JP7486152B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

A pachinko machine is known that extracts a random number when a ball enters the starting hole, draws a jackpot based on the random number, and notifies the result of the jackpot lottery by displaying a varying pattern (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such pachinko machines, various effects are performed during the pattern display to suggest that the jackpot lottery will be won.

JP 2019-115555 A

However, in general, the content of the presentation for each big win lottery is individually determined based on the random numbers extracted when the ball enters the starting hole, etc. For this reason, it is difficult to provide a relationship or continuity between the presentations corresponding to specific multiple big win lotteries, and the presentation may lack interest.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to increase the interest of the presentation.

The invention according to claim 1, which has been made in consideration of the above problem, is a pinball game machine that can give a player a privilege when the player wins a lottery and can execute a plurality of types of advance notice effects that suggest or notify the result of the lottery after the lottery is held,
A reserve storage means for extracting numerical data resulting from the game ball entering the starting area and for retaining and storing the numerical data;
a lottery means for carrying out the lottery based on the numerical data that has been reserved and stored;
a look-ahead determination means for determining the numerical data related to the lottery before the lottery is drawn by the lottery drawing means;
A notice performance means for selecting the type of the notice performance based on the numerical data related to the lottery and executing the notice performance of the selected type ;
and an intermediate performance means for determining whether or not there is a reserved memory that can be selected for a second preview performance at the end of the first preview performance based on a result of the determination by the look-ahead determination means, and starting an intermediate performance before the second preview performance starts if a positive determination is obtained, and not starting the intermediate performance if a negative determination is obtained .
The first preview performance is a predetermined preview performance, and the second preview performance is a preview performance which suggests or notifies the result of a lottery which is held after the lottery whose result is suggested or notified by the first preview performance, and is the same preview performance as the first preview performance.

According to the above configuration, when multiple corresponding types of preview performances are performed consecutively with a relatively short interval between them, intermediate performances can be performed between these preview performances. The intermediate performances can then be used to link these preview performances together or to give them a story-like quality. In other words, an incidental event can be made to appear as a continuous performance, which can increase the interest of the performance.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of a probability change determination device provided on a game board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. This is a table to explain the winning symbols. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine. This is a flowchart for the starting gate winning confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a presentation screen when a specific presentation is performed. 13 is a flowchart of a specific mode determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a specific mode control process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
[Configuration Description]
(1) Overall Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. Hinges 53 are provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51, and the front frame (glass frame) 52 into which a glass plate 61 is fitted and an inner frame (described below) are held by the hinges 53 so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 51. In addition, behind the glass plate 61 of the front frame 52, a game board 1 (Fig. 2) held by the inner frame is provided.

Speakers 66 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 52, which output game sounds to improve the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 52 is also provided with frame side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.
An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed at the bottom of the front frame 52. A launching handle 64 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 63. By operating the launching handle 64 clockwise, the launching device is activated and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.

The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a coin box provided in the game parlor. In addition, a game button 67 is provided in the center of the upper tray 55.
This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards, and is provided with a ball loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a settlement display device 59 on the right side of the upper tray 55.

In addition, reference numeral 49 in Figure 1 denotes a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame to the outer frame 51. When a specified key is inserted into the cylinder lock 49 and the key is turned clockwise, the inner frame is opened, and when the key is turned counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened.
2, a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b is formed on the game board 1. A center case 5 is attached to the center of the game area 3, and a normal symbol activation gate 22 is installed on the right side of the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, multiple types of random numbers for the lottery of normal symbols are sampled, and a win/loss judgment (normal symbol lottery) is made based on the sampled random numbers.

Directly below the center case 5 is a first start gate 11 where a jackpot lottery (win/lose determination) is conducted with the variable display of a first special symbol (also written as first special symbol or special symbol 1) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball. In addition, to the right of the center case 5 and directly below the normal symbol activation gate 22 is a second start gate 12 where a jackpot lottery is conducted with the variable display of a second special symbol (also written as second special symbol or special symbol 2) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball.

The first starting hole 11 is located in an area (left hitting area) where a game ball shot by a left hit (aiming at the left side of the center case 5) mainly flows down, and the second starting hole 12 is located in an area (right hitting area) where a game ball shot by a right hit (aiming at the right side of the center case 5) mainly flows down.
Therefore, by hitting with the left hand side, the first starting hole 11 can be aimed and hit, and by hitting with the right hand side, the second starting hole 12 can be aimed and hit.

The arrangement of the first and second starting holes 11, 12 is not limited to this, and for example, the first and second starting holes 11, 12 may be arranged vertically below the center case 5, or the first starting hole 11 may be arranged in the right-hand hitting area and the second starting hole 12 in the left-hand hitting area.
The first starting hole 11 is configured so that game balls can enter at all times, but the second starting hole 12 is configured as a normal electric device that is opened by winning a normal pattern lottery, and balls can enter only when it is open. Note that it may be configured so that balls can enter occasionally even when it is closed.

When a game ball enters a first starting hole 11, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a first special chart are extracted and stored as a first reserved memory, and when a game ball enters a second starting hole 12, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a second special chart are extracted and stored as a second reserved memory.
The second starting hole 12 configured as a normal electric role is opened for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery is won.

Furthermore, below the center case 5, to the right of the first starting hole 11 and below the second starting hole 12, there is provided a large prize opening 20 consisting of a special electric device. The large prize opening 20 is located in a position where game balls hit to the right mainly enter. Of course, the location of the large prize opening 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the large prize opening 20 may be located in the left hitting area.

In addition, below the big prize winning hole 20, a probability change determination device 13 is arranged to guide the game ball that entered the big prize winning hole 20 during the big prize game (in other words, the special game) and determine whether the big prize game will enter a probability change state (a state in which the probability of winning the big prize lottery is high) after the big prize game ends. The details of the probability change determination device 13 will be described later.
In the left-hand area of the game board 1, a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each having a plurality of (for example, about seven) LEDs, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 23 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 24 each consisting of four LEDs are installed. In addition, in the lower-right area of the game board 1, a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of two LEDs and a normal symbol reserved number display device 8 consisting of four LEDs are installed.

The first special symbol display device 9 displays special symbol 1, and the second special symbol display device 10 displays special symbol 2. The first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 make it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the special symbols by making the lighting patterns of the LEDs irregular when displaying these special symbols. The arrangement of the LEDs that make up the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 may also be irregular, making it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the displayed special symbols.

An LCD panel for a performance pattern display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 5 of the game board 1 shown in Figure 2, and on the performance screen of the LCD panel, a pattern performance is performed by displaying changes in the performance patterns, etc., to announce the results of the jackpot lottery corresponding to the first and second special patterns.
The center case 5 is also provided with a warp inlet, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., in a well-known manner.

In addition, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, general winning holes 25 to 27 are located.
A large number of game pegs are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the board.
Next, the configuration of the probability change determination device 13 will be described.

As shown in Figure 3, the probability change determination device 13 is equipped with an outlet 13a through which a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 20 is discharged, a specific area 15 for determining a transition to a probability change state, and a shutter 14 for closing or opening the specific area 15.
As already mentioned, a game ball that enters the big prize opening 20 during a big win game is discharged from the discharge opening 13a. When a game ball is discharged from the discharge opening 13a while the specific area 15 is closed, the game ball is guided to the miss opening 13b by the shutter 14 (see FIG. 3(a)). On the other hand, when a game ball is discharged from the discharge opening 13a while the specific area 15 is open, the game ball enters the specific area 15, and the big win game ends, and it is determined that the game will enter a special probability state after the big win game (see FIG. 3(b)).

As shown in FIG. 4, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 is configured such that an inner frame 70, which detachably mounts the game board 1, is housed in the outer frame 51. The inner frame 70, like the front frame 52, is connected to a hinge 53 provided on the outer frame 51 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 4), and is installed so as to be able to open and close. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 70, and a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout unit 73 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 73. With this configuration, when a game ball enters the winning hole of the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) stored in the ball tank 71 are paid out from the payout device, and are paid out through the flow passage to the upper tray 55. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout device is configured to pay out game balls (loan balls) in response to the operation of the ball loan button 57.

The back side of the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device, and a power supply board 85. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Note that although the launch control device is not shown in Figure 4, the launch control device is located behind the payout control device 81 (on the game frame side).

In addition, an external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 78.
(2) Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of Figure 5, this pachinko machine 50 is configured with the main control device 80 at its core. Note that this block diagram does not show relay boards or power supply boards that simply relay signals. Also, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc. Also, although the launch control device 84 and power supply board do not have a CPU, ROM, or RAM, this is not limited to this, and the launch control device 84 etc. may have a CPU, ROM, RAM,
M etc. may be provided.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from a first start port SW 11a which detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second start port SW 12a which detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal pattern operation SW 22a which detects a game ball that has entered the normal pattern operation gate 22, and a general winning port SW 25a which detects a game ball that has entered the general winning ports 25 to 27.
In addition to this, a count SW 20a for counting the gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 and a detection signal from a probability change SW 15a for detecting gaming balls that have entered a specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13 are input.

The main control unit 80 operates according to a program installed therein, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and outputs them to the payout control unit 81 and the sub-integrated control unit 83.
In addition, the main control unit 80 controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9, the second special pattern display device 10, the first special pattern reservation number display device 23, the second special pattern reservation number display device 24, the normal pattern display device 7, and the normal pattern reservation number display device 8, which are connected via the pattern display device relay terminal board 90.

Furthermore, the main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 20 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 20b, and the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal power device solenoid 12b. It also controls the shutter 14 by controlling the shutter solenoid 14a, and switches the open/closed state of the specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13. When the shutter 14 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the specific area 15, and when the shutter 14 is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 15.

The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, jackpots, etc. are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.
The main control unit 80 and the dispensing control unit 81 are capable of two-way communication.
The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 30 in response to a command sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout SW 31 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a detection signal from the payout SW 31 is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 may count the prize balls.

The payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame closing SW 45, inner frame closing SW 46, ball out SW 33, payout SW 31, and full SW 32, and when the full SW 32 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the ball out SW 33 receives a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank 71, it stops the payout motor 30 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full SW 32 and ball out SW 33 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 30 when the signal is no longer output.

The payout control device 81 also communicates with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 34 to operate the payout motor 30 and dispense the dispensed balls. The dispensed balls are detected by the payout SW 31, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 34 is also connected to the settlement display device 59 for two-way communication, and the settlement display device 59 is provided with a ball lending button 57 for requesting the lending of game balls and a settlement button 58 for requesting settlement.

In addition, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding winning balls, information indicating the open/closed status of the frames (inner frame 70, front frame 52), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78, and also transmits a launch stop signal to the launch control device 84.
Although the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls, it may be configured as an enclosed type in which prize balls generated in response to winning or the like are stored without being paid out.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 40 to launch the game ball into the game area 3.
In addition to the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch SW 38, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop SW 39.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop SW 39. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle 64.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80. The sub-integrated control device 83 does not send data to the main control device 80. It then divides the data into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, sending commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, and distributing the commands for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in itself (functional parts as sound control device and lamp control device).

The functional unit as a voice control device controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by activating the sound LSI based on data for voice control, and the functional unit as a lamp control device controls various LEDs and lamps 28 by activating a lamp driver based on data for lamp control.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to the game button 67 , and when the player operates the game button 67 , the signal is input to the sub-integrated control device 83 .

The sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 are capable of two-way communication.
The performance pattern control device 82 controls the performance pattern display device 6 based on the data and commands received from the sub-integrated control device 83 (both of which are sent from the main control device 80 and generated by the sub-integrated control device 83) to display a performance screen such as a changing display of the performance pattern (pattern performance).

[Operation Description]
(1) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 50 is configured as a so-called ST machine, and is equipped with a probability variable function and an open extension function. That is, in the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the jackpot entry port 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds (for example, 4R or 10R). After the jackpot game ends, a bonus is given to the player by operating the open extension function, or the open extension function and the probability variable function, until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries (ST number of times) are drawn. Hereinafter, the period during which the bonus is given is also referred to as ST.

The probability of winning the jackpot lottery is a function that increases the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. Hereinafter, the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is operated will be described as a probability of winning state or a high probability state, and the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is not operated will be described as a low probability state. On the other hand, the opening extension function is a function that makes it easier to enter the second starting hole 12 by increasing the probability of winning the normal pattern lottery, lengthening the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when the normal pattern lottery is won, shortening the variable display time on the normal pattern display device 7 when the normal pattern lottery is performed, etc. In addition, a time-saving function that operates together with the opening extension function and shortens the variable display time on the special pattern display device is also provided. Hereinafter, the game state in which the opening extension function and the time-saving function are operated will also be described as electric support. In addition, the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot lottery and the opening extension function are not operated will also be described as a normal state.

During ST, electric support is activated, making it easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, during ST, players hit the ball to the right, aiming to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, when electric support is not activated, it is difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, when not during ST, players hit the ball to the left, aiming to land the ball in the first starting hole 11.
In addition, the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a plurality of types of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as winning symbols) that are definitively displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 when a jackpot occurs. As shown in Fig. 6(a) and (b), the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the contents of the bonus granted after the jackpot game are determined according to the winning symbol. Specifically, the winning symbols of the special symbol 1 are divided into special 1 winning symbols 1 and 2, and the winning symbols of the special symbol 2 are divided into special 2 winning symbols 1 to 3. Each of these divisions includes a plurality of types of winning symbols.

A jackpot in which the winning symbol is the special 1 winning symbol 2, or the special 2 winning symbol 2, 3, is configured as a special jackpot. In a special jackpot game that is triggered by a special jackpot, a V win, which will be described later, can occur, and when a V win occurs, the special jackpot function and the open extension function are activated in the ST after the special jackpot game. On the other hand, if a V win does not occur in a special jackpot game, the special jackpot function is not activated in the ST after the jackpot game, but the open extension function is activated.

On the other hand, a jackpot in which the winning symbol is the special 1 winning symbol 1 or the special 2 winning symbol 1 is configured as a normal jackpot. In a normal jackpot game caused by a normal jackpot, a V prize does not actually occur, and in the ST after a normal jackpot game, the probability variable function does not operate, but the opening extension function operates.
In addition, the number of ST times is set to either 20 times, 50 times, or 100 times depending on which of the patterns belonging to each category of special 1 winning patterns 1 and 2 and special 2 winning patterns 1 to 3 is the winning pattern.

On the other hand, in a probability jackpot game, as an example, the 4th round is configured as a specific round, and in the 4th round in a probability jackpot game, a game ball that enters the large prize opening 20 can enter a specific area 15 in the probability jackpot determination device 13, resulting in a V win. On the other hand, rounds other than the 4th round in a probability jackpot game and all rounds in a normal jackpot game are configured as normal rounds in which a V win is practically impossible.

Specifically, in the special round and normal round, the shutter 14 is closed at the start of the round, but after the first ball enters the big prize opening 20, the shutter 14 is open for a short period of time. Note that when the shutter 14 is open for the first time, the game ball that entered the big prize opening 20 does not actually enter the special area 15, and no V prize occurs.

In the normal round, after the first open state, the shutter 14 is closed until the end of the round. On the other hand, in the specific round, after the first open state, the shutter 14 is closed, and then, when a second ball enters the big prize opening 20, the shutter 14 is open until the end of the round. When the second open state is reached, the game ball that entered the big prize opening 20 easily enters the specific area 15, and in the specific round, a V prize is almost certain to occur. When a V prize occurs in the specific round, a probability variable function is activated in the ST after the big prize game.

In this embodiment, as an example, the 4th round in the probability variable jackpot game is configured as the specific round, but other rounds in the probability variable jackpot game may be the specific round. Also, for example, the specific round may be determined according to the type of winning symbol.
(2) Main Routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.

In S10, the main control unit 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: Yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: No), the process proceeds to S15.
In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I/O, etc., and then proceeds to S70.

On the other hand, if a positive judgment is obtained in S10, the main control unit 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), updates the random number for determining a win (S35), updates the random number for reach judgment (S40), and updates the random number for determining a variation pattern (S45).
The main control device 80 then performs a winning confirmation process to detect the entry of a game ball into a winning port such as the starting port (S50), a win/lose determination process to hold a jackpot lottery resulting from the ball entering the starting port (S55), various output processes to send data and commands to the sub-integrated control device 83 etc. and to send various information to the hall computer 87 etc. (S60), and a fraud monitoring process to detect fraudulent activity by players (S65).

In addition to this, a normal symbol win/loss determination process is performed in which a normal symbol lottery is held when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, and a normal symbol play process is performed in which a normal symbol play is played by opening a normal electric device (second starting hole 12).
In addition, following the win/lose determination process, a jackpot game process is performed to play a jackpot game.
Also, in S70, the main control unit 80 repeatedly updates the initial random number value until the next timer interrupt occurs and the main routine is started.

(3) Start Port Winning Confirmation Processing Next, the start port winning confirmation processing, which detects winnings at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 and performs reserved storage in response to the winnings, will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8. This processing is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation processing executed from the main routine.

In S100, the main control device 80 judges, based on the detection signal of the first start hole SW11a, whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 11. If the judgment is affirmative (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105, and if the judgment is negative (S100: No), the process proceeds to S115.
In S105, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (first reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the first starting port 11 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S115, and if the judgment is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

In S110, the main control unit 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot used in the jackpot lottery, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern to determine a winning pattern, random numbers for reaching a target to determine whether a pattern presentation will be reached, and random numbers for determining a change pattern to determine the change time of a special pattern.Then, the main control unit 80 stores the extracted random numbers as a first reserved memory, and generates a first reserved number command indicating how many first reserved memories have been generated and sends it to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and the process proceeds to S115.

In S110, the main control unit 80 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot (in other words, numerical data) related to the first reserved memory is a specific value, and performs a look-ahead to determine whether a jackpot will be generated in the jackpot lottery based on the first reserved memory and whether a specific effect (described later) will be performed in the pattern effect that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, for each of the high probability state and low probability state. In addition, whether a specific effect will be performed may be determined based on the change time of the special pattern that is understood from the random number related to the first reserved memory. Then, a look-ahead command indicating the look-ahead result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

In S115, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12 based on the detection signal of the second start hole SW 12a. If the determination is affirmative (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative (S115: No), the process ends.
In S120, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (second reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the second starting port 12 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S120: Yes), this process is terminated, and if the judgment is negative (S120: No), the process proceeds to S125.

In S125, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for judging a reach, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. Then, the main control device 80 stores the extracted random numbers as second reserved memories, generates a second reserved number command indicating how many second reserved memories have been generated, and transmits it to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ends this process.
In addition, the main control unit 80 performs the above-mentioned look-ahead on the random numbers for determining a jackpot, etc., related to the second reserved memory, and sends a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

(4) Win/lose determination process Next, the win/lose determination process for performing a jackpot lottery using the jackpot determination random numbers related to the reserved memory will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 9 to 12. This process is executed from the main routine. After this process is completed, the jackpot game process for playing the jackpot game is executed.

9, in S200, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S200: Yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S280 in FIG. 11. If the judgment is negative (S205: No), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S290 in Fig. 12, and if the judgment is negative (S210: No), the process proceeds to S215 in Fig. 10.
Next, with regard to FIG. 10, in S215, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a first pending memory and a second pending memory exist, and if either pending memory exists (S215: Yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if not (S215: No), the process terminates.

In S220, if the second reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if the second reserved memory does not exist and only the first reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. Note that the configuration may be such that the first generated first or second reserved memory is selected.
In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: No), the process proceeds to S235.

In S230, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a jackpot will be won in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot determination related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing determination table (probability variable table) corresponding to the probability variable state, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.
On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a jackpot will be won in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot judgment related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the case where the probability of winning is not increased, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: Yes), the process proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: No), the process proceeds to S260.
In S245, the main control device 80 determines the winning symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the winning symbol, each winning symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250 and S255, the main control unit 80 determines the time for special pattern fluctuation based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern related to the pending memory that has been consumed, and determines the type of jackpot, the total number of rounds of jackpot play, the control mode of the shutter 14 in a specific round, the game state after the jackpot play, the number of STs, etc. based on the winning pattern, and then transitions to S270.
On the other hand, in S260, which is entered when the jackpot lottery is not successful, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special pattern to change based on the random numbers for reach judgment and the random numbers for determining the change pattern related to the pending memory that has been consumed, and then transitions to S265.

In S265, the main control device 80 performs operations such as updating a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during ST (remaining ST number of times), and then transitions to S270.
In S270, the main control device 80 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 a first reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after the big win lottery and a second reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after the big win lottery. In addition, the main control device 80 starts the variable display of the special symbol corresponding to the consumed reserved memory, and transmits a variable start command indicating the variable time of the special symbol and the result of the big win lottery to the sub-integrated control device 83 to start the symbol performance. In addition, a symbol designation command indicating the performance symbol to be stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and this process ends.

Next, in S280, which is performed during the variable display of the first special chart or the second special chart, the main control device 80 judges whether or not the variable time of the special chart has elapsed. If the judgment is affirmative (S280: Yes), the process proceeds to S285. If the judgment is negative (S280: No), the process proceeds to S285.
: No), this process ends.
In S285, the main control unit 80 ends the varying display of the special chart, displays the confirmed pattern of the special chart, and sends a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to cause the confirmed display of the performance pattern, and ends this processing.

12, in S290, which is performed during the confirmation display of the special chart, the main control device 80 judges whether the duration of the confirmation display of the special chart has ended. If the judgment is affirmative (S290: Yes), the process proceeds to S295, and if the judgment is negative (S290: No), the process ends.
In S295, the main control unit 80 terminates the confirmation display of the special drawing and transitions to S300.

In S300, the main control unit 80 determines whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is the one that will be displayed at the time of a jackpot, and if the determination is positive (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, and if the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S335.
In S305, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag which indicates that the game is in a high probability state, and if the high probability flag is set, clears the high probability flag (S310), and then proceeds to S315.

In S315, the main control device 80 refers to an electric support flag indicating electric support, and if the electric support flag is set, clears the electric support flag (S320), and then transitions to processing at S325.
Then, the main control unit 80 executes a condition device operation start process (S325) and a role continuous operation device operation start process (S327), and sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 notifying the player of the win in the jackpot lottery, as well as a command to notify the player of the type of jackpot game and the contents of the bonus, etc. (S330), and then ends this process.

On the other hand, in S335, which is performed when a negative determination is obtained in S300, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag, and if the flag is set (S335: Yes), refers to the remaining number of STs (S340). Then, if the remaining number of STs is 0 (S340: Yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S345) and the process proceeds to S350.
In S350, the main control device 80 refers to the electric support flag, and if the electric support flag is set (S350: Yes), refers to the remaining number of STs (S355). If the remaining number of STs is 0 (S355: Yes), the main control device 80 clears the electric support flag (S360) and proceeds to S365.

In S365, the main control device 80 executes a state designation command transmission process to transmit a state designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to notify the sub-integrated control device 83 of the current game state and the number of ST rounds remaining, and then ends this process.
(5) Big Win Game Processing Next, the big win game processing for performing the big win game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 16. This processing is executed following the win/loss determination processing.

In S500, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role object is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being executed. If the judgment is affirmative (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S500: No), the process ends.
In S510, the main control unit 80 determines whether the large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S510: Yes), the processing proceeds to S540 in FIG. 14, and if the determination is negative (S510: No), the processing proceeds to S515.

In S515, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not it is during the interval between each round in the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S515: Yes), the processing proceeds to S600 in FIG. 15, and if the determination is negative (S515: No), the processing proceeds to S520.
In S520, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress, and if the determination is positive (S520: Yes), the processing proceeds to S645 in FIG. 16, and if the determination is negative (S520: No), the processing proceeds to S525.

In S525, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation, which is performed after a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery and before the jackpot game starts, has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S525: Yes), the process proceeds to S530, and if the determination is negative (S525: No), the process ends.
In S530, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (executes the large prize game of the first round), sets the opening counter indicating the number of rounds to 1 (S535), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may send a command indicating that the first round is about to start to the sub integrated control device 83.

Continuing with FIG. 14, in S540, which is entered while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 judges, based on a signal from the probability change switch 15a, whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 15 (in other words, a V prize has been entered). If the judgment is affirmative (S540: Yes), processing proceeds to S545, and if the judgment is negative (S540: No), processing proceeds to S550.

In S545, the main control device 80 sets the V winning flag and proceeds to S550. At this time, the main control device 80 may send a V winning command to the sub integrated control device 83, which indicates that a V winning has occurred.
Furthermore, while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 transmits a command to the sub integrated control device 83 to notify the sub integrated control device 83 of a ball entering the large prize opening 20 each time the main control device 80 detects a ball entering the large prize opening 20. Furthermore, in S550, the main control device 80 determines whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 has reached 10. If the determination is affirmative (S550: Yes), the process proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S550: No), the process proceeds to S555.

In S555, the main control unit 80 determines whether the opening time of the large prize opening 20, which is determined according to the opening pattern, has ended, and if the determination is positive (S555: Yes), the processing proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S555: No), the processing ends.
In S560, the main control unit 80 executes a large prize opening closing process to close the large prize opening 20, and then transitions to S565.

In S565, the main control unit 80 executes a jackpot interval process to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and then ends this process.
Next, with regard to FIG. 15, in S600, which is entered during the interval between each round, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the final round has been reached based on the opening counter and the opening pattern of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S600: Yes), the process proceeds to S605, and if the determination is negative (S600: No), the process proceeds to S615.

In S605, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot end presentation process to present the end of the jackpot game, and clears the opening counter (S610), and ends this process.
On the other hand, in S615, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the interval time for the jackpot game has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S620, and if the determination is negative (S615: No), the process ends.

In S620, the main control unit 80 executes the large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20, increments the opening counter indicating the number of rounds (S625), and ends this process. At this time, the main control unit 80 may send a command indicating a new round to the sub integrated control unit 83. The main control unit 80 also starts controlling the shutter 14 at the same time as the large prize opening 20 starts to open.

Next, with regard to Figure 16, in S645, which is entered during the end presentation of the jackpot game, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time for the end presentation has ended, and if the determination is positive (S645: Yes), the process proceeds to S650, and if the determination is negative (S645: No), the process terminates.
In the following steps S650 and S655, the main control device 80 stops the reel continuous operation device and the condition device, and transfers processing to S660.

In S660, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a V winning flag is set, which indicates that a ball has entered the specific area 15 provided in the probability change determination device 13 during a jackpot game. If the judgment is affirmative (S660: Yes), the process proceeds to S665, and if the judgment is negative (S660: No), the process proceeds to S680.
In S665, the main control device 80 sets the number of STs, etc., previously determined according to the winning symbol. In addition, the main control device 80 sets the probability change flag and the electric support flag (S670), clears the V winning flag (S675), and shifts the process to S695.

On the other hand, in S680, the main control device 80 determines whether or not electric support will be provided after the end of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S680: Yes), the process proceeds to S685, and if the determination is negative (S680: No), the process proceeds to S695.
In S685, the main control device 80 sets the number of STs, etc., previously determined according to the winning symbol. Also, the main control device 80 sets the electric support flag (S690), and proceeds to S695.

In S695 and S700, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the number of STs, and then ends this processing.
(6) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance symbol control device 82 etc. based on the command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen 800 of the performance symbol display device 6 and the speaker 66 etc. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a symbol performance 810 that notifies the result of the big win lottery on the performance screen 800 based on a variation start command etc. from the main control device 80, and performs a reservation performance 820 that displays reserved symbols 821 to 823 on the performance screen 800 based on a reservation number command etc. (see FIG. 17 (a)). In addition, when the reserved memory is consumed, a changing performance is performed in which a changing symbol 830 is displayed in place of the reserved symbol corresponding to the reserved memory.

In the pattern performance 810, after the display of the performance patterns on the performance screen 800 changes, the performance patterns are displayed as fixed on the performance screen 800, and the combination of the fixed and displayed performance patterns notifies whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot lottery. In addition, in the pattern performance 810, a reach is reached, suggesting a win in the jackpot lottery whose result is notified in the pattern performance 810. In other words, the reach in the pattern performance 810 is configured as a preview performance, which will be described later. The reach in the pattern performance 810 may occur during the pattern performance 810, or may occur at the start of the pattern performance 810.

In this embodiment, multiple types of reaches are provided, and each type of reach has a unique probability of winning the jackpot lottery that is the subject of the effect (hereinafter, expected probability). Each type of reach is classified into either a normal reach or an SP reach, which has a higher expected probability and occurs less frequently than a normal reach. Note that the result of the jackpot lottery may be notified by an effect other than a pattern effect.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 can execute, for example, on the display screen 800, multiple types of preview effects that, together with the pattern effect 810, suggest or notify that a jackpot will occur in the jackpot lottery whose result is notified by the pattern effect 810. Each preview effect has a unique expectation level of a jackpot in the jackpot lottery, and the expectation level is indicated by the type and manner of the preview effect. Also, the preview effect can be started at the start of the pattern effect or during the pattern effect.

Specifically, the preview performance may be, for example, a pseudo consecutive, a group preview, a cut-in preview, or a varying pattern performance, and the preview performance may display, for example, a specified character or other image element. Note that a pseudo consecutive is a performance in which the varying display is pseudo-stopped and then started again in a pattern performance, making it appear as if multiple pattern performances are being performed in one pattern performance. Also, a group preview is a performance in which a group of multiple performance elements is displayed on the performance screen 800, and a cut-in preview is a performance in which a specified image is temporarily displayed on the performance screen 800. Also, a varying pattern performance is a performance in which a pattern indicating a high expectation of a jackpot is displayed as a varying pattern.

In addition, before a jackpot lottery based on reserved memory is performed, a look-ahead performance may be performed to suggest or notify that a jackpot will result in a jackpot lottery. In the look-ahead performance, reserved symbols may be displayed in a manner according to the expected degree of a jackpot in the jackpot lottery based on the reserved memory, corresponding to the reserved memory that is the subject of the look-ahead performance. In addition, in the look-ahead performance, the expected degree may be indicated, for example, by performing a cut-in performance or displaying a specified character, without using reserved symbols. In addition, the look-ahead performance is started at any time between the occurrence of the reserved memory that is the subject of the look-ahead performance and the consumption of the reserved memory.

(7) About the specific mode Here, some types of effects among the preview effects (including the reach in the pattern effect 810) that can be executed in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment are described as specific effects. Note that it is preferable that the specific effects are effects that have a relatively high expectation of a jackpot or occur infrequently. In addition, when the reach in the pattern effect is set as the specific effect, it is preferable to set the SP reach as the specific effect. Also, for example, a reach with a specific effect pattern displayed may be set as the specific effect. Also, for example, the same type of preview effect may be set as the specific effect, or multiple different types of preview effects may be set as the specific effect.

If a special effect (hereafter also referred to as the first special effect) is executed during the execution of the pattern effect 810 (for example, if the special effect SP Reach is a miss), and another special effect (hereafter also referred to as the second special effect) is executed for the jackpot lottery based on the reserved memory that exists during the execution of the special effect, then after the end of the first special effect and before the start of the second special effect, a transition to special mode will occur.

Here, in order to determine whether or not a second specific performance will be performed in response to the reserved memory, it is possible to perform a look-ahead determination in response to the reserved memory. In such a look-ahead determination, it is preferable to determine not only the result of the big win lottery, but also whether or not a reach or SP reach will occur in the pattern performance, and the type of SP reach. Also, if a win is obtained in the reserved memory in which the second specific performance will be performed, the same specific performance as the first specific performance may be repeated.

In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in FIG. 17(a), a preview effect in which a main character 840 named Tatsukichi the Bear appears (hereinafter, Tatsukichi preview) is set as the specific effect. Also, on the effect screen 800 in FIG. 17(a), the reserved effect 820 indicates that there are three reserved memories. Then, as an example, a second specific effect is performed for a jackpot lottery based on the reserved memory (hereinafter, target reserved memory) corresponding to reserved pattern 823, which is the third to be consumed among these reserved memories.

Therefore, when the pattern presentation 810 in FIG. 17(a) (in other words, the first specific presentation) ends and a new pattern presentation based on the reserved memory corresponding to reserved pattern 821 begins, the specific mode is started (see FIG. 17(b)). Note that the timing for starting the specific mode is not limited to this, and for example, the specific mode may be started while the pattern presentation corresponding to reserved pattern 821 is being executed, or the specific mode may be started when the pattern presentation corresponding to reserved pattern 822 begins or while that pattern presentation is being executed. Also, for example, the specific mode may be started while the first specific presentation is being executed.

In the presentation screen 800 during the specific mode, as an example, a presentation is performed in which the main character 840 who appears in the specific presentation, the Tatsukichi presentation, faces off against an enemy character 850. The presentation during the specific mode is related to the Tatsukichi presentation, and a simple story is formed by having two Tatsukichi presentations with a specific mode in between, thereby creating a continuity or relationship between the presentation during the specific mode and the two Tatsukichi presentations. Note that during the specific mode, for example, lines related to the Tatsukichi presentation may be displayed or output as audio.

In addition, during the specific mode, a symbol presentation 810 corresponding to a reserved memory that occurred before the target reserved memory is displayed in the upper right area of the presentation screen 800. Then, when the symbol presentation 810 that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory is started, the specific mode ends and a second specific presentation is performed together with the symbol presentation 810 (see FIG. 17(c)). Note that the specific mode may continue even after the start of the symbol presentation 810, and a second specific presentation may be performed during the specific mode.

The presentation style during the specific mode is not limited to this and can be determined as appropriate. Specifically, for example, during the specific mode, a presentation may be performed in which a specific character appears for a short period of time, or a specific line is displayed. Even in such a case, it is possible to provide continuity, association, and story-like nature between the two Tatsukichi presentations and the presentation during the specific mode.

In addition, if the second or fourth reserved memory to be consumed among the reserved memories present when the specific performance is performed becomes the target reserved memory, the transition to the specific mode will also occur.
Also, when the reserved memory that is consumed first among the reserved memories that exist when the specific performance is performed becomes the target reserved memory, the specific mode may be entered. In other words, when the specific performance is performed for the first and second jackpot lotteries that are performed consecutively, the specific mode may be entered after the first specific performance for the first jackpot lottery ends and before the second specific performance for the second jackpot lottery starts. In this case, the second specific performance may be started after the specific mode is ended during the execution of the pattern performance corresponding to the second jackpot lottery, or the second specific performance may be started while the specific mode is continued.

However, on the other hand, if the reserved memory that is consumed first among the reserved memories that exist when the specific performance is performed is the target reserved memory, the transition to the specific mode may not be made. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the performance from becoming excessively complicated.
In addition, when a specific performance is performed, even if there is no target reserved memory, the game may transition to the specific mode after the symbol performance in which the specific performance is performed ends. In other words, a case may be provided in which the game transitions to the specific mode after the specific performance is performed, but the second specific performance is not performed. On the other hand, when the first specific performance is performed, for example, whether or not to transition to the specific mode may be determined by lottery, and even if there is a target reserved memory, a case may occur in which the game does not transition to the specific mode after the first specific performance ends. According to these configurations, the performance can be diversified and the player can be entertained.

In the above specific example, the Tatsukichi preview is the specific effect, but this is not limiting, and multiple types of preview effects may be the specific effect. The multiple preview effects that are specific effects may be similar, or they may not be similar but have some kind of relationship. Specifically, multiple preview effects in which the same character appears, or multiple preview effects with a common motif may be the specific effect. Also, multiple preview effects of different types may be the specific effect, such as a specific reach and cut-in effect in a pattern effect. This can increase the opportunities to transition to a specific mode and diversify the effects, entertaining the player.

(8) Specific Mode Determination Process Next, the specific mode determination process for determining whether or not to switch to the specific mode will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 18. This process is periodically executed by the sub integrated control device 83.
In S900, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it has received a fluctuation start command from the main control device 80. If a positive judgment is obtained (S900: Yes), the process proceeds to S905, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S900: No), the process proceeds to S910.

In S905, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines the mode of the newly started pattern presentation and the preview presentation to be performed together with the pattern presentation, based on the variation time indicated by the variation start command and the result of the jackpot lottery. At this time, it is determined whether or not a specific presentation will be performed together with the pattern presentation. The sub-integrated control device 83 then starts the pattern presentation, and thereafter appropriately performs the preview presentation, etc., according to the decision made in S905.

In the next S910, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not a specific effect is to be performed together with the currently executed symbol effect. If a positive judgment is obtained (S910: Yes), the process proceeds to S915, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S910: No), the process ends.
In S915, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not a second specific performance is performed for the big win lottery based on the currently existing reserved memory. In other words, it judges whether or not the above-mentioned target reserved memory exists in the currently existing reserved memory. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 may make this judgment based on the contents of the look-ahead command corresponding to the reserved memory. Then, if a positive judgment is obtained (S915: Yes), after setting a start flag that supports the start of the specific mode (S920), this process is terminated, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S910: No), this process is terminated.

The processing of S915 and S920 may be periodically executed during the pattern performance in which the specific performance is performed. In other words, each time a new reserved memory is generated during the pattern performance in which the specific performance is performed, it is determined whether the reserved memory is a target reserved memory, and if a positive determination is obtained, the start flag is set and the specific mode is switched to after the specific performance. This allows the specific mode to be switched to reliably even if a target reserved memory is generated during the specific performance.

(9) Specific Mode Control Process Next, the specific mode control process for starting or ending the specific mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 19. This process is periodically executed by the sub integrated control device 83.
In S1000, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it is time to end the symbol presentation based on a command from the main control device 80. If a positive judgment is obtained (S1000: Yes), the process proceeds to S1005, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S1000: No), the process ends.

In S1005, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not the specific mode is in effect. If a positive judgment is obtained (S1005: Yes), the process proceeds to S1010. If a negative judgment is obtained (S1005: No), the process proceeds to S1020.
In S1010, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the reserved memory to be newly consumed is the above-mentioned target reserved memory for which a second specific performance is performed for the big win lottery based on the reserved memory. If a positive judgment is obtained (S1010: Yes), the specific mode is ended (S1015), and then this process is ended. If a negative judgment is obtained (S1010: No), this process is ended.

On the other hand, in S1020, which is performed when the specific mode is not being performed, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not the start flag is set. If the judgment is affirmative (S1020: Yes), the process proceeds to S1025, and if the judgment is negative (S1020: No), the process ends.
In S1025, the sub integrated control device 83 starts the specific mode and clears the start flag (S1030), and ends this process.

In addition, when the specific effect is a reach, the first reach as the specific effect is a miss, the next pattern effect transitions to a specific mode, and when the reach occurs again as the second specific effect during the specific mode, the jackpot lottery corresponding to the second reach is guaranteed to be won.
In this way, even if the specific effect of the reach is a miss, there is a possibility of transitioning to the specific mode afterwards, which can entertain the player. Also, if the specific mode is transitioned to after the reach is a miss, there is a possibility that the reach will occur again during the specific mode and a win will be confirmed, which can entertain the player. In this case, if the presentation contents of the reach and the specific mode are determined so that there is meaning in the same reach occurring twice, a story can be formed across multiple symbol presentations, resulting in a presentation with continuity.

In this way, rather than simply providing entertainment through the content of the reach presentation, a special presentation mode (in other words, a specific mode) is provided to which the player can enter only when a specific reach configured as a specific presentation is missed, and during this presentation mode, the reach can be made more likely to occur again or can be made to occur without fail, creating a special period that gives the player surprise and delight.

In addition, when two different types of related reaches are set as the specific effects, different reaches are performed as the first and second specific effects, so that the content of the reach effect can be made to look like it has been stepped up. Furthermore, the reach as the second specific effect may be a dedicated reach that occurs only during a specific mode. Furthermore, when this dedicated reach occurs, it may be set so that the player always wins the jackpot lottery. Furthermore, as this dedicated reach, multiple types of reaches with different expectations may be provided, and the expectation of winning the jackpot lottery may be indicated by the type of reach.

[Other embodiments]
The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment is configured as a so-called ST machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various types of pachinko machines that perform lottery based on reserved memory. Specifically, for example, the pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment may be configured as a pachinko machine with a so-called limiter function, or may be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine. In addition, the present invention may be applied to the performance for the hit/fail judgment of the normal drawing, for example.

[Correspondence to claims]
The following shows correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the claims.
The pachinko machine 50 corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine, the sub-integrated control device 83, the performance symbol control device 82, and the performance symbol display device 6 correspond to an example of a notice performance means and an intermediate performance means, and the first and second start holes 11 and 12 correspond to an example of a start area. In addition, the big win game corresponds to an example of a bonus, and the specific mode corresponds to an example of an intermediate performance.

In addition, S110 and S125 in the start winning confirmation process correspond to an example of a reserve memory means.
Furthermore, steps S230 and S235 in the winning/losing determination process correspond to an example of a lottery means.
Moreover, S905 of the special mode determination process corresponds to an example of a notice presentation means, and S910 to S920 correspond to an example of an intermediate presentation means.

Furthermore, S1025 in the special mode control process corresponds to an example of an intermediate effect means.

1...game board, 3...game area, 5...center case, 6...performance symbol display device, 7...normal symbol display device, 8...normal symbol reserved number display device, 9...first special symbol display device, 10...second special symbol display device, 11...first start port, 12...second start port, 13...probability bonus determination device, 14...shutter, 15...specific area, 20...big prize port, 22...normal symbol activation gate, 50...pachinko machine, 80...main control device, 81...payout control device, 82...performance symbol control device, 83...sub-integrated control device.

Claims (1)

A pinball game machine that can provide a player with a special benefit when the player wins a lottery and can execute a plurality of types of reach effects that suggest or notify the result of the lottery after the lottery is held,
A reserve storage means for extracting numerical data resulting from the game ball entering the starting area and for retaining and storing the numerical data;
a lottery means for carrying out the lottery based on the numerical data that has been reserved and stored;
A symbol effect means for effecting a symbol effect based on the result of the lottery;
a look-ahead determination means for determining the numerical data related to the lottery before the lottery is drawn by the lottery drawing means;
a notice performance means for selecting the type of the reach performance based on the numerical data related to the lottery , and executing the reach performance of the selected type by the symbol performance ;
and when it is determined that the lottery is not won, a specific reach performance is selected to suggest or notify the result of the lottery , and when it is determined by the look-ahead determination means that the lottery is won and that the reserved memory in which the specific reach performance is determined to be selectable exists, an intermediate performance is performed instead of the normal pattern performance when the pattern performance is performed in a reserved memory prior to the reserved memory in which the specific reach performance is selectable, and when it is determined that the specific reach performance is not selectable, an intermediate performance is not started;
The same character is displayed in the specific reach performance and the intermediate performance.
A pinball game machine characterized by:

Images