JP7493732B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses technology related to pinball gaming machines (also called pachinko gaming machines or pachinko tables).

There are two types of pinball machines: Type 1 machines and Type 2 machines. Type 1 machines are also called "digipachi" and play a game (Type 1 game) in which a jackpot is won by a lottery based on whether the ball enters the starting hole. Type 2 machines are also called "hanemono" and play a game (Type 2 game) in which a jackpot is won by a V-shaped entry inside the big prize hole.

In recent years, pinball gaming machines that combine type 1 and type 2 games (also called "type 1/type 2 mixed machines") have become popular. For example, the pinball gaming machine in Patent Document 1 plays type 1 games as the basic game in the normal game state, and plays type 2 games as the basic game in the bonus game state after a jackpot.

JP 2012-050608 A

There is a demand for further improvements in the entertainment value of 1-type and 2-type mixed machines.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms:

(1) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises: a winning/losing determination means for determining whether a game ball has entered a start hole; a pattern display means for executing a pattern display for variably displaying a plurality of patterns and then displaying a pattern according to the result of the winning/losing determination; a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a first big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern; and a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a second big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern. The pinball game machine further comprises a special effect means for executing a special effect suggesting whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on a pattern displayed after the current variable display in accordance with the variable display of the pattern by the pattern display means in the easy-to-enter state, and the special effect is an effect suggesting whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on the pattern displayed after the current variable display, together with the possibility that the jackpot pattern will be displayed after the small win pattern, and whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on the jackpot pattern.
According to this type of pinball game machine, the possibility of the big win symbol being displayed as a definite hit and the special effect suggesting whether or not the easy-to-score state is set based on the big win symbol can be displayed in accordance with the variable display of the symbol to suggest whether or not the easy-to-score state is set. In addition, since the special effect is performed for the big win symbol, not the small win symbol, even if there is a non-bonus small win symbol for which the easy-to-score state is not set following the end of the big win game based on the ball entering the specific area, the special effect suggesting whether or not the easy-to-score state is set can be performed while avoiding the implementation of a game in which the ball is intentionally operated not to enter the specific area when the non-bonus small win symbol is won. As a result, in a one-type two-type mixed machine, the suggestion of the easy-to-score state in accordance with the variable display of the symbol can increase the interest of the game.

(2) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises: a winning/losing determination means for determining whether a game ball has entered a start hole; a pattern display means for executing a pattern display for variably displaying a plurality of patterns and then displaying a pattern according to the result of the winning/losing determination; a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a first big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern; and a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a second big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern. the small win game means for executing a small win game which opens and closes automatically; the special jackpot game means for executing the jackpot game when a game ball which has entered the second large win port in the small win game passes through a specific area provided inside the second large win port; and the ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry easy state which makes it easier for a ball to enter the starting port than in a normal game following the end of the jackpot game, depending on the type of pattern which causes the jackpot game, including the jackpot pattern and the small win pattern. This pinball game machine further includes a special presentation means for executing a special presentation indicating whether or not the easy-to-score state will be set based on the pattern that is determined to be displayed following the current varying display in accordance with the varying display of the pattern by the pattern display means in the easy-to-score state, and the jackpot patterns include non-bonus jackpot patterns for which the easy-to-score state will not be set following the end of the jackpot game, and all of the small jackpot patterns are bonus small jackpot patterns for which the easy-to-score state will be set following the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game is executed by the special jackpot game means.
According to this type of pinball game machine, all small winning symbols are bonus small winning symbols, so it is possible to execute a special performance suggesting whether or not a ball-scoring state is set, while avoiding a game in which the ball is intentionally prevented from entering a specific area, which may be performed when there is a non-bonus small winning symbol that is not set to an easy-to-scoring state unlike the bonus small winning symbol. As a result, in a one-type two-type mixed machine, the suggestion of an easy-to-scoring state according to the variable display of the symbols can increase the interest of the game.

(3) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises: a winning/losing determination means for determining whether a game ball has entered a start hole; a pattern display means for executing a pattern display for variably displaying a plurality of patterns and then displaying a pattern according to the result of the winning/losing determination; a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a first big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern; and a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a second big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern. The pinball game machine further comprises a special effect means for executing a special effect suggesting whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on a pattern displayed after the current variable display in accordance with the variable display of the pattern by the pattern display means in the easy-to-enter state, and the special effect is an effect suggesting that the easy-to-enter state is not set based on the pattern displayed after the current variable display, together with the possibility that a pattern not set to the easy-to-enter state will be displayed after the end of the jackpot game.
According to this type of pinball game machine, unlike the normal variable display, the variable display with the special performance can make the player expect that the easy-to-score state will not end and that he or she will not win. As a result, in a one-type two-type mixed machine, the suggestion of the easy-to-score state in accordance with the variable display of the pattern can increase the interest of the game.

(4) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises: a winning/losing determination means for determining whether a game ball has entered a start hole; a pattern display means for executing a pattern display for variably displaying a plurality of patterns and then displaying a pattern according to the result of the winning/losing determination; a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a first big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern; and a big win game means for executing a big win game by opening and closing a second big win hole to allow the ball to enter when the pattern display means displays a small win pattern. The pinball game machine further comprises a small win game means for executing a small win game that opens and closes automatically; a special jackpot game means for executing the jackpot game when a game ball that entered the second large winning hole in the small win game passes through a specific area provided inside the second large winning hole; and a ball entry easy means for setting a ball entry easy state that makes it easier for a ball to enter the starting hole than in a normal game following the end of the jackpot game, according to the type of the pattern that causes the jackpot game, including the jackpot pattern and the small win pattern. The pinball game machine further comprises a special performance means for executing a special performance that suggests whether or not the ball entry easy state is set based on the pattern that is determined and displayed following the current display of the change in the pattern by the pattern display means in the ball entry easy state. The jackpot symbols include bonus jackpot symbols for which the easy-to-enter state is set following the end of the jackpot game; and non-bonus jackpot symbols for which the easy-to-enter state is not set following the end of the jackpot game. The small jackpot symbols include bonus small jackpot symbols for which the easy-to-enter state is set following the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game is executed by the bonus jackpot game means; and non-bonus small jackpot symbols for which the easy-to-enter state is not set following the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game is executed by the bonus jackpot game means. The special effects are effects that suggest whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on each of the non-bonus jackpot symbols and the bonus small jackpot symbols, along with the possibility that the non-bonus jackpot symbols and the bonus small jackpot symbols are displayed. The special effects may alternately suggest whether the easy-to-enter state is set based on each of the symbols, while simultaneously suggesting multiple candidates that may be displayed among multiple symbols during one variable display.
According to this type of pinball game machine, the possibility of the non-bonus big win symbol and the bonus small win symbol being displayed and the special performance suggesting whether or not the easy-to-score state is set based on the big win symbol and the small win symbol can be suggested according to the variable display of the small win symbol whether or not the easy-to-score state is set. As a result, in a one-type two-type mixed machine, the suggestion of the easy-to-score state according to the variable display of the symbol can increase the interest of the game.
When a non-bonus small winning pattern exists, the performance suggesting whether or not a ball-scoring state is set during the small winning variation performance may be intentionally manipulated so that the ball does not enter a specific area. However, with this configuration, it is possible to implement a performance suggesting whether or not a ball-scoring state is set during the small winning variation performance.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms other than a pinball game machine. For example, the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the form of a pinball game machine, a control method for a pinball game machine, a program for a pinball game machine, etc.

1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board of a pachinko game machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the specifications of a pachinko gaming machine. 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by a main control device. This is a flowchart showing the special chart start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the normal start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the small win game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the small win game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the small win game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a main control device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance displayed on the performance pattern display device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP1 displayed on the effect pattern display device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance displayed on the performance pattern display device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a small win effect displayed on the effect pattern display device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP2 displayed on the effect pattern display device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP2 displayed on the effect pattern display device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP3 displayed on the effect pattern display device.

A. First embodiment Fig. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 10. Fig. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Fig. 3 is a front view showing a game board 400 of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is a pinball gaming machine (a so-called "CR machine") that supports prepaid cards, and is connected to a card unit 80. The card unit 80 realizes the lending of game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the information recorded on the prepaid card. The pachinko gaming machine 10 comprises an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 130, a handle 140, and an effect button 160.

The outer frame 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 has a pair of hinges 112 that support the inner frame 120 so that it can be opened and closed.

The inner frame 120 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds the various parts of the pachinko gaming machine 10, including the game board 400. The inner frame 120 has a pair of hinges 122 that support the front frame 130 so that it can be opened and closed.

Below the front frame 130 in front of the inner frame 120, there are provided an upper tray 124, a lower tray 126, and a keyhole 128. The upper tray 124 stores game balls that are launched onto the game board 400. The lower tray 126 stores game balls that overflow from the upper tray 124. The keyhole 128 accepts operations to secure and release the inner frame 120 to the outer frame 110 with a key, and also accepts operations to secure and release the front frame 130 to the inner frame 120 with a key.

The upper tray 124 is provided with a balance display device 152, a ball lending switch 154, and a settlement switch 156. The balance display device 152 displays the balance of the prepaid card held in the card unit 80. The ball lending switch 154 accepts an instruction from the player to lend out game balls based on the balance of the prepaid card held in the card unit 80. The settlement switch 156 accepts an instruction from the player to return the prepaid card from the card unit 80.

The front frame 130 of the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 400. The front frame 130 is equipped with a transparent plate 132 located in front of the game board 400. This allows the player to view the game board 400 through the transparent plate 132. The transparent plate 132 is glass, and the front frame 130 is also called a glass frame. An electric light 134 and a speaker 136 are provided in front of the front frame 130. The electric light 134 emits light in accordance with the progress of the game. The speaker 136 outputs sound in accordance with the progress of the game.

The handle 140 of the pachinko game machine 10 receives operational input from the player to launch the game ball. The handle 140 is located on the lower right of the front frame 130 in front of the inner frame 120.

The effect button 160 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 accepts the player's operational input for the effects. The effect button 160 is provided on the upper tray 124 on the front side of the inner frame 120.

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

Further provided on the back of the inner frame 120 are a main control device 210, a sub integrated control device 220, a performance pattern control device 230, a payout control device 240, a launch control device 250, an external connection terminal board 265, and a power supply board 290. These control devices are computers equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and execute various control processes based on computer programs.

The main control device 210 controls the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 10. The sub-integrated control device 220 controls the presentation according to the progress of the game based on commands from the main control device 210. The presentation pattern control device 230 controls the presentation using presentation patterns based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The payout control device 240 controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control device 210. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of game balls to the game board 400 based on operation input from the player to the handle 140. The external connection terminal board 265 outputs a signal indicating the game status in the pachinko game machine 10 to the outside of the pachinko game machine 10.

The power supply board 290 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The power supply board 290 includes a power switch 292 and a RAM clear switch 294. The power switch 292 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when pressed to one side, it is turned on to supply power to the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when pressed to the other side, it is turned off to cut off the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10. The RAM clear switch 294 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when not operated, it remains in the off state, and when pressed, it is turned on. If the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed when the power is turned on, the main control device 210 is configured to be able to delete (clear) various information related to the progress of the game as a "RAM clear" process.

The inner frame 120 further has a setting change switch 302 and a setting change switch 304 on the back side. The setting change switch 302 and the setting change switch 304 are provided on the main control device 210. The main control device 210 pre-stores a number of setting values (e.g., jackpot probability) that define game characteristics. The setting change switch 302 accepts operations to start (on state) and end (off state) the switching of settings related to the game characteristics of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The setting change switch 304 accepts operations to change the settings when the switching of settings is enabled by the setting change switch 302.

In this embodiment, when changing the settings of the game characteristics of the pachinko game machine 10, the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 inserts a key into the setting change switch 302 and rotates the setting change switch 302 to the first position (on state) before turning on the power of the pachinko game machine 10. When the power of the pachinko game machine 10 is then turned on, the main control device 210 determines that the setting of the game characteristics is in an effective state in which it is possible to change the setting. In this effective state, the main control device 210 changes the setting number by adding 1 to the current setting number each time the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304. For example, the main control device 210 changes the setting number from setting 1 to setting 2, setting 3, setting 4, setting 5, and setting 6 in that order each time the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304, and then changes the setting number from setting 6 back to setting 1. Thereafter, when the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 turns the setting changeover switch 302 to the second position (off state), the main control device 210 stops accepting input from the setting changeover switch 302 and confirms the setting number accepted immediately before that as the changed setting.

3, the game board 400 of the pachinko game machine 10 is in the form of a plate facing the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The game board 400 includes a board surface 402, guide rails 404, 406, a plurality of game nails 408, a center case 410, electric lights 414, normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, 424, a normal symbol activation gate 430, a normal electric role device 440, a first start opening 451, a second start opening 452, a first large winning opening 460, and a second large winning opening 490. The game board 400 further includes a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol reserved display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol reserved display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, a second special symbol reserved display device 476, and a performance symbol display device 480.

The surface 402 of the game board 400 faces the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The guide rails 404, 406 of the game board 400 surround the center of the surface 402 in a circular shape, forming a roughly circular game area GA. A number of game nails 408 on the game board 400 are planted on the surface 402 and form a path for game balls to flow through the game area GA. The multiple game nails 408 include a windmill nail 409 with a rotating member.

The center case 410 of the game board 400 is a component provided in the center of the game area GA. The center case 410 forms a passage for game balls flowing through the game area GA. A performance pattern display device 480 is provided in the center of the center case 410. The performance pattern display device 480 displays performance patterns as part of the performance according to the progress of the game. In this embodiment, the performance pattern display device 480 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The illuminations 414 on the game board 400 light up as the game progresses. In this embodiment, the illuminations 414 are provided on the center case 410. In other embodiments, the illuminations 414 may be provided directly on the board surface 402.

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

The normal symbol activation gate 430 of the game board 400 is a gate configured to allow the game ball flowing down the game area GA to pass through. The passage of the game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 430 triggers a win/lose determination (lottery) using a normal symbol (normal symbol). The result of the determination of the normal symbol (lottery result) is displayed on the normal symbol display device 471. In this embodiment, the normal symbol activation gate 430 is located on the right side of the center case 410.

The normal electric device 440 of the game board 400 is a device that is configured to be able to open and close depending on the result of the lottery based on the normal symbol. When closed, the normal electric device 440 blocks the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452, and when open, it allows the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452. The normal electric device 440 opens only when the result of the determination of the normal symbol is a win. In this embodiment, the normal electric device 440 is located on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430.

The first starting port 451 of the game board 400 is a prize winning port configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of a game ball into the first starting port 451 triggers the payout of prize balls and also triggers a win/lose determination (lottery) using the lottery results of the first special pattern (first special pattern). The determination result (lottery result) of the first special pattern is displayed on the first special pattern display device 473. In this embodiment, the first starting port 451 is located below the center of the center case 410.

The second start opening 452 of the game board 400 is a winning opening configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The second start opening 452 is configured to increase the game ball entry rate by opening the normal symbol activation gate 430. The entry of a game ball into the second start opening 452 triggers the payout of prize balls and also triggers the execution of a win/lose determination (lottery) using the second special symbol (second special symbol). In this embodiment, the second start opening 452 is located on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430, together with the normal electric device 440.

The first large prize opening 460 of the game board 400 is a prize opening that is configured to be able to open and close when a "jackpot" is won in a lottery using the first and second special symbols. When closed, the first large prize opening 460 prevents game balls flowing down the game area GA from entering, and when open, it allows game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 460 triggers the payout of a prize ball. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 460 is located on the right side of the center case 410.

The second large prize opening 490 of the game board 400 is a prize opening that is configured to be able to open and close when a "small win" is won in the lottery using the second special symbol. When closed, the second large prize opening 490 prevents game balls flowing down the game area GA from entering, and when open, it allows game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of a game ball into the second large prize opening 490 triggers the payout of a prize ball. In this embodiment, the second large prize opening 490 is located at the lower right side of the center case 410.

The second large prize opening 490 is equipped with a distribution device 495. The distribution device 495 is provided inside the second large prize opening 490, and game balls that enter the second large prize opening 490 flow down to the distribution device 495. In this embodiment, the distribution device 495 is located on the back side of the board surface 402.

The distribution device 495 includes a losing port 496, a shutter member 497, and a specific area 498. The losing port 496 is an outlet that discharges game balls from the distribution device 495. The shutter member 497 is configured to be able to open and close a flow path of game balls that leads to the specific area 498. The game balls that flow down the distribution device 495 are distributed to the losing port 496 when the shutter member 497 is in a closed state, and are distributed to the specific area 498 when the shutter member 497 is in an open state. The specific area 498 is an area configured to allow game balls to pass through. In this embodiment, when a game ball passes through the specific area 498 at a predetermined timing in a small win game ("small win V winning" or "gimmick big win"), the pachinko game machine 10 executes a big win game in which the first big win port 460 is opened and closed.

The normal symbol display device 471 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the normal symbol based on the passage of the game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 430. The normal symbol display device 471 variably displays a number of normal symbols, and then displays the normal symbol according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the normal symbol.

The regular symbol reserved display device 472 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of regular symbols. The reserved memories of regular symbols are memories of data used to determine whether a regular symbol is a hit or miss for which the display process of the judgment result in the regular symbol display device 471 is pending.

The first special pattern display device 473 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the first special pattern based on the passage of the game ball through the first starting hole 451. The first special pattern display device 473 variably displays a number of first special patterns, and then displays the first special pattern according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the first special pattern.

The first special symbol reserved display device 474 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol. The reserved memories of the first special symbol are memories of data used to determine whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss for which the display process of the judgment result in the first special symbol display device 473 is pending.

The second special pattern display device 475 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the second special pattern based on the passage of the game ball through the second starting hole 452. The second special pattern display device 475 variably displays a plurality of second special patterns, and then displays the second special pattern according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the second special pattern.

The second special symbol reserved display device 476 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol. The reserved memories of the second special symbol are memories of data used to determine whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss for which the display process of the judgment result in the second special symbol display device 475 is pending.

In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes an effect in response to the fluctuation of the first special pattern on the effect pattern display device 480 while the first special pattern is fluctuating, and executes an effect in response to the fluctuation of the second special pattern on the effect pattern display device 480 while the second special pattern is fluctuating. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not execute the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the fluctuation of the second special pattern simultaneously, but prioritizes the fluctuation of the second special pattern. In other embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may prioritize the fluctuation of the first special pattern, or may execute the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the fluctuation of the second special pattern simultaneously.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control device 210 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a RAM 210m, which is a non-volatile memory in which data can be rewritten. The RAM 210m is configured to be able to retain various pieces of information related to the progress of the game, regardless of whether or not power is being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the RAM 210m is configured to be able to retain data even without an external power source, thanks to a battery backup function provided by an internal battery.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration for outputting signals to the main control device 210, a setting change switch 302 and a setting change switch 304, as well as a general winning hole switch 420s, an operating gate switch 430s, a first starting hole switch 451s, a second starting hole switch 452s, a count switch 460s, a count switch 490s, and a specific area switch 498s. The general winning hole switch 420s detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning holes 421, 422, 423, and 424, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The operating gate switch 430s detects the passage of a game ball through the normal pattern operating gate 430, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The first starting hole switch 451s detects the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 451, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The second start port switch 452s detects the entry of a game ball into the second start port 452 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The count switch 460s detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize port 460 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The count switch 490s detects the entry of a game ball into the second large prize port 490 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The specific area switch 498s detects the passage of a game ball through the specific area switch 498s and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with an electrical configuration that operates based on a control signal from the main control device 210, including a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol reserved display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol reserved display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, and a second special symbol reserved display device 476, as well as a normal electric role solenoid 440d, a first large prize opening solenoid 460d, a second large prize opening solenoid 490d, and a shutter solenoid 497d. The normal electric role solenoid 440d opens and closes the normal electric role 440 based on a control signal from the main control device 210. The first large prize opening solenoid 460d opens and closes the first large prize opening 460 based on a control signal from the main control device 210. The second large prize opening solenoid 490d opens and closes the second large prize opening 490 based on a control signal from the main control device 210. The shutter solenoid 497d opens and closes the shutter member 497 based on a control signal from the main control device 210.

The sub-integrated control device 220 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210 in one direction from the main control device 210. The sub-integrated control device 220 accepts operation input from the player via the performance button 160. The sub-integrated control device 220 outputs control signals to the illuminations 134, illuminations 414, speaker 136, and performance pattern control device 230 based on commands from the main control device 210, thereby realizing performances according to the progress of the game. The performance pattern control device 230 controls the images displayed on the performance pattern display device 480 based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The performance pattern display device 480 displays various performance images, including performance patterns, based on image signals from the performance pattern control device 230.

The payout control device 240 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210. The payout control device 240 controls the lending of game balls and the launch of game balls, and also controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control device 210. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a full switch 126s as an electrical component that outputs a signal to the payout control device 240. The full switch 126s detects that the game balls stored in the lower tray 126 are full, and outputs the detection signal to the payout control device 240. The payout control device 240 outputs a command to the launch control device 250 to stop the launch of game balls based on the detection signal from the full switch 126s.

The launch control device 250 is configured to be able to communicate with the payout control device 240 in one direction from the payout control device 240. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of game balls to the game board 400 based on the player's operation input through the handle 140. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a handle volume 140b, a touch switch 140t, a launch stop switch 140s, and a launch motor 140m as electrical components connected to the launch control device 250. The handle volume 140b detects the amount of operation of the handle 140 by the player corresponding to the launch strength of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The touch switch 140t detects the player touching the handle 140 using static electricity, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch stop switch 140s detects the player's operation input indicating the stop of launch of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch motor 140m launches the game ball based on a control signal from the launch control device 250.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a rear wiring relay terminal board 260, an external connection terminal board 265, a payout relay terminal board 270, and a card unit terminal board 280 as terminal boards that relay signals.

The rear wiring relay terminal board 260 is configured to be able to exchange signals with the main control device 210 and the payout control device 240. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an inner frame opening switch 120s, a front frame opening switch 130s, and a ball out switch 172s as electrical components that output signals to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The inner frame opening switch 120s detects the open state of the inner frame 120 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The front frame opening switch 130s detects the open state of the front frame 130 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The ball out switch 172s detects a ball outage in the game ball tank 172 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260.

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

The card unit terminal board 280 is configured to allow signals to be exchanged between the payout control device 240 and the card unit 80. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a balance display device 152, a ball loan switch 154, and a settlement switch 156 as electrical components connected to the card unit terminal board 280.

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

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to set a time-saving game (time-saving state, time-saving mode) that makes it easier for a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 452 than in normal game. In time-saving game, by changing at least one of the opening time of the normal electric device 440, the time until opening, the number of times it is opened, and the probability of winning the normal pattern, it becomes easier for a gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 452 than in normal game.

The pachinko game machine 10 can set the time-saving game "a" as one of the time-saving modes according to the progress of the game. The time-saving game "a" is awarded after the big win game ends according to the type of the big win pattern or small win pattern that caused the big win game. The duration of the time-saving game "a" is the period until the next big win game is executed, or the period until the lottery for the special pattern is executed a predetermined number of times. The specifications of the time-saving game "a" in this embodiment are as follows.
<Normal game><Time-savinggame>
Normal electric role 1 time opening time 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from the start of normal pattern fluctuation to opening 6.2 seconds 0.7 seconds Number of openings per win 1 time 1 time Probability of winning normal pattern 1/100 99/100

Regarding the probability of winning, in this embodiment, the probability of winning by drawing the first special symbol is "1/199", and the probability of winning by drawing the second special symbol is also "1/199". When the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins a jackpot in the drawing of the first special symbol or the drawing of the second special symbol ("symbol jackpot"), it executes a jackpot game in which the first large prize winning hole 460 is opened and closed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 executes a jackpot game consisting of multiple rounds, and for each round, the first large prize winning hole 460 is opened until a predetermined time has elapsed (up to 29.0 seconds in this embodiment) or until a predetermined number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) have entered the hole.

Regarding the jackpot game based on the pattern jackpot of the first special symbol, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes the jackpot game according to the type of the jackpot pattern of the first special symbol. In this embodiment, all jackpot patterns of the first special symbol are bonus jackpot patterns in which a time-saving game (easy-to-score state) is set following the end of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes four types of jackpot games "4R with time-saving 1", "4R with time-saving 2", "15R with time-saving 1" and "15R with time-saving 2" as the jackpot game based on the pattern jackpot of the first special symbol.

The jackpot game "4R with 1 time reduction" based on the first special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 4 rounds, and occurs with a 40% probability among pattern jackpots based on the first special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set so that a maximum of 50 special symbol lotteries can be played.

The jackpot game "4R with time reduction 2" based on the first special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 4 rounds, and occurs with a probability of 20% among the pattern jackpots based on the first special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set so that the special symbol can be drawn up to 50 times.

The jackpot game "15R with 1 time reduction" based on the first special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 15 rounds, and occurs with a probability of 20% among the pattern jackpots based on the first special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set so that the special symbol can be drawn up to 50 times.

The jackpot game "15R with time reduction 2" based on the first special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 15 rounds, and occurs with a probability of 20% among the pattern jackpots based on the first special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set so that the special symbol can be drawn up to 50 times.

Regarding the jackpot game based on the pattern jackpot of the second special pattern, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes the jackpot game according to the type of the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern. In this embodiment, the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern includes a bonus jackpot pattern in which a time-saving game (ball-scoring state) is set following the end of the jackpot game, and a non-bonus jackpot pattern in which a time-saving game (ball-scoring state) is not set following the end of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes two types of jackpot games, "15R with time-saving 2" and "15R without time-saving", as the jackpot game based on the pattern jackpot of the second special pattern.

The jackpot game "15R with time reduction 2" based on the second special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 15 rounds, and occurs with a 50% probability among the pattern jackpots based on the second special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set so that the special symbol can be drawn up to 50 times.

The jackpot game "15R no time reduction" based on the second special symbol is a jackpot game consisting of 15 rounds, and occurs with a 50% probability among the pattern jackpots based on the second special symbol. After the jackpot game ends, the time reduction game a is not executed, and the normal game is executed following the jackpot game.

Regarding the probability of a small win, in this embodiment, the probability of a small win by drawing the first special symbol is "0" (no small win), and the probability of a small win by drawing the second special symbol is "1/3.0". When the pachinko game machine 10 wins a small win by drawing the second special symbol, it executes a small win game in which the second large winning opening 490 is opened and closed. In the small win game, the pachinko game machine 10 opens the second large winning opening 490 until a predetermined time has elapsed or until a predetermined number of game balls have entered, and opens and closes the shutter member 497 at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 opens the second large winning opening 490 only once until a maximum of 6 seconds has elapsed or until one game ball has entered, and opens and closes the shutter member 497 at a timing set so that the ball enters the specific area 498 with a winning probability of 1/5. When the ball enters the specific area 498 during a small win game (a "small win V prize" or a "gimmick big win"), the pachinko game machine 10 executes a big win game in which the first big win opening 460 is opened and closed.

For the jackpot game based on the special jackpot (small jackpot V winning), the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes the jackpot game according to the type of small jackpot pattern of the second special pattern. In this embodiment, all small jackpot patterns of the second special pattern are bonus small jackpot patterns in which a time-saving game (easy-to-enter state) is set following the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game is executed by the special jackpot. In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes eight types of jackpot games "with 3R time-saving", "with 5R time-saving 1", "with 5R time-saving 2", "with 7R time-saving", "with 8R time-saving", "with 11R time-saving", "with 13R time-saving" and "with 15R time-saving 3" as the jackpot game based on the special jackpot.

The "3R Time-saving" jackpot game based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of three rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time-saving game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The jackpot game "5R with 1 time reduction" based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 5 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among special jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The jackpot game "5R with time reduction 2" based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 5 rounds, and occurs with a probability of 30% among special jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set to allow up to 20 special symbol lotteries to be performed.

The "7R Time-saving" jackpot game based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 7 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among special jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time-saving game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The "8R Time-saving" jackpot game based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 8 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among special jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time-saving game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The jackpot game "11R with time reduction" based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 11 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The jackpot game "13R with time reduction" based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 13 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game that allows the player to draw special symbols up to 30 times is played following the jackpot game.

The jackpot game "15R with time reduction 3" based on a special jackpot is a jackpot game consisting of 15 rounds, and occurs with a 10% probability among special jackpots. After the jackpot game ends, a time reduction game a is played following the jackpot game, which is set to allow up to 30 special symbol lotteries to be played.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed by the main control unit 210. The main control unit 210 repeatedly starts the main routine (Figure 6) as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms period.

After starting the main routine (FIG. 6), the main control unit 210 determines whether the main routine was started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10). If the main routine was not started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: NO), the main control unit 210 executes an initial setting process (step S20). In the initial setting process (step S20), the main control unit 210 performs initial settings for each unit such as the CPU and I/O.

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is in the off state (not pressed), and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the off state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 performs the initial setting of each section while retaining various information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m (e.g., various flags and counters).

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed to the ON state and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the OFF state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m and sets (resets) these pieces of information to their initial values.

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed and in the on state, and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the on state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information about the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m, except for the information counting the number of times the special symbol has missed, which is necessary to start the b time-saving mode, and sets (resets) these pieces of information to their initial values.

When the RAM clear switch 294 is not pressed and is in the off state when the power is turned on, and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the on state when the power is turned on, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 accepts a change to the game characteristic settings and then performs the initial settings of each section while retaining various information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m.

After executing the initial setting process (step S20), the main control unit 210 repeatedly executes the initial value random number update process (step S70) until the next timer interrupt. In the initial value random number update process (step S70), the main control unit 210 updates the initial value random number used to update the random number for determining a jackpot, which will be described later.

If the main routine is started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the following processes to update various random numbers: initial value random number update process (step S30), random number update process for determining a jackpot (step S32), random number update process for determining a special chart (step S34), random number update process for determining a special chart fluctuation pattern (step S36), random number update process for determining a win (step S40), random number update process for determining a normal chart (step S42), and random number update process for determining a normal chart fluctuation pattern (step S44).

In the initial value random number update process (step S30), the main control device 210 updates the initial value random number used to update the random number for determining a jackpot. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is 22993 random numbers with values in the range of "0 to 22992".

In the random number update process for determining a jackpot (step S32), the main control unit 210 updates the random number for determining a jackpot used to determine a jackpot for a special symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining a jackpot are 22993 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 22992". The main control unit 210 is configured to be able to adjust the probability of a jackpot for a special symbol by setting a predetermined number of values from the random numbers for determining a jackpot as values that result in a jackpot for a special symbol.

In the special pattern determination random number update process (step S34), the main control unit 210 updates the first special pattern determination random number and the second special pattern determination random number used to determine the winning and losing special patterns. In this embodiment, the first special pattern determination random numbers are 200 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 199", and the second special pattern determination random numbers are 200 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 199".

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern (step S36), the main control device 210 updates the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern are 16,384 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

In the win determination random number update process (step S40), the main control unit 210 updates the win determination random numbers used to determine whether a normal symbol is a win. In this embodiment, the win determination random numbers are 65,536 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 65,535". The main control unit 210 is configured to be able to adjust the probability of a win for a normal symbol by setting a predefined number of values among the win determination random numbers as values that result in a win for a normal symbol.

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the normal symbols (step S42), the main control unit 210 updates the random numbers for determining the normal symbols used to determine the winning normal symbols. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the normal symbols are 19 random numbers with values ranging from "0 to 18."

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern (step S44), the main control device 210 updates the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern used to determine the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern are 16,384 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

After executing the process of updating various random numbers (steps S30 to S44), the main control unit 210 executes the ball entry confirmation process (step S50). In the ball entry confirmation process (step S50), the main control unit 210 checks whether the game ball has entered the various starting holes, starting gates, and winning holes, and executes processing according to the ball entry. Details of the ball entry confirmation process (step S50) will be described later.

After executing the ball scoring confirmation process (step S50), the main control device 210 executes the win/lose determination process (step S52). In the win/lose determination process (step S52), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol lottery result was a win, and whether the normal symbol lottery result was a win. The details of the win/lose determination process (step S52) will be described later.

After executing the win/loss determination process (step S52), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power operation process (step S54). In the normal power operation process (step S54), the main control unit 210 controls the opening and closing of the normal electric role device 440 based on the winning of the normal pattern. The details of the normal power operation process (step S54) will be described later.

After executing the normal power operation process (step S54), the main control unit 210 executes the special game process (step S54). In the special game process (step S54), the main control unit 210 controls the special game (e.g., big win game, small win game, etc.) based on the winning of the special symbol. Details of the special game process (step S54) will be described later.

After executing the special game process (step S54), the main control device 210 executes the fraud monitoring process (step S60). In the fraud monitoring process (step S60), the main control device 210 monitors any fraudulent behavior by the player.

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

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the special starting ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control unit 210. The special starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for confirming ball entries into the first starting hole 451 and the second starting hole 452.

After starting the special chart start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7), the main control unit 210 determines whether a ball has entered the first start hole 451 based on the detection signal output from the first start hole switch 451s (step S100).

If a ball has entered the first starting hole 451 (step S100: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of first reserved memories for the first special pattern is full, in other words, whether the number of first reserved memories for the first special pattern is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S102).

If the number of the first reserved memory for the first special symbol is not full (step S102: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a special symbol extraction random number reserved storage process (step S104). In the special symbol extraction random number reserved storage process (step S104), the main control unit 210 extracts a random number for determining a jackpot, a random number for determining a special symbol, and a random number for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as the first reserved memory.

After executing the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S104), the main control unit 210 executes the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S106). In the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S106), the main control unit 210 transmits to the sub-integrated control unit 220 a first special symbol reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories of the first special symbol that have not been consumed as a variable display of the first special symbol. The first special symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in the first reserved memories of the first special symbol.

After executing the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S106), the main control device 210 executes reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S108). In the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S108), the main control device 210 executes a pre-reading judgment to judge the judgment result of the judgment of the hit/miss judgment based on the first reserved memory prior to the hit/miss judgment process (step S52) for the first reserved memory of the first special symbol, and transmits a first reserved pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment to the sub-integrated control device 220. In this embodiment, the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment includes "jackpot", "miss with super reach performance", "miss with normal reach performance", and "miss without reach performance". As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a pre-reading performance suggesting the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment based on the first reserved pre-reading command.

If no ball has entered the first starting hole 451 (step S100: "NO"), if the number of second reserved memories for the first special pattern is full (step S102: "YES"), or after executing the reserved advance reading judgment process (step S108), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second starting hole 452 based on the detection signal output from the second starting hole switch 452s (step S200).

If a ball has entered the second starting hole 452 (step S200: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of second reserved memories for the second special pattern is full, in other words, whether the number of second reserved memories for the second special pattern is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S202).

If the number of second reserved memories for the second special symbol is not full (step S202: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S204). In the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S204), the main control unit 210 extracts a random number for determining a jackpot, a random number for determining a special symbol, and a random number for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as the second reserved memory.

After executing the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S204), the main control unit 210 executes the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S206). In the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S206), the main control unit 210 transmits to the sub-integrated control unit 220 a second special symbol reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories of the second special symbol that have not been consumed as a variable display of the second special symbol. The second special symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in the second reserved memories of the second special symbol.

After executing the special reserved number command transmission process (step S204), the main control device 210 executes reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S208). In the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S208), the main control device 210 executes a pre-reading judgment to judge the judgment result of the judgment of the hit/miss judgment based on the second reserved memory prior to the hit/miss judgment process (step S52) for the second reserved memory of the second special pattern, and transmits a second reserved pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment to the sub-integrated control device 220. In this embodiment, the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment includes "jackpot", "miss with super reach performance", "miss with normal reach performance", and "miss without reach performance". As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a pre-reading performance suggesting the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment based on the second reserved pre-reading command.

If no ball has entered the second starting hole 452 (step S200: "NO"), if the number of second reserved memories for the second special symbol is full (step S202: "YES"), or after executing the reserved reading judgment process (step S208), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7). Note that in the special symbol starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7), the reserved reading judgment process (step S108) may be a process executed before the special symbol extraction random number reserved storage process (step S104), and the reserved reading judgment process (step S208) may be a process executed before the special symbol extraction random number reserved storage process (step S204).

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 8) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for confirming ball entry into the normal symbol activation gate 430.

After starting the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process in FIG. 8, the main control device 210 determines whether or not a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 based on the detection signal output from the operation gate switch 430s (step S150). If a ball has not entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 (step S150: NO), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (FIG. 8).

If a ball has entered the normal symbol activation gate 430 (step S150: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is full, in other words, whether the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S155). If the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is full (step S155: "YES"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol entry confirmation process (Figure 8).

If the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is not full (step S155: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a reserved memory process for storing random numbers for extracting normal symbols (step S160). In the reserved memory process for extracting random numbers for extracting normal symbols (step S160), the main control unit 210 extracts random numbers for determining a win, a random number for determining a normal symbol, and a random number for determining a normal symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as reserved memory.

After executing the regular symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S160), the main control unit 210 executes the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170). In the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170), the main control unit 210 transmits a regular symbol reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories of regular symbols that have not been consumed as a normal symbol variable display to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The regular symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in reserved memories of regular symbols. After executing the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170), the main control unit 210 ends the regular symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 8).

Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 210. The special symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 9 to 12) is one of the subroutines executed in the win/loss determination process (S52) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for determining whether or not a special symbol has been won.

After starting the special symbol hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 9 to 12), the main control device 210 judges whether the special electric device is in operation, in other words, whether a jackpot game is being played (step S200). If the special electric device is in operation (step S200: YES), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

If the special electric device is not in operation (step S200: NO), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S205).

If the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S205: NO), the main control unit 210 determines whether the special symbol is being displayed in a fixed manner (step S210).

If the special symbol is not being displayed as confirmed (step S210: NO), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not there is a reserved memory of the special symbol (step S215). If there is no reserved memory of the special symbol (step S215: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss determination process (Figures 9 to 12).

If there is a reserved memory for a special symbol (step S215: "YES"), the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories for the special symbol, and deletes that information from the reserved memory (step S220). In this embodiment, the main control unit 210 reads out the reserved memory with priority given to the second special symbol. Therefore, when the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory exist, the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the second reserved memory, and when only the first reserved memory exists, the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the first reserved memory.

After reading the reserved memory (step S220), the main control unit 210 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot read from the reserved memory is a value for a jackpot or a small jackpot by referring to the special chart hit/miss determination table (step S230).

Continuing with the explanation of FIG. 10, after judging the random number for jackpot determination read from the reserved memory (step S230), the main control unit 210 judges whether the judgment result of the random number for jackpot determination is a jackpot or not (step S240). If the judgment result of the random number for jackpot determination is a jackpot (step S240: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the jackpot pattern based on the random number for special pattern determination read from the reserved memory (step S242). After that, the main control unit 210 determines the variation pattern of the special pattern according to the performance that notifies the winning of the jackpot based on the random number for special pattern determination and the random number for special pattern variation pattern determination (step S244). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the jackpot setting process (step S246). In the jackpot setting process (step S246), the main control device 210 sets various parameters that control the jackpot game (for example, the opening and closing pattern of the first large prize opening 460 during the jackpot game, the presentation mode of the jackpot game, etc.).

If the result of the random number for determining a big win is not a big win (step S240: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the result of the random number for determining a big win is a small win or not (step S250). If the result of the random number for determining a big win is a small win (step S250: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the small win pattern based on the random number for determining the special pattern read from the reserved memory (step S252). After that, the main control unit 210 determines the variation pattern of the special pattern according to the performance that notifies the winning of the small win based on the random number for determining the special pattern and the random number for determining the special pattern variation pattern (step S254). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the small win setting process (step S256). In the small win setting process (step S256), the main control device 210 sets various parameters that control the small win game (for example, the opening and closing pattern of the second large winning opening 490 in the small win game, the presentation mode of the small win game, etc.).

If the result of the random number for determining a big win is not a small win (step S250: NO), the main control unit 210 determines a losing symbol based on the random number for determining the special symbol read from the reserved memory (step S262). After determining the losing symbol (step S262), the main control unit 210 executes a losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S268). In the losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control unit 210 determines the losing fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the random number for determining the special symbol and the random number for determining the special symbol fluctuation pattern.

After executing the big win setting process (step S246), the small win setting process (step S256), or the miss variation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control unit 210 executes the reserved information transmission process (step S270). In the reserved information transmission process (step S270), the main control unit 210 transmits a special pattern reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories of special patterns remaining after reading the reserved memories to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The special pattern reserved number command may be information indicating a decrease in reserved memories of special patterns.

After executing the pending information transmission process (step S270), the main control device 210 executes the special pattern change start process (step S275). In the special pattern change start process (step S275), the main control device 210 starts the change display of the special pattern on the first special pattern display device 473 or the second special pattern display device 475, and transmits a special pattern change start command indicating the lottery result and change time of the special pattern to the sub-integrated control device 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 causes the effect pattern display device 480 to display a pseudo effect corresponding to the change display of the special pattern based on the special pattern change start command. After executing the special pattern change start process (step S275), the main control device 210 ends the special pattern hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 9, if the special symbol is being displayed in a changing manner (step S205: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the special symbol change time has elapsed (step S280). If the special symbol change time has not elapsed (step S280: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

If the time for the special symbol to change has elapsed (step S280: YES), the main control device 210 executes a confirmed symbol display process (step S285). In the confirmed symbol display process (step S285), the main control device 210 ends the display of the special symbol changes on the first special symbol display device 473 or the second special symbol display device 475, and displays the confirmed symbol of the special symbol on the first special symbol display device 473 or the second special symbol display device 475. Furthermore, the main control device 210 transmits a symbol confirmation command to the sub-integrated control device 220 to instruct the confirmation display of the performance symbol. After executing the confirmed symbol display process (step S285), the main control device 210 ends the special symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 11, if the special symbol is being displayed as confirmed (step S210: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has ended (step S290). If the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has not ended (step S290: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

If the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has ended (step S290: "YES"), the main control device 210 ends the confirmed display of the special symbol (step S295). After that, the main control device 210 determines whether the confirmed special symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S300).

If the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is a jackpot symbol (step S300: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the a-time-saving flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S306). If the a-time-saving flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S306: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the a-time-saving flag Fa to a value of "0" (step S308).

The a-time-saving flag Fa is a flag that controls the a-time-saving game. The a-time-saving flag Fa with a value of "0" indicates a control state in which the a-time-saving game is not executed. The a-time-saving flag Fa with a value of "1" indicates a control state in which the a-time-saving game is executed. The a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is set to the value "0" or value "1" depending on the type of big win pattern or small win pattern when the big win game is ended.

If the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "0" (step S306: "NO"), or after resetting the a-time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S308), the main control device 210 executes a condition device operation start process (step S332), a role device continuous operation device operation start process (step S334), and a jackpot start presentation process (step S336). In the jackpot start presentation process (step S336), the main control device 210 starts a jackpot game by sending various commands that realize the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing these processes (steps S332, S334, S336), the main control device 210 ends the special chart hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 12, if the special symbol displayed as confirmed is not a big win symbol (step S300: "NO"), in other words, if the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a small win symbol or a losing symbol, the main control device 210 determines whether the a time-saving flag Fa is equal to the value "1", in other words, whether the a time-saving game is in progress (step S350).

If the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "1" (step S350: "YES"), the main control unit 210 decrements the a-time-saving counter Ca (step S352). The a-time-saving counter Ca is a counter that indicates the remaining number of times that the lottery for the special symbol can be executed in the a-time-saving mode. After decrementing the a-time-saving counter Ca (step S352), the main control unit 210 determines whether the a-time-saving counter Ca is set to the value "0" (step S354). If the a-time-saving counter Ca is set to the value "0" (step S354: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the a-time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S356).

If the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "0" (step S350: "NO"), or after resetting the a-time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S356), the main control unit 210 determines whether the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a small win symbol (step S360). If the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a small win symbol (step S300: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes a small win game setting process (step S362). In the small win game setting process (step S362), the main control unit 210 sets the start of a small win game.

If the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is a losing symbol (step S360: "NO"), or after executing the game setting process (step S362), the main control unit 210 executes a state designation command transmission process (step S390). In the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control unit 210 transmits a state designation command that designates the game state to the sub-integrated control unit 220. After executing the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 9 to 12).

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are flow charts showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device 210. The jackpot game processing (Figures 13 to 15) is one of the subroutines executed in the special game processing (S56) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for controlling the jackpot game.

After starting the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15), the main control unit 210 determines whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation or not, in other words, whether the jackpot game is being executed or not (step S400). If the consecutive operation device of the role is not in operation (step S400: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the continuous operation device for the jackpot is in operation (step S400: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the first large prize opening 460 is open or not (step S405). If the first large prize opening 460 is not open (step S405: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether an interval is in progress in which the first large prize opening 460 is closed between each round of the jackpot game (step S410). If there is no interval in progress (step S410: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether a jackpot end presentation is being executed when the jackpot game ends (step S415).

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

If the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation has elapsed (step S420: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening process (step S425). In the large prize opening process (step S425), the main control unit 210 opens the first large prize opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the first large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening process (step S425), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 14, if the first large prize opening 460 is being opened (step S405: "YES"), the main control device 210 judges whether the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 460 has reached 10 (step S430). If the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 460 has not reached 10 (step S430: "NO"), the main control device 210 judges whether the opening time for opening the first large prize opening 460 has elapsed (step S435). If the opening time for the first large prize opening 460 has not elapsed (step S435: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game processing (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the number of game balls entering the first large prize opening 460 reaches 10 (step S430: "YES"), or if the opening time of the first large prize opening 460 has elapsed (step S435: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening closing process (step S440). In the large prize opening closing process (step S440), the main control unit 210 closes the first large prize opening 460 by outputting a closing signal to the first large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening closing process (step S440), the main control unit 210 executes the jackpot interval process (step S445). In the jackpot interval process (step S445), the main control unit 210 sets an interval for closing the first large prize opening 460 between each round of the jackpot game. After executing the jackpot interval processing (step S445), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game processing (Figures 13 to 15).

If the first large prize opening 460 is being closed during an interval between each round of the jackpot game (step S410: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the interval time for continuing the interval during the jackpot game has elapsed (step S450). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S450: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the interval time has elapsed (step S450: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the final round of the jackpot game has ended (step S455). If the final round has not ended (step S455: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening process (step S465). In the large prize opening process (step S465), the main control unit 210 opens the first large prize opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the first large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening process (step S465), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

If the final round has been completed (step S455: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the jackpot end presentation process (step S460). In the jackpot end presentation process (step S460), the main control unit 210 instructs the sub-integrated control unit 220 to execute the jackpot end presentation. After executing the jackpot end presentation process (step S460), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 15, if the jackpot end effect is being executed (step S415: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the effect time for executing the jackpot end effect has elapsed (step S470). If the effect time for the jackpot end effect has not elapsed (step S470: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the presentation time for the jackpot end presentation has elapsed (step S470: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a process to stop the operation of the continuous operation device of the role (step S472) and a process to stop the operation of the condition device (step S474). After that, the main control device 210 executes a time-saving flag setting process (step S490). In the a time-saving flag setting process (step S490), the main control device 210 determines whether or not to transition to a time-saving play after the jackpot play. If transitioning to a time-saving play, the main control device 210 sets the a time-saving flag Fa to a value of "1". If transitioning not to a time-saving play, the main control device 210 sets the a time-saving flag Fa to a value of "0".

After executing the a-time-saving flag setting process (step S490), the main control unit 210 executes the a-time-saving counter setting process (step S495). In the a-time-saving counter setting process (step S495), the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca. When transitioning to the a-time-saving game, the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca to a value indicating the maximum number of times to perform a lottery for special symbols in the a-time-saving game. When not transitioning to the a-time-saving game, the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca to the value "0".

After executing the time-saving counter setting process (step S495), the main control device 210 executes the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510). In the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510), the main control device 210 transmits a jackpot end command to the sub-integrated control device 220, which instructs the end of the presentation related to the jackpot game.

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

Figures 16, 17, and 18 are flow charts showing the small win game processing executed by the main control device 210. The small win game processing (Figures 16 to 18) is one of the subroutines executed in the special game processing (S56) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process that controls the small win game.

After starting the small win game process (FIGS. 16 to 18), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not the small win game is being executed (step S530). If the small win game is not being executed (step S350: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the small win game process (FIGS. 16 to 18).

If a small win game is being played (step S530: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the second large winning opening 490 is being opened (step S532). If the second large winning opening 490 is not being opened (step S532: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the specific area 498 is active, in other words, whether the detection of the game ball by the specific area switch 498s is active (step S534). If the specific area 498 is not active (step S534: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether a small win end presentation, which is executed when the small win game is ended, is being executed (step S536).

If the small win end effect is not being executed (step S536: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the effect time for executing the small win start effect has elapsed (step S538). If the effect time for the small win start effect has not elapsed (step S538: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the small win game process (Figures 16 to 18).

If the time for the small win start performance has elapsed (step S538: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the second large prize opening process (step S540). In the second large prize opening process (step S540), the main control unit 210 outputs an opening signal to the second large prize opening solenoid 490d to open the second large prize opening 490.

After executing the second large prize opening process (step S540), the main control device 210 executes the specific area activation process (step S542). In the specific area activation process (step S542), the main control device 210 activates the specific area 498, in other words, enables the detection of the game ball by the specific area switch 498s. After executing the specific area activation process (step S542), the main control device 210 ends the small prize game process (Figures 16 to 18).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 17, if the second large prize opening 490 is being opened (step S532: "YES"), the main control device 210 judges whether or not one or more game balls have entered the second large prize opening 490 (step S550). If one or more game balls have not entered the second large prize opening 490 (step S550: "NO"), the main control device 210 judges whether or not the opening time for opening the second large prize opening 490 has elapsed (step S552). If the opening time for the second large prize opening 490 has not elapsed (step S552: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the small prize game processing (FIGS. 16 to 18).

If one or more game balls have entered the second large prize opening 490 (step S550: "YES"), or if the opening time of the second large prize opening 490 has elapsed (step S552: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the second large prize opening closing process (step S554). In the second large prize opening closing process (step S554), the main control unit 210 closes the second large prize opening 490 by outputting a closing signal to the second large prize opening solenoid 490d. After executing the second large prize opening closing process (step S554), the main control unit 210 ends the small prize game process (Figures 16 to 18).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 18, if the specific area 498 is valid (step S534: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the activation period for activating the specific area 498 has ended (step S560). If the activation period for the specific area 498 has not ended (step S560: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the small win game process (FIGS. 16 to 18).

If the activation period of the specific area 498 has ended (step S560: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes a specific area disable process (step S562). In the specific area disable process (step S562), the main control unit 210 disables the specific area 498, in other words, disables the detection of the game ball by the specific area switch 498s.

After executing the specific area invalidation process (step S562), the main control device 210 determines whether or not the specific area switch 498s detected a game ball during the most recent activation period of the specific area 498 (step S564). If the specific area switch 498s detected a game ball (step S564: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a small win end command transmission process (step S580). In the small win end command transmission process (step S580), the main control device 210 transmits a small win end command to the sub integrated control device 220 to instruct the end of the presentation related to the small win game.

After executing the small win end command transmission process (step S580), the main control device 210 executes the condition device operation start process (step S592), the role device continuous operation device operation start process (step S594), and the big win start presentation process (step S596). In the big win start presentation process (step S596), the main control device 210 starts the big win game by sending various commands that realize the big win game to the sub integrated control device 220. After executing these processes (steps S592, S594, S596), the main control device 210 ends the small win game process (Figures 16 to 18).

If the specific area switch 498s does not detect a game ball (step S564: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the small win end presentation process (step S570). In the small win end presentation process (step S570), the main control unit 210 instructs the sub-integrated control unit 220 to execute the small win end presentation. After executing the small win end presentation process (step S570), the main control unit 210 ends the small win game process (Figures 16 to 18).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16, if the small win end effect is being executed (step S536: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the effect time for executing the small win end effect has elapsed (step S572). If the effect time for the small win end effect has not elapsed (step S572: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the small win game process (FIGS. 16 to 18).

If the presentation time for the small win end presentation has elapsed (step S572: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes a small win end command transmission process (step S574). In the small win end command transmission process (step S574), the main control unit 210 transmits a small win end command to the sub-integrated control unit 220, which instructs the end of the presentation related to the small win game. After executing the small win end command transmission process (step S574), the main control unit 210 ends the small win game process (Figures 16 to 18).

Figures 19 and 20 are flowcharts showing the normal symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 19 and 20) is one of the subroutines executed in the win/loss determination process (S52) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for determining whether the normal symbol is a win or loss.

After starting the normal winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 19 and 20), the main control unit 210 determines whether the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S600). If the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S600: YES), the main control unit 210 ends the normal winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 19 and 20).

If the normal electric device 440 is not in operation (step S600: NO), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a variable manner (step S605).

If the normal pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S605: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a fixed manner (step S610).

If the normal symbol is not being displayed as confirmed (step S610: NO), the main control unit 210 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory of the normal symbol (step S615). If there is no reserved memory of the normal symbol (step S615: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 19 and 20).

If there is a reserved memory of a normal pattern (step S615: "YES"), the main control unit 210 reads out the oldest reserved memory of the normal pattern and deletes that information from the reserved memory (step S620). After that, the main control unit 210 determines whether the a-time-saving flag Fa is equal to the value "1" (step S625).

If the time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "1" (step S625: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining whether or not a win is a win value read from the reserved memory by referring to the high-probability normal win/loss determination table (high-probability table) (step S630).

If the time-saving flag Fa is not set to the value "1" (step S625: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining a win read from the reserved memory is a winning value by referring to the low-probability normal win/loss determination table (low-probability table) (step S635).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 20, after determining whether the random number for hit determination read from the reserved memory is a hit value (steps S630, S635), the main control unit 210 determines whether the result of the judgment of the random number for hit determination is a hit (step S640).

If the result of the random number for winning judgment is a winning (step S640: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the winning symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol read from the reserved memory (step S645). After that, the main control unit 210 determines the winning variation pattern of the normal symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol and the random number for determining the normal symbol variation pattern, and the a time-saving flag Fa (step S650). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the winning setting process (step S655). In the winning setting process (step S655), the main control unit 210 sets various parameters (e.g., the opening pattern of the normal electric role 440) that control the winning game.

If the result of the random number for determining a win is not a win (step S640: "NO"), in other words, if the result of the random number for determining a win is a miss, the main control unit 210 determines the miss pattern based on the random number for determining the normal pattern read from the reserved memory (step S662).

After determining the losing symbol (step S662), the main control unit 210 executes a losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S668). In the losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control unit 210 determines the losing fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol and the random number for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern, and the a time-saving flag Fa.

After executing the winning setting process (step S655) or the losing variation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control device 210 executes the regular pattern variation start process (step S675). In the regular pattern variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 starts the regular pattern variation display on the regular pattern display device 471. After executing the regular pattern variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 ends the regular pattern winning/losing determination process (Figures 19 and 20).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, if the normal symbol is being displayed in a changing manner (step S605: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal symbol change time has elapsed (step S680). If the normal symbol change time has not elapsed (step S680: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss judgment process (FIGS. 19, 20).

If the normal pattern change time has elapsed (step S680: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the confirmed pattern display process (step S685). In the confirmed pattern display process (step S685), the main control unit 210 ends the display of the normal pattern changes on the normal pattern display device 471, and displays the confirmed normal pattern on the normal pattern display device 471. After executing the confirmed pattern display process (step S685), the main control unit 210 ends the normal pattern hit/miss determination process (Figures 19 and 20).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 20, if the normal symbol is being displayed as confirmed (step S610: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690). If the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has not ended (step S690: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 19, 20).

If the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690: "YES"), the main control unit 210 ends the confirmed display of the normal symbol (step S692). The main control unit 210 then determines whether the confirmed displayed normal symbol is a winning symbol (step S694). If the confirmed displayed normal symbol is not a winning symbol (step S694: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 19, 20).

If the normal symbol displayed as confirmed is a winning symbol (step S694: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal electric device operation start process (step S696). In the normal electric device operation start process (step S696), the main control unit 210 sets the start of operation of the normal electric device 440. After executing the normal electric device operation start process (step S696), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 19 and 20).

Figures 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the normal power operation process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal power operation process (Figures 21 and 22) is one of the subroutines executed in the normal power operation process (S54) of the main routine (Figure 6), and is a process for controlling the normal electric feature 440.

After starting the normal power operation process (FIGS. 21 and 22), the main control unit 210 determines whether the normal electric device 440 is in operation (step S700). If the normal electric device 440 is not in operation (step S700: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (FIGS. 21 and 22).

If the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S700: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal electric role 440 is being opened (step S702). If the normal electric role 440 is not being opened (step S702: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal electric role 440 is in an interval for closing the normal electric role 440 when the normal electric role 440 is opened multiple times per hit (step S704). If the interval is not in progress (step S704: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a normal power release process (step S710). In the normal power release process (step S710), the main control unit 210 outputs an open signal to the normal electric role solenoid 440d to open the normal electric role 440. After executing the normal power release process (step S710), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 21 and 22).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 22, if the normal electric role 440 is being opened (step S702: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the number of game balls that have won the normal electric role 440 has reached 10 (step S720). If the number of game balls that have won the normal electric role 440 has not reached 10 (step S720: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the opening time for opening the normal electric role 440 has elapsed (step S725). If the opening time for the normal electric role 440 has not elapsed (step S725: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (FIGS. 21 and 22).

If the number of winning balls in the normal electric device 440 reaches 10 (step S720: "YES"), or if the opening time of the normal electric device 440 has elapsed (step S725: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes a normal power closing process (step S730). In the normal power closing process (step S730), the main control unit 210 closes the normal electric device 440 by outputting a closing signal to the normal electric device solenoid 440d.

After executing the normal power closing process (step S730), the main control unit 210 judges whether the final opening of the current operation of the normal electric device 440 has been completed (step S735). If the final opening has been completed (step S735: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power operation end process (step S740). In the normal power operation end process (step S740), the main control unit 210 sets the end of operation of the normal electric device 440. After executing the normal power operation end process (step S740), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 21 and 22).

If the final opening has not been completed (step S735: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power interval process (step S750). In the normal power interval process (step S750), the main control unit 210 sets the interval for closing the normal electric feature 440. After executing the normal power interval process (step S750), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 21 and 22).

If the interval is in progress (step S704: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the interval time for continuing the interval for closing the normal electric role 440 has elapsed (step S760). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S760: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal electric operation process (Figures 21 and 22).

If the interval time has elapsed (step S760: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power release process (step S770). In the normal power release process (step S770), the main control unit 210 outputs an open signal to the normal power feature solenoid 440d, thereby opening the normal electric feature 440. After executing the normal power release process (step S770), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 21 and 22).

Figure 23 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the main control device 210. The main control device 210 is equipped with a win/loss determination means 212, a big win game means 214, a small win game means 215, a special big win game means 216, a ball entry easy means 217, and a special performance means 218 as components related to controlling the progress of the game. Each component of the main control device 210 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the main control device 210 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The hit/miss determination means 212 of the main control device 210 executes a hit/miss determination based on the entry of the game ball into the first start hole 451 and the second start hole 452. The hit/miss determination means 212 executes a hit/miss determination (step S230 in FIG. 9) in the special symbol hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12). The first special symbol display device 473 and the second special symbol display device 475 are pattern display means that execute a pattern display that variably displays a number of special symbols based on the hit/miss determination by the hit/miss determination means 212 and then definitively displays a special symbol according to the result of the hit/miss determination.

When the symbol display means confirms and displays a jackpot symbol, the jackpot game means 214 of the main control device 210 executes a jackpot game in which the first large winning opening 460 is opened and closed to allow a ball to enter. The jackpot game means 214 executes a jackpot setting process (step S246 in FIG. 10), a condition device operation start process (step S332 in FIG. 11), and a role continuous operation device operation start process (step S334 in FIG. 11) in the special symbol hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12), and also executes a jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

When the symbol display means confirms and displays a small win symbol, the small win game means 215 of the main control device 210 executes a small win game in which the second large winning opening 490 is opened and closed to allow a ball to enter. The small win game means 215 executes a small win setting process (step S256 in FIG. 10) in the special symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12), and also executes a small win game process (FIGS. 16 to 18).

The bonus jackpot game means 216 of the main control device 210 executes a bonus game when a game ball that enters the second large winning opening 490 during a small winning game passes through a specific area 498 provided inside the second large winning opening 490. The bonus jackpot game means 216 executes a condition device operation start process (step S592 in FIG. 18) and a bonus device continuous operation device operation start process (step S594 in FIG. 18) during a small winning game process (FIGS. 16 to 18), and also executes a bonus game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

The ball entry facilitating means 217 of the main control device 210 sets a ball entry facilitating state (a time-saving game) that makes it easier to enter the second starting hole 452 than in normal game following the end of the jackpot game, depending on the type of pattern that causes the jackpot game, including the jackpot pattern and the small jackpot pattern. The ball entry facilitating means 217 executes a time-saving flag setting process (step S490 in FIG. 15) and a time-saving counter setting process (step S495 in FIG. 15) in the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15), and executes normal power operation process (FIGS. 21 and 22) based on the judgment by the high probability table (step S630 in FIG. 19) and the determination of the winning fluctuation pattern (step S650 in FIG. 20) in the normal winning/losing judgment process (FIGS. 19 and 20).

The special effect means 218 of the main control device 210 executes a special effect SP that indicates whether or not the easy-to-score state (a-time-saving play) will be set based on the special pattern that is confirmed to be displayed following the current display of the change, in accordance with the display of the special pattern by the pattern display means in the easy-to-score state (a-time-saving play). When the special effect means 218 executes the special pattern change start process (step S275 in FIG. 10) in the special pattern hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 9 to 12), it transmits a special pattern change start command indicating the lottery result and change time of the special pattern to the sub-integrated control device 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 causes the special effect SP to be displayed on the performance pattern display device 480 through the performance pattern control device 230 as a form of pseudo-performance corresponding to the display of the special pattern change, based on the special pattern change start command.

Special effect SP1, which is one form of special effect SP, may indicate the possibility that a big win pattern will be displayed instead of a small win pattern, and may also indicate whether or not a state where it is easy to score (time-saving play a) will be set based on the big win pattern. Details of special effect SP1 will be described later.

In addition, when executing special effect SP2, which is one form of special effect SP, the jackpot patterns include bonus jackpot patterns in which an easy-to-score state (a time-saving game) is set following the end of the jackpot game, and non-bonus jackpot patterns in which an easy-to-score state (a time-saving game) is not set following the end of the jackpot game, and all small jackpot patterns may be bonus small jackpot patterns in which an easy-to-score state (a time-saving game) is set following the end of the jackpot game. Details of special effect SP2 will be described later.

Special effect SP3, which is one form of special effect SP, may be an effect that indicates the possibility of a special pattern in which a state where it is easy to score (time-saving game a) is not set following the end of a jackpot game, and also indicates that a state where it is easy to score (time-saving game a) is not set based on that special pattern. Details of special effect SP3 will be described later.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 480. Performance screens 500a to 500c are screens that configure the performances displayed on the performance pattern display device 480. Performance screens 500a to 500c each include a performance pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504.

The effect pattern display area 501 is an area that displays the effect pattern according to the result of the special pattern. As shown in the effect screen 500a of FIG. 24(a), the effect pattern display area 501 displays multiple effect patterns in three horizontally arranged areas in a basic form. After that, the effect pattern display area 501 temporarily stops one effect pattern in each of the three areas in a swaying state. After that, as shown in the effect screen 500b of FIG. 24(b), the effect pattern display area 501 displays the left effect pattern 501L, the center effect pattern 501C, and the right effect pattern 501R in a completely stopped state, in order from the left. When the first special pattern display device 473 or the second special pattern display device 475 displays the big win pattern, the effect pattern display area 501 displays the combination of effect patterns (for example, a combination of three effect patterns) that suggests a big win. When the first special pattern display device 473 or the second special pattern display device 475 displays a confirmed small win pattern, the effect pattern display area 501 displays a confirmed combination of effect patterns that suggests a small win (for example, a combination of three effect patterns).

As another form of presentation, as shown in presentation screen 500c in Fig. 24(c), presentation symbol display area 501 can display upper left presentation symbol 501LU at the upper left, lower left presentation symbol 501LD at the lower left, central presentation symbol 501C at the center, upper right presentation symbol 501RU at the upper right, and lower right presentation symbol 501RD at the lower right, each of which can be displayed from a varying display to a temporary stop and then confirmed. Presentation screen 500c is a presentation (a so-called "double reach") that simultaneously suggests multiple candidates among multiple symbols that may be confirmed for display during one varying display. In this type of presentation, the presentation pattern display area 501 can display a combination of presentation patterns suggesting a big win or a small win on either the display line L1 that connects the upper left presentation pattern 501LU to the lower right presentation pattern 501RD via the central presentation pattern 501C, or the display line L2 that connects the lower left presentation pattern 501LD to the upper right presentation pattern 501RU via the central presentation pattern 501C.

The first reserved pattern display area 503 is an area that displays reserved patterns that indicate the presence of a first reserved memory. The first reserved pattern display area 503 displays one reserved pattern for each first reserved memory. When a preceding first reserved memory is consumed, the first reserved pattern display area 503 erases the reserved pattern corresponding to that first reserved memory to the outside of the left screen, and slides the reserved pattern corresponding to the succeeding first reserved memory to the left. When a new first reserved memory is saved, the first reserved pattern display area 503 adds the reserved pattern corresponding to that first reserved memory to the right of the existing reserved pattern. The second reserved pattern display area 504 is an area that displays reserved patterns that indicate the presence of a second reserved memory. The operation of the second reserved pattern display area 504 is the same as that of the first reserved pattern display area 503, except that it handles the second reserved memory instead of the first reserved memory.

25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP1 displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The special effect SP1 is an effect that simultaneously suggests multiple candidates that may be definitively displayed among multiple patterns during one variable display, and alternately suggests whether or not a state in which it is easy to score is set based on each candidate. The effect screen 510a and the effect screen 510b in FIG. 25 are screens that display the special effect SP1 that is executed in conjunction with the variable display of the second special pattern. The effect screen 510a and the effect screen 510b have an effect pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504, similar to the effect screen 500a in FIG. 24.

Performance screens 510a and 510b temporarily stop performance pattern "7" as the upper left performance pattern 501LU, performance pattern "6" as the lower left performance pattern 501LD, performance pattern "6" as the upper right performance pattern 501RU, and performance pattern "7" as the lower right performance pattern 501RD, while varying the central performance pattern 501C to display the reach state of performance pattern "7" on display line L1 and the reach state of performance pattern "6" on display line L2. In this embodiment, a combination of three "7" effect symbols is a performance mode suggesting a pattern jackpot of the second special pattern "15R time reduction 2" (a time reduction play after the jackpot play), and a combination of three "6" effect symbols is a performance mode suggesting a pattern jackpot of the second special pattern "15R no time reduction" (no a time reduction play after the jackpot play). In the special performance SP1, when the performance pattern "7" approaches the display line L1 as the center performance pattern 501C during the variable display, the performance screen 510a is displayed, and when the performance pattern "6" approaches the display line L2 as the center performance pattern 501C during the variable display, the performance screen 510b is displayed, and the performance screen 510a and the performance screen 510b are displayed repeatedly multiple times.

The presentation screen 510a in FIG. 25(a) includes a mascot image 511 and a message image 512. The mascot image 511 is an image of a bear mascot with a calm expression. The message image 512 is an image that displays the characters "If you hit 7, it's an electric support rush!" The characters in the message image 512 mean that if the presentation pattern "7" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L1, a time-saving game (electric support rush) will be set following the big win game.

The presentation screen 510b in FIG. 25(b) includes a mascot image 513 and a message image 514. The mascot image 513 is an image showing a bear mascot with an anxious expression. The message image 514 is an image showing the characters "If you hit 6, the electric support ends!" The characters in the message image 514 mean that if the presentation pattern "6" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L2, the time-saving play a (electric support rush) will not be set following the big win play.

In this way, special effect SP1 indicates the possibility that a big win pattern will be displayed instead of a small win pattern through effect screen 510a and effect screen 510b, and also indicates whether or not a time-saving play will be set based on the big win pattern.

Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect displayed on the effect symbol display device 480. The effect image 510c and the effect image 510d in Figure 26 are screens suggesting a symbol jackpot following the special effect SP1 in Figure 25. Note that in this embodiment, unlike the effect image 510c and the effect image 510d, there is also an effect mode suggesting a miss following the special effect SP1 in Figure 25.

The effect image 510c in FIG. 26(c) indicates a symbol jackpot "15R with 2 time-saving effects" (a time-saving play will be played after the jackpot game) by displaying a combination of three effect symbols "7" on the display line L1 as a confirmed display. The effect image 510c includes a mascot image 515 and a message image 516. The mascot image 515 is an image that shows a smiling bear mascot. The message image 516 is an image that shows the characters "Electric support rush!" The characters in the message image 516 indicate that a time-saving play (electric support rush) will be set after the current jackpot game ends.

The effect image 510d in FIG. 26(d) indicates a symbol jackpot "15R no time reduction" (no a time reduction play after the jackpot play) by displaying a combination of three effect symbols "6" as a confirmed pattern on the display line L2. The effect image 510d includes a mascot image 517 and a message image 518. The mascot image 517 is an image showing a bear mascot with a sad expression. The message image 518 is an image showing the characters "Electric support ended!" The characters in the message image 518 indicate that a time reduction play (electric support rush) will not be set after the current jackpot play ends.

Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a small win effect displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The effect screens 520a to 520c are screens displayed on the effect pattern display device 480, and constitute a small win effect that suggests a small win. The effect screens 520a to 520c each have an effect pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504, similar to the effect screen 500a in Figure 24.

The performance screen 520a in FIG. 27(a) is similar to that in FIG. 24(a), and is a screen that changes and displays the left side performance pattern 501L, the central performance pattern 501C, and the right side performance pattern 501R in the performance pattern display area 501.

The presentation screen 520b in FIG. 27(b) is a screen following the presentation screen 520a, and displays a reach state by temporarily stopping the presentation pattern "small" as the left presentation pattern 501L and the presentation pattern "small" as the right presentation pattern 501R, and then displaying the central presentation pattern 501C in a varying manner. In this embodiment, the combination of three presentation patterns "small" is a presentation mode that suggests a small hit of the second special pattern.

The presentation screen 520c in FIG. 27(c) is a screen following the presentation screen 520b, and indicates a small win by displaying a confirmed combination of three "small" presentation symbols. In this embodiment, the "small" presentation symbol in the center presentation symbol 501C is given a number in a circle, and the number indicates the type of small win symbol. In the example in FIG. 27(c), the "small" presentation symbol in the center presentation symbol 501C is given the number "8", and the presentation screen 520c indicates that if the ball lands in the specific area 498 during this small win play, a special jackpot "15R with 3 time reductions" (with a time reduction play after the jackpot play) will be set.

The presentation screen 520c includes a mascot image 521, a message image 522, and a message image 523. The mascot image 521 is an image showing a bear mascot with a calm expression. The message image 522 is an image showing the characters "Right hit --> Right hit -->", suggesting that the game ball should be fired to the right side of the game area GA (so-called "right hit"). The message image 523 is an image showing the characters "Aim for V!", suggesting that the player should aim for the specific area 498 of the second large winning opening 490.

Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the special effect SP2 displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The special effect SP2 is an effect that simultaneously suggests multiple candidates that may be confirmed among multiple patterns during one variable display, and alternately suggests whether or not a state where it is easy to score is set based on each candidate. The effect screen 530a and the effect screen 530b in Figure 28 are screens that display the special effect SP2 that is executed in conjunction with the variable display of the second special pattern. The effect screen 530a and the effect screen 530b have an effect pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504, similar to the effect screen 510a and the effect screen 510b in Figure 25.

In the display screens 530a and 530b, the upper left display pattern 501LU is a "small" display pattern, the lower left display pattern 501LD is a "1" display pattern, the upper right display pattern 501RU is a "1" display pattern, and the lower right display pattern 501RD is a "small" display pattern. The display screens 530a and 530b temporarily stop the display pattern "small" as the upper left display pattern 501LU, the display pattern "1" as the lower left display pattern 501LD, the display pattern "1" as the upper right display pattern 501RU, and the display pattern "small" as the lower right display pattern 501RD, and then display the display pattern 501C in a variable manner to display the display line L1 in a reach state for the display pattern "small" and the display line L2 in a reach state for the display pattern "1". In this embodiment, a combination of three "small" display patterns is a display mode that suggests a small hit of the second special pattern, and a combination of three "1" display patterns is a display mode that suggests a pattern jackpot of the second special pattern "15R time reduction 2" (a time reduction play is available after the jackpot play). In the special effect SP2 of FIG. 28, when the effect pattern "small" approaches the display line L1 as the central effect pattern 501C during the changing display, effect screen 530a is displayed, and when the effect pattern "1" approaches the display line L2 as the central effect pattern 501C during the changing display, effect screen 530b is displayed, and effect screen 530a and effect screen 530b are displayed repeatedly multiple times.

The presentation screen 530a in FIG. 28(a) includes a mascot image 531 and a message image 532. The mascot image 531 is an image showing a bear mascot with a calm expression. The message image 532 is an image showing the character string "For a small win, aim for V and get the electric support rush!" The character string in the message image 532 means that in a small win game that is executed when the presentation pattern "small" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L1, a special feature jackpot will be obtained by making the ball enter the specific area 498, and furthermore, a time-saving game (electric support rush) will be set following the special feature jackpot game.

The presentation screen 530b in FIG. 28(b) includes a mascot image 531 and a message image 534. The mascot image 531 of the presentation screen 530b is the same as that of the presentation screen 530a. The message image 534 is an image that displays the character string "If you hit 1, it's an electric support rush!" The character string of the message image 534 means that if the presentation pattern "1" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L2, a time-saving game (electric support rush) will be set following the big win game.

Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the special effect SP2 displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The effect screen 540a and the effect screen 540b in Figure 29 are screens that display the special effect SP2 that is executed in conjunction with the changing display of the second special pattern. The effect screen 540a and the effect screen 540b have an effect pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504, similar to the effect screen 530a and the effect screen 530b in Figure 28.

In the display screens 540a and 540b, the display pattern "small" is displayed as the upper left display pattern 501LU, the display pattern "8" is displayed as the lower left display pattern 501LD, the display pattern "8" is displayed as the upper right display pattern 501RU, and the display pattern "small" is displayed as the lower right display pattern 501RD, all of which are temporarily stopped. In this embodiment, the combination of three display patterns "small" is a display mode that suggests a small hit of the second special pattern, and the combination of three display patterns "8" is a display mode that suggests a pattern jackpot of the second special pattern "15R no time reduction" (no time reduction play after the jackpot play). In the special effect SP2 of FIG. 29, when the effect pattern "small" approaches the display line L1 as the central effect pattern 501C during the changing display, effect screen 540a is displayed, and when the effect pattern "8" approaches the display line L2 as the central effect pattern 501C during the changing display, effect screen 540b is displayed, and effect screen 540a and effect screen 540b are displayed repeatedly multiple times.

The presentation screen 540a in FIG. 29(a) includes a mascot image 541 and a message image 542. The mascot image 541 is an image showing a bear mascot with a calm expression. The message image 542 is an image showing the character string "For a small win, aim for V and get the electric support rush!" The character string in the message image 542 means that in a small win game that is executed when the presentation pattern "small" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L1, a special feature jackpot will be obtained by making the ball enter the specific area 498, and furthermore, a time-saving game (electric support rush) will be set following the special feature jackpot game.

The presentation screen 540b in FIG. 29(b) includes a mascot image 541 and a message image 544. The mascot image 541 of the presentation screen 540b is the same as that of the presentation screen 540a. The message image 544 is an image that displays the characters "If you hit 8, the electric support ends!" The characters of the message image 544 mean that if the presentation pattern "8" is confirmed and displayed on the display line L2, the time-saving play a (electric support rush) will not be set following the big win play.

The display screen 540c in FIG. 29(c) is a screen following the special effect SP2 (the display screens 530a and 530b in FIG. 28, and the display screens 540a and 540b in FIG. 29), and suggests a small win. Note that, unlike the display screen 540c, in this embodiment, there is also a display mode suggesting a big win following the special effect SP2, as well as a display mode suggesting a miss.

The display screen 540c indicates a small win by displaying a combination of three "small" effect symbols as confirmed on the display line L1. In this embodiment, the "small" effect symbol of the central effect symbol 501C is given a number in a circle, and the number indicates the type of small win symbol. In the example of the display screen 540c, the "small" effect symbol of the central effect symbol 501C is given the number "1", and the display screen 540c indicates that if the ball lands in the specific area 498 during this small win play, a special jackpot "3R time reduction available" (time reduction play available after the jackpot play) will be set.

The presentation screen 540c includes a mascot image 546, a message image 547, and a message image 548. The mascot image 546 is an image showing a bear mascot with a calm expression. The message image 547 is an image showing the characters "Right hit --> Right hit -->", suggesting that the game ball should be fired to the right side of the game area GA (so-called "right hit"). The message image 547 is an image showing the characters "Aim for V!", suggesting that the player should aim for the specific area 498 of the second large winning opening 490.

In this way, in a specification where the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern includes a bonus jackpot pattern and a non-bonus jackpot pattern, and all of the small jackpot patterns of the second special pattern are bonus small jackpot patterns, the special effect SP2 indicates whether or not a time-saving game is set based on the second special pattern that is confirmed and displayed following this variable display.

Figure 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a special effect SP3 displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The effect screen 550a and the effect screen 550b in Figure 30 are screens that display the special effect SP3 that is executed in conjunction with the changing display of the second special pattern. The effect screen 550a and the effect screen 550b have an effect pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503, and a second reserved pattern display area 504, similar to the effect screen 500a in Figure 24.

The presentation screen 550a in FIG. 30(a) is a screen following the presentation screen 500a in FIG. 24, and displays a reach state by varying and displaying the central presentation pattern 501C while the presentation pattern "4" is temporarily stopped as the left presentation pattern 501L and the presentation pattern "4" is temporarily stopped as the right presentation pattern 501R. In this embodiment, a combination of three presentation patterns "4" is a presentation mode that suggests a pattern jackpot of the second special pattern "15R no time reduction" (no time reduction play after the jackpot play). The presentation screen 550a includes a mascot image 551, a message image 552, and a message image 553. The mascot image 551 is an image that represents a bear mascot with an impatient expression. The message image 552 is an image that represents the character string "If you hit it like this...". The message image 553 is an image that represents the character string "You will lose the electric support...". The text in message image 552 and message image 553 indicates that if central performance pattern 501C is confirmed to be a performance pattern "4", then a time-saving play (electric support rush) will not be set following the big win play.

The performance screen 550b in FIG. 30(b) is a screen following the performance screen 550a, and displays a state in which the performance pattern "4" is about to be temporarily stopped as the central performance pattern 501C, with the performance pattern "4" temporarily stopped as the left performance pattern 501L and the performance pattern "4" temporarily stopped as the right performance pattern 501R. The performance screen 550b includes a mascot image 556 and a message image 558. The mascot image 556 is an image showing a bear mascot with a troubled expression. The message image 558 is an image showing the characters "Stop it!! Let's not get it together". The characters in the message image 558 represent a wish that the central performance pattern 501C will not be displayed as the performance pattern "4".

In this way, special effect SP3, through effect screen 550a and effect screen 550b, indicates the possibility that a jackpot pattern for which the a-time shortening game is not set will be displayed following the end of the jackpot game, and also indicates that the a-time shortening game will not be set based on that jackpot pattern.

According to the embodiment described above, the special effect SP1, which suggests whether the a-time shortening game is set based on the jackpot pattern along with the possibility of the jackpot pattern being displayed, can suggest whether the a-time shortening game is set in accordance with the variable display of the pattern. In addition, since the special effect SP1 is executed for the jackpot pattern rather than the small win pattern, even if there is a non-bonus small win pattern for which the a-time shortening game is not set following the end of the special jackpot game based on the ball entering the specific area 498, the special effect suggesting whether the a-time shortening game is set can be executed while avoiding the implementation of a game in which the ball is intentionally operated not to enter the specific area 498 when the non-bonus small win pattern is won. As a result, in a 1-type 2-type mixed machine, the interest in the game can be increased by suggesting the a-time shortening game in accordance with the variable display of the pattern.

In addition, because all small win symbols are bonus small win symbols, it is possible to execute a special performance suggesting whether or not the a-time shortening game is set, while avoiding a game in which the ball is intentionally prevented from entering the specific area 498, which may be performed when there is a non-bonus small win symbol that is not set to an easy-to-enter state, unlike the bonus small win symbol. As a result, in a type 1/type 2 mixed machine, the suggestion of the a-time shortening game in accordance with the changing display of the symbols can increase the interest in the game.

In addition, the special effect S2, which suggests whether or not a state where it is easy to score a ball will be set based on the big win pattern and the small win pattern along with the possibility that the non-bonus big win pattern and the bonus small win pattern will be displayed, can suggest whether or not the a-time shortened game will be set in accordance with the variable display of the small win pattern. As a result, in a type 1/type 2 mixed machine, the suggestion of the a-time shortened game in accordance with the variable display of the pattern can increase the interest in the game.

Also, unlike normal variable displays, variable displays accompanied by special effects SP3 can make the player expect that they will not win so that the time-saving game a will not end. As a result, in a 1-type 2-type mixed machine, the suggestion of the time-saving game a in accordance with the variable display of the patterns can increase the interest in the game.

B. Other embodiments The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, among the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments, examples, and modifications, those corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced and combined to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, technical features that are not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

At least some of the above-described embodiments can be applied to an enclosed pinball game machine. An enclosed pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside the machine, and the enclosed game balls are launched toward a game area of a game board, and game balls that are subsequently collected from the game area are used again to launch into the game area, thereby cyclically using the game balls enclosed inside for play.

In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute each of the special effects SP1, SP2, and SP3. In other embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to execute at least one of the special effects SP1, SP2, and SP3.

The special effect SP may be an effect that suggests the possibility of a combination of one or more effect patterns (one display line) being lined up, thereby indicating the possibility of a big win pattern or a small win pattern being confirmed and whether or not a state in which it is easy to score a ball is set based on the pattern that is confirmed and displayed following this variable display.

The special effect SP may temporarily stop all the effect symbols and then perform an effect in which all the effect symbols change again, or may temporarily stop all the effect symbols and then perform an effect (such as a mini-game) that suggests whether or not a time-saving game (a state where it is easy to score a ball) will be set.

In the above-described embodiment, all small win symbols are bonus small win symbols. In other embodiments, some small win symbols may be non-bonus small win symbols that do not set a time-saving game following the end of a special big win game when the special big win game is executed.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the end condition of the a time-saving game (ball-scoring easy state) is the maximum number of times that the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) are drawn (varied). In another embodiment, the end condition of the a time-saving game (ball-scoring easy state) may be the maximum number of times that the small win is won in addition to the maximum number of times that the special symbol is drawn. In this form, if the number of times that the small win is won reaches a set value and the ball does not enter the specific area 498 in the small win game, the pachinko game machine 10 ends the a time-saving game (ball-scoring easy state) and transitions to normal play. On the other hand, if the ball enters the specific area 498 in the small win game, the pachinko game machine 10 executes a bonus jackpot game based on the small win symbol.
For example, the a-time shortening game following the jackpot games "4R time shortening 1", "4R time shortening 2", "15R time shortening 1", and "15R time shortening 2" may be set to end on the condition that up to 50 special symbol drawings (condition 1) or up to 17 small jackpot wins (condition 2). Also, the a-time shortening game following the jackpot games "3R time shortening", "5R time shortening 1", "7R time shortening", "8R time shortening", "11R time shortening", "13R time shortening", and "15R time shortening 3" is set to end on the condition that up to 30 special symbol drawings (condition 1) or up to 15 small jackpot wins (condition 2), and only the a-time shortening game following "5R time shortening 2" may be set to end on the condition that up to 20 special symbol drawings (condition 1) or up to 10 small jackpot wins (condition 2).

The time-saving play a (ball-scoring state) may be configured such that, after the number of small jackpot wins in the time-saving play a reaches a set value, the ball does not enter the specific area 498, or the ball hardly enters the specific area 498, during the small jackpot play in the time-saving play a. In this form, after the number of small jackpot wins in the time-saving play a reaches a set value, the opening and closing timing of the shutter member 497 may be switched to a timing in which the ball cannot enter, the ball entry detection by the specific area switch 498s may be switched to be invalid, or the opening time of the second large winning opening 490 may be switched to a time in which the ball is difficult to enter (for example, 0.2 seconds).

The end condition of the a time-saving game (easy ball entry state) may be the maximum number of times a specific small win pattern is won in the a time-saving game. For example, if eight types of small win patterns 1 to 8 are set, the a time-saving game does not end no matter how many times small win patterns 1 to 7 are won, and the a time-saving game ends when small win pattern 8 is won once. In this form, if a small win pattern 8 is won once and the ball does not enter the specific area 498 in the small win game, the pachinko game machine 10 ends the a time-saving game (easy ball entry state) and transitions to normal play. On the other hand, if the ball enters the specific area 498 in the small win game, the pachinko game machine 10 executes a special feature jackpot game based on the small win pattern. Also, in the small win game based on the small win pattern 8, the ball may not enter the specific area 498, or may hardly enter the specific area 498. In this form, in a small win game based on small win pattern 8, the opening and closing timing of the shutter member 497 may be switched to a timing that makes it impossible for a ball to enter, the ball entry detection by the specific area switch 498s may be switched to be invalid, or the opening time of the second large winning opening 490 may be switched to a time that makes it difficult for a ball to enter (for example, 0.2 seconds).

In the above embodiment, the symbol jackpot of the second special chart includes a bonus jackpot and a non-bonus jackpot, but in another embodiment, the symbol jackpot of the second special chart is only a non-bonus jackpot (no easy-to-enter state is set for all symbol jackpots), and in the easy-to-enter state set after the special jackpot, the difficulty of generating the special jackpot may be lowered (for example, the number of times the special chart changes, which is the end condition for the easy-to-enter state, may be increased to 100 times, or the game ball that entered the second large winning hole in a small win game may pass through a specific area), so that the setting of the easy-to-enter state may be easily continued. According to this form, the end of the easy-to-enter state is triggered only when all the symbols of the second special chart are hit, and by performing a performance that suggests the end of the easy-to-enter state when the symbol jackpot is suggested, the interest of the game unique to a one-type two-type mixed machine can be improved.
Furthermore, in this form, if the pattern is fluctuating to cause a jackpot (a jackpot pattern is displayed for certain), a "electric support end effect" (announcement of the end of the easy-to-score state results in a jackpot confirmation effect) may be implemented (a comment such as "electric support will end with the next jackpot" may be displayed) to notify in advance that the easy-to-score state will end. This form can also increase the interest of the game that is unique to a type 1/type 2 mixed machine.
In addition, during the end of the easy-to-enter state after the special jackpot, the difficulty of the special jackpot occurring may be lowered, and the electric support may be made easier to continue, so that the end of the easy-to-enter state may be triggered only by the second special jackpot. According to this form, the special effects SP1, SP2 (FIG. 29), and SP3 that produce fluctuations that are likely to produce a jackpot can further increase the interest of the game that is unique to a type 1/type 2 mixed machine by their production effects.

10... Pachinko game machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 112... Hinge 120... Inner frame 120s... Inner frame opening switch 122... Hinge 124... Upper tray 126... Lower tray 126s... Full switch 128... Keyhole 130... Front frame 130s... Front frame opening switch 132... Transparent plate 134... Illumination 136... Speaker 140... Handle 140b... Handle volume 140m... Launch motor 140s... Launch stop switch 140t... Touch switch 152... Balance display device 154... Ball lending switch 156... Settlement switch 160... Performance button 172... Game ball tank 172s... Ball out switch 174... Payout device 174d... Payout motor 174s... Payout switch 210... Main control device 210m...RAM
212...Win/loss determination means 214...Win/loss determination means 215...Big win game means 216...Small win game means 217...Easy ball entry means 218...Special performance means 220...Sub-integrated control device 230...Performance pattern control device 240...Payout control device 250...Launch control device 260...Back wiring relay terminal board 265...External connection terminal board 270...Payout relay terminal board 280...Card unit terminal board 290...Power supply board 292...Power switch 294...RAM clear switch 302...Setting change switch 304...Setting change switch 400...Game board 402...Board surface 404...Guide rail 408...Game nail 409...Windmill nail 410...Center case 414...Illumination 420s...General winning port switch 421...Normal winning port 430...Normal pattern operation gate 430s...operation gate switch 440...normal electric role 440d...normal electric role solenoid 451...first start port 451s...first start port switch 452...second start port 452s...second start port switch 460...first large prize port 460d...first large prize port solenoid 460s...count switch 471...normal pattern display device 472...normal pattern reserve display device 473...first special pattern display device 474...first special pattern reserve display device 475...second special pattern display device 476...second special pattern reserve display device 480...performance pattern display device 490...second large prize port 490d...second large prize port solenoid 490s...count switch 495...distribution device 496...missing port 497...shutter member 497d...shutter solenoid 498...specific area 498s...specific area switch 500a-500c...performance screen 501...performance pattern display area 501C...central performance pattern 501L...left side performance pattern 501LD...lower left performance pattern 501LU...upper left performance pattern 501R...right side performance pattern 501RD...lower right performance pattern 501RU...upper right performance pattern 503...first reserved pattern display area 504...second reserved pattern display area 510a-510d...performance screen 511...mascot image 512...message image 513...mascot image 514...message image 515...mascot image 516...message image 517...mascot image 518...message image 520a-520c...performance screen 521...mascot image 522, 523...message image 530a, 530b...performance screen 531...Mascot image 532, 534...Message image 540a to 540c...Performance screen 541...Mascot image 542, 544...Message image 546...Mascot image 547, 548...Message image 550a, 550b...Performance screen 551...Mascot image 552, 553...Message image 556...Mascot image 558...Message image L1, L2...Display line

Claims (1)

A winning/losing determination means for executing a winning/losing determination based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
A symbol display means for displaying a symbol according to the result of the winning/losing judgment after displaying a plurality of symbols in a variable manner;
a jackpot game means for executing a jackpot game by opening and closing a first jackpot winning hole to allow a ball to enter the first jackpot winning hole when the symbol display means displays a jackpot symbol;
a small win game means for executing a small win game by opening and closing a second large winning hole so that a ball can enter the hole when the symbol display means displays a small win symbol;
a bonus jackpot game means for executing the jackpot game when a game ball that entered the second big prize winning hole in the small prize game passes through a specific area provided inside the second big prize winning hole;
a ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry facilitating state in which the ball entry into the starting hole is made easier than in a normal game following the end of the jackpot game in accordance with the type of symbols that cause the jackpot game, including the jackpot symbol and the small jackpot symbol;
A performance display means for performing a variable performance using a performance pattern based on the result of the winning/losing judgment;
A pinball game machine comprising:
The effect symbols displayed when a winning is obtained include at least a first symbol for informing the player that the ball will be easily scored and a second symbol for informing the player that the ball will not be easily scored.
The variable performance includes a reach performance, and the reach performance includes a special reach performance that displays a message image together with the performance pattern,
The special reach presentation is characterized in that, in the easy-to-score state, when a reach is achieved with the second symbol, a presentation is given in the message image to indicate a wish not to win, and when a reach is achieved with the first symbol, a presentation is given in the message image to indicate a wish to win.

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