50a of this embodiment can specify the number of prize balls that have been acquired between the time when a jackpot game was generated and the time when the first special game was subsequently executed in the non-time-shortening state. In other words, in this embodiment, the specified period is the period from the time when a jackpot game was generated to the time when the first special game was subsequently executed in the non-time-shortening state.

[0152] The final variation effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described below together with the control by the sub-control CPU 50a. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to execute the final variation effect during the execution of the special game that has been activated the first time since the time-shortening state was established. That is, the final variation effect of this embodiment is an effect that is executed during the execution of the special game that has been activated the first time since the time-shortening state was established.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a final variation effect with different effect content depending on the variation content of the special game of the first activation. Specifically, if the special game of the first activation is a losing special game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a result effect as the final variation effect. If the special game of the first activation is a jackpot special game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a result effect and a reversal jackpot effect as the final variation effect. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a reversal jackpot effect after the result effect ends during the execution of the first activation special game. If the special game of the first activation is a special jackpot special game, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a result effect and a last chance effect as the final variation effect. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to execute a last chance effect after the result effect ends during the execution of the first activation special game.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the result effect is an effect executed in a manner suggesting that the time-saving state will end. Specifically, in the result effect, end suggestion information suggesting that the time-saving state will end is displayed on the effect display device 12. The end suggestion information is, for example, an image imitating the string of characters "RUSH End...". Furthermore, the result effect is an effect executed in a manner that notifies the number of consecutive wins, which is the number of jackpot games that have occurred within a specific period, and the number of acquired prize balls, which is the number of prize balls acquired within the specific period. Specifically, in the result effect, consecutive win number information indicating the number of consecutive wins and acquired prize ball number information indicating the number of acquired prize balls are displayed on the effect display device 12. The consecutive win number information is, for example, an image imitating the string of characters "Number of jackpots XX times". Furthermore, the acquired prize ball number information is, for example, an image imitating the string of characters "Number of acquired balls YYYY balls".

[0155] As shown in Figure 8(b), the reversal jackpot effect is an effect that notifies that a jackpot symbol will be drawn in the special game that has been activated the second time. Specifically, in the reversal jackpot effect, a jackpot notification image is displayed to notify that a jackpot symbol will be drawn. The jackpot notification image is, for example, an image that resembles the string of characters "Jackpot!"

[0156] As shown in FIG. 8(c), the last chance effect is an effect that notifies that a special winning symbol will be derived in the special game that has been activated the th time. In addition, in this embodiment, a jackpot game is triggered on the condition that a game ball is detected by the specific passage sensor SE5 within the effective detection period in the special winning game, so the last chance effect can also be understood as an effect that suggests that a jackpot game will be triggered. Specifically, in the last chance effect, a special winning notification image is displayed that notifies that a special winning symbol will be derived. The special winning notification image is, for example, an image that resembles the string of characters "Last Chance!"

[0157] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, different effects are executed depending on the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the first activation. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the first activation is a miss or a jackpot, the time-saving state ends when a special symbol is drawn in the special game, whereas when the result is a special win, the time-saving state may end when the special win game ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, it can be said that different effects can be executed during the execution of the special game of the first activation depending on when the time-saving state ends when a special symbol is drawn in the special game and when the time-saving state ends when the special win game ends.

[0158] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) In this embodiment, the timing at which the time-saving state ends can be diversified depending on the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the first activated special game. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player can enjoy the game without getting bored, compared to when the time-saving state ends at the same timing regardless of the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the first activated special game.

[0159] (2) In this embodiment, when the result of the special lottery corresponding to the activated special game is a win, the timing at which the time-saving mode ends can be diversified depending on the type of win. Therefore, in this embodiment, the player can enjoy the game even more without getting bored.

[0160] (3) In this embodiment, during the execution of the first activated special game, a final variation effect can be executed with different effects depending on the timing when the time-saving state ends. Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow of the game and the executed effects can be associated with each other, providing enjoyment to the player. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the player can enjoy guessing the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the first activated special game from the content of the final variation effect executed during the execution of the first activated special game.

[0161] (4) In this embodiment, when a jackpot game based on a hit of a special feature occurs, the game state controlled after the jackpot game ends may differ depending on the game state when a specific condition is met in which the game ball is detected by the specific passing sensor SE5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing at which the time-saving state ends is diversified depending on the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the special game that has been activated the 1st time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the relationship between the timing at which the time-saving state ends and the timing at which the specific condition is met is also diversified. Therefore, players can enjoy the game without getting bored.

[0162] (5) In particular, in this embodiment, when the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the activated special game is a miss or a jackpot, the time-saving state ends when the special symbol is drawn in the special game, whereas when the result of a special winning lottery is a special winning lottery, the time-saving state may end when the special winning game ends. Accordingly, in this embodiment, even if a special winning lottery corresponding to the activated special game results in a special winning lottery, a specific condition can be established during the time-saving state. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a special winning lottery corresponding to the activated special game results in a special winning lottery, the game state when the specific condition is established can be diversified compared to when a special winning game is always initiated after the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state.

[0163] (6) According to this embodiment, when the time-saving state ends when the special winning symbol stop termination condition is met, the time-saving state ends at the same timing regardless of whether the special game in which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is met is the first special game activated. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the special winning symbol stop termination condition is met, the game can be enjoyed with a certain level of playability regardless of whether the special game in which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is met is the first special game activated.

[0164] (7) For example, in this embodiment, if the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state, the time-saving state does not end when the special winning symbol Zb is drawn. Therefore, in this embodiment, in principle, when a specific condition is met in the special winning game Zb, the specific condition is met during the time-saving state. However, if the special winning symbol Zb is drawn in the special game of the first activation, and the time-saving state ends at the timing when the special symbol is drawn in the special game, the specific condition is met during the non-time-saving state in the special winning game Zb. In other words, even if the same first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state, the game state when the specific condition is met may differ between when the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to a special game other than the first activation is a special winning symbol Zb and when the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the first activation is a special winning symbol Zb. In contrast, in this embodiment, when the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the first activation special game is a special win, the main control CPU 41a can control the time-saving state to end after the special win game ends, without ending the time-saving state when a special symbol is drawn in the special game. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the same first condition pattern is set as the condition for ending the time-saving state, a specific condition can be established in the same gaming state when the result of the special win lottery corresponding to a special game other than the first activation game is a special win Zb and when the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the first activation special game is a special win Zb. As a result, in this embodiment, the game can be played with the same gameplay characteristics when the result of the special win lottery corresponding to a special game other than the first activation game is a special win and when the result of the special win lottery corresponding to the first activation special game is a special win.

[0165] (8) When the termination condition for the time-saving state is the second condition pattern or the third condition pattern, the number of activations for the game count termination condition is greater than when the condition is the first condition pattern. Therefore, when the second condition pattern or the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state, it can be expected that a special win will occur before the game count termination condition is met and the time-saving state ends.

[0166] (9) When a specific condition is met in a special winning game Ze during the time-saving state, the game is controlled to the time-saving state after the jackpot game Ze ends. On the other hand, when a specific condition is met in a special winning game Ze during a non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state after the jackpot game Ze ends. Furthermore, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the first condition pattern, the time-saving state ends when the special winning symbol Ze is drawn. On the other hand, when the termination condition for the time-saving state is the second or third condition pattern, the time-saving state does not end when the special winning symbol Ze is drawn. Therefore, when the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state and a special winning symbol Ze is drawn, the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state after the special winning game Ze ends. On the other hand, when the second or third condition pattern is set and a special winning symbol Ze is drawn, the game may remain controlled to the time-saving state even after the special winning game Ze ends. Therefore, when the second condition pattern or the third condition pattern is set as the condition for ending the time-saving state, the player can expect that the time-saving state will continue even if he wins the special win Ze, allowing him to enjoy playing the game with peace of mind.

[0167] (10) When the first condition pattern or the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state and a special win Zb is won, the special win game Zb is triggered during the time-shortened state. Therefore, when a specific condition is met in the special win game Zb and a jackpot game Zb is triggered, the game is controlled to the time-shortened state after the jackpot game Zb ends, and the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state. On the other hand, when the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state and a special win Zb is won, the special win symbol stop termination condition is met, and the special win game Zb is triggered during the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, when a specific condition is met in the special win game Zb and a jackpot game Zb is triggered, the game is controlled to the time-shortened state after the jackpot game Zb ends, and the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state. According to this, when the first condition pattern or the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state and a special win Zb is won, the third condition pattern, which makes it less likely that the time-shortened state will end after the jackpot game Zb, is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game Zb than the first condition pattern. This increases the interest of players who expect the time-shortened state to continue for a long time. On the other hand, when the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state and a special win Zb is won, the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state after the end of the jackpot game Zb. This increases the rarity value of setting the third condition pattern as the termination condition for the time-shortened state, thereby further increasing the interest when the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-shortened state.

[0168] (11) When the first condition pattern or the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state, if a special win Zc, Zd is won, the special win symbol stop termination condition is established, and the special win game Zc, Zd is generated during the non-time-saving state. Therefore, when a specific condition is established in the special win game Zc, Zd and a jackpot game Zc, Zd is generated, the time-saving state is entered after the jackpot game Zc, Zd ends, and the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state. On the other hand, when the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state, if a special win Zc, Zd is won, the special win game Zc, Zd is generated during the time-saving state. Therefore, when a specific condition is met in the special win game Zc, Zd, resulting in the jackpot game Zc, Zd, the game is controlled to a time-saving state after the jackpot game Zc, Zd ends, and the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state. According to this, when the second condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state and the special win Zc, Zd is won, the second condition pattern is also set as the termination condition for the time-saving state after the jackpot game Zc, Zd ends. This increases the interest of players who expect the second condition pattern, which is more advantageous than the first condition pattern, to be set for a longer period as the termination condition for the time-saving state. On the other hand, when the first condition pattern or the third condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state and the special win Zc, Zd is won, the first condition pattern is set as the termination condition for the time-saving state after the jackpot game Zc, Zd ends. This increases the rarity of the second condition pattern being set as the end condition for the time-saving state, thereby further increasing the interest when the second condition pattern is set as the end condition for the time-saving state.

[0169] This embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0170] The content of the final change effect may be changed as appropriate. The final change effect does not have to be a display effect by the effect display device 12, but may be an audio effect by the speaker SP or a light-emitting effect by the decorative lamp LA. The final change effect may also be a combination of some or all of the display effect, audio effect, and light-emitting effect.

[0171] The content of the result presentation may be changed as appropriate. For example, when a predetermined condition is met within a specific period, the sub-control CPU 50a may announce, in the result presentation, the number of consecutive jackpot games that have occurred since the predetermined condition was met as the number of consecutive jackpot games, or the number of prize balls acquired since the predetermined condition was met as the number of prize balls acquired. For example, the predetermined condition may be the operation of a predetermined operating means. Also, for example, the predetermined condition may be the number of consecutive jackpot games that have occurred within a specific period reaching a predetermined number, or the number of prize balls acquired within a specific period reaching a predetermined number. Also, for example, the predetermined condition may be the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 being cut off and then restored.

[0172] The main control CPU 41a may limit the execution of the result effect when a specified condition is met within a specific period. For example, the specified condition may be met based on the number of jackpot games that occur within a specified period, or may be met based on the number of prize balls acquired within the specified period. The specified period may be the same as the specific period, or may be a different period. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a may control the execution of a specific notification different from the result effect when a specified condition is met within the specific period. The specific notification may be executed in the same notification mode regardless of the number of consecutive wins and the number of prize balls acquired.

[0173] The sub-control CPU 50a may control the last chance effect to be executable even if the first activated special game is a losing special game. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the last chance effect to indicate whether the currently executed special game is a special game that will result in a special win, based on the content of the last chance effect. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the last chance effect to indicate which special game will result in a special win, based on the content of the last chance effect.

[0174] The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that does not execute a final variable effect during the execution of a special game of the first activation. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the game so that the same effect is executed during the execution of a special game of the first activation and during the execution of a special game other than the first activation. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may control the game so that, when the time-saving state ends upon the establishment of a game count end condition, the result effect is executed during the execution of the special game following the first activation special game.

[0175] The control conditions for controlling the time-shortening state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the main control CPU 41a may be able to control the time-shortening state without generating a winning game after the end of a special game when a predetermined time-shortening winning symbol is drawn in the special game. In other words, the main control CPU 41a may be able to control the time-shortening state without generating a winning game after the end of a special game when a time-shortening winning symbol is drawn in the special winning lottery. That is, the control conditions for controlling the time-shortening state may include a time-shortening winning control condition for winning a time-shortening winning symbol in the special winning lottery. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a may be able to control the time-shortening state after the end of a predetermined number of special games when a predetermined number of special games have been played in the non-time-shortening state without generating a jackpot game. That is, the control conditions for controlling the time-shortening state may include a count control condition for playing a predetermined number of special games in the non-time-shortening state without generating a jackpot game.

[0176] The type of time-saving state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the time-saving state may include multiple types of time-saving states with different control contents for one or more of the following: normal symbol fluctuation time reduction control, normal symbol probability fluctuation control, and operation time extension control. In this case, the main control CPU 41a may change the type of time-saving state to be controlled depending on the type of control condition for the time-saving state that has been established. For example, the main control CPU 41a may change the type of time-saving state to be controlled depending on the type of jackpot control condition, the time-saving hit control condition, and the number-of-times control condition. Furthermore, when a jackpot control condition is established, the main control CPU 41a may change the type of time-saving state to be controlled depending on the type of jackpot, or when a time-saving hit control condition is established, the main control CPU 41a may change the type of time-saving state to be controlled depending on the type of time-saving hit.

[0177] The main control CPU 41a may determine the game state after the end of the big win game based on the special win, based on the game state when the special win is won. The number and types of special wins may be changed as appropriate. For example, for each special win, it may be possible to change whether or not the game is controlled to a time-saving state after the end of the jackpot game based on that special win, or to change the condition pattern for ending the time-saving state that is set when the game is controlled to a time-saving state.

[0178] The number and types of condition patterns for the termination conditions of the time-saving state may be changed as appropriate. For example, only one type of condition pattern may be provided as the condition pattern for the termination condition of the time-saving state when controlled to the time-saving state.

[0179] In each condition pattern, whether or not to set a game count end condition and the number of times the game count end condition is activated may be changed as appropriate. In each condition pattern, the type of special winning symbol and the upper limit of the number of times it can stop may be changed as appropriate. In this case, by setting the upper limit of the number of times a specific special winning symbol can stop in the special winning symbol stop termination condition to an extremely high number (for example, 1,000 times) or to a number equal to or greater than the number of activations in the game count termination condition, a condition pattern may be created in which the special winning symbol stop termination condition is not actually met for a specific special winning symbol. Also, a condition pattern in which no special winning symbol stop termination condition is set may be created.

[0180] In each condition pattern, an end condition different from any of the jackpot end condition, the number of games end condition, and the special win symbol stop end condition may be set. For example, the main control CPU 41a may end the time-saving state when the special win game ends. In other words, the end condition for ending the time-saving state may include a special win end condition that ends when the special win game ends. In other words, when a specific condition is met in a special win game, the time-saving state may end at the start of the jackpot game when the jackpot end condition is met, while when the specific condition is not met, the time-saving state may end at the end of the special win game when the special win end condition is met.

[0181] The timing at which the time-saving state ends when each end condition is met may be changed as appropriate. For example, the main control CPU 41a may end the time-saving state at the start of the special game of the first activation when the game count end condition is met. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a may end the time-saving state at the same timing when the game count end condition is met, regardless of the result of the special winning lottery corresponding to the special game of the first activation.

[0182] The timing at which the time-saving state ends when a special win is won in the special game of the first activation may differ depending on the type of special win. For example, when a special win Za is won in the special game of the first activation, the main control CPU 41a may control the time-saving state to end at the end of the special game, while when a special win Zb to Ze is won in the special game of the first activation, the main control CPU 41a may control the time-saving state to end at the end of the special win game.

[0183] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 in which the special symbols do not include a jackpot symbol. In this case, the first special symbol may include a special winning symbol. In other words, in both the first special winning lottery and the second special winning lottery, a jackpot game may be triggered by winning the special prize and fulfilling a specific condition in the special prize game.

[0184] The time-saving state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine having two or more types of time-saving states. The sub-control board 50 may be a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 12, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA may be provided separately from the sub-control board 50. Also, some or all of the display control board, audio control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0185] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. The functions of the main control board 40 may also be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. The main control CPU 41a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0186] The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine that does not execute a special effect game. In this case, the special effect display device 12 may display a special symbol. The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.

[0187] (Appendix 1) A gaming machine that executes a special game based on the result of a special lottery, comprising: a game execution means that executes the special game; a game control means that controls the game execution means; and a game state control means that controls the game state of the gaming machine, wherein the game state includes a specific game state, and the specific game state may end when the special game has been executed a specific number of times since being controlled to the specific game state, and when the special game has been executed a specific number of times since being controlled to the specific game state, the timing at which the specific game state ends differs depending on the result of the special lottery corresponding to the special game that has been executed the specific number of times.

[0188] (Appendix 2) The result of the special lottery includes multiple types of wins, and when the special game is played a specific number of times after being controlled to the specific gaming state, and when the result of the special lottery corresponding to the specific number of special games is a win, the timing at which the specific gaming state ends varies depending on which of the multiple types of wins is the win.

[0189] (Appendix 3) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, which is equipped with an effect execution means for executing an effect and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, and which has a first end timing and a second end timing as end timings when the specific gaming state ends in response to the specific number of times of the special game being executed after being controlled to the specific gaming state, and which is capable of executing different effects during the execution of the specific number of times of the special game when the specific gaming state ends at the first end timing and when the specific gaming state ends at the second end timing.

[0190] (Appendix 4) A gaming machine as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, which is equipped with a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus, and which controls the bonus awarding means to award the bonus when a predetermined awarding condition is met, and the bonus awarded when the awarding condition is met varies depending on the gaming state when the awarding condition is met.

[0191] (Appendix 5) A gaming machine described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein when the result of the special lottery is a special win, the special win display result is displayed in the special game, and the specific gaming state may be ended when the special win display result is displayed in the special game, and when the specific gaming state is ended when the special win display result is displayed in the special game, the timing at which the specific gaming state ends is the same when the special game in which the special win display result is displayed is the special game for the specific number of times since control to the specific gaming state is entered, and when the special game in which the special win display result is derived is not the special game for the specific number of times since control to the specific gaming state is entered.

[0192] (Appendix 6) A gaming machine as described in any one of Appendices 1 to 5, wherein the result of the special lottery includes multiple types of wins, and when the result of the special lottery is a win, a win game is triggered after a win display result is displayed in the special game, and when the special game is executed the specific number of times after being controlled to the specific game state, and when the result of the special lottery corresponding to the specific number of special games is a win, the specific game state may end before the win game is triggered or the specific game state may end after the win game is triggered, depending on which of the multiple types of wins is triggered. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] CL...center line GH...image display unit HD...launch handle LA...decorative lamp R1...first path R1a...left side area R2...second path R2a...right side area SE1...first start winning sensor SE2...second start winning sensor SE3...first count sensor SE4...second count sensor SE5...specific passage sensor SE6...gate sensor SL1...first solenoid SL2...second solenoid SL3...third solenoid SL4...fourth solenoid SP...speaker W...center frame YB...game board YBa...game area YBb...opening window 10...pachinko game machine 12...effect display device (effect execution means) 13...information display device 13a...first special symbol display unit (game execution means) 13b...second special symbol display unit (game execution means) 13c...first special hold display unit 13d...second special hold display unit 13e...normal symbol display unit 13f...Normal hold display section 14...First starting ball entry port 15...Second starting ball entry port 16...Normal opening / closing piece 18...First large prize entry port 19...First special opening / closing piece 20...Second large prize entry port 21...Second special opening / closing piece 23...Gate 23a...Gate opening 26...Passage 26a...First passage 26b...Second passage 27...Branch section 28...Distribution shutter 40...Main control board 41...Microprocessor 41a...Main control CPU (game control means, game status control means, bonus granting means) 41b...Main control ROM 41c...Main control RAM 50...Sub-control board 50a...Sub-control CPU (performance control means) 50b...Sub-control ROM 50c...Sub-control RAM

Claims

[Claim 1] In a gaming machine that executes a special game based on the result of a special lottery, a game execution means for executing the special game; game control means for controlling the game execution means; a gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine; The gaming state includes specific gaming states including a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state, The first specific gaming state may be ended when the special game is executed an upper limit number of times after the first specific gaming state is entered, The second specific gaming state may be ended when the special game is executed up to the upper limit number of times since the second specific gaming state was entered. When the first specific gaming state is ended as a result of the special game being executed up to the upper limit number of times since the first specific gaming state was entered, the timing at which the first specific gaming state ends varies depending on the result of the special lottery corresponding to the special game that has been executed up to the upper limit number of times; When the second specific gaming state is ended as a result of the special game being executed up to the upper limit number of times after the control to the second specific gaming state is established, the timing at which the second specific gaming state ends varies depending on the result of the special lottery corresponding to the special game that has been executed up to the upper limit number of times; When the specific game state ends and the result of the special lottery is a winning result indicating that a winning has been won, when the first specific game state ends, the first specific game state ends at a specific timing when a pattern is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game, and when the second specific game state ends, the second specific game state ends at a timing later than the specific timing.

Images