JP7520360B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine that has a function of converting to a time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of special symbols is shorter than in a normal game state.

In gaming machines such as pachinko and slot machines, a configuration is generally used in which a special game is executed in which a large prize entry port is opened when a random number extracted by the establishment of a predetermined condition is judged to be a hit or a miss and a result is a big prize. In such gaming machines, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration in which, when a predetermined ceiling condition is established in the normal game state, a big prize is generated and a big prize game (special game) is executed by generating a big prize regardless of the random number lottery. Here, the ceiling condition is disclosed as the number of consecutive misses judged by the hit or miss judgment reaching a predetermined value. That is, in the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, the conditions for executing the big prize game in which the large prize entry port is opened are set as follows: a random number extracted due to a ball entering the start port is judged to be a big prize, and the number of consecutive misses judged in the normal game state reaches a predetermined value, and the ceiling condition is established.

In recent years, a configuration has been known in which the starting hole can be converted between an open state where a game ball can be inserted and a closed state where a game ball cannot be inserted (or is difficult to insert), and when the ceiling condition is met in the normal game state, the game state is converted to an easy-ball-insertion game state in which it is easier to insert a ball into the starting hole compared to the normal game state. In this configuration, when the ceiling condition is met, the game state transitions from the normal game state to the easy-ball-insertion game state without going through a jackpot game.

JP 2004-16703 A

The conventional configuration described above is one in which a jackpot game is executed or a transition to an easy-entry ball game state occurs when the ceiling condition is met, and is configured to provide a variety of games. However, in this conventional configuration, the special symbols that are determined to be a miss are changed relatively monotonously according to a preset change time until the ceiling condition is met. For this reason, there is little change until the ceiling condition is met, and it is difficult to say that the effect of increasing the variety of games by meeting the ceiling condition is achieved.

The present invention proposes a pinball game machine that can increase the interest of players by changing the process by which the above-mentioned ceiling conditions are established and increasing the diversity based on the ceiling conditions.

The present invention relates to a game machine that includes a first starting port through which a game ball flowing down a game area can enter, a second starting port that is converted between an open state through which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot or has difficulty entering, a first special pattern display device that variably displays a first special pattern, a second special pattern display device that variably displays a second special pattern, a random number extraction means that extracts a predetermined random number due to a game ball entering the first starting port and the second starting port, a win/loss determination means that determines whether or not a win is determined based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means, and a game machine that starts to vary the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device when a predetermined first variation condition is met, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, changes the first special pattern to the previous special pattern. a first special symbol control means for stopping and displaying the second special symbol in a symbol mode showing the result of the judgment by the hit/miss judgment means; a second special symbol control means for starting the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device when a predetermined second variation condition is satisfied, and for stopping and displaying the second special symbol in a symbol mode showing the result of the judgment by the hit/miss judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed; a special game control means for executing a big win game for opening a big win opening based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a symbol mode showing the big win judgment when a big win is judged by the hit/miss judgment means; and a number of variations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and a number of variations of the number of variations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. A pinball game machine including a fluctuation counting means for clearing the accumulated fluctuation count counted by the hit/miss judging means based on a hit/miss judgment, and a game state conversion means for converting the game state into an easy-entry ball game state in which it is easier for a ball to enter the second starting hole compared to a normal game state when the accumulated fluctuation count counted by the hit/miss judging means reaches a predetermined threshold value, the game state conversion means is provided with a jackpot time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state upon the end of the jackpot game, and the time-saving game state converted by the jackpot time-saving transition process is the normal game state. The pinball game machine is characterized in that it has a first time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol is shorter than the game state and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol, and a second time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the temporary time-saving game state, and the jackpot time-saving transition process has a process content that selects and determines the temporary time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state to be switched to upon the end of the jackpot game according to a predetermined selection probability when the jackpot is determined by the hit/miss determination means.

The "first variable condition" is preferably set so that the winning/losing determination means determines whether or not a game is won based on a random number extracted when a game ball enters the first starting hole. For example, in a configuration in which the random number extracted when a game ball enters the first starting hole is stored as a first reserved memory, and the winning/losing determination means determines whether or not a game is won by consuming the first reserved memory, the first variable condition can be set to be consuming the first reserved memory. Also, in a configuration in which the random number extracted when a game ball enters the first starting hole is not stored as a reserved memory, but is instead immediately determined to be won or not based on the random number, the first variable condition can be set to be determining whether or not a game is won based on the random number.

The "second variable condition", like the first variable condition, is preferably set so that the winning/losing determination means performs a winning/losing determination based on a random number extracted when the game ball enters the second starting hole. For example, in a configuration in which the random number extracted when the game ball enters the second starting hole is stored as a second reserved memory, the second variable condition can be set to the consumption of the second reserved memory. Also, in a configuration in which the random number extracted when the game ball enters the second starting hole is not stored as a reserved memory but is instead immediately determined to be a winning/losing based on the random number, the second variable condition can be set to the determination of the winning/losing of the random number.

The "easy ball entry game state" is a game state in which it is easy to enter the second starting hole, so it is preferable to set it to a state in which the second starting hole is easier to open and the opening time of the second starting hole is longer, for example, compared to the normal game state.

The "average fluctuation time of the first special symbol" may be any of the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol required from the start of fluctuation to the stop display in a symbol mode showing a miss judgment result (hereinafter referred to as a miss symbol mode), the average fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation to the stop display in a symbol mode showing a judgment result other than a jackpot judgment result, and the average fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation to the stop display (stop display of symbol modes showing all judgment results including a jackpot judgment result). Similarly, the "average fluctuation time of the second special symbol" may be any of the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol required from the start of fluctuation to the stop display in a miss symbol mode, the average fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation to the stop display in a symbol mode showing a judgment result other than a jackpot judgment, and the average fluctuation time from the start of fluctuation to the stop display (stop display of symbol modes showing all judgment results including a jackpot judgment).
In addition, "the average fluctuation time is shortened" is not limited to a configuration in which the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set so that the average fluctuation time is shortened regardless of the presence or absence of the reach performance, but also includes a configuration in which, even if the fluctuation time of the special symbol set in advance is the same, the execution probability of the reach performance is lowered to make it difficult to execute the reach performance, thereby relatively shortening the average fluctuation time. In other words, any configuration in which the average fluctuation time is substantially shortened is included in the present invention.

The "selection probability" refers to the probability for selecting and determining the first time-shortened game state and the probability for selecting and determining the second time-shortened game state, and both may be the same or different from each other. Furthermore, it may be set so that either the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state is selected, or it may be set so that neither is selected. In the latter case, it may be set so that a game state other than the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state is selected.

In this configuration, the game can be selectively switched to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state upon the end of a jackpot game. When the game is switched to the first time-saving game state, the average time for at least the first special symbol to change becomes longer than that of the second time-saving game state, and the number of times the first special symbol can change per unit time becomes smaller than that of the second time-saving game state. Therefore, when the game is switched to the first time-saving game state after a jackpot game, the cumulative number of changes that increases per unit time becomes smaller than that of the second time-saving game state, so the time required for the cumulative number of changes to reach the threshold value (to be converted to the easy-to-enter ball game state) tends to increase. In other words, when the game is switched to the second time-saving game state after a jackpot game, the time required for the game to change to the easy-to-enter ball game state becomes shorter. In this way, depending on whether the game transitions to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game, a relatively large change can occur in the process leading to the transition to the easy-to-enter ball game state, so the diversity of the game can be effectively increased by transitioning to the easy-to-enter ball game state when the cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a threshold value. Therefore, with this configuration, unprecedentedly varied games can be played in the process leading to the easy-to-enter ball game state, dramatically increasing the interest of the game.

The present invention provides a game machine including a first starting port through which a game ball flowing down a game area can enter, a second starting port which is converted between an open state through which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a closed state through which a game ball cannot or has difficulty entering, a first special pattern display device which variably displays a first special pattern, a second special pattern display device which variably displays a second special pattern, a random number extraction means which extracts a predetermined random number due to game balls entering the first starting port and the second starting port, a win/loss determination means which determines whether a game has been won or lost based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means, and a first special pattern display device which starts to vary a first special pattern on the first special pattern display device when a predetermined first variation condition is met, and stops and displays a pattern in a pattern form which indicates the result of the determination by the win/loss determination means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed. Another symbol control means, a second special symbol control means which, when a predetermined second variation condition is satisfied, starts varying the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device and, after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, stops and displays the second special symbol in a pattern mode which indicates the result of the judgment by the hit/miss judgment means, a special game control means which, when a hit is judged by the hit/miss judgment means, executes a hit game which opens a big win opening based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern mode which indicates the hit judgment, a variation counting means which accumulates the number of variations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol and clears the accumulated cumulative variation number based on at least the hit being judged by the hit/miss judgment means, and a variation counting means which accumulates the number of variations by the variation counting means. and a game state conversion means for converting the game state into an easy ball entry game state in which the ball is more easily entered into the second starting hole than in a normal game state when the accumulated cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined threshold value. The winning/loss determination means is provided with a process for determining whether or not a time-saving win has occurred based on a random number extracted by the random number extraction means, and the game state conversion means is further provided with a winning time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state, based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern form indicating the time-saving win determination when the winning/loss determination means determines that a time-saving win has occurred. The pinball game machine may be characterized in that the time-saving game states to be switched to include a first time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special pattern is shorter than that of the normal game state and the average fluctuation time of the second special pattern is shorter than that of the first special pattern, and a second time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is shorter than that of the first special pattern in the temporary short game state, and the winning time-saving transition processing includes a processing content for selecting and determining the temporary short game state or the second time-saving game state to be switched to as the fluctuation of the first special pattern or the second special pattern stops in accordance with a preset selection probability when the time-saving win is determined by the win/loss determination means.

Here, the "first change condition", "second change condition", "easy ball entry game state", "average change time of first special symbol", "average change time of second special symbol", "average change time becomes shorter", and "selection probability" are as described above.

In this configuration, the winning/losing determination means determines whether or not at least a jackpot and a time-saving winning have been won, and when a time-saving winning is determined, the first or second special symbol stops in a pattern state (hereinafter referred to as a time-saving winning pattern state) that indicates the time-saving winning determination, and the time-saving winning is confirmed, the game can be selectively transitioned to a first time-saving game state or a second time-saving game state. When transitioned to the first time-saving game state, the average fluctuation time of at least the first special symbol becomes longer than that of the second time-saving game state, and the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol that can be executed per unit time decreases. Therefore, when transitioning to the first time-saving game state following the confirmation of a time-saving winning is made, the cumulative number of fluctuations that increases per unit time is smaller than when transitioning to the second time-saving game state, and therefore the time required for the cumulative number of fluctuations to reach the threshold value (to be converted to the easy-entry ball game state) tends to increase. In particular, since the time-saving hit judgment by the hit/miss judgment means may occur multiple times while the cumulative number of fluctuations is accumulated, the more times the game state is converted to the first time-saving game state, the more time it takes to convert to the easy-in ball game state. In other words, the more times the game state is converted to the second time-saving game state by the time-saving hit judgment, the shorter the time it takes to convert to the easy-in ball game state. In this way, depending on whether the game state is converted to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state upon confirmation of the time-saving hit, a relatively large change can occur in the process leading to the easy-in ball game state, so that the diversity of the game can be effectively increased by transitioning to the easy-in ball game state due to the threshold value of the cumulative number of fluctuations being reached. Therefore, according to this configuration, a game with unprecedented variety can be played in the process leading to the easy-in ball game state, and the interest in the game can be dramatically improved.

The reference invention of the present invention includes a first starting port through which a game ball flowing down a game area can enter, a second starting port that is converted between an open state through which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter and a closed state in which a game ball cannot or has difficulty entering, a first special pattern display device that variably displays a first special pattern, a second special pattern display device that variably displays a second special pattern, a random number extraction means that extracts a predetermined random number due to game balls entering the first starting port and the second starting port, a win/loss determination means that determines whether or not a win is won based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means, a first special pattern control means that starts to vary the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device when a predetermined first variation condition is met, and stops and displays the pattern in a pattern state that indicates the result of the determination by the win/loss determination means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, and a second special pattern control means that starts to vary the second special pattern on the second special pattern display device when a predetermined second variation condition is met. a second special symbol control means for starting a jackpot game by stopping and displaying a symbol pattern showing the result of the judgment by the win/loss judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, a special game control means for executing a jackpot game by opening a jackpot opening based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a symbol pattern showing the result of the jackpot judgment when the win/loss judgment means judges that a jackpot has occurred, a variation counting means for accumulating the number of variations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol and clearing the accumulated cumulative variation number at least based on the judgment of a jackpot by the win/loss judgment means, and a game state conversion means for converting the game state into an easy ball entry game state in which it is easier to enter the second start hole compared to a normal game state when the cumulative variation number accumulated by the variation counting means reaches a predetermined threshold value, The game state conversion means is provided with a winning time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which an average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state, based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern form indicating the time-saving win determination, when the time-saving win determination means determines that a win has occurred, and a jackpot time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which an average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state, with the end of a jackpot game executed based on the jackpot determination by the win/loss determination means. The pinball game machine is characterized in that it has a first time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol, and a second time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the temporary time-saving game state, the winning time-saving transition process has a process content for selecting and determining the temporary time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state to be switched to when the fluctuation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops according to a preset selection probability when the win/loss determination means determines that the time-saving win has been won, and the jackpot time-saving transition process has a process content for selecting and determining the temporary time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state to be switched to when the jackpot game ends, according to a preset selection probability when the win/loss determination means determines that the jackpot has been won.

Here, the "first change condition", "second change condition", "easy ball entry game state", "average change time of first special symbol", "average change time of second special symbol", "average change time becomes shorter", and "selection probability" are as described above. In addition, the "win/lose determination means" determines whether or not at least a jackpot and a time-saving win have been won.

In this configuration, the game can be selectively shifted to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state upon the end of the big win game, and can be selectively shifted to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state upon the confirmation of the time-saving win by the first special symbol or the second special symbol stopping in the time-saving win pattern mode. When shifted to the first time-saving game state, the average fluctuation time of at least the first special symbol becomes longer than that of the second time-saving game state, so the number of fluctuations of the first special symbol that can be executed per unit time decreases. Therefore, when shifting to the first time-saving game state upon the confirmation of the time-saving win, the cumulative number of fluctuations that increases per unit time decreases compared to when shifting to the second time-saving game state, so the time required for the cumulative number of fluctuations to reach the threshold value (to be converted to the easy-entry ball game state) tends to increase. Here, since the time-saving hit determination by the hit/miss determination means may occur multiple times while the cumulative number of variations is being accumulated, the more times the state is converted to the first time-saving game state, the longer the time required to convert to the easy-in ball game state described above. In other words, the more times the state is converted to the second time-saving game state by the time-saving hit determination, the shorter the time required to convert to the easy-in ball game state. Furthermore, even if the state is converted to the second time-saving game state after a jackpot game, the longer the time required to convert to the easy-in ball game state is.
In this way, depending on whether the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state is entered when the jackpot game ends and the time-saving win is confirmed, the process leading to the transition to the easy-to-enter ball game state can change relatively significantly, so the diversity of the game can be effectively increased by transitioning to the easy-to-enter ball game state when the cumulative fluctuation count reaches the threshold value. Therefore, according to this configuration, a game with unprecedented variety can be played in the process leading to the easy-to-enter ball game state, dramatically increasing the interest of the game.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. 1 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining some of the game specifications. (A) A diagram showing the relationship between the jackpot pattern form of the first special pattern and the content of the jackpot game, and (B) a diagram showing the relationship between the jackpot game form of the second special pattern and the content of the jackpot game. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main routine. A flowchart showing the start winning processing. This is a flowchart 1 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 2 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 3 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 4 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 5 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 6 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 7 showing the process of determining whether the first special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 1 showing the process of determining whether the second special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 2 showing the process of determining whether the second special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 3 showing the process of determining whether the second special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 4 showing the process of determining whether the second special pattern is correct or not. This is a flowchart 5 showing the process of determining whether the second special pattern is correct or not. 1 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 2 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing. 3 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing. This is a flowchart 1 showing small win game processing. This is a flowchart 2 showing small win game processing. 11 is a table explaining specifications of a non-time-saving mode, a first time-saving mode, and a second time-saving mode. An explanatory diagram showing the flow of transitioning to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state when a jackpot time-shortened transition condition is met. An explanatory diagram showing the flow of transitioning to a first time-shortened game state or a second time-shortened game state upon the establishment of a time-shortened transition condition. An explanatory diagram showing the process of transitioning to the second time-saving game state when the ceiling transition condition is met. An explanatory diagram showing the reach performance probability and the fluctuation time table used to determine the fluctuation time between the first special pattern and the second special pattern.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the following examples and alternative examples may be combined as appropriate.

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

Speakers 66 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and game sounds and alarm sounds emitted from the speakers 66 enhance the entertainment value of the game and alert the player. The front frame 52 is also provided with multiple frame-side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status, enhancing the entertainment value of the game through the emission of light. Furthermore, the upper tray 55 and lower tray 63 are integrally provided on the lower part of the front frame 52, and a launch handle 64 is provided to the right of the lower tray 63. When the player rotates the launch handle 64 clockwise, it operates a launch device (not shown) and launches game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 toward the game area 3 of the game board 2.

Prize balls and loan balls are dispensed onto the upper tray 55. The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and is equipped with a ball removal lever (not shown) that ejects the game balls in the lower tray 63. When the player operates this ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box).

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a settlement display device 94 (see FIG. 3) that has a loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a balance display device 59. In addition, the center of the upper tray 55 is provided with an effect button 67, a jog dial 68, and a decision switch 69 that can be operated by the player.

Figure 2 is a front view of the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 has a roughly circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 2a and 2b, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are planted in the game area 3. A center case 5 is disposed in the game area 3, and an LCD screen of a performance pattern display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center case 5 so that it can be seen from the front. The center case 5 also has a warp entrance, warp passage, stage, etc. (not shown).

Directly below the center case 5, a first starting hole 11 and a second starting hole 12 are arranged side by side, one above the other. The upper first starting hole 11 is configured so that game balls can be inserted at all times, while the lower second starting hole 12 is configured with a normal electric device 13 with openable and closable wings, and is configured so that game balls can be inserted only when the wings are open.

Furthermore, a large prize opening 14 is disposed directly below the normal electric device 13. The large prize opening 14 is composed of a special electric device 15, which has an opening/closing piece (not shown) that can be switched between an upright position to close the large prize opening 14 and a tilted position to open it by tilting it forward from the upright position. By switching the opening/closing piece to the upright position, the large prize opening 14 is closed so that game balls cannot enter it, and by switching the opening/closing piece to the tilted position, the large prize opening 14 is opened so that game balls can enter it. The special electric device 15 has a large prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 3) that switches the opening/closing piece open and closed, and the large prize opening solenoid 14b can be driven and controlled to switch the large prize opening 14 between the closed state and the open state.

In addition, a normal symbol activation gate 17 through which game balls can always pass is provided to the left of the center case 5, and four general winning holes 41 are provided to the left of the normal electric device 13. These general winning holes 41 are configured to always allow game balls to enter. Furthermore, an outlet 16 is provided at the most downstream part of the game area 3, and if a game ball launched into the game area 3 does not enter any of the winning holes or the starting hole, the ball will enter the outlet 16.

In addition, at the lower right of the game board 2, there are arranged a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of multiple LEDs, a normal symbol reserved number display device 8, a first special symbol reserved number display device 18, and a second special symbol reserved number display device 19, as well as a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 consisting of 7-segment displays.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. This block diagram does not show relay boards or power supply boards that simply relay signals. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc. The CPU of each of these control devices executes the programs loaded in each ROM in response to interrupt signals with a 2 ms cycle, and performs various controls.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from the first start port switch 11a, which detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, the second start port switch 12a, which detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, the normal gate switch 17a, which detects game balls that have passed through the normal symbol activation gate 17, the count switch 14a, which counts game balls that have entered the big prize port 14, and each general prize port switch 41a, which respectively detects game balls that have entered the general prize port 41, via the game board relay terminal board 74.

The main control device 80 operates according to the program stored in its ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83. In addition, the main control device 80 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the normal symbol display device 7 through the symbol display device relay terminal board 75, and controls the lighting of the first special symbol reserved number display device 18, the second special symbol reserved number display device 19, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 8. In addition, the main control device 80 is also connected to the large prize opening solenoid 14b and the normal electric solenoid 13a through the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 14 by driving and controlling the large prize opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by driving and controlling the normal electric solenoid 13a. The main control device 80 also outputs management signals for symbol changes, jackpots, etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78.

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

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

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

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

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80, sorts them into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, sends the commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, and distributes the data for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in itself (functional parts serving as a sound control device and a lamp control device). The functional part serving as a sound control device then operates the sound LSI based on the data for sound control, thereby controlling the output of sound from the speaker 66, and the functional part serving as a lamp control device then operates the lamp driver based on the data for lamp control, thereby controlling the illumination of various LEDs and lamps 65.

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

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

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

Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.
When a gaming ball that has flowed down the gaming area 3 enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a in FIG. 3 detects the gaming ball), the first special symbol starts to change on the first special symbol display device 9, and a random number extracted due to the ball entering the game is judged as a win or lose. Then, when a predetermined change time has elapsed from the start of the change, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of this judgment is announced.
Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the first starting hole 11 is stored as a first reserved memory, as described below. Up to four first reserved memories can be stored, and the number of first reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18. The hit/miss judgment and the change of the first special symbol are executed by consuming the first reserved memories thus stored. The first reserved memory number indicates the number of unconsumed first reserved memories.

On the other hand, when the game ball that has flowed down the game area 3 passes through the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal gate switch 17a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device 7 starts to display the normal symbol in a varying manner, and the random number extracted due to the ball entering is judged as a win or loss. Then, if the normal symbol that has stopped a predetermined time after the start of the variation is in a predetermined winning state, the wing piece of the normal electric device 13 is driven, the second start hole 12 is opened, and the game ball can enter the second start hole 12. Here, the wing piece of the normal electric device 13 opens once for 0.2 seconds in the non-time-saving mode described below with one hit of the normal symbol, and opens three times for 1 second in the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode described below.

When a game ball enters the second start hole 12 thus opened (the second start hole switch 12a in FIG. 3 detects the game ball), the second special symbol display device 10 starts to vary the second special symbol, and judges whether the random number extracted due to the ball entering the hole is a win or a loss. Then, when a predetermined variation time has elapsed from the start of the variation, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, and the result of this judgment is announced.
Here, the random number extracted when the ball enters the second starting hole 12 is stored as a second reserved memory, as described below. Up to four second reserved memories can be stored, and the number of stored second reserved memories (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved memory number) is represented by the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 19. The hit/miss judgment and the change of the second special symbol are executed by consuming the second reserved memories thus stored. The second reserved memory number indicates the number of unconsumed second reserved memories.

In this embodiment, the first special pattern display device 9 can simultaneously display the first special pattern and the second special pattern display device 10 can simultaneously display the second special pattern. In other words, the first special pattern and the second special pattern can be displayed independently, and even if one of them is being displayed, the reserved memory of the other can be consumed and displayed. For example, if a second reserved memory is generated by a ball entering the second starting hole 12 while the first special pattern is being displayed, the second reserved memory is immediately consumed and the display of the second special pattern begins.

In the hit/miss judgment executed by the consumption of the first reserved memory (first special pattern hit/miss judgment process described later), it is judged whether or not there is a jackpot, and if it is judged to be a jackpot, the first special pattern display device 9 stops the first special pattern in a predetermined jackpot pattern form to confirm the jackpot. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a judgment is executed as to whether or not there is a time-saving hit by the consumption of the first reserved memory. In this way, the hit/miss judgment by the consumption of the first reserved memory judges whether or not there is a jackpot, a time-saving hit, or a miss. Here, in this embodiment, if it is judged to be a time-saving hit in the normal game state described later, the first special pattern display device 9 stops the first special pattern in a predetermined time-saving hit pattern form to confirm the time-saving hit, while if it is judged to be a time-saving hit in a game state other than the normal game state, the time-saving hit is invalidated and the first special pattern is stopped in a miss pattern form to confirm the miss.

Meanwhile, the hit/miss judgment executed by the consumption of the second reserved memory (second special pattern hit/miss judgment process described below) judges whether or not a big hit has occurred, and if it is judged to be a big hit, the second special pattern display device 10 stops the second special pattern in a predetermined big hit pattern form to confirm the big hit. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second reserved memory is consumed to judge whether or not a small hit has occurred. Then, if it is judged to be a small hit, the second special pattern display device 10 stops the second special pattern in a predetermined small hit pattern form to confirm the small hit. In this way, the hit/miss judgment executed by the consumption of the second reserved memory judges whether or not a big hit, small hit, or miss.

In addition, since this embodiment is configured to be able to simultaneously change and display the first special symbol and the second special symbol, it is designed so that a big win on one side does not overlap with a big win, small win, or time-saving win on the other side. In other words, if one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is changing while the other stops in a big win pattern to confirm a big win, the other one is immediately stopped in a losing pattern to confirm a loss.

As described above, when a jackpot is confirmed by the display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a jackpot game is executed in which the large prize opening 14 is opened. In the jackpot game, the opening round in which the large prize opening 14 is opened is repeated a predetermined number of times with intervals. In addition, when a time-saving win is confirmed by the display of the first special symbol, the game transitions to a first time-saving game state or a second time-saving game state, which will be described later. The first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state will be described in detail later. In addition, when a small win is confirmed by the display of the second special symbol, a small win game is executed in which the large prize opening 14 is opened and closed once. Here, in this embodiment, since the determination of whether or not a time-saving win has occurred is made only by the consumption of the first reserved memory, a time-saving win does not occur due to the consumption of the second reserved memory (change in the second special symbol). And, since the determination of whether or not a small win has occurred is made only by the consumption of the second reserved memory, a small win does not occur due to the consumption of the first reserved memory (change in the first special symbol).

In this embodiment, two types of jackpot games with different numbers of open rounds are provided, and when a jackpot is determined by the lottery based on the consumption of the first reserved memory or the second reserved memory, one of the jackpot games is selectively executed. The selection of the jackpot game is performed based on a random number (a random number for determining the first and second jackpot symbols described later) that is extracted by the ball entering the first start hole 11 and the second start hole 12, as described later.
As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the two types of jackpot games are a long type in which the opening round of the large prize opening 14 is repeated 10 times, and a short type in which the opening round is repeated 4 times, with each opening round being repeated with an interval in between. In either type, when the opening time of the large prize opening 14 has elapsed for 30 seconds or when 10 game balls (a specified number) have entered the large prize opening 14, the large prize opening 14 is closed and the game ends. In such a jackpot game, when the long type with a large number of rounds is executed, more game balls can enter the large prize opening 14 than in the short type.

The small win game described above involves opening the large prize opening 14 once for 1.5 seconds. In this type of small win game, it is more difficult to win a prize ball than in the large win game described above.

Next, the specifications of the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Below, the number of winning balls, the probability of winning a big win, the probability of winning a time-saving win, the probability of winning a small win, the probability of winning a normal pattern, and each game state will be explained. Explanations of other specifications will be omitted as they are the same as in the past.

As shown in FIG. 4, when a ball lands in each of the starting holes 11 and 12, the large prize hole 14, and the general prize hole 41, a set number of prize balls are paid out for each. Specifically, three prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the first starting hole 11, five prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the second starting hole 12, thirteen prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the large prize hole 14, and five prize balls are paid out for each ball that lands in the general prize hole 41.

The configuration of this embodiment also has the function of increasing the probability of winning a jackpot through the hit/miss judgment described above, and is configured as a so-called probability fluctuating machine. Games in this configuration are broadly divided into games that proceed with the jackpot opening 14 closed and the jackpot games described above in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened, and the games that proceed with the jackpot opening 14 closed have the following settings: normal game state, special game state, first time-saving game state, and second time-saving game state.

The normal game state is a game state in which the mode is "low probability mode/non-time-saving mode," and the special game state is a game state in which the mode is "high probability mode/second time-saving mode." On the other hand, the first time-saving game state is a game state in which the mode is "low probability mode/first time-saving mode," and the second time-saving game state is a game state in which the mode is "low probability mode/second time-saving mode."

In the low probability mode, a preset low probability is set as valid, and a hit/miss determination is made as to whether or not a jackpot has been reached. In the high probability mode, a high probability, which is higher than the low probability, is set as valid, and a hit/miss determination is made. In other words, the low probability and high probability are set as the jackpot hit probability for determining whether or not a jackpot has been reached, and the low probability is used in the hit/miss determination in the normal game state and the first and second time-saving game states, and the high probability is used in the hit/miss determination in the special game state. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the low probability of winning in the low probability mode is 1/300, and the high probability of winning in the high probability mode is 1/30.

The one-time-shortening mode and the second-time-shortening mode have a function (hereinafter referred to as the time-shortening function) that shortens the average change time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol compared to the non-time-shortening mode and shortens the change time of the normal symbol compared to the non-time-shortening mode, and a function (hereinafter referred to as the opening extension function) that makes the winning probability of the normal symbol higher than the non-time-shortening mode and extends the opening time of the second start hole 12 compared to the non-time-shortening mode. Due to such a time-shortening function and the opening extension function, in the probability-variation game state and the first and second time-shortening game states, the number of changes of the first and second special symbols and the number of changes of the normal symbol per unit time tend to increase compared to the normal game state, and it becomes easier for the ball to enter the second start hole 12. Here, in this embodiment, the same opening extension function is set in the first and second time-shortening modes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the probability of winning a normal pattern is 1/10 in the non-time-saving mode, while it is 9/10 in the first and second time-saving modes. The second start port 12 is opened once for about 0.2 seconds in the non-time-saving mode, and three times for about 1 second in the first and second time-saving modes.

The time-saving function of the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode is related to the essential part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later. Furthermore, the selective transition to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state after a big win or when a time-saving win is confirmed is also related to the essential part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

The above-mentioned probability variation game state is a game state that can be transitioned to with the end of a jackpot game, and ends when the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes (hereinafter referred to as the number of times of special symbol changes) reaches the upper limit value for probability variation in the game state, or when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in the jackpot symbol mode described later (the jackpot game starts). Then, when the number of times of special symbol changes in the probability variation game state reaches the upper limit value for probability variation, the game transitions to the normal game state. In this embodiment, the upper limit value for probability variation is set to 100 times (see FIG. 5).
Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment is provided with a limiter function, and when the probability variable game state continues a predetermined number of times through a jackpot game, the game state transitions to a normal game state after the next jackpot game ends. Specifically, when the probability variable game state continues nine times through a jackpot game, the game state transitions to a normal game state after the tenth jackpot game. That is, in this embodiment, the jackpot game repeated through the probability variable game state can be continued up to ten times (in other words, the upper limit of the consecutive number of times is 10 times), and the upper limit number of times (limit number of times) that the probability variable game state can be continuously generated is set to nine times.

The first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state described above are game states to which a transition can be made when a jackpot game ends, and are also game states to which a transition can be made from the normal game state when a time-saving hit is confirmed by the first special symbol in the normal game state, as described above. Furthermore, the second time-saving game state is a game state to which a transition can be made from the normal game state when the cumulative number of fluctuations, which will be described later, reaches a predetermined threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling transition condition). In other words, after a jackpot game ends, a transition can be made to either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, and when the time-saving hit is confirmed, a transition is made to either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. When the ceiling transition condition is met, a transition is made to the second time-saving game state.

In this embodiment, the probability of determining whether or not a time-saving hit has been made based on the consumption of the first reserved memory (hereinafter, referred to as the probability of winning the time-saving hit) is set to 1/150 (see Figure 4).

The ceiling transition condition is set to the total number (accumulated number of changes) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the low probability mode (normal game state, first time-saving game state, and second time-saving game state) reaching a predetermined threshold value. That is, the ceiling transition condition is established when the accumulated number of changes reaches the threshold value, and the game transitions to the second time-saving game state. This accumulated number of changes is cleared when the RAM is cleared by turning on the power, and when the jackpot game starts (when the jackpot is confirmed) or ends. Here, since the number of changes of the first and second special symbols is substantially the same as the number of times the winning/losing judgment is made by consuming the first and second reserved memories, the accumulated number of changes can be said to be the total number of times the winning/losing judgment is made by consuming the first reserved memory and the number of times the winning/losing judgment is made by consuming the second reserved memory (so-called accumulated number of judgments).
In this embodiment, the threshold value of the ceiling transition condition is set to 900 times. That is, when the total number of times that the win/loss judgment is made based on the consumption of the first reserved memory and the consumption of the second reserved memory in the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state (the total number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol that do not determine a jackpot) reaches 900 times (threshold value), the game state transitions to the second time-saving game state.

The first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state are terminated when the number of times the special symbol changes in each game state reaches a predetermined time-saving upper limit value, and when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a jackpot symbol form (a jackpot game is started), which will be described later. When the number of times the special symbol changes in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state reaches the time-saving upper limit value, the game state transitions to the normal game state.
Here, the time-saving upper limit value, which is the end condition of the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, is set according to the transition condition to the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, respectively. That is, when the transition occurs with the end of a jackpot game (when the jackpot time-saving transition condition described later is established), the end condition of the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot time-saving end condition) is established when the special chart fluctuation number reaches the time-saving upper limit value for after the jackpot game. Also, when the transition occurs due to the establishment of the ceiling transition condition, the end condition of the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling time-saving end condition) is established when the special chart fluctuation number reaches the time-saving upper limit value for the ceiling. In addition, when the transition is made due to the determination of the time-saving hit (when the transition condition for the time-saving hit described later is established), the end condition of the second time-saving game state (hereinafter, the time-saving hit end condition) is established by the fact that the number of times of the special chart fluctuation reaches the time-saving hit upper limit value. In this embodiment, the time-saving upper limit value after the big win game is set to 100 times, the time-saving upper limit value for the ceiling is set to 1000 times, and the time-saving upper limit value for the time-saving hit is set to 50 times.

In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small jackpot in the hit/miss judgment based on the consumption of the second reserved memory is set to a uniform value (for example, 1/60) regardless of the game state. Note that, although the probability of winning a small jackpot is set to a uniform value in this embodiment, this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which different probabilities of winning a small jackpot are set between the low probability mode and the high probability mode, similar to the probability of winning a large jackpot described above, may also be used.

Next, the big winning pattern aspect of the first and second special patterns will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the first special symbol is displayed variably on the first special symbol display device 9 based on the consumption of the first reserved memory, and after the lapse of the variable time, it is stopped and displayed in a symbol form showing the result of the hit/miss judgment. In the consumption of the first reserved memory, a jackpot, a time-saving hit, or a miss is judged based on the hit/miss judgment, so the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a symbol form showing a jackpot (jackpot symbol form), a symbol form showing a time-saving hit (time-saving hit symbol form), or a symbol form showing a miss (miss symbol form) to confirm the jackpot, time-saving hit, or miss. In addition, as described above, when a time-saving hit is judged, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a time-saving hit symbol form only in the normal game state (non-time-saving mode) to confirm the time-saving hit. On the other hand, in a game state other than the normal game state (first time-saving mode, second time-saving mode), when a time-saving hit is determined, the time-saving hit is invalidated, and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a losing pattern mode to confirm the loss.

Similarly, the second special pattern is displayed variably on the second special pattern display device 10 based on the consumption of the second reserved memory, and after the variation time has elapsed, it is statically displayed in a pattern form that indicates the result of the hit/miss judgment. When the second reserved memory is consumed, a big hit, small hit, or miss is judged based on the hit/miss judgment, so the second special pattern is statically displayed in a pattern form that indicates a big hit (big hit pattern form), a pattern form that indicates a small hit (small hit pattern form), or a pattern form that indicates a miss (miss pattern form) to confirm a big hit, small hit, or miss.

Ten types of jackpot pattern forms are predefined for each of the first and second special patterns, and when a jackpot is determined by the win/loss judgment, one of the jackpot pattern forms is determined according to the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern in the first and second reserved memories.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the first special symbol is assigned first to tenth jackpot symbol patterns, and each jackpot symbol pattern is assigned a jackpot game content and a game state after the jackpot game.
The first to fourth jackpot symbol patterns are assigned a jackpot game with a set number of rounds of 10 times and the above-mentioned normal game state. That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the first to fourth jackpot symbol patterns and confirmed, a jackpot game in which the opening round is repeated 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to the normal game state (low probability mode/non-time-saving mode).
The fifth jackpot pattern mode is assigned a jackpot game with four rounds and the first time-saving game state. That is, when the first special pattern is stopped and fixed in the fifth jackpot pattern mode, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated four times is executed, and the first time-saving game state ("low probability mode/first time-saving mode") is entered after the jackpot game. The sixth jackpot pattern mode is assigned a jackpot game with four rounds and the second time-saving game state. That is, when the first special pattern is stopped and fixed in the sixth jackpot pattern mode, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated four times is executed, and the second time-saving game state ("low probability mode/second time-saving mode") is entered after the jackpot game.
The seventh to tenth jackpot symbol patterns are assigned a jackpot game with a set number of rounds of four and the aforementioned high probability game state. That is, when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the seventh to tenth jackpot symbol patterns and confirmed, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated four times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to a high probability game state (high probability mode/second time-saving mode).

The selection of the first to tenth jackpot pattern patterns is performed according to a predetermined selection probability. That is, when a jackpot is determined by a win/lose lottery based on the consumption of the first reserved memory, the first to tenth jackpot pattern patterns are selected according to each selection probability, and after the first special pattern is changed, one of the jackpot pattern patterns is stopped and displayed as a confirmed display. Specifically, the selection probability of the first to fourth jackpot pattern patterns is set to 2/20, the selection probability of the fifth jackpot pattern pattern is set to 4/20, the selection probability of the sixth jackpot pattern pattern is set to 4/20, and the selection probability of the seventh to tenth jackpot pattern patterns is set to 10/20. Here, the probability of selecting either the fifth jackpot pattern pattern or the sixth jackpot pattern pattern is set to 8/20.
Furthermore, since the configuration of this embodiment has the limiter function described above, when the special probability game state is repeated nine times (the limit number of times) via jackpot play, in this special probability game state (the ninth consecutive special probability game state), if a jackpot is confirmed, the probability of selecting the first to fourth jackpot pattern patterns becomes 20/20, and the game will always transition to the normal game state after the jackpot play.

As shown in FIG. 5(B), the second special symbols have 11th to 20th jackpot symbol patterns, and like the first special symbols described above, each jackpot symbol pattern is assigned a jackpot game content and a game state after the jackpot game.
The 11th and 12th jackpot symbol patterns are assigned to a jackpot game with a set number of rounds of 10, and the above-mentioned normal game state. That is, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the 11th or 12th jackpot symbol pattern and confirmed, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to a normal game state (low probability mode/non-time-saving mode).
The 13th jackpot pattern mode is assigned a jackpot game with a number of rounds set to 10 and the first time-saving game state described above. That is, when the second special pattern is stopped and fixed in the 13th jackpot pattern mode, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to the first time-saving game state ("low probability mode/first time-saving mode"). The 14th jackpot pattern mode is assigned a jackpot game with a number of rounds set to 10 and the second time-saving game state described above. That is, when the second special pattern is stopped and fixed in the 14th jackpot pattern mode, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to the second time-saving game state ("low probability mode/second time-saving mode").
The 15th to 20th jackpot symbol patterns are assigned to a jackpot game with a set number of rounds of 10 times and the aforementioned high probability game state. In other words, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the 15th to 20th jackpot symbol patterns and confirmed, a jackpot game in which the open round is repeated 10 times is executed, and after the jackpot game, the game transitions to a high probability game state (high probability mode/second time-saving mode).

The selection of the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern patterns is performed according to a predetermined selection probability. That is, when a jackpot is determined by a win/loss lottery based on the consumption of the second reserved memory, the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern patterns are selected according to each selection probability, and after the second special pattern is changed, one of the jackpot pattern patterns is stopped and displayed as a definite result. Specifically, the selection probability of the 11th and 12th jackpot pattern patterns is set to 2/20, the selection probability of the 13th jackpot pattern pattern is set to 2/20, the selection probability of the 14th jackpot pattern pattern is set to 6/20, and the selection probability of the 15th to 20th jackpot pattern patterns is set to 10/20. Here, the probability of either the 13th jackpot pattern pattern or the 14th jackpot pattern pattern being selected is 8/20, which is the same as the probability of either the 5th jackpot pattern pattern or the 6th jackpot pattern pattern being selected. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to a time-saving game state (first time-saving game state and second time-saving game state) after a jackpot game is the same whether a jackpot is determined by the first special pattern or the second special pattern.
Furthermore, similarly to the case of the first special symbol described above, due to the limiter function described above, when a jackpot is confirmed in the 9th consecutive sure-variable game state, the probability of selecting the 11th and 12th jackpot symbol patterns becomes 20/20, and the game always transitions to the normal game state after the jackpot game.

Next, the processing of various programs executed by the main control device 80 will be described.
A flow chart of the main routine is shown in Fig. 6. The main routine is made up of the main process from S10 to S80, and the residual process of S85, which is repeated as long as time permits within the time remaining after the main process, and is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt every 2 ms. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S10). This determination process is performed by determining whether or not a value in a predetermined area of the RAM as memory is equal to a predetermined value, and is intended to determine whether or not normal processing may be executed when the processing executed by the microcomputer has shifted to the main process.

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

Next, the start winning process executed by the main control device 80 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. This start winning process is one of the subroutines called in the winning confirmation process (S60) of the main routine described above.
In the start winning process, in S100, it is determined whether the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball. If the result is negative (S100: No), the process proceeds to S120, and if the result is positive (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S105. In S105, it is determined whether the first reserved memory number has reached an upper limit (e.g., 4). If the result is positive (S105: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the result is negative (S105: No), the process proceeds to S110.

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

In S120, it is determined whether the second start port switch 12a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S120: No), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is positive (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to S125. In S125, it is determined whether the second reserved memory count has reached an upper limit (e.g., 4). If the determination is positive (S125: Yes), the start winning process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S125: No), the process proceeds to S130.

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

Next, the first special symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 8 to 14. This first special symbol win/loss determination process is one of the subroutines called in the win/loss determination process (S65) of the main routine described above.

In the first special symbol hit/miss determination process, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the reel continuous operation device is in operation (S150). If the determination is affirmative (S150: Yes), the first special symbol hit/miss determination process is terminated, and if the determination is negative (S150: No), the process proceeds to S155. In S155, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner. If the determination is positive (S155: Yes), the process proceeds to S158, and if the determination is negative (S155: No), the process proceeds to S160.

In S158, it is determined whether or not the measurement of the time for which the first special symbol changes has been paused. If the determination is affirmative (S158: Yes), the process proceeds to S320 in FIG. 11, and if the determination is negative (S158: No), the process proceeds to S280 in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, as described below, the measurement of the time for which the first special symbol changes is paused between the confirmation of a small win with the second special symbol and the end of the small win game. In S158, it is determined whether or not this measurement of time is paused.

In S160, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol is being displayed. If the determination is positive (S160: Yes), the process proceeds to S330 in FIG. 12, and if the determination is negative (S160: No), the process proceeds to S165.

In S165, it is determined whether or not there is a first reserved memory, and if the determination is affirmative (S165: Yes), the process proceeds to S170, and if the determination is negative (S165: No), the first special symbol hit determination process ends. In S170, the number of first reserved memories is decremented, and the oldest first reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in that first reserved memory (numeric data such as random numbers) is moved to a specified buffer for the first jackpot determination. In this way, the first reserved memory is consumed.

In S175, it is determined whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the determination is affirmative (S175: Yes), the process proceeds to S180, and if the determination is negative (S175: No), the process proceeds to S185.
Here, the high probability flag = 1 indicates the high probability mode, and the high probability flag = 0 indicates the low probability mode. That is, if the high probability flag = 1, it is the high probability mode ("high probability mode/second time-saving mode"), and if the high probability flag = 0, it is the normal game state ("low probability mode/non-time-saving mode"), the first time-saving game state ("low probability mode/first time-saving mode"), or the second time-saving game state ("low probability mode/second time-saving mode").

In S180, a winning/losing judgment table (variable probability table) corresponding to the high probability mode (high winning probability) is selected, and the random number for determining a winning jackpot moved to the first jackpot judgment buffer is judged to be a winning jackpot or not based on the selected variable probability table. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the random number for determining a winning jackpot is also judged to be a time-saving winning jackpot or not based on the selected variable probability table. Here, the winning probability of a winning jackpot in the high probability mode is 1/30 as described above.
After the process of S180, the process proceeds to S190 in FIG.

On the other hand, in S185, a winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the low probability mode (low winning probability) is selected, and the random number for determining a winning jackpot moved to the first jackpot judgment buffer is judged to be a winning jackpot or not based on the selected normal table. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the random number for determining a winning jackpot is also judged to be a time-saving winning jackpot or not based on the selected normal table. Here, the winning probability of a winning jackpot in the low probability mode is 1/300 as described above.
After the process of S185, the process proceeds to S190 in FIG.

In S190 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether the second special symbol is changing to be determined as a jackpot symbol, and if the determination is positive (S190: Yes), the process proceeds to S250, and if the determination is negative (S190: No), the process proceeds to S195. Here, if the determination is positive, the game is forcibly determined as a miss regardless of the determination results of S180 or S185 described above. This prevents the jackpot game using the first special symbol from overlapping with the jackpot game using the second special symbol.

In S195, it is determined whether or not a jackpot has been reached based on the results of the determinations in S180 or S185. If the determination is positive (S195: Yes), the process proceeds to S200. If the determination is negative (S195: No), the process proceeds to S220.

In S200, one jackpot pattern is determined from among the first to tenth jackpot pattern patterns described above based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern related to the first reserved memory that has been consumed (the random number for determining the jackpot pattern in the buffer for determining the first jackpot) (see Figure 5 (A)).
Here, the first to tenth jackpot pattern patterns are determined according to a predetermined selection probability, as described above. Specifically, the probability of selecting any one of the first to fourth jackpot pattern patterns is 10%, the probability of selecting any one of the fifth and sixth jackpot pattern patterns is 40% (the probability of selecting the fifth jackpot pattern pattern is 20%, and the probability of selecting the sixth jackpot pattern pattern is 20%), and the probability of selecting any one of the seventh to tenth jackpot pattern patterns is 50%. That is, when a jackpot is determined by consuming the first reserved memory, the probability of transitioning to the normal game state (low probability mode/non-time-shortening mode) after the jackpot game is 10%, the probability of transitioning to the first time-shortening game state (low probability mode/first time-shortening mode) or the second time-shortening game state (low probability mode/second time-shortening mode) is 40%, and the probability of transitioning to the probability-variable game state (high probability mode/second time-shortening mode) is 50%. Furthermore, in the probability variable game state (high probability flag = 1), the number of times the probability variable game state continues through the jackpot game (probability variable repetition number) is referenced to determine whether the probability variable repetition number has reached the limit number (9 times). If the limit number has not been reached, the first to tenth jackpot pattern forms are selected and determined according to the selection probability, while if the limit number has been reached, any one of the first to fourth jackpot pattern forms is determined according to the selection probability (100%) of selecting only the first to fourth jackpot pattern forms.

In the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination process of S205, the fluctuation time of the first special pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number related to the first reserved memory that has been consumed (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number in the buffer for determining a jackpot, etc.), and the fluctuation pattern of the first special pattern is determined according to the fluctuation time.
Here, the variation time of the first special symbol selectable in this variation pattern determination process (variation time for a jackpot) is determined in advance, and the variation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the above-mentioned variation pattern determination random number and reach judgment random number. In this embodiment, since the reach performance is always executed when a jackpot is confirmed, the variation time including the reach performance is determined in this variation pattern determination process of S205. Then, when the variation time is determined, the reach performance is determined according to the determined variation time.

In the next S210, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game are set according to the jackpot game content determined in S200 (see FIG. 5). Here, if the game state is to be shifted to the normal game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the non-time-shortening mode. In addition, if the game state is to be shifted to the first time-shortening game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the first time-shortening mode, and if the game state is to be shifted to the second time-shortening game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the second time-shortening mode. In addition, if the game state is to be shifted to the probability-variable game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the high probability mode and the second time-shortening mode after the jackpot game ends. Furthermore, in S210, the performance time and performance pattern related to the jackpot game (the performance time and performance pattern between the jackpot start performance and the jackpot end performance), and the interval time, etc. are also set.
After S210, the process proceeds to S270.

In S220, which follows the negative judgment in S195, a variation count process is executed. In the variation count process, in the case of a guaranteed variable game state (high probability flag = 1), the remaining number of win/lose judgments that can be performed in that game state (the remaining number until the upper limit value for the guaranteed variable is reached = the number of guaranteed variable games) is decremented. Also, in the case of a first time-saving game state (high probability flag = 0 and first time-saving flag = 1) and a second time-saving game state (high probability flag = 0 and second time-saving flag = 1), the remaining number of win/lose judgments that can be performed in that game state (the remaining number until the upper limit value for the time-saving game is reached = the number of time-saving games) is decremented. Furthermore, in the case of a time-saving game state and a normal game state, the cumulative number of variations is incremented.

In S222, it is determined whether or not the time-saving bonus has been awarded based on the results of the determinations in S180 or S185. If the determination is positive (S222: Yes), the process proceeds to S225, and if the determination is negative (S222: No), the process proceeds to S250.

In S225, it is determined whether or not the game is in a non-time-saving mode (normal game state). If the determination is affirmative (S225: Yes), the game proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: No), the game proceeds to S250. Here, in this embodiment, only in the normal game state (non-time-saving mode), a transition to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state is possible when a time-saving hit is confirmed.

In S230, the time-saving hit pattern pattern (pattern pattern indicating a time-saving hit) is determined based on the pattern determination random number related to the consumed first reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S235. In S235, the change time of the first special pattern is determined based on the reach determination random number and the change pattern determination random number related to the consumed first reserved memory, and the change pattern of the first special pattern is determined according to the change time. In other words, the change time of the first special pattern corresponding to the non-time-saving mode is made selectable, and the change time of the first special pattern is determined based on the reach determination random number and the change pattern determination random number of the consumed first reserved memory. Note that the process of determining the change time of the first special pattern is a key part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

Then, in S240, settings related to the time-saving hit are made. Specifically, the presentation time and presentation pattern for the time-saving hit are set. After S240, the process proceeds to S270.

Furthermore, in S250, which follows the positive judgment in S190, the negative judgment in S222, and the negative judgment in S225, the losing pattern pattern (the pattern pattern indicating a loss) is determined based on the pattern determination random number related to the first reserved memory that has been consumed, and the process proceeds to S255.

In S255, the change time of the first special symbol is determined based on the random number for determining a reach and the random number for determining a change pattern related to the first reserved memory that has been consumed, and the change pattern of the first special symbol is determined according to the change time.
That is, the first time-saving flag and the second time-saving flag indicating the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode are confirmed, and when the first time-saving flag = 0 and the second time-saving flag = 0 (non-time-saving mode), the fluctuation time of the first special symbol corresponding to the non-time-saving mode can be selected, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined by the consumed fluctuation pattern determination random number of the first reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Also, when the first time-saving flag = 1 (first time-saving mode), the fluctuation time of the first special symbol corresponding to the first time-saving mode can be selected, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined by the consumed fluctuation pattern determination random number of the first reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Also, when the second time-saving flag = 1 (second time-saving mode), the fluctuation time of the first special symbol corresponding to the second time-saving mode can be selected, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined by the consumed fluctuation pattern determination random number of the first reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Note that the process of determining the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is related to the main part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.
In the next S260, processing related to a miss is carried out, and the program proceeds to S270.

In S270, a reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after decrementing in S170, a command including information on the result of the hit/miss judgment (jackpot, time-saving hit, or miss), and a change start command including the change time, stop mode, change pattern, etc. of the first special symbol are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This change start command includes information indicating the consumption of the first reserved memory, information on whether or not various reach performances are executed, information on the number of times of the probability change, information on the number of times of time-saving, and information on the cumulative number of changes. Furthermore, in accordance with the consumed first reserved memory, the first special symbol display device 9 is driven and controlled to start changing the first special symbol, and the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated.
When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, it stores the information indicated in the command (the number of first reserved memories, the time for the first special symbol to change, the presence or absence of various reach effects, the result of the hit/miss judgment, the stop state of the first special symbol, the content of the big win game, etc.) in a specified buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the effect symbol control device 82 along with the change start command, and the effect symbol control device 82 drives and controls the effect symbol display device 6 according to the received command, determines the change stop effect and reach effect of the special effect symbol corresponding to the information on the stop symbol state and change pattern of the first special symbol, and controls the display of the determined effect on the effect symbol display device 6.

In S280 of FIG. 10, which follows the negative judgment of S158 described above, it is judged whether the small win game flag is 1 or not, and if the judgment is positive (S280: Yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if the judgment is negative (S280: No), the process proceeds to S290. Here, the small win game flag, as described below, indicates whether or not a small win game is in progress, and is set to 1 when a small win is confirmed by the second special pattern, and then set to 0 when the small win game ends.

In S285, a variable time interruption process is executed. In this variable time interruption process, a process is performed to interrupt the time measurement of the variable time of the first special symbol. As a result, during a small win game, the variable time of the first special symbol is interrupted, so the first special symbol does not stop fluctuating and a big win or time-saving win is not confirmed. Therefore, a small win game and a big win game do not occur simultaneously. Furthermore, in this variable time interruption process, a signal indicating that the time measurement of the variable time of the first special symbol has been interrupted is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S285, the first special symbol win/loss determination process is terminated.

In S290, it is determined whether the time for the first special symbol to change has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S290: Yes), the process proceeds to S295. If the determination is negative (S290: No), the process proceeds to S310. In S295, the first special symbol display device 9 is driven and controlled to end the display of the first special symbol changes, and the determined symbol of the first special symbol (i.e., the jackpot symbol pattern determined in S200, the time-saving symbol pattern determined in S230, or the losing symbol pattern determined in S250) is displayed, and a signal indicating the stop of the change of the first special symbol is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. After S295, the process proceeds to S300.

In S300, it is determined whether the first special symbol stopped and displayed in S295 is a jackpot symbol, and if the determination is affirmative (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, and if the determination is negative (S300: No), the first special symbol hit/miss determination process ends. In S305, the stop flag is set to 1. This stop flag is maintained at 1 from the confirmation of a jackpot with the first special symbol until the end of the jackpot game, or from the confirmation of a jackpot with the second special symbol until the end of the jackpot game, as described below. In other words, a stop flag of 1 indicates that a jackpot has been confirmed.

In S310, which follows the negative judgment in S290, it is judged whether the stop flag is 1 or not. If the judgment is positive (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S315. If the judgment is negative (S310: No), the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated. Here, if the stop flag is 1, the jackpot pattern of the second special symbol is being displayed as confirmed, so the first special symbol is forcibly stopped in the losing pattern pattern determined in S250. Note that, since the losing pattern pattern of the first special symbol is determined and the fluctuation is started in the case of a positive judgment in S190 (during the jackpot fluctuation of the second special symbol), when the jackpot of the second special symbol is confirmed (stop flag = 1), the fluctuation of the second special symbol is forcibly terminated and the symbol is stopped in the losing pattern pattern. Then, the fluctuation of the first special symbol does not start until the jackpot game ends (the first reserved memory is not consumed).

In S320 of FIG. 11, which follows the positive judgment in S158, it is judged whether the small win game flag is 1 or not. If the judgment is positive (S320: Yes), the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated, and if the judgment is negative (S320: No), the process proceeds to S325. In S325, a variable time restart process is executed. In this variable time restart process, the measurement of the time of the first special symbol that has been interrupted is restarted from the point where it was interrupted in the variable time interruption process (S285) described above. Furthermore, in this variable time restart process, a signal indicating that the measurement of the time of the first special symbol hit/miss time has been restarted is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S325, the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated.

Furthermore, in S330 in FIG. 12, which follows the positive judgment in S160 described above, it is judged whether the duration of the fixed display of the special pattern has ended, and if the judgment is positive (S330: Yes), the process proceeds to S335, and if the judgment is negative (S330: No), the process ends the first special pattern hit/miss judgment process. In S335, the fixed display of the first special pattern is ended, and the process proceeds to S340. In S340, it is judged whether the first special pattern has been fixed and displayed in the jackpot pattern mode, and if the judgment is positive (S340: Yes), the process proceeds to S345, and if the judgment is negative (S340: No), the process proceeds to S430 in FIG. 13.

In S345, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the determination is positive (S345: Yes), the process proceeds to S350. If the determination is negative (S345: No), the process proceeds to S370. In S350, the high probability flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S355. In S355, the number of chance bonuses is cleared, and the process proceeds to S360. In S360, the second time-saving flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S410.

In S370, which follows the negative judgment in S345, the cumulative number of changes is cleared, and the process proceeds to S375. In S375, the second time-saving flag is referenced to judge whether the second time-saving flag is equal to 1. If the judgment is positive (S375: Yes), the process proceeds to S380, and if the judgment is negative (S375: No), the process proceeds to S385.

In S380, the time-saving number (the remaining number of special symbol variation times in the second time-saving game state) is cleared, and the process proceeds to S360. Here, the time-saving number cleared in S380 is set in either S530, S895 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, or S1145 of the big win game process, and is subtracted in S220 and S620 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process.
On the other hand, in S385, the first time-saving flag is referred to and it is judged whether the first time-saving flag is 1 or not. Then, in the case of a positive judgment (S385: Yes), the process proceeds to S390, and in the case of a negative judgment (S385: No), the process proceeds to S410. In S390, the first time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S400. In S400, the time-saving number (the remaining number of special symbol variation times in the first time-saving game state) is cleared and the process proceeds to S410. Here, the time-saving number cleared in S400 is set in either S520 described later or S1125 of the jackpot game processing described later, and is subtracted in the S220 and S620 of the second special symbol hit judgment processing described later.

In S410, a state designation command transmission process is executed to transmit a command indicating the mode of the jackpot game, a command instructing the start of the jackpot game, and the like to the sub-integrated control device 83. Here, in the state designation command transmission process (S410) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the second time-saving flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the high probability game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, when only the first time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the first time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when only the second time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the second time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
After that, the condition device operation start process (S415), the role continuous operation device operation start process (S420), and the jackpot start performance process (S425) are executed in sequence to start the jackpot game and terminate the first special pattern hit/miss determination process.

On the other hand, in S430 of FIG. 13, which follows the negative judgment of S340, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the judgment is positive (S430: Yes), the process proceeds to S435, and if the judgment is negative (S430: No), the process proceeds to S450. In S435, the number of chance bonuses (the remaining number of special chart fluctuations in the chance bonus game state) is referenced to determine whether or not the number of chance bonuses is 0. If the judgment is positive (S435: Yes), the process proceeds to S440, and if the judgment is negative (S435: No), the process proceeds to S490. In S440, the high probability flag is set to 0, and in the following S445, the second time-saving flag is set to 0. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S490.

In S450, the first time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether the first time-saving flag is equal to 1. If the result is positive (S450: Yes), the process proceeds to S455. If the result is negative (S450: No), the process proceeds to S470. In S455, the number of time-saving times (the remaining number of special chart fluctuation times in the first time-saving game state) is referenced to determine whether the number of time-saving times is equal to 0. If the result is positive (S455: Yes), the process proceeds to S460, where the first time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S490. On the other hand, if the result is negative (S455: No), the process proceeds to S490. Here, the number of time-saving times determined in S455 is the same as the number of time-saving times to be processed in S400. In other words, a positive judgment in S455 (number of time-saving times = 0) indicates that either the number of times the first and second special symbols fluctuate in the first time-saving game state entered by a time-saving hit has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for said time-saving hit (50 times), or the number of times the number of times the symbols fluctuate in the first time-saving game state entered after a jackpot has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for said post-jackpot game (100 times).

In S470, which follows the negative judgment in S450, the second time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether the second time-saving flag is equal to 1. If the judgment is positive (S470: Yes), the process proceeds to S475, and if the judgment is negative (S470: No), the process proceeds to S500 in FIG. 14. In S475, the number of time-saving times (the remaining number of special chart fluctuation times in the second time-saving game state) is referenced to determine whether the number of time-saving times is equal to 0. If the judgment is positive (S475: Yes), the process proceeds to S480, where the second time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S490. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S475: No), the process proceeds to S490. Here, the number of time-saving times determined in S475 is the same as the number of time-saving times to be processed in S380. That is, a positive judgment in S475 (number of time-saving times = 0) indicates that the number of times the first and second special symbols fluctuate in the second time-saving game state entered by a time-saving hit has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the time-saving hit (50 times), that the number of times fluctuate in the second time-saving game state entered after a jackpot has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the post-jackpot game (100 times), or that the number of times fluctuate in the second time-saving game state entered by the cumulative number of times reaching the threshold value has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the ceiling (1000 times).

In S490, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In this state designation command transmission process (S490), if both the high probability flag and the second time-saving flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the guaranteed variable game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, if only the first time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the first time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and if only the second time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the second time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S500 of FIG. 14, which follows the negative judgment in S470, it is judged whether the cumulative number of fluctuations (the total number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the low probability mode) has reached the threshold value (900 times). If the judgment is positive (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S525, and if the judgment is negative (S500: No), the process proceeds to S505. Here, the threshold value determines the ceiling transition condition, and a positive judgment in S500 corresponds to the establishment of the ceiling transition condition.

In S525, the second time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S530. In S530, the second time-saving game setting process is executed. In the second time-saving game setting process, the time-saving function and the open extension function of the second time-saving mode are enabled. That is, the change time table and reach effect probability for determining the change time of the first special symbol by the S235 and S255 in the second time-saving mode, and the change time table and reach effect probability for determining the change time of the second special symbol by the S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process described later in the second time-saving mode are enabled. The average (average change time) of the change time of the first and second special symbols determined by the change time table and reach effect probability thus enabled is shorter than the average change time in the non-time-saving mode. Furthermore, the variable time of the normal symbols (see FIG. 4) that is shortened compared to the non-time-saving mode is enabled, and the winning probability of the normal symbols (see FIG. 4) that is higher than the non-time-saving mode and the opening time of the second start hole 12 (opening operation pattern of the normal electric role 13) that is extended compared to the non-time-saving mode are enabled. Note that the variable time table and reach performance probability that are enabled in the second time-saving mode are essential parts of the present invention, so will be described in detail later.
In addition, in the second time-saving game setting process, the upper limit of the number of times that the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be changed in the second time-saving game state (= the number of time-saving times) is set. Here, when the cumulative number of times of change reaches a threshold value, the time-saving number is set to the upper limit of the time-saving time for the ceiling (1000 times). On the other hand, when a time-saving hit is confirmed, the time-saving number is set to the upper limit of the time-saving time for the hit (50 times).
After S530, the process proceeds to S540.

On the other hand, in S505, which follows the negative judgment in S500, it is judged whether the confirmed and displayed first special pattern is a pattern that will result in a time-saving hit, and if the judgment is positive (S505: Yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S505: No), the process of judging whether the first special pattern is a hit or not is terminated.

In S510, it is determined whether to transition to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state. If the transition to the first time-shortened game state is to be made (S510: Yes), the process proceeds to S515. If the transition to the second time-shortened game state is to be made (S510: No), the process proceeds to S525. Here, the decision as to whether to transition to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state is a key part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

In S515, the first time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S520. In S520, the first time-saving game setting process is executed. In the first time-saving game setting process, the time-saving function and the opening extension function of the first time-saving mode are enabled. That is, in the first time-saving mode, the change time table and reach effect probability for determining the change time of the first special symbol by the S235 and S255 are enabled, and the change time table and reach effect probability for determining the change time of the second special symbol by the S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process described later in the first time-saving mode are enabled. The average (average change time) of the change time of the first and second special symbols determined by the change time table and reach effect probability thus enabled is shorter than the average change time in the non-time-saving mode. Furthermore, the variable time of the normal symbols (see FIG. 4) that is shortened compared to the non-time-saving mode is enabled, and the winning probability of the normal symbols (see FIG. 4) that is higher than the non-time-saving mode and the opening time of the second start hole 12 (opening operation pattern of the normal electric role 13) that is extended compared to the non-time-saving mode are enabled. Note that the variable time table and reach performance probability that are enabled in the first time-saving mode are related to the essential parts of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.
In addition, in this first time-saving game setting process, the above-mentioned time-saving upper limit value (50 times) for the time-saving hit is set as the upper limit of the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern can be changed in the first time-saving game state (= the number of time-saving times).
After S520, the process proceeds to S540.

In S540, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In this state designation command transmission process (S540), when the second time-saving flag = 1, information indicating a transition to the second time-saving play state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when the first time-saving flag = 1, information indicating a transition to the first time-saving play state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Next, the second special symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 15 to 19. This second special symbol win/loss determination process is one of the subroutines called in the win/loss determination process (S65) of the main routine described above.

In the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, as shown in FIG. 15, it is judged whether the role continuous operation device is operating or not (S550), and if the judgment is positive (S550: Yes), the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated, and if the judgment is negative (S550: No), proceed to S555. In S555, it is judged whether the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner or not, and if the judgment is positive (S555: Yes), proceed to S690 in FIG. 17, and if the judgment is negative (S555: No), proceed to S560. In S560, it is judged whether the second special symbol is being displayed in a fixed manner or not, and if the judgment is positive (S560: Yes), proceed to S730 in FIG. 18, and if the judgment is negative (S560: No), proceed to S565.

In S565, it is determined whether or not there is a second reserved memory, and if the determination is positive (S565: Yes), the process proceeds to S570, and if the determination is negative (S565: No), the second special symbol hit determination process ends. In S570, the number of second reserved memories is decremented, the oldest second reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in that second reserved memory (numeric data such as random numbers) is moved to a specified buffer for determining whether or not there is a second big hit. In this way, the second reserved memories are consumed.

In S575, it is determined whether the high probability flag is equal to 1. If the determination is positive (S575: Yes), the process proceeds to S580. If the determination is negative (S575: No), the process proceeds to S585.

In S580, a win/loss determination table (high probability table) corresponding to the high probability mode (high probability of winning) is selected, and based on the selected high probability table, the random number for determining a jackpot that has been moved to the buffer for determining a second jackpot is determined to be a jackpot or not. Here, in this embodiment, based on the selected high probability table, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small win or not. After processing this S580, proceed to S590 in FIG. 16.

On the other hand, in S585, a hit/miss determination table (normal table) corresponding to the low probability mode (low probability of winning) is selected, and based on the selected normal table, the random number for determining a jackpot that has been moved to the buffer for determining the second jackpot is determined to be a jackpot or not. Furthermore, in this embodiment, based on the selected normal table, it is also determined whether the random number for determining a jackpot is a small hit or not. After processing S585, the process proceeds to S590 in FIG. 16.

In S590 of FIG. 16, it is determined whether the first special symbol is fluctuating to be determined as a jackpot symbol, and if the determination is positive (S590: Yes), the process proceeds to S650, and if the determination is negative (S590: No), the process proceeds to S595. If the determination is positive, the game is forcibly determined as a miss regardless of the determination results of S580 or S585 described above. This prevents the jackpot game and small jackpot game using the second special symbol from overlapping with the jackpot game using the first special symbol.

In S595, it is determined whether or not a jackpot has been reached based on the results of the determinations in S580 or S585. If the determination is positive (S595: Yes), the process proceeds to S600. If the determination is negative (S595: No), the process proceeds to S620.

In S600, one jackpot pattern pattern is determined from among the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern patterns based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern related to the second reserved memory that has been consumed (the random number for determining the jackpot pattern in the buffer for determining the second jackpot) (see Figure 5 (B)).
Here, the determination of the 11th to 20th jackpot symbol patterns is performed according to a predetermined selection probability as described above. Specifically, the probability of selecting either the 11th or 12th jackpot symbol pattern is 10%, the probability of selecting either the 13th or 14th jackpot symbol pattern is 40% (the probability of selecting the 13th jackpot symbol pattern is 10%, and the probability of selecting the 14th jackpot symbol pattern is 30%), and the probability of selecting either the 15th to 20th jackpot symbol pattern is 50%. That is, when a jackpot is determined by consuming the second reserved memory, the probability of transitioning to the normal game state (low probability mode/non-time-shortening mode) after the jackpot game is 10%, the probability of transitioning to the first time-shortening game state (low probability mode/first time-shortening mode) or the second time-shortening game state (low probability mode/second time-shortening mode) is 40%, and the probability of transitioning to the probability-variable game state (high probability mode/second time-shortening mode) is 50%. Furthermore, in the probability variable game state (high probability flag = 1), the number of times the probability variable game state continues through the jackpot game (probability variable repetition number) is referenced to determine whether the probability variable repetition number has reached the limit number (9 times). If the limit number has not been reached, the 11th to 20th jackpot pattern forms are selected and determined according to the selection probability, while if the limit number has been reached, either the 11th or 12th jackpot pattern form is determined according to the selection probability (100%) of selecting only the 11th and 12th jackpot pattern forms.

In the subsequent fluctuation pattern determination process of S605, the fluctuation time of the second special pattern is determined based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number related to the consumed second reserved memory (the fluctuation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number in the buffer for determining a jackpot, etc.), and the fluctuation pattern of the second special pattern is determined according to the fluctuation time.
Here, the variation time of the second special symbol selectable in this variation pattern determination process (variation time for a jackpot) is determined in advance, and the variation time of the second special symbol is determined according to the above-mentioned variation pattern determination random number and reach determination random number. In this embodiment, since the reach performance is always executed when a jackpot is confirmed, the variation time including the reach performance is determined in this variation pattern determination process of S605. Then, when the variation time is determined, the reach performance is determined according to the determined variation time.

In the next S610, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game are set according to the jackpot game content determined in S600 (see FIG. 5). Here, if the game state is to be shifted to the normal game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the non-time-shortening mode. In addition, if the game state is to be shifted to the first time-shortening game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the first time-shortening mode, and if the game state is to be shifted to the second time-shortening game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the low probability mode and the second time-shortening mode. In addition, if the game state is to be shifted to the probability-variable game state after the jackpot game, it is determined to be the high probability mode and the second time-shortening mode. Furthermore, in S610, the performance time and performance pattern (the performance time and performance pattern between the jackpot start performance and the jackpot end performance) related to the jackpot game, and the interval time, etc. are also set.
After S610, the process proceeds to S670.

In S620, which follows the negative judgment in S595, a variation count process is executed. The variation count process in S620 is the same as the variation count process in S220 described above. That is, in the case of a high probability game state (high probability flag = 1), the number of high probability game states is decremented. Also, in the case of a first time-saving game state (high probability flag = 0 and first time-saving flag = 1) and a second time-saving game state (high probability flag = 0 and second time-saving flag = 1), the number of time-saving game states is decremented. Furthermore, in the case of a time-saving game state and a normal game state, the cumulative number of variations is incremented.

In the next step S625, it is determined whether or not a small win has occurred based on the results of the determinations in S580 or S585. If the determination is positive (S625: Yes), the process proceeds to S630, and if the determination is negative (S625: No), the process proceeds to S650.

In S630, the small win pattern (pattern showing a small win) is determined based on the pattern determination random number related to the consumed second reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S635. In S635, similar to the above-mentioned S605, the fluctuation time of the second special pattern is determined based on the reach judgment random number related to the consumed second reserved memory and the fluctuation pattern determination random number, and the fluctuation pattern of the second special pattern is determined according to the fluctuation time.
That is, the first time-saving flag and the second time-saving flag are checked, and when the first time-saving flag = 0 and the second time-saving flag = 0 (non-time-saving mode), the change time of the second special symbol corresponding to the non-time-saving mode can be selected, and the change time of the second special symbol is determined by the random number for determining the change pattern of the consumed second reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Also, when the first time-saving flag = 1 (first time-saving mode), the change time of the second special symbol corresponding to the first time-saving mode can be selected, and the change time of the second special symbol is determined by the random number for determining the change pattern of the consumed second reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Also, when the second time-saving flag = 1 (second time-saving mode), the change time of the second special symbol corresponding to the second time-saving mode can be selected, and the change time of the second special symbol is determined by the random number for determining the change pattern of the consumed second reserved memory and the reach judgment random number, etc. Note that the process of determining the change time of the second special symbol is related to the main part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

Next, in S640, the opening operation pattern of the large prize opening 14 in the small prize game is set, and the process proceeds to S670.

Furthermore, in S650, which follows the positive determination in S590 and the negative determination in S625, the losing pattern pattern (the pattern pattern indicating a loss) is determined based on the pattern determination random number related to the second reserved memory that has been consumed, and the process proceeds to S655.

In S655, similar to S635 described above, the change time of the second special symbol is determined based on the random number for reach determination and the random number for determining the change pattern related to the second reserved memory that has been consumed, and the change pattern of the second special symbol is determined according to the change time.
In the next S660, processing related to a miss is carried out, and the process proceeds to S670.

In S670, a reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after decrementing in S570, a command including information on the result of the hit/miss judgment (big hit, small hit, or miss), and a change start command including the change time, stop mode, change pattern, etc. of the second special symbol are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. This change start command includes information indicating the consumption of the second reserved memory, information on whether or not various reach performances are executed, information on the number of times of the probability change, information on the number of time-saving times, and information on the cumulative number of changes. Furthermore, in accordance with the consumed second reserved memory, the second special symbol display device 9 is driven and controlled to start changing the second special symbol, and the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated.
When the sub-integrated control device 83 receives such a command, it stores the information indicated in the command (the number of second reserved memories, the time for the second special symbol to change, the presence or absence of various reach effects, the result of the hit/miss judgment, the stop state of the second special symbol, the content of the big win game, etc.) in a specified buffer. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 transmits a command to the effect symbol control device 82 along with the change start command, and the effect symbol control device 82 drives and controls the effect symbol display device 6 according to the received command, determines the change stop effect and reach effect of the special effect symbol corresponding to the information on the stop symbol state and change pattern of the second special symbol, and controls the display of the determined effect on the effect symbol display device 6.

In S690 in FIG. 17, which follows the positive judgment in S555, it is judged whether the time for the second special symbol to change has elapsed. If the judgment is positive (S690: Yes), the process proceeds to S695. If the judgment is negative (S690: No), the process proceeds to S710. In S695, the second special symbol display device 10 is driven and controlled to end the display of the change in the second special symbol, and the determined symbol of the second special symbol (i.e., the big win symbol pattern determined in S600, the small win symbol pattern determined in S630, or the losing symbol pattern determined in S650) is displayed, and a signal indicating the stop of the change in the second special symbol is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. After this S695, the process proceeds to S700.

In S700, it is determined whether the second special symbol stopped and displayed in S695 is a winning symbol, and if the result is positive (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, and if the result is negative (S700: No), the process proceeds to S720. In S705, the stop flag is set to 1. After S705, the second special symbol winning/losing determination process is terminated.
In S720, it is determined whether the second special symbol stopped and displayed in S695 is a small win symbol, and if the result is positive (S720: Yes), the process proceeds to S725, and if the result is negative (S720: No), the second special symbol win/loss determination process is terminated. In S725, the small win game flag is set to 1. After this S725, the second special symbol win/loss determination process is terminated.

In S710, which follows the negative judgment in S690, it is judged whether the stop flag is 1 or not. If the judgment is positive (S710: Yes), the process proceeds to S715. If the judgment is negative (S710: No), the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process is terminated. Here, if the stop flag is 1, the jackpot pattern of the first special symbol is being displayed as confirmed, so the second special symbol is forcibly stopped in the losing pattern pattern determined in S650. Note that, since the losing pattern pattern of the second special symbol is determined and the fluctuation is started in the case of a positive judgment in S590 (during the jackpot fluctuation of the first special symbol), when the jackpot of the first special symbol is confirmed (stop flag = 1), the fluctuation of the first special symbol is forcibly terminated and the symbol is stopped in the losing pattern pattern. Then, the fluctuation of the second special symbol does not start until the jackpot game ends (the second reserved memory is not consumed).

Furthermore, in S730 in FIG. 18, which follows the positive judgment in S560 described above, it is judged whether the duration of the confirmed display of the special pattern has ended, and if the judgment is positive (S730: Yes), the process proceeds to S735, and if the judgment is negative (S730: No), the process ends the second special pattern hit/miss judgment process. In S735, the confirmed display of the second special pattern is ended, and the process proceeds to S740. In S740, it is judged whether the confirmed and displayed second special pattern is a pattern that will result in a jackpot, and if the judgment is positive (S740: Yes), the process proceeds to S745, and if the judgment is negative (S740: No), the process proceeds to S830 in FIG. 19.

In S745, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the determination is positive (S745: Yes), the process proceeds to S750. If the determination is negative (S745: No), the process proceeds to S770. In S750, the high probability flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S755. In S755, the number of chance bonuses is cleared and the process proceeds to S760. In S760, the second time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S810.

In S770, which follows the negative judgment in S745, the cumulative number of fluctuations is cleared and the process proceeds to S775. In S775, the second time-saving flag is referenced to judge whether the second time-saving flag is equal to 1. If the judgment is positive (S775: Yes), the process proceeds to S780, and if the judgment is negative (S775: No), the process proceeds to S785.

In S780, the time-saving number (the remaining number of special symbol variation times in the second time-saving game state) is cleared, and the process proceeds to S760. Here, the time-saving number cleared in S780 is set in either S530 of the first special symbol hit determination process described above, S895 described below, or S1145 of the big win game process described below, as with the time-saving number cleared in S380 described above, and is subtracted in S220 of the first special symbol hit determination process described above and S620 described above.
On the other hand, in S785, the first time-saving flag is referred to and it is judged whether the first time-saving flag is 1 or not. Then, in the case of a positive judgment (S785: Yes), the process proceeds to S790, and in the case of a negative judgment (S785: No), the process proceeds to S810. In S790, the first time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S800. In S800, the time-saving number (the remaining number of special pattern variation times in the first time-saving game state) is cleared and the process proceeds to S810. Here, the time-saving number cleared in S800 is set in either S520 of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment process described above or S1125 of the jackpot game process described later, as in the above-mentioned S400, and is subtracted in S220 of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment process and S620.

In S810, a state designation command transmission process is executed to transmit a command indicating the mode of the jackpot game, a command instructing the start of the jackpot game, and the like to the sub-integrated control device 83. Here, in the state designation command transmission process (S810) of this embodiment, when both the high probability flag and the second time-saving flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the high probability game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, when only the first time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the first time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when only the second time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the second time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
After that, the condition device operation start process (S815), the role continuous operation device operation start process (S820), and the jackpot start performance process (S825) are executed in sequence to start the jackpot game and terminate the second special pattern hit/miss determination process.

On the other hand, in S830 of FIG. 19, which follows the negative judgment of S740, the high probability flag is referenced to determine whether or not the high probability flag is 1. If the judgment is positive (S830: Yes), the process proceeds to S835, and if the judgment is negative (S830: No), the process proceeds to S850. In S835, the number of chance bonuses (the remaining number of special chart fluctuations in the chance bonus game state) is referenced to determine whether or not the number of chance bonuses is 0. If the judgment is positive (S835: Yes), the process proceeds to S840, and if the judgment is negative (S835: No), the process proceeds to S910. In S840, the high probability flag is set to 0, and in the following S845, the second time-saving flag is set to 0. Then, the process proceeds to S910.

In S850, the first time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether or not the first time-saving flag = 1. If the determination is affirmative (S850: Yes), proceed to S855, and if the determination is negative (S850: No), proceed to S870. In S855, the number of time-saving times (the remaining number of special chart fluctuation times in the first time-saving game state) is referenced to determine whether or not the number of time-saving times = 0. If the determination is affirmative (S855: Yes), proceed to S860, and in S860, the first time-saving flag = 0, and proceed to S910. On the other hand, if the determination is negative (S855: No), proceed to S910. Here, the number of time-saving times determined in S855 is the same as the number of time-saving times to be processed in S800. In other words, a positive judgment in S855 (number of time-saving times = 0) indicates that either the number of times the first and second special symbols fluctuate in the first time-saving game state entered by a time-saving hit has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for said time-saving hit (50 times), or the number of times the number of times has fluctuated in the first time-saving game state entered after a jackpot has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for said post-jackpot game (100 times).

In S870, which follows the negative judgment in S850, the second time-saving flag is referenced to determine whether the second time-saving flag is equal to 1. If the judgment is positive (S870: Yes), the process proceeds to S875, and if the judgment is negative (S870: No), the process proceeds to S890. In S875, the second time-saving count (the remaining number of special chart fluctuations in the second time-saving game state) is referenced to determine whether the time-saving count is equal to 0. If the judgment is positive (S875: Yes), the process proceeds to S880, where the second time-saving flag is set to 0 and the process proceeds to S910. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S875: No), the process proceeds to S910. Here, the time-saving count determined in S875 is the same as the time-saving count to be processed in S780. That is, a positive judgment in S875 (number of time-saving times = 0) indicates that the number of times the first and second special symbols fluctuate in the second time-saving game state entered by a time-saving hit has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the time-saving hit (50 times), that the number of times in the second time-saving game state entered after a jackpot has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the post-jackpot game (100 times), or that the number of times in the second time-saving game state entered by the cumulative number of times reaching the threshold value has reached the upper limit of time-saving times for the ceiling (1000 times).

In S890, which follows the negative judgment in S870, it is judged whether the cumulative number of fluctuations (the total number of fluctuations of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the low probability mode) has reached the threshold value (900 times). If the judgment is positive (S890: Yes), the process proceeds to S895, and if the judgment is negative (S890: No), the process proceeds to S910. Here, the threshold value determines the ceiling transition condition, and a positive judgment in S890 corresponds to the establishment of the ceiling transition condition.

In S895, a second time-saving game setting process is executed. In the second time-saving game setting process, the time-saving function and the open extension function of the second time-saving mode are enabled, similarly to S530 of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process described above. Furthermore, in this second time-saving game setting process, the upper limit of the number of times (= the number of time-saving times) of the fluctuation between the first special symbol and the second special symbol that can be executed in the second time-saving game state is set to the upper limit of the time-saving time for the ceiling (1000 times).
After S895, the process proceeds to S900, where the second time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S910.

In S910, a state designation command transmission process is executed. In this state designation command transmission process (S910), when both the high probability flag and the second time-saving flag are cleared, information indicating the end of the high probability game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, when only the first time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the first time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when only the second time-saving flag is cleared, information indicating the end of the second time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. Furthermore, when the second time-saving flag=1, information indicating the start of the second time-saving game state is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In the next S915, it is determined whether the confirmed second special symbol is a symbol that will result in a small win, and if the result is positive (S915: Yes), the process proceeds to S920, where the special electric device operation start process (S920) and the small win start performance process (S925) are executed in sequence, and a command indicating the mode of the small win game or a command instructing the start of the small win game is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to start the small win game, and the second special symbol win/loss determination process is terminated. Also, if the result is negative in S915 (S915: No), the second special symbol win/loss determination process is terminated.

In this embodiment, like the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process and the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process described above, only when the cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a threshold value (900 times) in the normal game state (non-time-saving mode) does the game transition to the time-saving game state ("low probability mode/second time-saving mode") (see Figures 13, 14 and 19). Thus, in this embodiment, the cumulative number of fluctuations is accumulated every time the first special symbol fluctuation and the second special symbol fluctuation are executed in the low probability mode, except when a jackpot is confirmed, but when the cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a threshold value in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, the time-saving game state does not overlap. In other words, if the cumulative number of fluctuations in the normal game state reaches a threshold value (if the ceiling transition condition is met), a transition to the second time-shortened game state will occur, whereas if the cumulative number of fluctuations in the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state reach a threshold value, a transition to a new second time-shortened game state will not occur and the current game state (first time-shortened game state or second time-shortened game state) will be maintained.

Next, the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 20 to 22. This jackpot game processing is a process executed from the special game processing (S70) of the main routine described above when a jackpot is determined to have been won by the win/loss determination process described above.

In the jackpot game process, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not the continuous operation device of the role is in operation (i.e., whether or not the jackpot game is being played) (S1000). If the determination is positive (S1000: Yes), the process proceeds to S1005, and if the determination is negative (S1000: No), the jackpot game process is terminated.

In S1005, it is determined whether the large prize opening 14 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S1005: Yes), the process proceeds to S1030 in FIG. 21, and if the determination is negative (S1005: No), the process proceeds to S1010.

In S1010, it is determined whether or not it is during an interval between open rounds in the jackpot game. If the determination is positive (S1010: Yes), the process proceeds to S1050 in FIG. 21, and if the determination is negative (S1010: No), the process proceeds to S1015. In S1015, it is determined whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress. If the determination is positive (S1015: Yes), the process proceeds to S1070 in FIG. 22, and if the determination is negative (S1015: No), the process proceeds to S1020.

In S1020, it is determined whether the start presentation time for the jackpot game has elapsed. If the determination is positive (S1020: Yes), the process proceeds to S1025, and if the determination is negative (S1020: No), the jackpot game process ends.

In S1025, a large prize opening process is executed to open the large prize opening 14. In this large prize opening process, the opening time (for example, 30 seconds) set in advance as the maximum opening time of the large prize opening 14 in the opening round is consumed in synchronization with the start of opening the large prize opening 14. After this large prize opening process, the large prize game process is terminated. Here, the opening time is consumed by a subtraction process of the opening timer. Specifically, the opening timer is preset with a counter value equivalent to the opening time (30 seconds), and a process of subtracting the counter value is executed each time the large prize game process is executed (each time the timer interrupt process is executed), and the opening time is considered to have elapsed when the counter value becomes 0. Of course, the measurement means for the opening time is not limited to the subtraction process of the opening timer, and other means can be used.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the large prize opening processing of S1025, when the opening of the large prize opening 14 begins, information indicating the start of an opening round and information indicating that this is the first opening round are transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S1030 of FIG. 21, which follows the positive judgment in S1005, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 14 has reached 10. If the judgment is positive (S1030: Yes), the process proceeds to S1040, and if the judgment is negative (S1030: No), the process proceeds to S1035. In S1035, it is determined whether the opening time (30 seconds) has elapsed based on the expiration of the time of the opening timer described above. Here, if the judgment is positive (S1035: Yes), the process proceeds to S1040, and if the judgment is negative (S1035: No), the big prize game processing is terminated. In S1040, the big prize opening closing process is executed to close the big prize opening 14 (the opening round is terminated). In the following S1045, the big prize interval process is executed to set the interval between each opening round of the big prize game, and the big prize game processing is terminated.

21, which follows the positive judgment of S1010, judges whether the interval time of the big win game has elapsed. If the judgment is positive (S1050: Yes), the process proceeds to S1055, and if the judgment is negative (S1050: No), the big win game process ends. In S1055, it is judged whether the final round has ended, and if the judgment is positive (S1055: Yes), the process proceeds to S1060, and if the judgment is negative (S1055: No), the process proceeds to S1065.
In S1060, a jackpot end effect process is executed to perform an effect when the jackpot game is ended. After S1060, the jackpot game process is ended.
In S1065, a special prize opening process is executed. In this process, the same process as S1025 described above is executed to open the special prize opening 14 and start the expiration of the opening time (30 seconds).

Furthermore, in S1070 of FIG. 22, which follows the positive judgment in S1015, it is judged whether the time for the jackpot end presentation has ended. If the judgment is positive (S1070: Yes), the process proceeds to S1075, and S1075 and S1080 are executed in sequence, whereas if the judgment is negative (S1070: No), the jackpot game processing ends. In S1075 and S1080, the role-playing device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S1085.

In S1085, the limit number count process is executed to increment the number of repeats of the special chance mode. As described above, this repeat number of special chance mode indicates the number of times the special chance mode state is repeated through jackpot play, and is counted each time the special chance mode state is entered. When the game is switched to the normal play state after the jackpot play, the repeat number of special chance mode is reset. In this way, the repeat number of special chance mode is counted, and when the repeat number of special chance mode reaches the limit number (9 times), the jackpot pattern mode (1st to 4th jackpot pattern modes, 11th and 12th jackpot pattern modes) that will switch to the normal play state is selected in the win/loss determination process as described above. After S1085, the process proceeds to S1090, where the stop flag is set to 0, and the process proceeds to S1100.

In S1100, it is determined whether or not to transition to the variable probability game state after the big win game. If the result is positive (S1100: Yes), the process proceeds to S1105, and if the result is negative (S1100: No), the process proceeds to S1120. In the variable probability game setting process in S1105, the functions related to the high probability mode and the second time-saving mode are enabled. Specifically, the variable probability table is enabled, and the time-saving function and the open extension function of the second time-saving mode are enabled. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of times that the first special pattern and the second special pattern can be changed in the variable probability game state (the upper limit value for the variable probability) is set to the number of times of the variable probability. Here, in this embodiment, as described above, since the upper limit value for the variable probability is set to 100 times, the number of times of the variable probability is set to 100 times.
In the subsequent steps S1110 and S1115, the high probability flag is set to 1 and the second time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to S1160.

In S1120, it is determined whether or not to transition to the temporary short play state after the big win game, and if the determination is affirmative (S1120: Yes), the process proceeds to S1125, and if the determination is negative (S1120: No), the process proceeds to S1140. The temporary short play setting process in S1125 activates the time-saving function and the opening extension function of the first time-saving mode, similar to S520 of the first special symbol hit/miss determination process described above. Furthermore, in this first time-saving play setting process, the upper limit of the number of times (=time-saving times) of the fluctuation between the first special symbol and the second special symbol that can be executed in the first time-saving play state is set to the time-saving upper limit value (100 times) for after the big win game.
In the next step S1130, the first time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to step S1160.

In S1140, it is determined whether or not to transition to the second time-saving game state after the big win game, and if the determination is affirmative (S1140: Yes), the process proceeds to S1145, and if the determination is negative (S1140: No), the process proceeds to S1160. The second time-saving game setting process in S1145 activates the time-saving function and the opening extension function of the second time-saving mode, similar to S530 of the second special symbol hit/miss determination process described above. Furthermore, in this second time-saving game setting process, the upper limit of the number of times (=time-saving times) of the fluctuation between the first special symbol and the second special symbol that can be executed in the second time-saving game state is set to the time-saving upper limit value (100 times) for after the big win game.
In the next step S1150, the second time-saving flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to step S1160.

In S1160 and S1165, a process of sending a jackpot end command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a process of sending a state designation command are executed, and the jackpot game process is terminated. Here, in this embodiment, in S1165, information on the normal game state, first time-limited game state, second time-limited game state, or special game state to be transitioned to after the jackpot game is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Next, the small win game processing executed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 23 and 24. This small win game processing is a process executed from the special game processing (S70) of the main routine described above when a small win is determined by the second special symbol hit/miss determination process described above.

In the small win game process, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether or not the special electric device is in operation (S1200). If the determination is positive (S1200: Yes), the process proceeds to S1205, and if the determination is negative (S1200: No), the small win game process ends.

In S1205, it is determined whether the large prize winning port 14 is open or not. If the result is a positive judgment (S1205: Yes), the process proceeds to S1230 in FIG. 24, and if the result is a negative judgment (S1205: No), the process proceeds to S1210. In S1210, it is determined whether the end performance of the small prize game is in progress. If the result is a positive judgment (S1210: Yes), the process proceeds to S1250 in FIG. 24, and if the result is a negative judgment (S1210: No), the process proceeds to S1215. In S1215, it is determined whether the start performance time for the small prize game has elapsed. If the result is a positive judgment (S1215: Yes), the process proceeds to S1220, and if the result is a negative judgment (S1215: No), the small prize game processing is terminated. In S1220, the large prize winning port opening processing is executed. In this large prize opening process, the large prize opening 14 is opened according to the opening pattern of the large prize opening 14 for the small prize game set in S640 (see FIG. 16) of the second special symbol hit/miss determination process described above. After this process, the small prize game process ends.

In S1230 of FIG. 24, which follows the positive judgment in S1205, it is judged whether the opening time (1.5 seconds) of the large prize opening 14 has elapsed. If the judgment is positive (S1230: Yes), the process proceeds to S1235, and if the judgment is negative (S1230: No), the small prize game process ends. In S1235, the large prize opening closing process is executed, and the large prize opening 14 is closed. In the following S1240, the small prize end effect process is executed, which performs an effect when the small prize game ends, and the small prize game process ends.

In S1250 in FIG. 24, which follows the positive judgment in S1210, it is judged whether the time for the small win end performance has ended. Here, if the judgment is positive (S1250: Yes), proceed to S1255, and if the judgment is negative (S1250: No), the small win game processing is terminated. In S1255, the operation of the special electric role is stopped, and in S1260, a small win end command that ends the performance related to the small win game is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In the following S1270, the small win game flag is set to 0, and the small win game processing is terminated.

Next, the main part of the present invention will be described.
Here, in the above-mentioned explanation of the operation, specifications, and processing of the various programs, a part of the main parts is explained according to the respective flows. Below, some of the main parts that have already been explained will be explained again.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, after the end of a jackpot game, it is possible to selectively transition to a first time-saving game state or a second time-saving game state, and as shown in FIG. 27, when a time-saving win is confirmed in the normal game state (non-time-saving mode), it transitions to either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, when the cumulative number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes in the low probability mode reach a predetermined threshold value (900 times), it transitions from the normal game state to the second time-saving game state.

In this embodiment, three types of time-saving transition conditions for transitioning to the time-saving play state (first time-saving play state and second time-saving play state) are set: a jackpot time-saving transition condition, a time-saving hit transition condition, and a ceiling transition condition. The jackpot time-saving transition condition is a condition for transitioning to the first time-saving play state or the second time-saving play state after the aforementioned jackpot play, the time-saving hit transition condition is a condition for transitioning when the aforementioned time-saving hit is confirmed, and the ceiling transition condition is a condition for transitioning when the aforementioned cumulative fluctuation count reaches a threshold value.

In detail, the jackpot time-saving transition condition is set such that the jackpot is determined by consuming the first reserved memory and the fifth and sixth jackpot pattern modes are selected, and the jackpot is confirmed by consuming the second reserved memory and the thirteenth and fourteenth jackpot pattern modes are selected. When the fifth jackpot pattern mode is selected and when the thirteenth jackpot pattern mode is selected, the jackpot time-saving transition condition for transitioning to the first short-time play state is established. On the other hand, when the sixth jackpot pattern mode is selected and when the fourteenth jackpot pattern mode is selected, the jackpot time-saving transition condition for transitioning to the second short-time play state is established.
The time-saving winning transition condition is to determine whether or not a time-saving winning has occurred by consuming the first reserved memory in the non-time-saving mode (normal game mode). When the first special symbol that started to change in the normal game mode stops changing in the time-saving winning symbol mode, the game transitions from the normal game mode to the first time-saving game mode or the second time-saving game mode. When the time-saving winning transition condition is met, the game transitions to the first time-saving game mode or the second time-saving game mode without going through a jackpot game.
The ceiling transition condition is that the cumulative number of times of fluctuations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the low probability mode reaches the threshold value (900 times). In this embodiment, the establishment of the ceiling transition condition is effective only in the normal game state. That is, only when the establishment of the ceiling transition condition is established in the normal game state, the normal game state transitions to the second time-saving game state. When the ceiling transition condition is established, the game state transitions only to the second time-saving game state, and does not transition to the first time-saving game state. As described above, the cumulative number of times of fluctuations is cleared when a jackpot is confirmed, and is also cleared when the RAM is cleared when the power is turned on.

In the configuration of this embodiment, as described above, when the jackpot time-saving transition condition is established and when the time-saving transition condition is established, the game is selectively transitioned to either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state. Here, the selection probability between the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state based on the jackpot time-saving game condition is different between when the first reserved memory is consumed and when the second reserved memory is consumed.
That is, the selection probability when the first reserved memory is consumed is based on the probability of selecting the fifth jackpot pattern and the probability of selecting the sixth jackpot pattern when a jackpot is determined. Here, the selection probability of the fifth jackpot pattern and the selection probability of the sixth jackpot pattern are each set to 20% as shown in FIG. 5(A), so that the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving game state and the probability of transitioning to the second time-saving game state are equal when a jackpot is determined by consuming the first reserved memory.
On the other hand, the selection probability when the second reserved memory is consumed is based on the probability of selecting the 13th jackpot pattern and the probability of selecting the 14th jackpot pattern when a jackpot is determined. Here, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the selection probability of the 13th jackpot pattern is set to 10%, and the selection probability of the 14th jackpot pattern is set to 30%, so that when a jackpot is determined by consuming the second reserved memory, the probability of transitioning to the second time-saving game state is higher than the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving game state.
In this embodiment, the second special symbol changes more easily than the first special symbol to transition to the second time-saving game state when a jackpot is confirmed.

The probability of selecting the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state based on the time-saving transition condition is set to 50% each (see FIG. 27). In this embodiment, the time-saving win pattern pattern indicating the confirmation of a time-saving win includes a time-saving win pattern pattern indicating a transition to the first time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the first time-saving win pattern pattern) and a time-saving win pattern pattern indicating a transition to the second time-saving game state (hereinafter referred to as the second time-saving win pattern pattern), and when a time-saving win is determined by consuming the first reserved memory, the first time-saving win pattern pattern and the second time-saving win pattern pattern are selected and determined with a probability of 50% each.

In addition, in this embodiment, a time-saving end condition for ending the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state is set. As described above, the time-saving end condition includes a jackpot time-saving end condition, a time-saving hit end condition, and a ceiling time-saving end condition. That is, the jackpot time-saving end condition is a condition for ending the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game venue state that are transitioned to by the establishment of the jackpot time-saving transition condition, the time-saving hit end condition is a condition for ending the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game venue state that are transitioned to by the establishment of the time-saving hit transition condition, and the ceiling time-saving end condition is a condition for ending the second time-saving game venue state that is transitioned to by the establishment of the ceiling transition condition.
Here, as described above, the conditions for ending the jackpot time-saving feature are that the number of times the special symbols change (the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes) reaches the upper limit of the time-saving feature for use after the jackpot game (100 times), and that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in the jackpot pattern (the jackpot game starts). In other words, the conditions for ending the jackpot time-saving feature are met when either the number of times the special symbols change reaches the upper limit of the time-saving feature or a jackpot is confirmed.
In addition, as described above, the time-saving end condition is that the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving upper limit (50 times) for the time-saving hit, and either the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed in a jackpot pattern mode. In other words, the time-saving end condition is established when either the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving upper limit or a jackpot is confirmed.
In addition, as described above, the ceiling time-saving end condition is that the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the ceiling time-saving upper limit (1000 times), and either the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed in a jackpot pattern mode. In other words, the ceiling time-saving end condition is established when either the number of times the special pattern changes reaches the time-saving upper limit or a jackpot is confirmed.

Next, the first time-shortened gaming state and the second time-shortened gaming state will be described.
The first short time game state is a game state of "low probability mode/first time-saving mode," and the second short time game state is a game state of "low probability mode/second time-saving mode." Here, in the low probability mode, as described above, the winning probability for determining whether or not a jackpot has been won based on the consumption of the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory is set to a preset low winning probability (1/300).

The first time-saving mode in the first short play state has the time-saving function and the opening extension function described above. Here, as shown in FIG. 25, the opening extension function increases the probability of winning a normal symbol compared to the non-time-saving mode (normal play state), and lengthens the opening time of the second starting hole 12 compared to the non-time-saving mode. Specifically, the probability of winning a normal symbol is 1/10 in the non-time-saving mode and 9/10 in the first time-saving mode. The opening operation of the normal electric device 13 is performed once for 0.2 seconds in the non-time-saving mode, and three times for 1 second in the first time-saving mode.

The time-saving function of the temporary time-saving mode shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbols compared to the non-time-saving mode, and shortens the average fluctuation time of the first special symbols and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbols compared to the non-time-saving mode. Furthermore, the average fluctuation time of the second special symbols in the first time-saving mode is shortened compared to the average fluctuation time of the first special symbols in the first time-saving mode.
Here, the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol indicates the average of the fluctuation time of the first special symbol when the first special symbol is not determined to be a big hit. That is, it is the average of the fluctuation time when the first special symbol is determined to be a time-saving hit and the fluctuation time when it is determined to be a miss. Similarly, the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is the average of the fluctuation time of the second special symbol when the second special symbol is not determined to be a big hit. That is, it is the average of the fluctuation time when the second special symbol is determined to be a small hit and the fluctuation time when it is determined to be a miss.

On the other hand, the second time-saving mode in the second time-saving game state has a time-saving function and an opening extension function, similar to the first time-saving mode. The opening extension function of the second time-saving mode (the winning probability of the normal symbol and the opening time of the second starting hole 12) is set in the same way as the first time-saving mode, as shown in FIG. 25.

The time-saving function of the second time-saving mode shortens the fluctuation time of the normal symbols compared to the non-time-saving mode, and makes the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol the same as the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol in the time-saving mode. In other words, in the second time-saving mode, the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than in the non-time-saving mode and shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode.

In this embodiment, the normal symbol fluctuation time is preset to 1 minute in the non-time-saving mode, and 2 seconds in the first and second time-saving modes. The first special symbol average fluctuation time is preset to 20 seconds in the non-time-saving mode, 10 seconds in the first time-saving mode, and 5 seconds in the second time-saving mode. The second special symbol average fluctuation time is preset to 20 seconds in the non-time-saving mode, 5 seconds in the first time-saving mode, and 5 seconds in the second time-saving mode.

In this way, in the first time-saving game state (first time-saving mode) and the second time-saving game state (second time-saving mode), compared to the normal game state (non-time-saving mode), it is easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole 12 and easier to win with a normal pattern, and the average change time between the first special pattern and the second special pattern is shorter, so the number of times the first special pattern changes per unit time increases. Furthermore, in the second time-saving game state (second time-saving mode), the average change time of the first special pattern is shorter than in the first time-saving game state (first time-saving mode), so the number of times the first special pattern changes per unit time increases. For this reason, in the second time-saving game state, the number of times the special pattern changes per unit time increases compared to the first time-saving game state, so the time required for the number of times the special pattern changes to reach the time-saving upper limit number can be shortened. In other words, the configuration of this embodiment can create a difference between the time until the first time-saving game state ends when the number of times the special chart changes reaches the time-saving upper limit, and the time until the second time-saving game state ends when the number of times the special chart changes reaches the time-saving upper limit.

Next, a process for determining the change time of the first special symbol and the change time of the second special symbol in the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode will be described in detail.
In this embodiment, the first special symbol fluctuation time is determined by S205, S235, and S255 (see FIG. 9) of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process, and the second special symbol fluctuation time is determined by S605, S635, and S655 (see FIG. 16) of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process. In each of these processes, a fluctuation time table in which multiple fluctuation times are set in advance is used to determine one fluctuation time according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number and the reach judgment random number.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 16, the first special symbol hit determination process S205 and the second special symbol hit determination process S605 are processes executed at the time of jackpot determination, and a process of determining the hit time is performed using the dedicated hit time table (jackpot hit hit time table). In this embodiment, the same hit time table is used in any of the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode. In such a hit time table, multiple hit time periods are set until a hit is confirmed, and each hit time period is set on the premise of the execution of a reach performance. Here, in this embodiment, normal reach performance, super reach performance, and special reach performance are set as reach performances, and multiple hit time periods for executing each reach performance are set in the hit time table. That is, in S205 and S605, one fluctuation time is selected from the jackpot fluctuation time table according to a fluctuation pattern determination random number value, and a reach presentation (either a normal reach presentation, a super reach presentation, or a special reach presentation) is determined according to the selected fluctuation time.
In addition, in the jackpot fluctuation time table of this embodiment, multiple fluctuation times are set which are selected according to a fluctuation pattern determination random number value so that the average fluctuation time of the first and second special patterns which determine a jackpot is two minutes.

In steps S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss determination process and steps S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss determination process, the first special symbol hit/miss time and the second special symbol hit/miss time are determined using a hit/miss time table that is valid according to the non-time-saving mode, first time-saving mode, and second time-saving mode.

Here, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 29, four types of tables are set: a normal variable time table for no reach, a normal variable time table for a reach, a shortened variable time table for no reach, and a shortened variable time table for a reach. The normal variable time table for no reach and the normal variable time table for a reach are made effective in the S235, S255, S635, and S655 in the non-time-saving mode, and in the S235 and S255 in the first time-saving mode, and are used to determine the variable time. On the other hand, the shortened variable time table for no reach and the shortened variable time table for a reach are made effective in the S635 and S655 in the first time-saving mode, and in the S235, S255, S635, and S655 in the second time-saving mode, and are used to determine the variable time. In addition, the normal fluctuation table for no reach and the shortened fluctuation time table for no reach are made valid when it is determined by the drawing of the reach determination random number that the reach performance will not be executed, and are used to determine the fluctuation time. In addition, the normal fluctuation time table for reach and the shortened fluctuation time table for reach are made valid when it is determined by the drawing of the reach determination random number that the reach performance will be executed, and are used to determine the fluctuation time.

That is, in the non-time-saving mode (normal game state), the time for the first special symbol to fluctuate is determined by either the normal fluctuating time table for no reach or the normal fluctuating time table for reach, which are activated according to the result of the reach-judgment random number. Also, in the first time-saving mode (first time-saving game state), the time for the first special symbol to fluctuate is determined by either the normal fluctuating time table for no reach or the normal fluctuating time table for reach, which are activated according to the result of the reach-judgment random number, and the time for the second special symbol to fluctuate is determined by either the shortened fluctuating time table for no reach or the shortened fluctuating time table for reach, which are activated according to the result of the reach-judgment random number. Also, in the second time-saving mode (second time-saving game state, probability variable game state), the time for the first special symbol to fluctuate is determined by either the shortened fluctuating time table for no reach or the shortened fluctuating time table for reach, which are activated according to the result of the reach-judgment random number.

As described above, multiple variable times are preset in each of the normal variable time table for no reach, the normal variable time table for reach, the shortened variable time table for no reach, and the shortened variable time table for reach. The normal variable time table for no reach is set with a variable time during which reach performance is not executed, while the normal variable time table for reach is set with a variable time during which reach performance is executed. Therefore, the variable time of the normal variable time table for reach includes the time required for reach performance, and is therefore longer than the variable time of the normal variable time table for no reach. Similarly, in the shortened variable time table for no reach and the shortened variable time table for reach, the variable time of the shortened variable time table for reach is longer than the shortened variable time table for no reach.

The average of the fluctuation times (average fluctuation time) set in the no-reach shortened fluctuation time table is shorter than the average of the fluctuation times (average fluctuation time) set in the no-reach normal fluctuation time table. Similarly, the average of the fluctuation times (average fluctuation time) set in the reach shortened fluctuation time table is shorter than the average of the fluctuation times (average fluctuation time) set in the reach normal fluctuation time table.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of probabilities for determining the execution of the reach effect (hereinafter referred to as the reach effect probability) are set, and are selectively enabled according to each process for determining the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol and each time-saving mode, and the reach effect is determined by judging the reach determination random number. Specifically, in the non-time-saving mode, a common first reach effect probability is used in S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss determination process and S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss determination process. In the first time-saving mode, a second reach effect probability that is lower than the first reach effect probability is used in S235 and S255, and a third reach effect probability that is lower than the second reach effect probability is used in S635 and S655. In the second time-saving mode, the third reach effect probability is used in S235 and S255 and S635 and S655. In this embodiment, the probability of the first reach effect is set to 21/229, the probability of the second reach effect is set to 7/229, and the probability of the third reach effect is set to 4/229.
Since the probability of each reach effect is set, in S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process, the normal fluctuation time table for no reach and the normal fluctuation time table for reach are used in both the non-time-saving mode and the first time-saving mode, but in the first time-saving mode, the probability of using the normal fluctuation time table for no reach is higher than in the non-time-saving mode (the probability of the second reach effect is lower than the probability of the first reach effect). Therefore, the average (average fluctuation time) of the fluctuation time of the first special symbol determined in the S235 and S255 in the first time-saving mode is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the non-time-saving mode. In addition, in the second time-saving mode, since the probability of a third reach being produced used in the second time-saving mode is lower than the probability of the second reach being produced, and since the average fluctuation time of the shortened fluctuation time table for no reach used in the second time-saving mode is shorter than that of the normal fluctuation time table for no reach and the average fluctuation time of the shortened fluctuation time table for reach is shorter than that of the normal fluctuation time table for reach, the average fluctuation time (average fluctuation time) of the first special pattern determined in S235 and S255 is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special pattern in the first time-saving mode.
Similarly, in S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, the third reach performance probability used in both the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode is lower than the first reach performance probability and the second reach performance probability, and the average fluctuation time of the no-reach shortened fluctuation time table and the reach-with shortened fluctuation time table is short, so that the average (average fluctuation time) of the fluctuation time of the second special symbol determined in the S635 and S655 in the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first and second special symbols in the non-time-saving mode and the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode. Here, in this embodiment, the no-reach shortened fluctuation time table and the reach-with shortened fluctuation time table and the third reach performance probability are set so that the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol determined in S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process in the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode is shorter than the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode.

The process of determining the fluctuation time of the first special pattern and the fluctuation time of the second special pattern using each of these fluctuation time tables and reach performance probabilities will be described for each of the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode.
In the case of non-time-saving mode (normal game state), in S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process, it is judged whether or not to execute a reach performance by the reach judgment random number according to the first reach performance probability (21/229). Then, when it is decided not to execute the reach performance, the normal fluctuation time table for no reach is made effective, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. On the other hand, when it is decided to execute the reach performance, the normal fluctuation time table for reach is made effective, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. Then, the reach performance (either normal reach performance, super reach performance, or special reach performance) is determined according to the determined fluctuation time. Similarly, in S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, when it is determined that the reach performance is not to be executed based on the judgment according to the first reach performance probability, the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined using the normal fluctuation time table for non-reach, and when it is determined that the reach performance is to be executed, the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined using the normal fluctuation time table for reach to determine the reach performance. The average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol determined in such a non-time-saving mode are 20 seconds as described above (see FIG. 25).

In the case of the first short time mode (first time-shortened game state), in S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process, it is judged whether or not to execute a reach performance by the reach judgment random number according to the second reach performance probability (7/229). Then, when it is decided not to execute the reach performance, the normal fluctuation time table for no reach is activated, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. On the other hand, when it is decided to execute the reach performance, the normal fluctuation time table for a reach is activated, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. Then, the reach performance is determined according to the determined fluctuation time. Also, in S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, it is judged whether or not to execute a reach performance by the reach judgment random number according to the third reach performance probability (4/229). Then, when it is decided not to execute the reach performance, the shortened fluctuation time table for no reach is activated, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. On the other hand, when it is decided to execute a reach effect, the shortened fluctuation time table for reach is activated, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. Then, the reach effect is determined according to the determined fluctuation time. The average fluctuation time of the first special symbol determined in this first time-saving mode is 10 seconds as described above, and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is 5 seconds as described above (see FIG. 25).

In the case of the second time-saving mode (second time-saving game state, probability-changing game state), in S235 and S255 of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment process, it is judged whether or not to execute a reach performance by the reach judgment random number according to the third reach performance probability (4/229). Then, when it is decided not to execute the reach performance, the shortened fluctuation time table for no reach is activated, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. On the other hand, when it is decided to execute the reach performance, the shortened fluctuation time table for a reach with is activated, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined according to the fluctuation pattern determination random number value. Then, the reach performance is determined according to the determined fluctuation time. Also, in S635 and S655 of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment process, when it is decided not to execute the reach performance by the judgment according to the third reach performance probability, the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined using the shortened fluctuation time table for no reach, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined using the shortened fluctuation time table for a reach with, and the reach performance is determined. The average change time of the first special symbol and the average change time of the second special symbol determined in this non-time-saving mode is 5 seconds, as mentioned above (see Figure 25).

Next, features of the embodiment will be described.
The configuration of this embodiment is such that a transition to a second time-shortened game state occurs when the cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a threshold value (ceiling transition condition), and the configuration is equipped with a function of selectively transitioning between the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state after a jackpot game, and a function of transitioning to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state depending on the probability of a time-shortened hit by the first special pattern, and the average fluctuation time between the first special pattern and the second special pattern in the second time-shortened game state is shortened compared to the average fluctuation time of the first special pattern in the first time-shortened game state.
According to the configuration of this embodiment, in the first time-saving game state, the number of variations of the first special symbol that can be executed per unit time is smaller than that in the second time-saving game state. As a result, when the game is shifted to the second time-saving game state after a jackpot game and the time-saving hit is confirmed, the time required for the cumulative variation number to reach the threshold value can be shorter than that when the game is shifted to the first time-saving game state. In this way, depending on whether the game is shifted to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state after a jackpot game and the time-saving hit is confirmed, the time required for the cumulative variation number to reach the threshold value can be changed, so that the process of the cumulative variation number reaching the threshold value is added with a novel and interesting aspect that has not been seen in the past, that is, the time change. As a result, the game of shifting to the second time-saving game state when the cumulative variation number reaches the threshold value can be further diversified, so that a game with a rich variety can be provided to the player, and the interest can be improved.

Here, the cumulative number of variations is accumulated each time the first and second special symbols vary in the low probability mode (normal game state, first time-saving game state, second time-saving game state), and is cleared when a jackpot is confirmed. As a result, while the cumulative number of variations is counted, one of the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state to which the game is transferred after a jackpot game occurs at most once, but since the ratio of the time-saving upper limit value for after a jackpot game (the upper limit value of the number of special symbol variations that can be executed in the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state = 100) to the threshold value (= 900) is relatively high, it has a large impact on the time required to reach the threshold value. On the other hand, the upper limit of the time-saving time between the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state (=50) to which the game is switched by the time-saving hit determination is smaller in proportion to the threshold value than the upper limit of the time-saving time after the big win game, but since the time-saving hit determination may occur multiple times during the counting of the cumulative number of fluctuations, the influence on the time until the threshold value is reached increases as the number of occurrences increases. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first special symbol and the second special symbol are configured to be simultaneously variable, the change in the time required to reach the threshold value can be more clearly expressed between the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state.
For this reason, depending on whether the game moves to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state after the big win game ends and the time-saving win is confirmed, it is possible to create a relatively large fluctuation in the emotions of the player who expects the cumulative number of fluctuations to reach the threshold value (the establishment of the ceiling transition condition). Therefore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the fun of the above-mentioned time change can be made even more apparent, and the overall effect of improving the interest of the game can be dramatically increased.

The following describes the correspondence between the terms used in the first and second embodiments and the terms described in the claims.
The pachinko machine 1 corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention.
The start winning process corresponds to an example of the random number extraction means according to the present invention.
S165 to S195 and S222 to S225 of the first special pattern win/loss determination process and S565 to S595 of the second special pattern win/loss determination process correspond to an example of a win/loss determination means according to the present invention.
The consumption of the first reserved memory (S165 to S170 of the first special pattern win/loss determination process) corresponds to an example of the first variable condition according to the present invention.
The steps S200 to S315 of the first special symbol winning/losing determination process correspond to an example of the first special symbol control means of the present invention.
The consumption of the second reserved memory (S565 to S570 of the second special pattern winning/losing determination process) corresponds to an example of the second variable condition according to the present invention.
The steps S600 to S725 of the second special symbol winning/losing determination process correspond to an example of the second special symbol control means of the present invention.
The big win game process corresponds to an example of the special game control means according to the present invention.
S220 and S370 of the first special symbol win/loss determination process and S620 and S770 of the second special symbol win/loss determination process correspond to an example of a fluctuation counting means according to the present invention.
The second time-saving gaming state corresponds to an example of an easy-entry ball gaming state according to the present invention.
S200, S230, and S500 to S530 of the first special pattern win/loss determination process, S600 and S890 to S900 of the second special pattern win/loss determination process, and S1120 to S1150 of the jackpot game processing correspond to an example of a game state conversion means of the present invention.
The first special symbol hit/miss determination process S200, the second special symbol hit/miss determination process S600, and the jackpot game process S1120 to S1150 correspond to an example of the jackpot time-saving transition process according to the present invention.
The probability of selecting the fifth jackpot pattern form and the thirteenth jackpot pattern form corresponds to an example of the probability of selecting a first time-saving game state upon completion of a jackpot game according to the present invention, and the probability of selecting the sixth jackpot pattern form and the fourteenth jackpot pattern form corresponds to an example of the probability of selecting a second time-saving game state upon completion of a jackpot game according to the present invention.
S230 and S505 to S530 of the first special symbol winning/losing determination process correspond to an example of the winning time reduction transition process according to the present invention.

A variation of the above-mentioned embodiment will now be described.
In the embodiment, the game can be switched to the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state after a big win, and can be switched to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state when a time-saving win is confirmed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The game may be configured not to switch to the first or second time-saving game state after a big win, or may not have a time-saving win that switches to the first or second time-saving game state. That is, in the former configuration, the game is switched to the first or second time-saving game state when a time-saving win is confirmed, and the game is switched to the second time-saving game state when the cumulative fluctuation count reaches a threshold value, and in the latter configuration, the game can be switched to the first or second time-saving game state after a big win, and the game is switched to the second time-saving game state when the cumulative fluctuation count reaches a threshold value. In either of these configurations, the time required for the cumulative fluctuation count to reach the threshold value can be changed depending on whether the game is switched to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, so that the game interest can be improved in the same way as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

In the embodiment, a normal fluctuation time table for no reach or a normal fluctuation time table for reach is used when determining the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the non-time-saving mode and when determining the fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a fluctuation time table different from that in the non-time-saving mode may be used to determine the fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode. For example, the fluctuation time tables for no reach and reach for determining the fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode are set so that the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode is shorter than the average fluctuation time in the non-time-saving mode and longer than the average fluctuation time in the second time-saving mode.
In addition, in the embodiment, when determining the variation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode, a configuration can be made in which a no-reach shortened variation time table and a reach shortened variation time table are used. In this configuration, when determining the variation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode, a second reach performance probability (7/229) that is higher than the third reach performance probability (4/229) that is effective in the second time-saving mode is used, so that the average variation time of the first special symbol becomes longer than in the second time-saving mode.
Furthermore, in the embodiment, a common variable time table may be used in the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode. In this configuration, similarly to the embodiment, the first reach-to-zhi performance probability, the second reach-to-zhi performance probability lower than the first reach-to-zhi performance probability, and the third reach-to-zhi performance probability lower than the second reach-to-zhi performance probability are used, so that the average variable time between the first special symbol and the second special symbol in each mode can be different.

In the embodiment, the probability of determining the execution of a reach effect in the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode (first to third reach effect probabilities) can be appropriately changed and set. This probability is set so that the average change time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode is shorter than that in the non-time-saving mode, the average change time of the second special symbol in the first time-saving mode is shorter than that of the first special symbol, and the average change time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the second time-saving mode is shorter than that of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode.

In the embodiment, the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the non-time-saving mode, the first time-saving mode, and the second time-saving mode can be changed and set as appropriate. Here, each average fluctuation time is set, as in the embodiment, so that the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode is shorter than that in the non-time-saving mode, the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol in the first time-saving mode is shorter than that of the first special symbol, and the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol in the second time-saving mode is shorter than that of the first special symbol in the first time-saving mode.

In the embodiment, the probability of winning the normal symbol in the first time-saving mode and the second time-saving mode, the opening operation pattern of the normal electric role device, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol can be changed and set as appropriate.
In the embodiment, the first time-saving mode (first time-saving game state) and the second time-saving mode (second time-saving game state) are different from each other only in the average change time of the first special symbol, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to set the winning probability of the normal symbol, the opening operation pattern of the normal electric role, and the change time of the normal symbol to be different from each other. For example, the second time-saving mode may shorten the change time of the normal symbol in addition to the average change time of the first special symbol compared to the first time-saving mode.

In the embodiment, the upper limit values of the time-saving feature that constitute the jackpot time-saving end condition, the time-saving hit end condition, and the ceiling time-saving end condition that terminate the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state can be changed and set as appropriate.

In the embodiment, the threshold value of the ceiling transition condition for transitioning to the second time-saving gaming state can be changed and set as appropriate. For example, the threshold value can be set to 500 times, 1000 times, etc.

In the embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving game state after a jackpot game and the probability of transitioning to the second time-saving game state can be appropriately changed and set. In the embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the second time-saving game state when a jackpot is confirmed with the second special symbol is higher than when a jackpot is confirmed with the first special symbol, but this is not limited to this, and the probability may be the same for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, or the probability may be higher when a jackpot is confirmed with the first special symbol than when a jackpot is confirmed with the second special symbol.
Similarly, the probability of transitioning to the first time-shortened game state and the probability of transitioning to the second time-shortened game state due to a time-shortened hit can be appropriately changed and set. For example, one of the probability of transitioning to the first time-shortened game state and the probability of transitioning to the second time-shortened game state may be set higher than the other.

In the embodiment, when a jackpot is determined by consuming the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory, the transition to the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state is determined by selecting the jackpot pattern type. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to select and determine the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state by other methods. For example, the transition to either the normal game state, the time-saving game state, or the probability variation game state may be determined by selecting the jackpot pattern type associated with the jackpot determination, and when the transition to the time-saving game state is determined, either the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state may be determined by lottery. Alternatively, the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state may be selected depending on the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern have changed between the previous jackpot game and the jackpot determination, the number of winning balls, etc.

In the embodiment, the game state transitions to either the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state, or the special probability game state after a jackpot game, but the present invention is not limited to this. The game state may transition to either the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, or the second time-saving game state after a jackpot game, or the game state may transition to either the first time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state, or the special probability game state after a jackpot game.

In the embodiment, the game transitions to the second time-shortened game state when the cumulative number of fluctuations reaches a threshold value (the ceiling transition condition is met), but this is not limiting, and the game can also transition to the first time-shortened game state when the ceiling transition condition is met. Alternatively, the game can transition selectively to either the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state when the ceiling transition condition is met. Here, the selection between the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state can be determined by random number drawing, or can be determined based on the number of winning balls, the number of time-shortened wins, the number of small wins, etc.

In the embodiment, the time-saving hit determination is performed only when the first reserved memory is consumed, but this is not limited to the above, and the time-saving hit determination can also be performed both when the first reserved memory is consumed and when the second reserved memory is consumed.

In the embodiment, the game state is transitioned to the first or second time-saving game state only when the time-saving hit (time-saving hit transition condition is satisfied) in the normal game state, and the game state is transitioned to the second time-saving game state only when the ceiling transition condition is satisfied in the normal game state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game state may be configured such that the first or second time-saving game state occurs in a superimposed manner when the time-saving hit transition condition and the ceiling transition condition are satisfied in the first or second time-saving game state. For example, when the time-saving hit transition condition and the ceiling transition condition are satisfied in the first and second time-saving game states, the current time-saving game state is continued if the remaining number of variations that can be executed in the current time-saving game state is greater than the time-saving upper limit value of the new time-saving game state, and a new time-saving game state is entered if the remaining number in the current time-saving game state is small. Alternatively, the current time-saving game state may be continued, and a new time-saving game state may be entered after the time-saving game state ends.

In the embodiment, the time-saving game state to which a transition can be made when the jackpot time-saving transition condition, the time-saving win transition condition, and the ceiling transition condition are satisfied is provided with a first time-saving game state (first time-saving mode) and a second time-saving game state (second time-saving mode). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, a time-saving game state (another time-saving mode) other than the first and second time-saving game states can also be provided. Here, the other time-saving game state can be set such that at least one of the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is different from the first and second time-saving game states. Alternatively, at least one of the winning probability of the normal symbol, the opening operation pattern of the normal electric role, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol may be set to be different from the first and second time-saving game states.

Here, in a configuration that has a plurality of such time-saving game states and can selectively transition to any one of the time-saving game states, a plurality of variable time tables in which different average fluctuation times are set are provided, and the fluctuation times of the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be determined according to one or more variable time tables respectively assigned to each time-saving game state. Note that when a plurality of variable time tables are assigned to each time-saving game state, the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol change depending on the combination of the variable time tables, so that a plurality of time-saving game states can be set according to the combination of the variable time tables.
For example, in addition to the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state similar to those in the embodiment, a third time-saving game state may be provided, and the third time-saving game state may become the first time-saving mode when the transition starts, and then may be converted to the second time-saving mode when a predetermined mode conversion condition is met. Here, the mode conversion condition may be set, for example, that the number of times the special chart changes in the first time-saving mode reaches a predetermined value, that the number of winning balls in the first time-saving mode reaches a predetermined number, etc.

In the embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol can change simultaneously, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the first special symbol and the second special symbol may not change simultaneously. In this case, it is preferable to have a configuration in which one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol changes with priority.

1. Pachinko machines (pinball machines)
9 First special pattern display device 10 Second special pattern display device 11 First starting port 12 Second starting port

Claims (2)

A first starting port into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
A second starting port that is converted into an open state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the game and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter the game;
A first special symbol display device that variably displays a first special symbol;
A second special symbol display device that variably displays a second special symbol;
A random number extracting means for extracting a predetermined random number due to the entry of a game ball into the first start hole and the second start hole;
A winning/losing determination means for determining winning/losing based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means;
A first special symbol control means for causing the first special symbol display device to start varying the first special symbol when a predetermined first variation condition is met, and for causing the first special symbol display device to stop and display the first special symbol in a pattern state that indicates the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed;
A second special symbol control means for causing the second special symbol display device to start varying the second special symbol when a predetermined second variation condition is met, and for causing the second special symbol display device to stop and display the symbol in a pattern form that indicates the result of the judgment by the win/loss judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed;
a special game control means for executing a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern mode indicating the jackpot determination when the jackpot determination means determines that a jackpot has occurred;
A variation counting means for accumulating the number of variations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol and clearing the accumulated number of variations based on the hit/miss determination means determining that a jackpot has been reached;
When the cumulative number of fluctuations accumulated by the fluctuation counting means reaches a predetermined threshold value, a game state changing means changes the game state to an easy ball entry game state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole than in a normal game state.
The game state conversion means includes a jackpot time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared with the normal game state upon the end of the jackpot game,
The time-saving game states converted by the jackpot time-saving transition process include a first time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol is shorter than that of the normal game state and the average fluctuation time of the second special symbol is shorter than that of the first special symbol, and a second time-saving game state in which the average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than that of the first special symbol in the temporary short game state,
The pinball game machine is characterized in that the jackpot time-saving transition processing includes a processing content for selecting and determining, when the jackpot is determined by the hit/miss determination means, the first short-time game state or the second short-time game state to which the state will be switched upon the end of the jackpot game, in accordance with a predetermined selection probability. A first starting port into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter;
A second starting port that is converted into an open state in which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter the game and a closed state in which a game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter the game;
A first special symbol display device that variably displays a first special symbol;
A second special symbol display device that variably displays a second special symbol;
A random number extracting means for extracting a predetermined random number due to the entry of a game ball into the first start hole and the second start hole;
A winning/losing determination means for determining winning/losing based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means;
A first special symbol control means for causing the first special symbol display device to start varying the first special symbol when a predetermined first variation condition is met, and for causing the first special symbol display device to stop and display the first special symbol in a pattern state that indicates the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed;
A second special symbol control means for causing the second special symbol display device to start varying the second special symbol when a predetermined second variation condition is satisfied, and for causing the second special symbol display device to stop and display the symbol in a pattern form that indicates the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment means after a predetermined variation time has elapsed;
a special game control means for executing a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern mode indicating the jackpot determination when the jackpot determination means determines that a jackpot has occurred;
A variation counting means for accumulating the number of variations between the first special symbol and the second special symbol and clearing the accumulated number of variations at least based on the fact that a jackpot is determined by the winning/losing determination means;
a game state changing means for changing the game state into an easy-entry game state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole than in a normal game state when the cumulative number of fluctuations accumulated by the fluctuation counting means reaches a predetermined threshold value;
In a pinball game machine equipped with
The winning/losing determination means includes a process for determining whether or not a time-saving win has occurred based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction means,
Furthermore, the game state conversion means is provided with a winning time-saving transition process for converting the game state into a time-saving game state in which an average fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal game state, based on the first special symbol or the second special symbol being stopped and displayed in a pattern state indicating the time-saving win judgment by the win/loss judgment means,
The time-saving game state converted by the winning time-saving transition process includes a first time-saving game state in which the average change time of the first special symbol is shorter than that of the normal game state and the average change time of the second special symbol is shorter than that of the first special symbol, and a second time-saving game state in which the average change time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shorter than that of the first special symbol in the temporary time-saving game state,
The pinball game machine is characterized in that the winning time-saving transition processing includes a processing content for selecting and determining, when the win/loss determination means determines that the time-saving win has occurred, either the temporary short-time game state or the second short-time game state to which the win/loss determination means is switched in accordance with the cessation of the fluctuation of the first special pattern or the second special pattern, according to a preset selection probability.

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