JP7465293B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening.

In addition, some gaming machines of this type are equipped with a presentation device for the display means (such as a liquid crystal display) to enhance the entertainment value of the game, and the presentation is carried out through the presentation device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-186318 A

However, in gaming machines, special situations may occur, and if the same presentation is executed as when no special situation has occurred, there is a risk that the player will not be aware that a special situation has occurred.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can notify players of the occurrence of special situations.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game medium moves, and launching the game medium into the game area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means for conducting a lottery when a game medium enters a first area provided in the game area;
a movable object control means for controlling the movable object to move between a state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area provided in the game area and a state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
a state transition control means for controlling a transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a first state, a second state, and a third state;
The first state and the second state are gaming states in which playing a game in the first gaming method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second gaming method,
The third state is a gaming state in which playing in the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing in the first gaming method,
In the third state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can easily enter the second area, which is more advantageous for the player than in the first state and the second state.
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result, the state can be transitioned to the third state,
In the second state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result, the game does not transition to the third state,
When the result of the lottery is a specific result, a different presentation is executed in the case where the game state is the first state from when the variation of the special pattern starts to when it stops, and in the case where the result of the lottery is a specific result, the game state at the start of the variation of the special pattern is the third state and the game state at the stop of the variation of the special pattern is the first state.
When the game state at the start of the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result is the third state, and when the game state at the stop of the variation of the special symbol is the first state, a transition to the third state may be determined. At this time, when the transition to the third state is determined, a different effect (special effect) is executed from the start of the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result until it stops, compared to the case where the game state is the first state and the transition to the third state is determined. Therefore, during the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result, the game state is switched from the third state to the first state, and the transition to the third state is determined, and the player can be notified of the occurrence of a special situation.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine having a game area in which a game medium moves, and launching the game medium into the game area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means for conducting a lottery when a game medium enters a first area provided in the game area;
a movable object control means for controlling the movable object to move between a first state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area provided in the game area and a second state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
A state transition control means for controlling the transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a normal state and a specific state,
The specific state includes a first specific state in which playing a game in a first game method is more advantageous than playing a game in a second game method, and a second specific state in which playing a game in the second game method is more advantageous than playing a game in the first game method,
In the second specific state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can enter the second area more easily than in the normal state and the first specific state, and the second specific state is a state that is advantageous to the player.
In the normal state, when the result of the lottery is the first result, a transition to the first specific state is determined. However, in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the first result, a transition to the first specific state is not determined,
In the normal state, when the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is determined, but in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is not determined,
Different presentations are executed depending on whether the game state is the normal state from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result, or whether the game state is switched from the second specific state to the normal state from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result.
If the game state switches from the second specific state to the normal state during the period from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is determined, but at this time, during the period from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result, a different effect (special effect) is executed compared to when the game state is the normal state and the transition to the second specific state is determined. Therefore, the player can be notified that a special situation has occurred, such as the game state switching from the second specific state to the normal state and the transition to the second specific state being determined during the variation of the special symbols when the result of the lottery is the second result.

According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the player that a special situation has occurred.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. This is a diagram showing the normal winning lottery table. FIG. 13 shows the normal symbol lottery table. FIG. 13 shows the jackpot lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a symbol selection table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. This is a diagram to explain the display of the performance patterns and reserved patterns. This is a diagram to explain the specific effects. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an irregular state.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right." This embodiment will be described taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines and may be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines and medal-less gaming machines.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media, gaming value) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but intouchable by the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that blocks the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to liven up the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound devices) (sound output means) that output special sounds to liven up the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

At the center of the bottom of the front frame 10 is an upper tray 16 for storing game balls, and at the left part of the inner side of the upper tray 16 is a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player. A grip unit 20 is provided at the bottom right of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) installed below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, there is a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device) (display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and a performance unit 36 that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. At the center above the liquid crystal display 32, there is a lighting device 38 (lighting means) that constitutes the performance unit 36 and outputs effect light and the like to liven up the game.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32 or the game area 4b on the right side. In addition, numerous game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the movement direction of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

In addition, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling through the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, and game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

Below the center of the stage 44, a first start opening 46 (first area) is provided, through which a game ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. In addition, a first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 4) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is arranged inside the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a first special pattern lottery (first lottery) as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 (see FIG. 4) to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

To the left of the first starting hole 46 in the game area 4, multiple (three) general winning holes 47 (upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, and lower left general winning hole 47c) are provided. In addition, a general winning hole switch 101 (see FIG. 4) is arranged on the game board 6 to detect a game ball that has entered the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c. When the general winning hole switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of the prize ball based on the input of the detection signal from the general winning hole switch 101. In addition, one general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (e.g., three) general prize openings 47. In addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

In addition, a pass gate 48 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of a game ball is provided inside the pass gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (the game ball passing through the pass gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

In addition, in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a second start port 49 (second area) is provided below the passing gate 48. In addition, a second start port switch 103 (see FIG. 4) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 49 is arranged in the second start port 49. When the second start port switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a second special pattern lottery (second lottery) as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the game ball that has entered the second start port 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

The second starting hole 49 is provided with a normal role 54 (movable object) that can move between a reduced state (closed state) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 (first state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49) and an expanded state (open state) in which it is easy for a game ball to enter (second state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49). The normal role 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under specified conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery.

The large prize opening 50 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the large prize opening 50 to detect game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50. Based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104, the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

The big prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 that can be operated between a closed state (second state, no entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 50 and an open state (first state, entry state) in which the game ball can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big prize is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery). The special device 56 is also controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a small prize game state that starts when a small prize is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery).

The large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area (not shown), a discharge area (not shown), and a distribution means (not shown) for distributing the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area or the discharge area. A specific area switch 107 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the specific area. The specific area switch 107 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a game ball passing through the specific area (passage of the game ball through the specific area). The distribution means can be switched between a specific area passing state in which the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area, and a non-specific area passing state in which the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. In other words, when the distribution means is switched to the specific area passing state, the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area. This makes it impossible for the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 to pass through the discharge area. On the other hand, when the distribution means is displaced to the non-specific area passing state, the game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is distributed to the discharge area. This makes it impossible for the game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 to pass through the specific area. The distribution means is displaced by the specific area solenoid. The game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is first detected by the count switch 104, and then distributed by the distribution means to either the specific area or the discharge area, and after passing through that area, is discharged to the discharge path. At this time, the game ball that has been distributed to the specific area is detected by the specific area switch 107.

In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 62 is provided to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Here, inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the discharge path. That is, the game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, the game balls that have entered each winning hole 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 arranged in the winning holes, and then guided to the discharge path. The game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a game ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a game ball from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4a (first game area 4a) (left hitting area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4b (second game area 4b) (right hitting area) on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 to win the first starting hole 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins the second starting hole 49 or wins the big winning hole 50 (right hit). In this embodiment, left hit is the first game method, and right hit is the second game method.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second start opening 49 or the large winning opening 50. In addition, when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first start opening 46 or the general winning opening 47.

As shown in FIG. 2, a status display unit 70 is provided at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in Figure 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

The normal pattern display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal pattern lottery is being held, the two lamps are made to flash to display the normal pattern in a variable manner, and the normal pattern is displayed stationary by turning on or off the two lamps to display the result of the normal pattern lottery.

The normal reserve display unit 74 is made up of two lamps, and when the normal symbol is already in a changing or stationary display when the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, and the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved because the normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is obtained, the normal reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved random number values for the normal symbol lottery is displayed. A normal reserve number of 0 to 4 is displayed by a combination of turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps.

The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a game ball entering the first starting hole 46, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as the first special random number value because it is not possible to perform a special pattern selection even if the random number value for special pattern selection (lottery information) is obtained, such as when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and displays a first special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The second special pattern display unit 81 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a game ball entering the second starting hole 49, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as a second special random number value because a special pattern selection cannot be performed even if the random number value for special pattern selection is obtained, such as when the first or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when the game ball enters the second starting hole 49. By combining turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps, it is possible to display 0 to 4 second special reserve numbers. Note that in this embodiment, the second special random number value is never reserved, and the upper limit of the second special reserve number is 0.

The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, multiple game states can be set, including a normal state, a slight time-saving state, a time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, and third time-saving state), and a special game state. Compared to the normal state and the slight time-saving state, the time for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change is shortened in the time-saving state, and the opportunity to execute the special symbol lottery occurs frequently.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (game control means) and a sub-control board 202. The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM or the like.

The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start port switch 100, the second start port switch 103, the general winning port switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the normal role 54, the special role 56, and the payout device 130 based on the calculation results.

The sub-control board 202 also receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect devices such as the front frame lamp 12, speaker 14, LCD display 32, and lighting device 38 based on the results of the calculations.

The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol selection means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special symbol selection means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random number values" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that, even if their generation is regular, can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

(Regular design lottery)
Based on a detection signal input from the gate switch 102 which detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, the ordinary pattern lottery means 220 obtains a random number value for ordinary pattern lottery from the random number generating means 210 and stores it in the ordinary random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs an ordinary pattern lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the random number value for ordinary pattern lottery read from the ordinary random number storage means 2912.

In detail, the normal random number memory means 2912 has four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired random number values for the normal pattern lottery, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the random number values for the normal pattern lottery read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used for the normal pattern lottery until the changing and stopping display of the normal pattern ends.
Then, when the normal pattern lottery means 220 acquires the normal pattern lottery random number value from the random number generating means 210, if the normal pattern lottery random number value is not stored in any of the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the normal pattern lottery means 220 first stores the acquired normal pattern lottery random number value in the normal reserve memory area 1. Then, when the normal pattern lottery random number value is stored in the normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the normal pattern lottery random number value is not stored in the normal reserve memory area and control to open the normal role 54 is not being executed, the normal pattern lottery random number value is read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 immediately to perform the normal pattern lottery, and the normal pattern lottery random number value used for the normal pattern lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., when a random number value for the normal symbol selection is stored in the normal pending memory area, or when control for opening the normal device 54 is being executed, the random number value for the normal symbol selection is reserved in the normal pending memory area 1.

When a random number value for normal pattern selection is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the gate switch 102 to obtain a random number value for normal pattern selection, the normal reserve memory area selection means 220 stores the random number value for normal pattern selection in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which no random number value for normal pattern selection is reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values for normal pattern selection reserved in the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the normal reserve number is less than four.

Then, when the normal pattern variable display and the stop display of the normal pattern are finished, the normal pattern selection means 220 erases the normal pattern selection random number stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if the normal pattern selection random number is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads out the normal pattern selection random number from the normal reserve memory area 1 to select the normal pattern, provided that the control to open the normal role 54 is not being executed, and stores the normal pattern selection random number obtained by the normal pattern selection in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if the normal pattern selection random number remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining normal pattern selection random number is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the ordinal number one smaller. For example, if the normal pattern selection random number remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it is moved to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

In this way, in the normal random number storage means 2912, the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has been performed is reserved in the normal reserved memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has not been performed is reserved in the normal reserved memory area 1 to normal reserved memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

The details of the normal symbol lottery are explained below. The normal symbol lottery means 220 performs normal winning determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, etc. as the normal symbol lottery.

The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol selection means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal win selection table stored in the selection table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

Figure 5 shows a normal winning lottery table. In this embodiment, in the normal winning lottery table, a normal winning is associated with each of the 100 random number values for normal symbol lottery from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery is 1/1 (100/100). In other words, in the normal winning lottery table, the correspondence between the normal winning and the random number value is set so that a normal winning is won with a probability of 1/1. The normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the normal winning lottery table and determines whether one random number value for normal symbol lottery read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 is associated with a normal winning, thereby determining whether a normal winning has been won.

In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal winning lottery table regardless of the game state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal hit is won in the normal hit determination process, and is a process for determining which of multiple normal hit symbols the normal hit symbol (type of normal hit) will be. In this embodiment, "normal symbol 1", "normal symbol 2", and "normal symbol 3" are set as the types. In the normal symbol determination process, the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 1" being determined is 64880/65536, the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 2" being determined is 358/65536, and the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 3" being determined is 298/65536.

In this embodiment, when a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the normal role 54 is opened (opened and closed) in an opening pattern (opening mode, opening and closing mode) according to the type of the determined normal winning. In this embodiment, a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern) are set as the types of opening patterns of the normal role 54. The short opening pattern is an opening pattern in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the short opening pattern, the time during which the normal role 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set shorter than that in the long opening pattern. In the short opening pattern, for example, the number of openings of the normal role 54 is set to one, and the opening time of the normal role 54 is set to about 0.05 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the long opening pattern, the time during which the normal role 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set longer than that in the short opening pattern. In the long opening pattern, for example, the number of times that the normal feature 54 is opened is set to four, and the total opening time of the normal feature 54 each time is set to about 5.5 seconds. Therefore, when the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern of the normal feature 54, if the game is played by hitting the ball to the right, it is almost certain that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 49.

In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of a plurality of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the game state at the time when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
When the game state is the normal state, the normal symbol lottery table 1 shown in Fig. 6(a) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.

When the game state is the micro-time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery table 2 shown in FIG. 6(b) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the micro-time-saving state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.
In the very short time-saving state, a short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1, as in the normal state, but a short opening pattern different from the short opening pattern in the normal state is set, and the opening time of the normal role 54 is set slightly longer than the short opening pattern in the normal state. In this way, the control regarding the operation of the normal role 54 is different between the normal state and the very short time-saving state.
In this embodiment, the opening pattern of the normal role 54 is different between the normal state and the micro-time-saving state, but the opening pattern of the normal role 54 may be the same between the normal state and the micro-time-saving state. The micro-time-saving state may be different from the normal state (time-saving state) in any one or more of the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the opening pattern of the normal role 54, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol. For example, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery and the opening pattern of the normal role 54 may be the same between the micro-time-saving state and the normal state (time-saving state), but the fluctuation time of the normal symbol may be different. In this case, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol may be set to be slightly shorter in the micro-time-saving state than in the normal state (time-saving state).

When the game state is the first time-saving state, the normal symbol selection table 3 shown in FIG. 6(c) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" are selected in the normal symbol selection process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol selection in the first time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.

When the game state is the second time-saving state, the normal symbol selection table 4 shown in FIG. 6(d) is selected. In this case, if "normal symbol 1" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, a short opening pattern is set, if "normal symbol 2" is determined, a short opening pattern is set, and if "normal symbol 3" is determined, a long opening pattern is set. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol selection in the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/219.919.

When the game state is the third time-saving state, the normal symbol selection table 5 shown in FIG. 6(e) is selected. In this case, if "normal symbol 1" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is selected, if "normal symbol 2" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected, and if "normal symbol 3" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol selection in the third time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/99.902.

As described above, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state have different probabilities of the long opening pattern being selected in the case of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery. The first time-saving state has a higher probability than the second time-saving state and the third time-saving state, which is more advantageous for the player. Also, in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, the normal device 54 is operated so that the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49 more easily than in the normal state and the slight time-saving state, which is more advantageous for the player than the normal state and the slight time-saving state.

The normal symbol selection means 220 determines the normal symbol fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) according to the game state at the time when the normal symbol selection is performed (normal fluctuation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state), the normal symbol fluctuation time is set shorter than when the game state is a normal state or when the game state is a slight time-saving state. Note that the normal symbol fluctuation time may be different between the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, and in that case, the normal symbol fluctuation time in the first time-saving state may be set to be the shortest. Also, the normal symbol fluctuation time in the slight time-saving state may be set shorter than the normal state.

The normal display control means 222 performs normal pattern display control processing and normal hold display control processing based on the results of the normal pattern lottery.

In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays the normal symbol by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the fluctuation time corresponding to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determined in the normal fluctuation pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the normal symbol in a stationary manner by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 depending on whether or not a normal hit has been won in the normal win determination process, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72.

In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays a normal hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74 according to the number of random numbers for normal pattern selection stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

The normal role control means 224 (movable object control means) is a means for controlling the normal role drive device based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal role control processing. In the normal role control processing, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal role drive device is performed so that the normal role 54 opens (opens and closes) in the determined opening pattern (opening mode/opening and closing mode).

(Special design lottery)
The special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery means) acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 that detects each game ball entering the first start port 46, and stores the random number value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special symbol lottery means 230 also acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 that detects each game ball entering the second start port 49, and stores the random number value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special symbol lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number value, and one first special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the first special pattern ends.

When the special symbol selection means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol selection based on the input of a detection signal from the first start switch 100, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4, the special symbol selection means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for special symbol selection as the first special random number value in the first special reservation memory area 1. Then, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped at the time the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, i.e., the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reservation memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol selection means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reservation memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and stores the first special random number value used for the special symbol selection in the first special reservation memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserved memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserved memory area 1.

When the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start switch 100 to obtain a random number value for the special symbol selection, the special symbol selection means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and is not reserved for the first special random number value, on the condition that the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the first special reserve number is less than four.

The special random number memory means 2914 is provided with four second special reserve memory areas, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one second special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the second special random number value read from second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the changing and stopping display of the second special pattern ends.
When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, in a state where the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for special symbol lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reservation memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, if the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reservation memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used for the special symbol lottery in the second special reservation memory area. On the other hand, when the second special symbol is being displayed in a varying or stopped state, i.e., when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is not reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.
In addition, when the special symbol selection means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol selection based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reservation memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol selection means 230 may select a special symbol using the acquired random number value for special symbol selection (second special random number value), and store the second special random number value used for the special symbol selection in the second special reservation memory area. In other words, the second special reservation memory area may not be provided.

The special pattern lottery means 230 may also be configured to acquire a random number value for special pattern lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, and reserve the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1 if, at the time of storing the acquired random number value for special pattern lottery in the second special reserve memory area 1 as a second special random number value, the second special pattern is being displayed in a varying or stopped manner, i.e., the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being executed. Then, when a detection signal is input from the second start switch 103 and a random number value for the special symbol selection is obtained while the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1, the special symbol selection means 230 may store the second special random number value in the second special reservation memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the second special reservation number is less than four.

When the variable display and the stationary display of the first special symbol are finished, the special symbol selection means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and the first special random number value used for the special symbol selection is stored in the first special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed.
In addition, the special symbol selection means 230 erases the second special random number value stored in the second special reservation memory area when the variable display and stop display of the second special symbol are completed. In addition, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, the second special random number value may be read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and the second special random number value obtained by the special symbol selection may be stored in the second special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. In this embodiment, since the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, the variable display of the second special symbol may be started during the variable display of the first special symbol, or the variable display of the first special symbol may be started during the variable display of the second special symbol.

In addition, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to draw a special symbol on the condition that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, and when the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to draw a special symbol even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reservation memory areas 1 to 4. In other words, the second special random number value may be consumed in preference to the first special random number value. In addition, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to draw a special symbol. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the game ball enters the first start hole 46 or the second start hole 49.

If the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, or if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to the special reserve memory area with the ordinal number one smaller. For example, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

In the special random number storage means 2914, the first special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed is reserved up to a maximum of four in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4. In this embodiment, the second special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed is not reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, but the second special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed may be reserved up to a maximum of four in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4.

The details of the special symbol lottery will now be described. The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a jackpot determination random number value and a pattern determination random number value, as random number values for special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and stores these multiple types of random number values in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value. The special symbol lottery means 230 then performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, and the like, as the special symbol lottery.

The jackpot determination process is a process of reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether or not a jackpot has been won. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the one jackpot determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a jackpot lottery table A shown in FIG. 7(a) and a jackpot lottery table B shown in FIG. 7(b). In each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot or the like is associated with each of the 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535.

The jackpot lottery table A is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the first special random number, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the jackpot determination random number is set so that the probability of the "jackpot" being won is 1/219.919 (298/65536) and the probability of the "time reduction" being won is 218.919/219.919 (65238/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether the "jackpot" or the "time reduction" has been won by referring to the jackpot lottery table A and determining whether the jackpot determination random number read from the first reserved memory area 1 is associated with the "jackpot" or the "time reduction". In this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery is set to always win either the "jackpot" or the "time reduction".
In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "time-saving" in the first special pattern lottery does not change depending on the game state.

The jackpot lottery table B is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the second special random number, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the jackpot determination random number is set so that the probability of the "jackpot" being won is 0.005/1.005 (298/65536) and the probability of the "small jackpot" being won is 1/1.005 (65238/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the jackpot lottery table B and determines whether the jackpot determination random number read from the second reserved memory area 1 is associated with the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot", thereby determining whether the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot" has been won. In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery is set to always win either the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot".
In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "big win" or a "small win" in the second special pattern lottery does not change depending on the game state.

The pattern determination process is a process that is performed when a jackpot, time-saving, or small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process. The pattern determination process reads out one pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and when a jackpot is won, it determines which of multiple jackpot patterns the jackpot pattern (type of jackpot) will be, when a time-saving pattern is won, it determines which of multiple time-saving patterns the time-saving pattern (type of time-saving) will be, and when a small jackpot is won, it determines which of multiple small jackpot patterns the small jackpot pattern (type of small jackpot) will be. Here, one pattern determination random number value is obtained from 200 pattern determination random number values from 0 to 199 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 and the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the pattern determination process, the special pattern selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the one pattern determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a pattern lottery table A shown in FIG. 8(a), a pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 8(b), a pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 8(c), and a pattern lottery table D shown in FIG. 8(d). In each pattern lottery table, a predetermined pattern is associated with each of the pattern determination random number values.

The pattern selection table A shown in FIG. 8(a) is selected when a jackpot is won and one read-out pattern determination random number value is stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "3R time-saving 1" has a probability of winning of approximately 99% (199/200) and "3R time-saving 2" has a probability of winning of approximately 1% (1/200). The special pattern selection means 230 refers to the pattern selection table A and determines which of the multiple types of jackpot patterns the read-out pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot patterns has been won.

The pattern selection table B shown in FIG. 8(b) is selected when the time-saving feature is won and the one read-out pattern determination random number value is stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "C time-saving 1" has a probability of winning of approximately 75% and "C time-saving 2" has a probability of winning of approximately 25%. The special pattern selection means 230 refers to the pattern selection table B to determine which of the multiple types of time-saving patterns the one read-out pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of time-saving patterns has been won.

The symbol selection table C shown in FIG. 8(c) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read symbol determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number is set so that "10R time-saving 1" is won with a probability of 40/200, "7R time-saving 1" is won with a probability of 16/200, "5R time-saving 1" is won with a probability of 24/200, "3R time-saving 3" is won with a probability of 87/200, "3R time-saving 4" is won with a probability of 10/200, and "3R time-saving 5" is won with a probability of 23/200. The special symbol selection means 230 refers to the symbol selection table C and determines which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols the read symbol determination random number number corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols has been won.

The pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 8(d) is selected when a small win is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number is set so that "small win 1" is won with a probability of 40/200, "small win 2" is won with a probability of 16/200, "small win 3" is won with a probability of 24/200, "small win 4" is won with a probability of 87/200, "small win 5" is won with a probability of 10/200, and "small win 6" is won with a probability of 23/200. The special pattern selection means 230 refers to the pattern selection table D and determines which of the multiple types of small win patterns the read pattern determination random number number corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of small win patterns has been won.

(Jackpot design)
The special game state is started based on winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery) and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of times of execution) of special games have been played according to the type (category) of the jackpot symbol (FIGS. 8(a) and 8(c)). When the special game state is started based on winning "3R time-saving 1", "3R time-saving 2", "3R time-saving 3", "3R time-saving 4" or "3R time-saving 5" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that three rounds of special games from the first round to the third round have been played. When the special game state is started based on winning "10R time-saving 1" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that ten rounds of special games from the first round to the tenth round have been played. When a special game state is started based on the winning of "7R time-saving 1" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that seven rounds of special games from the first round to the seventh round have been played. When a special game state is started based on the winning of "5R time-saving 1" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that five rounds of special games from the first round to the fifth round have been played. As will be described in detail later, when a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery, a predetermined number of time-saving times corresponding to the jackpot symbol is set at the end of the special game state, and a time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state) starts.

(Time-saving design)
In the normal state, when "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" is selected in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" (when the first special pattern is confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) triggers a predetermined number of time-saving times (details will be described later) corresponding to the time-saving pattern, and a transition is made to the slight time-saving state or the time-saving state (first time-saving state).
In addition, in a game state other than the normal state (micro-time-saving state, first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state), if "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" is selected in the first special symbol lottery and the first special symbol is stopped (confirmed), the stop display (confirmation) triggers a transition to the micro-time-saving state or the first time-saving state. In addition, "not transitioning" includes not resetting the predetermined number of time-saving times when already staying in that game state. In this case, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2", but may be treated as a miss, or the first special symbol may be stopped and displayed in a miss manner.
"C Time Reduction 2" is a time-saving pattern that does not provide a transition to a game state (special game state or small win game state) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, and allows a transition to the first time-saving state without passing through the special game state or small win game state.

(Small winning pattern)
The small win game state is started based on winning a small win in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery), and ends when a predetermined number of small win games (one in this embodiment) have been played. In the small win game, the special role 56 is in an open state that allows the game ball to enter the large prize winning hole 50, and the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. Specifically, in the small win game, the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that the game ball that entered the large prize winning hole 50 during the execution of the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area. As a result, if any of "small win 1" to "small win 6" is won in the second special symbol lottery, the game ball can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area in the small win game state. Then, when the passage of a game ball through a specific area is detected during the small win game state (when the passage of a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 50 during the execution of a small win game is detected through a specific area), a special game state is initiated based on the end of the small win game state.

In the second special pattern lottery, if "small win 1" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played with the small win game as the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games have been played. In the second special pattern lottery, if "small win 2" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 6. As a result, 7 rounds will be played with the small win game as the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 7 rounds of special games have been played. In the second special pattern lottery, if "small win 3" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 4. As a result, 5 rounds will be played with the small win game as the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that five rounds of special games have been played. In the second special symbol lottery, if any of "small win 4" to "small win 6" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to two. As a result, three rounds are played, with the small win game being the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that three rounds of special games have been played.
Although the details will be described later, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving times corresponding to the small win symbol is set, and a time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state) is initiated. Also, if the passage of the game ball through a specific area is not detected in the small win game state (if the passage of the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the small win game is not detected in the specific area), the special game state is not initiated, and the normal state is initiated.

In this embodiment, in the special game of each round (including the small win game), when the opening timer of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 opens, or when the value of the large prize counter of the main memory 290, which is incremented by a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches an upper limit value (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device is controlled to close the special feature 56.

The special display control means 240 performs a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process based on the results of the special pattern lottery.

The first special symbol display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special symbol to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the first special symbol to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the display mode of the seven-segment display is determined in advance in correspondence with each of the big win symbols, the time-saving symbols, and the small win symbols.
The special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a stopped state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a manner corresponding to whether or not a jackpot or time-saving feature has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the jackpot feature determined in the feature determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the time-saving feature determined in the feature determination process if the time-saving feature has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

The second special symbol display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special symbol to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 80 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the second special symbol to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

The special display control means 240 stops and displays the second special pattern by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a manner according to whether a big win or a small win has been won in the big win determination process, in a manner according to the big win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big win has been won in the big win determination process, and in a manner according to the small win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a small win has been won in the big win determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 81 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a first special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 according to the number of the first special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

In this embodiment, when second special random number values for which no special symbol selection has been performed are not reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, but second special random number values for which no special symbol selection has been performed are reserved up to a maximum of four in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, in the second special reservation display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a second special reservation number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special reservation display unit 82 according to the number of second special random number values stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

As shown in Fig. 9, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state between each game state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. The end conditions for each time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, and third time-saving state) include a first time-saving end condition, a second time-saving end condition, and a third time-saving end condition. Each time-saving state ends based on the establishment of any one of the first time-saving end condition to the third time-saving end condition.

(First condition for ending working hours)
The first time-saving end condition is based on the number of times (number of rotations) that the normal symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving state reaches the "first time-saving number" that is set at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving end condition is established. The number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving state is the number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving state.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a first time-saving counter 2932 that counts the number of times the normal pattern changes. At the end of the special game state, the main control board 200 sets the first time-saving number of times according to the winning pattern (type), as the value of the first time-saving counter 2932, and subtracts "1" from the value of the first time-saving counter 2932 each time the normal pattern changes. Then, when the value of the first time-saving counter 2932 reaches "0" with the start of the final change display of the normal pattern, it is determined that the first time-saving end condition has been established, and the time-saving state is ended at the start of the final change display of the normal pattern, and the normal state is started. When the first time-saving end condition is established, the time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started at the start of the change display of the normal pattern that triggered the establishment of the first time-saving end condition.

(Second condition for ending shortened working hours)
The second time-saving end condition is based on the number of times the second special symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the number of times the special symbol 2 changes during the time-saving state reaches the "second time-saving number" set at the end of the special game state, the second time-saving end condition is established. The number of times the special symbol 2 changes during the time-saving state is the number of times the second special symbol changes during the time-saving state.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a second time-saving counter 2933 that counts the number of times the special symbol 2 changes. When the special game state ends, the main control board 200 sets the second time-saving number of times according to the winning symbol (type), as the value of the second time-saving counter 2933, and subtracts "1" from the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 every time the variable display of the second special symbol starts. Then, when the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 reaches "0", it is determined that the second time-saving end condition has been established, and at the start of the variable display of the second special symbol that triggered the establishment of the second time-saving end condition, the time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the second special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the second time-saving counter 2933, and when the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 reaches "0", it is determined that the second time-saving end condition has been met, and the time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started at the end of the varying display of the second special pattern that triggered the second time-saving end condition to be met (when the display stops).

(Third condition for ending shortened working hours)
The third time-saving end condition is based on the number of times the special symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the total number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving state reaches the "third time-saving number" set at the end of the special game state, the third time-saving end condition is met. The total number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving state is the sum of the number of times the first special symbol changes during the time-saving state and the number of times the second special symbol changes during the time-saving state.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a third time-saving counter 2934 that counts the total number of times the special symbols change. When the special game state ends, the main control board 200 sets the third time-saving number of times according to the winning symbol (type), as the value of the third time-saving counter 2934, and subtracts "1" from the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 every time the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts. Then, when the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 reaches "0", it is determined that the third time-saving end condition has been established, and at the start of the variable display of the special symbol that triggered the establishment of the third time-saving end condition, the time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the third time-saving counter 2934, and when the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 reaches "0", it is determined that the third time-saving end condition is met, and the time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started at the end of the varying display of the special pattern that triggered the third time-saving end condition to be met (when the stopped display is reached).

(Conditions for ending the micro-time saving)
In addition, the end condition of the micro-time-saving state (micro-time-saving end condition) is a condition based on the number of times the special symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the total number of times the special symbol changes (the sum of the number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes) reaches the "micro-time-saving number of times" set by a predetermined trigger (1326 times in this embodiment), the micro-time-saving end condition is established. In this embodiment, in the normal state, when "C time-saving 1" is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1", the stopped display is used as a trigger to set the micro-time-saving number of times (1326), and the micro-time-saving state is started.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a micro-time-saving counter 2935 that counts the total number of times the special symbols change. In the normal state, the main control board 200 sets a value (1326) corresponding to a predetermined number of times in the micro-time-saving counter 2935 when the "C time-saving 1" is won in the first special symbol lottery and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the "C time-saving 1", starts the micro-time-saving state, and subtracts "1" from the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 every time the display of the special symbol changes. Then, when the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 reaches "0", it is determined that the micro-time-saving end condition has been established, and at the start of the display of the special symbol that triggered the establishment of the micro-time-saving end condition, the micro-time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935, and when the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 reaches "0", it is determined that the micro-time-saving end condition has been met, and the micro-time-saving state is ended and the normal state is started at the end of the varying display of the special pattern that triggered the fulfillment of the micro-time-saving end condition (when the display stops).

In addition, in this embodiment, in the normal state, when "C time reduction 1" is won in the first special symbol lottery and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 1", a predetermined value is set in the micro time reduction counter 2935, but this is not limited thereto, and for example, a predetermined value (1326) may be set in the micro time reduction counter 2935 at the end of the special game state. In that case, when a transition to the special game state is determined without transition to the micro time reduction state, or when a transition to the first time reduction state is determined based on winning "C time reduction 2" in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state, the value of the micro time reduction counter 2935 may be reset (initialized).
In this embodiment, the values set in the various counters are subtracted at a predetermined trigger, and when the values reach "0", it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met; however, this is not limited to this, and the values of the various counters may be incremented at a predetermined trigger, and when the values reach a predetermined value, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met.

In this embodiment, if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery), a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 50. Also, if a small win is won in the second special pattern lottery, a small win game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 50, and if the passage of a specific area by a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 50 in the small win game state is detected, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the big prize opening 50. By getting a game ball to enter the big prize opening 50, the player can win many prize balls.

In this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the second special pattern lottery is higher than the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the first special pattern lottery. Specifically, in the first special pattern lottery, a small win is not set as a lottery result, and transition to the special game state occurs only when a big win is won. The probability of winning a big win in the first special pattern lottery is 1/219.919. On the other hand, in the second special pattern lottery, a big win and a small win are set as lottery results, and transition to the special game state occurs when a big win is won, and transition to the special game state occurs when a small win is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state. In the second special pattern lottery, either a small win or a big win is always won.

The second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol lottery. Therefore, the player is more likely to transition to the special game state if he or she wins the opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery than if he or she wins the opportunity to win the first special symbol lottery, which is advantageous for the player. In order to win the opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery, it is necessary to enter a game ball into the second starting hole 49 when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery and the normal role 54 (normal electric role) is in an open state (open state). As described above, in this embodiment, a short opening pattern and a long opening pattern are provided as opening patterns for the normal role 54, and when the short opening pattern is selected, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49, while when the long opening pattern is selected, it is easy for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49.

(Normal state)
The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of game states. In the normal state, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery, a short opening pattern is set for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/1. For this reason, it is difficult (impossible) to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. As a result, in the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to get an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball from the right. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which the player should hit the ball from the left.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the normal state, a transition to a special game state occurs. As shown in FIG. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 1" is also won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving count is set to 70, the second time-saving count is set to 1, and the third time-saving count is set to 10, and a transition to the third time-saving state occurs based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 2" is also won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving count is set to 100, the second time-saving count is set to 1, and the third time-saving count is set to 10, and a transition to the first time-saving state occurs based on the end of the special game state.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 8(b), in the normal state, if the player wins the time-saving in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), and also wins "C time-saving 1", and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1" (if confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) triggers the micro-time-saving count to be set to 1326 times, and the game transitions to the micro-time-saving state. Also, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 8(b), in the normal state, if the player wins the time-saving in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), and also wins "C time-saving 2", and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 2" (if confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) triggers the first time-saving count to be set to 100 times, the second time-saving count to be set to 1 time, and the third time-saving count to be set to 10 times, and the game transitions to the first time-saving state.

(Slight time-saving state)
In the micro time-saving state, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery, a short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1 for the normal role 54. Therefore, it is difficult (impossible) to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. As a result, in the micro time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to get an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball from the right. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which the player should hit the ball from the left.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the small time-saving state, a transition to the special game state occurs. As shown in FIG. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 1" is also won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving count is set to 70, the second time-saving count is set to 1, and the third time-saving count is set to 10, and a transition to the third time-saving state occurs based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 2" is also won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving count is set to 100, the second time-saving count is set to 1, and the third time-saving count is set to 10, and a transition to the first time-saving state occurs based on the end of the special game state.

In the micro-time-saving state, if a time-saving effect ("C time-saving effect 1" or "C time-saving effect 2") is won in the special pattern drawing (first special pattern drawing) and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) does not trigger the start (setting) of the micro-time-saving state or the first time-saving state (no new number of time-saving effects is set). In other words, the game state at the time of the winning is continued. Note that in the micro-time-saving state, if a time-saving effect ("C time-saving effect 1" or "C time-saving effect 2") is won as a result of the first special pattern drawing and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) may be configured to trigger the setting of a new number of time-saving effects.

If, during the micro-time-saving mode, the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) does not result in a jackpot win and the above-mentioned micro-time-saving end condition is met, the micro-time-saving mode ends and the normal mode begins.

(First time-saving state)
In the first time-saving state (first easy-to-win state), if a normal win is won in the normal pattern lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/1. Therefore, compared to the normal state (or the micro time-saving state), it is easier to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In the first time-saving state, if a normal win is won in the normal pattern lottery, the player can get a chance to win the second special pattern lottery with a probability of 1/1. The probability of winning a normal win in the normal pattern lottery is 1/1, and the probability of winning a small win in the second special pattern lottery is 1/1.005 (the second special pattern lottery always wins either a small win or a big win). Therefore, when the first time-saving state is entered, it is almost certain that the player can enter the special game state based on one normal pattern lottery. In other words, in the first time-saving state, the probability (1/1) of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is essentially the probability of winning the second special symbol lottery and transitioning to the special game state (including via the small prize game state). As a result, in the first time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit from the right than from the left, so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 in order to have a chance at the normal symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery). In other words, the first time-saving state is a game state in which right-handed hitting is recommended.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a big win or small win is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the first time-saving state, the state transitions to the special game state. As shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and either "10R time-saving 1", "7R time-saving 1", "5R time-saving 1", "3R time-saving 3" or "3R time-saving 4" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 5" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and one of "small win 1" to "small win 5" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and "small win 6" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state.

In the first time-saving state, if the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) does not result in a big or small win, and any of the first to third time-saving end conditions described above is met, the first time-saving state ends based on that condition being met, and the normal state begins.

(Second time-saving state)
In the second time-saving state (second easy-to-win state), if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/219.919. Therefore, compared to the normal state (or the small time-saving state), it is easier to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In the second time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the opportunity for the second special pattern lottery can be acquired with a probability of 1/219.919. In the second time-saving state, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal pattern lottery (1/219.919) is essentially the probability of winning the second special pattern lottery and transitioning to the special game state (including via the small winning game state). As a result, in the second time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right than to hit the ball to the left so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 in order to get an opportunity for the normal pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery). In other words, the second time-saving state is a gaming state in which right-hand hits should be performed.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a big win or small win is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the second time-saving state, the state transitions to the special game state. As shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and either "10R time-saving 1", "7R time-saving 1", "5R time-saving 1", "3R time-saving 3" or "3R time-saving 4" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 5" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and one of "small win 1" to "small win 5" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and "small win 6" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state.

In the second time-saving state, if the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) does not result in a big or small win, and any of the first to third time-saving end conditions described above is met, the second time-saving state ends based on that condition being met, and the normal state begins.

(Third time-saving state)
In the third time-saving state (third easy-to-win state), if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/99.902. Therefore, it is easier to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49 compared to the normal state (or the small time-saving state). In the third time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the player can get a chance to win the second special pattern lottery with a probability of 1/99.902. In the third time-saving state, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal pattern lottery (1/99.902) is essentially the probability of winning the second special pattern lottery and transitioning to the special game state (including via the small winning game state). As a result, in the third time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right than to hit the ball to the left so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 to get a chance to win the normal pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery). In other words, the third time-saving state is a gaming state in which right-hand hits should be performed.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a big win or small win is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the third time-saving state, the state transitions to the special game state. As shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and either "10R time-saving 1", "7R time-saving 1", "5R time-saving 1", "3R time-saving 3" or "3R time-saving 4" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(c), if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery and "3R time-saving 5" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and one of "small win 1" to "small win 5" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 100, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(d), if a small win is won in the special pattern lottery, and "small win 6" is won, and the passage of the game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 50, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, and the game state transitions to the second time-saving state based on the end of the special game state.

In the third time-saving state, if the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) does not result in a big or small win, and any of the first to third time-saving end conditions described above is met, the third time-saving state ends based on that condition and the normal state begins.

In the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, if the time-saving ("C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2") is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the slight time-saving state or the first time-saving state will not be started (set) as a trigger for the stopped display (confirmation) (a new number of time-saving times will not be set). In other words, the game state at the time of the winning will continue. Note that in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, if the first special pattern lottery results in the winning of "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) may be configured to set a new number of time-saving times.

(Morning state)
In the normal state, the first time-saving state is entered when the player wins a jackpot in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "3R time-saving 2", or when the player wins a time-saving in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "C time-saving 2". In contrast, in the micro time-saving state, the player enters the first time-saving state only when the player wins a jackpot in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "3R time-saving 2". For this reason, the normal state has a higher probability of entering the first time-saving state (the most advantageous game state for the player) than the micro time-saving state, which is advantageous for the player. In other words, the normal state has a higher probability of entering the first time-saving state than the micro time-saving state because the player can enter the first time-saving state when "C time-saving 2" is won, which is advantageous for the player. In this embodiment, when the power supply of the gaming machine is turned on or when the RAM clear switch provided on the main control board 200 is operated, RAM clear (a process for clearing (initializing) a predetermined area in the main memory 290) is executed and the gaming state is set to the normal state. This normal state is the so-called "morning state."

Here, the minute time-saving state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state are referred to as "specific states", the minute time-saving state is referred to as the "first specific state", and the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state are referred to as the "second specific state". The first specific state may be referred to as the left-hand hit time-saving state, and the second specific state may be referred to as the right-hand hit time-saving state. In this embodiment, the second specific state (right-hand hit time-saving state) may refer to all of the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the third time-saving state, or may refer to any one of them.
As described above, the normal state and the first specific state are game states where left-handed hits are more advantageous than right-handed hits, and the second specific state is a game state where right-handed hits are more advantageous than left-handed hits. In addition, the normal state and the first specific state have a lower probability of determining a transition to a special game state than the second specific state. In addition, in the normal state, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result (winning "C time-saving 1"), a transition to the first specific state is determined, but in the specific state, even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result, a transition to the first specific state is not determined, and in the normal state, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the second result (winning "C time-saving 2"), a transition to the second specific state (first time-saving state) is determined, but in the specific state, even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the second result, a transition to the second specific state (first time-saving state) is not determined.

Returning to FIG. 4, the special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the results of the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the special game.

The small win game execution means 262 is a means for executing a small win game based on a small win being won in the special pattern lottery, and performs the execution processing of the small win game, etc.

The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a number of prize balls that is predetermined for each detection signal, based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100, the detection signal from the second start port switch 103, the detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, and the detection signal from the count switch 104.

The payout device 130 performs the operation of paying out the number of game balls instructed by the payout control means 270. The payout device 130 has a payout motor in a game ball tank that stores the game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 also has a payout sensor that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout sensor.

The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in response to various calculation results in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a manner that allows only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 cannot transmit information to the main control board 200.

Next, we will explain the sub-control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302, and controls the performance device to perform effects to liven up the game or assist the game, such as turning on or blinking the front frame lamp 12 or the lighting device 38, displaying a performance image on the LCD display 32, controlling the audio device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance object. By controlling the performance device, the performance device executes effects to liven up the game or assist the game.

The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws images in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 for each frame (1/30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn images on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display 32.

The performance control means 300 executes a performance in which a performance pattern (demo pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stopped display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stopped display of the normal pattern in the normal pattern display section 72, and notifies the result of the first special pattern lottery or the normal pattern lottery. In the normal state (or the slight time-saving state), the performance control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 a performance pattern corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the first special pattern, and in the time-saving state (the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, or the third time-saving state), displays on the liquid crystal display 32 a performance pattern corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the normal pattern.

Here, the display of the effect patterns in the normal state will be explained. FIG. 10(a) shows the state before the first special pattern starts to change. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the left effect pattern 350, the middle effect pattern 352, and the right effect pattern 354 are displayed as effect patterns. The left effect pattern 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle effect pattern 352 is displayed in the center of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right effect pattern 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left effect pattern 350, the middle effect pattern 352, and the right effect pattern 354 each constitute nine types of effect pattern strings representing the numbers "1" to "9". Note that each effect pattern representing the numbers "1" to "9" may be composed of a decorative part such as a character in addition to the number.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the display of the effect pattern (variable display effect) begins based on the start of the display of the first special pattern. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the effect pattern is being displayed vertically at high speed (scrolling).

As shown in FIG. 10(c), the effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern based on the stopped display of the first special pattern. The effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern in accordance with the result of the first special pattern lottery. For example, if a jackpot is won in the first special pattern lottery, the effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern in accordance with the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process. Although not shown, in the time-saving state, the effect pattern is displayed as a changed or stopped pattern in accordance with the changed and stopped display of the normal pattern, just as in the normal state (as shown in FIG. 10(a), FIG. 10(b) and FIG. 10(c)).

The performance control means 300 also executes a performance in which an image showing the first special hold number or the normal hold number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the first special hold number or the normal hold number in the main control board 200. In the normal state (or the slight time-saving state), as shown in Figs. 10(a) to 10(c), a first hold image 420 (first hold pattern) corresponding to the first special hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. In the time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state), as shown in Fig. 10(d), a second hold image 422 (second hold pattern) corresponding to the normal hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

As described above, the special symbol selection means 230 reads the first special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914 and performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as a special symbol selection, but also performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as a pre-determination process when storing the first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. When the special symbol selection means 230 (pre-determination means) obtains a random number value for special symbol selection from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, it performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as a pre-determination process for the first special random number value according to the game state and the number of reserved numbers at that time before storing the first special random number value in any of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 4 as the first special random number value.

The special symbol selection means 230 stores the pre-determination results, including the results of the jackpot determination process, the symbol determination process, and other pre-determination processes, in one of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, in association with the first special random number value that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

When the first special random number value is acquired and other first special random number values are stored in the special random number storage means 2914, the performance control means 300 is capable of executing a specific performance (pre-reading performance) via a performance device (such as a liquid crystal display 32) during the period from when the first special random number value is acquired until the display of the varying first special pattern for that first special random number value ends, or during the period from when the display of the varying first special pattern for the first special random number value acquired before that first special random number value ends, depending on the result of the pre-determination corresponding to the acquired first special random number value.

In this embodiment, as a special effect, an effect suggesting that "C time-saving 2" has been won as a result of the first special symbol lottery (an effect suggesting a transition to the first time-saving state) (an effect encouraging a transition to the first time-saving state) is executed on the liquid crystal display 32. FIG. 11 shows an example of a special image that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 when a special effect is executed. The special image is an image of a logo suggesting a transition to the first time-saving state (XX time) (a logo including the words "Enter XX time"). Note that in this embodiment, a special effect can be executed for the first special random number value in the normal state and the slight time-saving state.

When a first special random number value is acquired and another first special random number value is stored in the special random number storage means 2914, the performance control means 300 performs a look-ahead performance lottery at the time of acquiring the first special random number value to determine whether or not a specific performance can be executed for the acquired first special random number value. If the look-ahead performance lottery is won, it is decided that a specific performance will be executed.

When the performance control means 300 determines that a specific performance is to be executed in the pre-reading performance lottery for the first special random number value, if there is no first special random number value for which the result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result is a jackpot among the first special random number values reserved in the special reserve memory area and the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 and which were obtained before the first special random number value for which the execution of the specific performance was determined, the performance control means 300 determines that the start condition for the specific performance is satisfied and executes the specific performance. The following description will be given assuming that the start condition is satisfied.

As an example of a case where a specific effect is executed, for example, assume that the first special random number value is stored (reserved) in the first special reserved memory area 1 and the first special reserved memory area 2, the first special random number value is acquired, and the execution of the specific effect is determined by the pre-reading effect lottery at the time of acquisition. The first special random number value for which the execution of the specific effect is determined is the "target first special random number value." The effect control means 300 starts the specific effect based on the determination of the execution of the specific effect, and blinks a specific image on the liquid crystal display 32 during the fluctuation of the first special pattern based on the first special random number value prior to the first special random number value for which the execution of the specific effect is determined. Then, at the start of the fluctuation of the first special pattern based on the target first special random number value, a pattern determination process is performed to determine the pattern (type) of the specific effect to be executed based on whether or not to transition to the first time-saving state (whether or not the transition to the first time-saving state is determined), and the specific effect of the determined pattern is executed. The specific performance patterns include a first pattern (successful) that is executed when the first time-saving state is entered, and a second pattern (false) that is executed when the first time-saving state is not entered.

Next, in this embodiment, the presentation state that can be set in the normal state or the first specific state (slight time-saving state) will be described. The presentation control means 300 (presentation state control means) controls the transition of the presentation state between each presentation state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (transition condition) (presentation state transition control process). In this embodiment, the normal state includes a first normal state (first low probability state) and a second normal state (second low probability state). The first normal state is a normal state that can be set after the RAM is cleared and after the end of the slight time-saving state (first specific state). The second normal state is a normal state that can be set after the end of the time-saving state (second specific state). In the first normal state, a relatively long change time can be selected as the change pattern of the first special pattern in the first special pattern lottery, but in the second normal state, this change pattern is not selected.

In this embodiment, in the normal state or the micro-time-saving state, there are a first presentation state (presentation mode A) and a second presentation state (presentation mode B) as presentation states that can be set. In the first presentation state, a presentation is executed that notifies (suggests) that the player is staying in the first presentation state (hot spring stage). In the first presentation state, the presentation control means 300 displays an image on the liquid crystal display 32 that notifies that the player is staying in the first presentation state (hot spring stage). In the second presentation state, a presentation is executed that notifies (suggests) that the player is staying in a second presentation state (normal stage) that is different from the first presentation state. In the second presentation state, the presentation control means 300 displays an image on the liquid crystal display 32 that notifies that the player is staying in the second presentation state (normal stage).

In the micro-time-saving state, the first presentation state or the second presentation state can be set. When the first presentation state is set in the micro-time-saving state, the presentation control means 300 performs a lottery (a lottery to determine whether or not to end the first presentation state) at a predetermined trigger, and if the lottery is won, the first presentation state is ended and the second presentation state is started.

In the normal state (first normal state and second normal state), only the first presentation state is set. In other words, in the normal state, the second presentation state is not set. In this embodiment, after the power is turned on and the minute time-saving state (first specific state) ends or the time-saving state (second specific state) ends, the normal state (first normal state or second normal state) starts, and in the normal state, the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set.

In this way, the first presentation state can be set in the normal state (first normal state or second normal state) and the micro-time-saving state. On the other hand, the second presentation state is set only in the micro-time-saving state. When the second presentation state is set, the game state is determined to be in the micro-time-saving state. When the first presentation state is set, there is a possibility that the game state is the normal state (first normal state or second normal state) or the micro-time-saving state.

As shown in Figure 9, in the normal state, if "C time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery and the first special symbol is displayed stationary (confirmed), the stationary display (confirmation) triggers a transition to the first time-saving state. On the other hand, in the micro time-saving state, if "C time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery and the first special symbol is displayed stationary (confirmed), the stationary display (confirmation) does not trigger a transition to the first time-saving state.

The second presentation state (presentation mode B) that is set in the slight time-saving state can be said to be a presentation state that is set when there is no possibility of transitioning to the first time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 2". In contrast, the first presentation state (presentation mode A) can be said to be a presentation state that is set when there is a possibility of transitioning to the first time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 2". The first presentation state is a presentation state that suggests that it is a more advantageous state than the second presentation state.

If, in the normal state and the minute time-saving state, other first special random numbers are stored in the special random number storage means 2914 at the time when the first special random number value is acquired, a pre-reading performance lottery is performed to determine whether or not a specific performance is executed for the acquired first special random number values (all), many processes (judgment processes) are required, which makes the process complicated and increases the processing load. In addition, in this embodiment, the game state and the performance state to be set do not correspond (not one-to-one) in the normal state and the minute time-saving state. In other words, different performance states are not set for each game state. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state may change not only based on the number of times that the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) changes, but also based on the number of times that the normal pattern changes, making the transition of the game state complicated. For this reason, if the game machine is configured to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading performance lottery (whether or not to execute a specific performance) depending on the game state, the process becomes complicated and increases the processing load.

In this embodiment, the performance control means 300 performs a judgment as to whether or not a specific performance can be executed, and performs a pre-reading performance lottery for the acquired first special random number value (only if the result of the judgment indicates that the specific performance can be executed). In addition, in the judgment as to whether or not a specific performance can be executed, the performance control means 300 judges whether or not a specific performance can be executed based on the performance state that is set (currently set) when the first special random number value is acquired in the normal state and the minute time-saving state.

When the presentation state set at the time of acquiring the first special random number value is the first presentation state, the presentation control means 300 judges (determines) that the specific presentation can be executed. In this case, a pre-reading presentation lottery may be executed to determine whether or not the specific presentation can be executed. If the pre-reading presentation lottery is won, the specific presentation is executed. On the other hand, when the presentation state set at the time of acquiring the first special random number value is the second presentation state, the presentation control means 300 judges (determines) that the specific presentation will not be executed. In this case, the pre-reading presentation lottery to determine whether or not the specific presentation can be executed is not executed, and the specific presentation is not executed. In this embodiment, even if "C time reduction 2" is won in the pre-judgment (pattern determination process) for the first special random number value, if the presentation state at the time of acquiring the first special random number value is the second presentation state, the specific presentation is not executed.

If it is determined that a specific effect will not be executed in the determination of whether or not to execute the specific effect based on the effect state set at the time the first special random number value is obtained, the pre-reading effect lottery is not executed. By determining whether or not to execute a specific effect based on the effect state in this way, the processing is made simpler and an increase in the processing load can be suppressed.

In addition, if the presentation control means 300 is configured to refer to the current game state to determine whether or not to execute a specific presentation, and if the current game state is the normal state, to determine that the specific presentation can be executed, and if the current game state is the micro-time-saving state, to determine that the specific presentation will not be executed, then if the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set in the micro-time-saving state, the specific presentation will not be executed at all. This reduces the frequency with which the specific presentation that can create a sense of expectation in the player is executed in the first presentation state, resulting in a decrease in interest in the game. According to the method of this embodiment, the specific presentation can be executed even if the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set in the micro-time-saving state, so that such a decrease in interest in the game can be suppressed.

As described above, the performance control means 300 performs a pattern determination process based on whether or not to transition to the first time-saving state when the first special pattern starts to change based on the target first special random number value (the first special random number value for which it has been determined that a specific performance will be executed), and executes the specific performance of the determined pattern. If all of the following three conditions are met, the performance control means 300 determines that there will be a transition to the first time-saving state and decides to execute the specific performance of the first pattern, and otherwise determines that there will not be a transition to the first time-saving state and decides to execute the specific performance of the second pattern.

Condition A is that the game state at the start of the first special symbol's change based on the target first special random number value is the "normal state" (first normal state or second normal state). In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the first special symbol starts to change, a signal indicating the game state at the start of the first special symbol's change is sent from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Based on this signal, the sub-control board 202 manages the game state at the start of the first special symbol's change in the sub-memory 302. The performance control means 300 refers to this game state and determines whether or not condition A is met.

Condition B is that the game state after the first special symbol stops changing (after confirmation) based on the target first special random number value is the "first time-saving state." In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the first special symbol starts changing, a signal indicating the game state after the first special symbol stops changing (game state change designation after confirmation) is sent from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Based on this signal, the sub-control board 202 manages the game state after the first special symbol stops changing in the sub-memory 302. The performance control means 300 refers to this game state and determines whether or not condition B is met.

Condition C is that the type of the winning time-saving pattern is "C Time-saving 2" as a result of the first special pattern lottery based on the target first special random number value. In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the first special pattern starts to change, a signal indicating the type of the winning pattern is sent from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Based on this signal, the sub-control board 202 manages the type of the winning pattern in the sub-memory 302. The performance control means 300 refers to the type and determines whether or not condition C is met.

When the presentation control means 300 determines that all of conditions A to C are satisfied, it decides to execute a specific presentation of the first pattern. On the other hand, for example, if the game state at the start of the variation of the first special symbol based on the target first special random number value is the "normal state" (condition A is satisfied), the game state after the variation of the first special symbol based on the target first special random number value stops is the "slight time-saving state" (condition B is not satisfied), and the type of the time-saving symbol that is won as a result of the lottery for the first special symbol based on the target first special random number value is "C time-saving 1" (condition C is not satisfied), it decides to execute a specific presentation of the second pattern.

If the first pattern of specific effects is selected when the target first special symbol starts to change, for example, a specific image (logo) changes and is displayed in a predetermined manner, and finally the specific image stops and is displayed. On the other hand, if the second pattern of specific effects is selected, the specific image (logo) changes and is displayed in a predetermined manner, and finally the specific image fades out and becomes invisible (not displayed). Note that multiple types of specific effects with different performance modes may be prepared for each of the first pattern of specific effects and the second pattern of specific effects, and a specific specific effect may be selected from among the multiple types.

In this embodiment, the performance control means 300 performs a pattern determination process based on whether or not to transition to the first time-saving state when the first special pattern starts to change based on the target first special random number value (the first special random number value that determines whether the specific performance will be executed), but it may also determine whether or not to transition to the first time-saving state based on the first special random number value at the timing of executing the pre-reading performance lottery (the timing of determining whether or not to execute the specific performance), and determine the pattern of the specific performance to be executed.

The performance control means 300 may also determine the pattern of the specific performance to be executed for each change of the first special symbol based on the first special random number value (e.g., the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 and the first special reserve memory area 2) that precedes the target first special random number value (the first special random number value that determines the execution of the specific performance). In other words, when the execution of the specific performance is determined, the pattern of the performance to be executed as part of the specific performance for each change may be determined. Also, during the change of the first special symbol based on the first special random number value that precedes the target first special random number value, a performance pattern different from the first and second patterns (such as a pattern in which the specific image flashes as described above) may be selected.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for conducting a lottery when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A movable object control means (normal reel control means 224) that controls the operation of the movable object (normal reel 54) between a first state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area (second starting hole 49) provided in the game area, and a second state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
A state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) for controlling the transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a normal state and a specific state,
The specific states include a first specific state (left-hand hit time-saving state) in which playing in the first game method (left-hand hit) is more advantageous than playing in the second game method (right-hand hit), and a second specific state (right-hand hit time-saving state) in which playing in the second game method is more advantageous than playing in the first game method.
In the second specific state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can enter the second area more easily than in the normal state and the first specific state, and the second specific state is a state that is advantageous to the player.
In the normal state, when the result of the lottery is the first result (winning “C time reduction 1”), the transition to the first specific state is determined, but in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the first result, the transition to the first specific state is not determined,
In the normal state, if the result of the lottery is the second result (winning "C time reduction 2"), the transition to the second specific state is determined. However, in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is not determined.
As the presentation state, there are a first presentation state that can be set in both the normal state and the first specific state, and a second presentation state that is set in the first specific state and is not set in the normal state,
In the first performance state, a specific performance is executed which suggests that the result of the lottery is the second result,
In the second performance state, the specific performance is not executed.

In this embodiment, there are a first presentation state that can be set in both the normal state and the first specific state, and a second presentation state that is set in the first specific state and not set in the normal state. In the first presentation state, the specific presentation is executed, and in the second presentation state, the specific presentation is not executed. In other words, whether or not the specific presentation is executed is determined according to the presentation state that is set. By configuring in this way, the processing related to the execution of the specific presentation can be made easier (simplified), and an increase in the processing load can be suppressed.

If the specific effect is executed in the normal state and not executed in the first specific state, the specific effect will not be executed when the first effect state is set in the first specific state, and the frequency with which the specific effect that can create a sense of expectation in the player is executed will decrease, resulting in a decrease in interest in the game. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the specific effect can be executed even when the first effect state is set in the first specific state, so that such a decrease in interest in the game can be prevented.
In this embodiment, after the power is turned on (after the power is restored), the normal state is started, and the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set in the normal state, but for example, when the power is cut off in the short time-saving state, the short time-saving state may be started after the power is restored, and the first presentation state (hot spring stage) may be set in the short time-saving state. In other words, the presentation state (presentation mode) set after the power is restored may be common between the normal state and the short time-saving state. In this case, when the power is cut off in a state in which the second presentation state (normal stage) is set in the short time-saving state and the power is restored from the power cut, the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set in the short time-saving state, and since the first presentation state (hot spring stage) is set in the early morning hours at the game center, it is possible to make the game state seem as if it is a normal state, and the operation rate of the game machine can be increased.

In the second specific state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, and third time-saving state), as shown in the first time-saving end condition described above, the first time-saving number (value of the first time-saving counter 2932) is subtracted based on the normal pattern change display. In other words, the second specific state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, and third time-saving state) has its period managed by the number of times the normal pattern change display is performed, and can be called a "normal time-saving state". In the normal time-saving state (say, the third time-saving state), if the normal pattern change display is executed for the first time-saving number (70 times) without winning a big or small prize in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) (i.e., if the first time-saving end condition is met), the third time-saving state (normal time-saving state) ends at the start of the final change of the normal pattern, and the normal state begins. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the normal symbol time-saving state, the game state transitions from the normal symbol time-saving state to the normal state at the start of the final fluctuation of the normal symbol based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. In other words, the normal state starts at the start of the final fluctuation of the normal symbol.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the normal state, if the result of the first special symbol lottery is that "C Time Reduction 1" or "C Time Reduction 2" is won, the gaming state does not change when the first special symbol starts to change, but changes (transitions) when the first special symbol stops changing (is confirmed).

As shown in Figures 10(a) to 10(c), in the normal state, when the first special symbol lottery is executed, the liquid crystal display 32 displays a varying or stationary display of the performance symbol corresponding to the varying or stationary display of the first special symbol.

In the normal state, the first special symbol lottery is executed, "C time reduction 2" is won, and the first special symbol is stopped (confirmed) in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 2", and the game state transitions to the first time reduction state at the time of confirmation. If the game state is normal from the start of the fluctuation of the first special symbol when "C time reduction 2" is won until it stops (this is called a non-irregular state), in other words, if it is normal at the start of the fluctuation and normal at the end of the fluctuation, then as a normal time effect (effect related to the transition to the first time reduction state), an effect is executed on the liquid crystal display 32 to notify the winning of "C time reduction 2", then an effect is executed to notify the transition (entry) to the first time reduction state, and then an effect is executed to instruct the player to hit right based on the confirmation of "C time reduction 2".

Next, a case where an irregular situation (special situation) based on the transition of the game state occurs will be described. In this embodiment, as an irregular situation, the game state may transition (switch) from the normal time-saving state to the normal state during the fluctuation (during the fluctuation) of the first special pattern when "C time-saving 2" is won in the first special pattern lottery. In this way, if the game state transitions from the normal time-saving state to the normal state between the start and the stop of the fluctuation of the first special pattern when "C time-saving 2" is won, in other words, if the state is in the normal time-saving state at the start of the fluctuation and is in the normal state at the stop of the fluctuation (this is an irregular state), a performance (special performance) different from the normal performance is executed. In other words, a special performance (a performance that notifies that a special situation has occurred) is executed as a dedicated performance when an irregular state occurs. Note that the special performance is a performance that is not executed in a non-irregular state. However, when we say it will not be executed in a non-irregular state, we mean that it will not be executed if there is no power outage or other incident that interferes with play during the time between when the first special symbol starts to change if "C Time Reduction 2" is selected in the first special symbol lottery and when the performance instructs you to hit to the right based on the confirmation of the first special symbol ("C Time Reduction 2") is played.

In the normal time-saving state, it is possible that the first special symbol starts to change based on the execution of the first special symbol lottery, and then (immediately afterwards), the final change of the normal symbol starts based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. At this time, depending on the change time (change pattern) of the first special symbol, there are cases where the change of the first special symbol stops (confirms) before the final change of the normal symbol starts (before the transition to the normal state) (first case), and cases where the change of the first special symbol stops (confirms) after the final change of the normal symbol starts (after the transition to the normal state) (second case).

In the "first case," when the first special symbol is drawn in the normal time-saving state, and the result of that drawing is "C time-saving 2," and the first special symbol stops changing (is confirmed), the game state at the time of confirmation is the normal time-saving state. Therefore, when that confirmation is made, the game does not transition to the first time-saving state (the normal time-saving state continues). Therefore, it does not become an irregular state.

On the other hand, the "second case" is an irregular state. This will be explained with reference to FIG.
(a) In the normal time-saving state, when the first special symbol lottery is executed and "C time-saving 2" is won, the variation (variation display) of the first special symbol in the case of winning "C time-saving 2" is started. The game state at the start of the variation of the first special symbol is the normal time-saving state.
(b) Next, the final normal symbol lottery is executed in the normal symbol time-saving state, and the final normal symbol variation is started. When the final normal symbol variation starts, the game state transitions from the normal symbol time-saving state to the normal state (the normal state is started).
(c) Next, the variation of the first special symbol stops (the first special symbol is determined). Since the game state when the first special symbol is determined is the normal state, the determination triggers a transition to the first time-saving state.

At timing (b), the liquid crystal display 32 starts displaying the changes in the effect patterns (left effect pattern 350, middle effect pattern 352, and right effect pattern 354) that correspond to the change in the normal pattern. If a transition to the first time-saving state occurs during the final change in the normal patterns (final change in the effect patterns) in this normal time-saving state, triggered by the determination of the first special pattern, if a performance notifying the transition (entry) to the first time-saving state based on the determination were to suddenly start, it would be unnatural and would give the player a sense of discomfort. In this embodiment, a special effect is executed to reduce this sense of discomfort.

When all of the following three conditions are met, the performance control means 300 determines that an irregular state exists, and executes a special performance when the first special pattern is determined (triggered by the determination).

The first condition is that the game state at the start of the first special symbol change is the "normal time-saving state" (first time-saving state, second time-saving state, or third time-saving state). In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the first special symbol starts changing, a signal indicating the game state at the start of the first special symbol change is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Based on the signal, the sub-control board 202 manages the game state at the start of the first special symbol change in the sub-memory 302. The presentation control means 300 refers to the game state and determines whether or not the first condition is met. In the above "second case," since the game state at the start of the first special symbol change is the "normal time-saving state," the presentation control means 300 determines that the first condition is met.

The second condition is that the game state after the first special symbol stops fluctuating (after confirmation) is the "first time-saving state". In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing such as when the first special symbol stops fluctuating, a signal (designation of game state change after confirmation) indicating the game state after the first special symbol stops fluctuating is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. Based on the signal, the sub-control board 202 manages the game state after the first special symbol stops fluctuating in the sub-memory 302. The performance control means 300 refers to the game state and judges whether the second condition is met or not.
In the above "second case," the main control board 200 (game state transition control means 250) transitions the game state from the normal time-saving state to the normal state when the final fluctuation of the normal symbol starts. Then, in the normal state, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 2"("C time-saving 2" is confirmed), and the game state transitions from the normal state to the first time-saving state. When the fluctuation of the first special symbol stops (when confirmed), the main control board 200 transmits a signal to the sub-control board 202 indicating that the game state after the fluctuation of the first special symbol stops (after confirmation) is the "first time-saving state." Based on this, the performance control means 300 determines that the second condition is satisfied.
When the first special symbol stops fluctuating (when it is fixed), the main control board 200 transmits a signal to the sub-control board 202 indicating that the game state after the first special symbol stops fluctuating (after it is fixed) is the "first time-saving state," but as described above, the signal is transmitted only when the game state changes as a result of the first special symbol stopping fluctuating (fixing). In other words, the signal is a signal notifying that the game state will transition from another game state to the first time-saving state.

The third condition is that the type of the time-saving symbol that is won as a result of the first special symbol lottery is "C Time-saving 2". In this embodiment, a signal indicating the type of the winning symbol is sent from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 at a predetermined timing, such as when the first special symbol starts to change. The sub-control board 202 manages the type of the winning symbol in the sub-memory 302 based on the signal. The performance control means 300 refers to the type of the symbol and determines whether or not the third condition is met. In the above "second case", since "C Time-saving 2" is won as a result of the first special symbol lottery, it is determined that the third condition is met.

FIG. 12 shows a case where it is determined that the first to third conditions are satisfied (irregular state) and a special effect (shutter effect) is executed. On the liquid crystal display 32, the display of the effect pattern (main effect pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the normal pattern starts at the timing of (b), and the special effect starts at the timing of (c) (the timing when the first special pattern is confirmed), and a special image (for example, a shutter image) is displayed for a predetermined time. At this time, the effect currently being executed is stopped (cancelled) with the start of the special effect. In other words, the special effect is executed with priority over other effects. Examples of the effects to be canceled include the display of a reserved icon image (second reserved image 422) corresponding to the number of normal reserved times, a remaining number display (such as "12 more times") indicating the remaining number of time-saving times (remaining number of times to play in the time-saving state), a mode name display indicating the currently set performance state (performance mode), and a notice display indicating the expected hit probability of the target (pattern) during the change.
In this embodiment, during the execution of the special performance, the mini performance pattern (sub performance pattern) corresponding to the variable display of the performance pattern (main performance pattern) is displayed. In other words, during the execution of the special performance, the mini performance pattern is displayed, and the main performance pattern is not displayed. Here, the mini performance pattern is a performance pattern whose display range (display size) is relatively smaller than the performance patterns (main performance patterns) 350, 352, and 354. The mini performance pattern may be composed of only numbers, for example, and may not include a decorative part. In addition, the mini performance pattern may be displayed, for example, during the display of the performance patterns (main performance patterns) 350, 352, and 354 before the execution of the special performance. In addition, in this embodiment, the special image is a shutter image, but the special image is not limited to this and may be a predetermined object image, and the predetermined object may be a person (character), an animal, a vehicle, a building, a natural object (for example, a rock, a tree, etc.), a character, a background, a pattern, etc.

Next, at the timing of (d) (when the special effect ends), an effect instructing the player to hit to the right is executed as an effect related to the transition to the first time-saving state, and a right-hit instruction image is displayed. Note that (d) may be the timing when the fluctuation of the normal symbols stops (is confirmed). Also, after the special effect ends, an effect notifying the player of the transition (entry) to the first time-saving state may be executed as an effect related to the transition to the first time-saving state, and then an effect instructing the player to hit to the right may be executed.

When the effect control means 300 determines that the first to third conditions are met while the effect pattern (main effect pattern) corresponding to the normal pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in the normal time-saving state, it executes a special effect when the first special pattern is confirmed, and executes an effect related to the transition to the first time-saving state (such as a right-hit instruction effect) after the special effect ends. By inserting a special effect when switching effects in this way, it is possible to reduce the sense of discomfort felt by the player compared to when switching effects without the special effect. In other words, by executing a special effect, it is possible to give the player time to prepare (mentally prepare) for the possibility that something may be announced later.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for conducting a lottery when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A movable object control means (normal reel control means 224) that controls the operation of the movable object (normal reel 54) between a first state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area (second starting hole 49) provided in the game area, and a second state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
A state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) for controlling the transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a normal state and a specific state,
The specific states include a first specific state (left-hand hit time-saving state) in which playing in the first game method (left-hand hit) is more advantageous than playing in the second game method (right-hand hit), and a second specific state (right-hand hit time-saving state) in which playing in the second game method is more advantageous than playing in the first game method.
In the second specific state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can enter the second area more easily than in the normal state and the first specific state, and the second specific state is a state that is advantageous to the player.
In the normal state, when the result of the lottery is the first result (winning “C time reduction 1”), the transition to the first specific state is determined, but in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the first result, the transition to the first specific state is not determined,
In the normal state, if the result of the lottery is the second result (winning "C time reduction 2"), the transition to the second specific state is determined. However, in the specific state, even if the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is not determined.
Different presentations are executed depending on whether the game state is the normal state from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result, or whether the game state is switched from the second specific state to the normal state from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when it stops when the result of the lottery is the second result.

If the game state switches from the second specific state to the normal state between the start and end of the variation of the special symbols when the result of the lottery is the second result, the transition to the second specific state is determined. At this time, between the start and end of the variation of the special symbols when the result of the lottery is the second result, a different effect (special effect) is executed compared to when the game state is the normal state and the transition to the second specific state is determined. Therefore, the player can be notified that a special situation has occurred, such as the game state switching from the second specific state to the normal state and the transition to the second specific state being determined, during the variation of the special symbols when the result of the lottery is the second result.

In this embodiment, the special effect is an effect in which a special image (shutter image) is displayed for a specified period of time. If a transition to the second game state is decided under this special circumstance and the effect suddenly changes based on that, the player will feel uncomfortable, but by executing the special effect, the sense of discomfort felt by the player can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the result of the first special symbol lottery is set to "C Time Reduction 2", and a special effect is executed when the game state switches from the normal time-saving state to the normal state during the change of the first special symbol when "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery. However, this is not limited to the above, and "C Time Reduction 2" may be set as the result of the second special symbol lottery, and in that case, a special effect may be executed when the game state switches from the normal time-saving state to the normal state during the change of the second special symbol when "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the second special symbol lottery.

In addition, in this embodiment, the periods of the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state and the third time-saving state are managed by the number of times the normal pattern is displayed (first time-saving number) and the number of times the special pattern is displayed (second time-saving number, third time-saving number). However, this is not limited to this, and the periods may be managed only by the number of times the special pattern (second special pattern) is displayed. In this case, a special effect may be executed when the game state switches from the time-saving state (first time-saving state, second time-saving state or third time-saving state) to the normal state during the change (in the middle of change) of the first special pattern when "C time-saving 2" is won in the first special pattern lottery.
In addition, in a gaming machine in which one special pattern can change while another special pattern is changing, and one special pattern may start changing or be determined (stop changing) while the other special pattern is changing, a special presentation may be executed when a transition to a specific gaming state occurs based on the start of change or determination.

In addition, in the normal symbol lottery, the decision to open the normal feature 54 may be made based on the game state or other conditions, and the lottery process may not be executed. In such a configuration, for example, the decision to open the normal feature 54 may be made only when the gate switch 102 detects the passage of the game ball through the passage gate 48 in the time-saving state.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Descriptions of components having the same or corresponding functions as those described in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

In this embodiment, the game state transition control means 250 controls the transition of the game state between multiple types of game states including a first state (normal state), a second state (slight time-saving state), and a third state (time-saving state: first time-saving state). As shown in the first embodiment, when "time-saving" is won in the first special pattern lottery performed by the special pattern lottery means 230, either "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" is won. In this embodiment, winning "time-saving" in the first special pattern lottery is referred to as winning "C time-saving" (specific type).

In this embodiment, in the first state (normal state), if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), a decision may be made to transition to the third state (time-saving state: first time-saving state) (a transition to the third state is possible) (the third state may be newly set). On the other hand, in the time-saving state (second state and third state), even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), there is no transition to the third state, and the current game state (the currently set game state) is maintained.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for conducting a lottery when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A movable object control means (normal role control means 224) that controls the operation of the movable object (normal role 54) between a state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area (second starting hole 49) provided in the game area and a state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
and a state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) for controlling the transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a first state (normal state), a second state (slight time-saving state), and a third state (first time-saving state),
The first state and the second state are gaming states in which playing in the first gaming method (left hand hit) is more advantageous than playing in the second gaming method (right hand hit),
The third state is a gaming state in which playing in the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing in the first gaming method,
In the third state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can easily enter the second area, which is more advantageous for the player than in the first state and the second state.
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result (winning the "C time reduction"), the state can be transitioned to the third state,
In the second state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result (winning "C time reduction"), the state does not transition to the third state,
As the presentation state, there is a first presentation state that can be set in both the first state and the second state, and a second presentation state that is not set in the first state but is set in the second state,
In the first performance state, a specific performance is executed which suggests that the result of the lottery is a specific result,
In the second performance state, the specific performance is not executed.

There are two types of presentation states: a first presentation state that can be set in both the first and second states, and a second presentation state that is not set in the first state but is set in the second state. In the first presentation state, the specific presentation is executed, and in the second presentation state, the specific presentation is not executed. In other words, whether or not the specific presentation is executed is determined according to the presentation state that is set. By configuring in this way, the processing related to the execution of the specific presentation can be made easier (simplified), and an increase in the processing load can be suppressed.

If the specific effect were to be executed in the first state and not executed in the second state, the specific effect would not be executed when the first effect state is set in the second state, and the frequency with which the specific effect that can create a sense of anticipation in the player would decrease, resulting in a decrease in interest in the game. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the specific effect can be executed even when the first effect state is set in the second state, preventing such a decrease in interest in the game.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for conducting a lottery when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A movable object control means (normal role control means 224) that controls the operation of the movable object (normal role 54) between a state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area (second starting hole 49) provided in the game area and a state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
and a state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) for controlling the transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a first state (normal state), a second state (slight time-saving state), and a third state (first time-saving state),
The first state and the second state are gaming states in which playing in the first gaming method (left hand hit) is more advantageous than playing in the second gaming method (right hand hit),
The third state is a gaming state in which playing in the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing in the first gaming method,
In the third state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can easily enter the second area, which is more advantageous for the player than in the first state and the second state.
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result (winning the "C time reduction"), the state can be transitioned to the third state,
In the second state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result (winning "C time reduction"), the state does not transition to the third state,
When the result of the lottery is a specific result, a different presentation is executed in the case where the game state is the first state from when the variation of the special pattern starts to when it stops, and in the case where the result of the lottery is a specific result, the game state at the start of the variation of the special pattern is the third state and the game state at the stop of the variation of the special pattern is the first state.

If the game state at the start of the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result is the third state, and the game state at the stop of the variation of the special symbol is the first state, a transition to the third state may be determined. At this time, if a transition to the third state is determined, a different effect (special effect) is executed from when the game state is the first state and a transition to the third state is determined during the period from when the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result starts to when it stops. Therefore, the player can be notified that a special situation has occurred, such as the game state switching from the third state to the first state during the variation of the special symbol when the result of the lottery is a specific result, and a transition to the third state being determined.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Descriptions of components having the same or corresponding functions as those described in the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified.

In this embodiment, the game state transition control means 250 controls the transition of the game state between multiple types of game states including the first state (normal state), the second state (slight time-saving state), and the third state (time-saving state: first time-saving state). In this embodiment, in the first state (normal state), if the result of the first special pattern lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the current game state is maintained. On the other hand, in the time-saving state (second state and third state), if the result of the first special pattern lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), a new time-saving state (second state or third state) corresponding to the winning C time-saving pattern ("C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2") is set.

In the first state (normal state), if the result of the first special pattern lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the current game state is maintained, but in the second state (micro-time-saving state), if the result of the first special pattern lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), a new time-saving state (second state or third state) corresponding to the winning C time-saving pattern ("C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2") is set. In this way, the second state (micro-time-saving state) may be made a more advantageous state (chance zone) for the player than the first state (normal state).

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Descriptions of configurations having the same or corresponding functions as those described in the first to third embodiments will be omitted or simplified.

In this embodiment, the game state transition control means 250 controls the transition of the game state between a plurality of game states including the first state (normal state), the second state (slight time-saving state), and the third state (time-saving state: first time-saving state). In this embodiment, in the first state (normal state), if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the current game state is maintained. Also, in the second state (slight time-saving state), if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the current game state is maintained. Also, in the third state (first time-saving state), if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), a time-saving state (second state or third state) corresponding to the winning C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2") is newly set.

In the above, it was stated that in the second state (micro time-saving state), if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the current game state is maintained. However, it may be configured as follows, and if the result of the first special symbol lottery is a specific result (winning the specific type "C time-saving"), the third state (first time-saving state) may be set. That is, it may be possible to transition to the second state (micro time-saving state) based on the end of the special game state after a jackpot, and in the second state (which is referred to as the first micro time-saving state) transitioned to based on the end of the special game state after the first jackpot (after the first win), if "C time-saving" is won, the third state (first time-saving state) is set, and in the second state (which is referred to as the second micro time-saving state) transitioned to based on the end of the special game state after a jackpot (second jackpot) in the third state, the current game state may be maintained even if "C time-saving" is won. In other words, the first micro-time-saving state may be a state (chance zone) that is more advantageous to the player than the second micro-time-saving state.

In the above explanations, the normal state is the first state, but this is not limited to the above and may be configured as follows. As the time-saving state, multiple types of states may be provided, such as a first time-saving state, a second time-saving state, a third time-saving state, a fourth time-saving state, ..., and any one of these states may be set as the "first state."

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the game control form and configuration are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. The above-described control operation can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as medal-less gaming machines.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, the embodiments may be freely combined, any of the components of each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components of each embodiment may be omitted.

4 Play area 46 First starting hole (first area)
49 Second starting hole (second area)
54 Ordinary role objects (movable objects)
224 Normal object control means (movable object control means)
230 Special pattern lottery means (lottery means)
250 Game state transition control means (state transition control means)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a game area in which a game medium moves, and launching the game medium into the game area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means for conducting a lottery when a game medium enters a first area provided in the game area;
a movable object control means for controlling the movable object to move between a state in which it is difficult for the game medium to enter a second area provided in the game area and a state in which it is easy for the game medium to enter the second area;
a state transition control means for controlling a transition of a game state between a plurality of game states including a first state, a second state, and a third state;
The first state and the second state are gaming states in which playing a game in the first gaming method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second gaming method,
The third state is a gaming state in which playing in the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing in the first gaming method,
In the third state, the movement of the movable object is controlled so that the game medium can easily enter the second area, which is more advantageous for the player than in the first state and the second state.
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result, the state can be transitioned to the third state,
In the second state, if the result of the lottery is a specific result, the game does not transition to the third state,
A gaming machine characterized in that different presentations are executed in the following cases: when the game state is the first state from when the variation of the special symbols starts to when the variation of the special symbols stops when the result of the lottery is a specific result; and when the game state at the time when the variation of the special symbols starts to when the result of the lottery is a specific result is the third state and the game state at the time when the variation of the special symbols stops is the first state.

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