JP7569066B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine that has a so-called ball-scoring state.

A pinball game machine (pachinko machine), which is an example of a game machine, has one or more start ports, including an "openable start port that can be changed from a closed state to an open state," and a big prize port in a game area, and executes a win/loss judgment (a win/loss judgment regarding a special symbol) based on a game ball entering the start port. Then, based on the result of this win/loss judgment being a big prize, a big prize game is executed in which the big prize port is opened.
Conventionally known gaming machines of this type are capable of transitioning to an easier-to-enter ball-scoring state (e.g., an extended open state) in which the ease of a gaming ball entering an opening/closing starting hole is increased when certain transition conditions are met (see Patent Document 1).
In addition, in general, a gaming machine is provided with a means for notifying the result of the win/loss determination, in addition to a symbol display device that notifies the result of the win/loss determination after executing a variable display of symbols (special symbols) for a predetermined time, and a presentation means that executes a game presentation corresponding to the variable display of symbols. Then, the "game presentation corresponding to the variable display of symbols" is executed by this presentation means.

JP 2002-78903 A

However, in recent years, the triggers (transition conditions) for transitioning to the easy-to-score state have become more diverse, but it is difficult to say that notification actions (changing symbol displays and game effects) are being implemented that are commensurate with this diversification, and the reality is that interest in the game is not being sufficiently heightened.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above viewpoints, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can fully increase interest in gaming.

The invention described in claim 1 is
A winning/losing determination means for extracting numerical data resulting from the entry of a gaming ball into a starting hole provided on a gaming board and determining whether or not a winning/losing is determined based on the numerical data;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game based on the winning/losing judgment result;
A performance control means for executing various performances;
A variable winning device having the starting hole is provided,
As a game state, at least a normal state and a ball entry easy state in which a ball entry into the variable winning device is made easy are provided;
The easy-to-score state is configured to include a first state in which a transition condition is established when a predetermined winning symbol is displayed, and the state transitions to the easy-to-score state after the winning game ends, and is maintained until the number of hit/miss determinations reaches a predetermined number, and a second state in which a transition condition is established when the number of hit/miss determinations reaches a first predetermined number, and the state transitions to the time-saving state, and is maintained until the number of hit/miss determinations reaches a second predetermined number,
The presentation control means has at least a special presentation mode different from the presentation mode selected in the normal state, and the special presentation mode is characterized by comprising a first presentation mode selected when the first state ends and transitions to the normal state, and a second presentation mode selected when the second state ends and transitions to the normal state.

Here, in the gaming machine, the starting hole provided in the variable winning device can be changed from a closed state, in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter, to an open state, in which the ball can enter, over a predetermined opening time.
Then, when the gaming state is not the easy ball entry state (hereinafter also referred to as the time-saving state) (when it is the non-easy ball entry state (hereinafter also referred to as the normal state or non-time-saving state)), the frequency with which the starting hole equipped with the variable entry device is in the open state is set to the normal frequency, and the ease with which the gaming ball can enter the starting hole equipped with the variable entry device is set to the normal ease of entering. In contrast, when the gaming state is the easy ball entry state, the frequency with which the starting hole equipped with the variable entry device is in the open state is set to the high frequency, and the ease with which the gaming ball can enter the starting hole equipped with the variable entry device is increased compared to the non-easy ball entry state.
Examples of states in which a state in which it is easy to score include: (A) an extended open state in which the open time of a starting port equipped with a variable winning device is extended (including an extended open state in which the open time is extended by increasing the number of times a starting port equipped with a variable winning device is in an open state); (B) a state in which at least one of the fluctuation time and stop time of a special pattern (described later) is shortened to increase the frequency of making a hit/miss judgment (a hit/miss judgment regarding a special pattern); (C) a state in which at least one of the fluctuation time and stop time of an ordinary pattern (described later) is shortened to increase the frequency of making a hit/miss judgment regarding an ordinary pattern; (D) a state in which the probability of a hit in a hit/miss judgment regarding an ordinary pattern is increased; or a state in which two or more of the states shown in (A) to (D) are combined.

Here, in the following explanation, (a) the easy-to-score-ball state which is entered via a special game (hereinafter also referred to as a winning game or a jackpot game) will be referred to as the "a time-saving state", (b) the easy-to-score-ball state which is entered without going through the special game based on the counting value counted by a specified counting means reaching a value indicating a specified number of times will be referred to as the "b time-saving state", and (c) the easy-to-score-ball state which is entered without going through the special game based on the determination of a specific pattern will be referred to as the "c time-saving state".
The "predetermined counting means" in (b) is a counting means for counting the number of hit/miss judgments that are executed under a predetermined condition without the result of the hit/miss judgment being a win. In addition, the special game can be exemplified by at least one of a big win game that has a possibility of obtaining a predetermined prize ball advantage and a small win game that has a possibility of obtaining a smaller prize ball advantage than the big win game.

In addition, the above-mentioned "predetermined number of times", i.e., the number of times the "b time-saving state" is activated (hereinafter, the number of times the game state transitions to the "b time-saving state", sometimes referred to as the specified number of times reached), can be determined, for example, as follows.
It can be set to a number that exceeds the upper limit of the number of times that the "time-saving state a" can be executed (the upper limit of the number of times that the winning/losing judgment for the special symbol can be executed while maintaining the profit of the "time-saving state a"). Specifically, this specified number of times can be set to a value that exceeds the "reciprocal" of the winning probability of this gaming machine.

In other words, if a hit/miss judgment is performed a number of times in the normal probability state that exceeds the inverse of the jackpot probability (i.e., the probability of winning through hit/miss judgment), but no jackpot is generated (i.e., the hit/miss judgment does not result in a win), the player is considered to be "stuck" (a jackpot should have been generated statistically, but was not generated), and the player is moved to a state where it is easier to win (time-saving state b). For example, a transition to the "time-saving state b" occurs when the number of hit/miss judgments performed without a jackpot is about three times the inverse of the jackpot probability (normal probability). For example, if the jackpot probability (normal probability) is "1/300", the player will transition to the "time-saving state b" when the number of hit/miss judgments performed without a jackpot is about "900 times".

The above-mentioned "predetermined condition" may be, for example, (1) in a gaming machine equipped with a function for changing the probability of a jackpot in a hit/miss judgment regarding a special symbol from a normal probability to a high probability (hereinafter referred to as a probability changing function), the "predetermined condition" is that the probability of a jackpot in a hit/miss judgment is the normal probability, regardless of whether or not the machine has transitioned to a state where it is easy to win. Also, (2) in a gaming machine not equipped with a probability changing function, the "predetermined condition" may be always met.
The "predetermined condition" may be satisfied when the state is not in an easy-to-score state. In other words, the "predetermined condition" may be satisfied when the state is not in an easy-to-score state, and the "predetermined condition" may not be satisfied when the state is in an easy-to-score state.

The easy-to-score-score states provided in the gaming machine of the present invention may be (1) an easy-to-score-score state (a time-saving state) to which a player enters after a special game is played, and (2) an easy-to-score-score state (b time-saving state) to which a player enters when the number of win/loss judgments reaches a specified number, or may include other easy-to-score-score states with different transition triggers. For example, it may include an easy-to-score-score state (c time-saving state) to which a player enters without playing a special game when the result of the win/loss judgment is not a win but a specific result (when a specific pattern is displayed).

The presentation control means is preferably configured to have at least two presentation modes that are selected in the normal state. For example, a configuration can be considered that has a normal presentation mode that is selected in the normal state, and a special presentation mode that is selected when the easy-to-score state ends and transitions to the normal state. This allows players to see the special presentation mode if they do not win during the easy-to-score state, and can distract players who did not win despite being granted the easy-to-score state. In addition, there is also a configuration in which different special presentation modes are selected when the a time-saving state, the b time-saving state, and the c time-saving state end and transitions to the normal state.

As described above, according to the present invention, when a game ends without winning despite having entered a favorable easy-to-score short state, a gaming machine can be provided that adds to the excitement of the game by selecting a special presentation mode.

Front view of pachinko machine 50. Front view of the game board 1. Rear view of the pachinko machine 50. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50. 1 is a diagram showing the features of pachinko machine 50. 1 is a diagram showing the features of pachinko machine 50. A chart showing the time-saving state operation patterns according to the game state in the pachinko machine 50. 13A is a diagram showing the time-saving state granted in the pachinko machine 50 of each embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the time-saving state granted in the pachinko machine 50 of the modified example. 1 is a chart showing the relationship between game play status and average fluctuation time in a pachinko machine 50. (a) is a time chart showing the start timing of the jackpot time-saving state, (b) is a time chart showing the start timing of the arrival time-saving state, and (c) is a time chart showing the start timing of the specific time-saving state. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main routine executed by a main control device 80 of a pachinko machine 50. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the normal pattern start winning confirmation process executed by the main control unit 80. The first flowchart showing the control contents of the normal pattern win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 80. A second flowchart showing the control contents of the normal pattern win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 80. (a) is a third flowchart showing the control contents of the normal pattern win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 80, and (b) is a fourth flowchart showing the control contents of the normal pattern win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 80. 11 is a first flowchart showing the control contents of the normal symbol game processing executed by the main control device 80. 6A is a second flowchart showing the control contents of the normal symbol game processing executed by the main control unit 80, and FIG. 6B is a third flowchart showing the control contents of the normal symbol game processing executed by the main control unit 80. 13 is a flowchart of the special pattern winning confirmation process executed by the main control unit 80. 13 is a flowchart of a read-ahead determination process. 13 is a first flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. A second flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. 13A is a flowchart of a miss setting process executed by the main control device 80, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example. The third flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. The fourth flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. The fifth flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. The sixth flowchart of the special pattern winning/losing determination process executed by the main control unit 80. A diagram for explaining the command to enter the time-saving state and the command to end the time-saving state, etc. 13 is a first flowchart of the jackpot game processing executed by the main control unit 80. A second flowchart of the jackpot game processing executed by the main control unit 80. The third flowchart of the jackpot game processing executed by the main control unit 80. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the performance display. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the performance display. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the performance display. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the content of the performance display. 11 is a flowchart showing a display mode setting process executed by the sub integrated control device 83. 13A is a flowchart showing the performance start processing executed by the sub-integrated control device 83, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the performance stop processing executed by the sub-integrated control device 83. Examples of special effects displayed after each time-saving state. Examples of special effects displayed after each time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific time-saving state and an reached time-saving state.

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.

As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko machine 50, which is a type of gaming machine, has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51, which is a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. Hinges 53 are provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51, and an inner frame 70 shown in Fig. 3 is attached to the other side of the hinge 53, and the inner frame 70 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 51. A glass plate 61 is provided in the front frame 52 so as to be freely removable, and a game board 1 shown in Fig. 2 is attached to the inner frame 70 behind the glass plate 61.
The front frame 52 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the inner frame 70, with the upper and lower hinges (not shown) on the left side as fulcrums. When the inner frame 70 is closed with respect to the outer frame 51 and the front frame 52 is closed with respect to the inner frame 70, a game can be played. When the front frame 52 is opened with respect to the inner frame 70, with the upper and lower hinges (not shown) on the left side as fulcrums, the front surface 1a of the game board 1 is opened, and a pachinko parlor staff member or the like can carry out work to eliminate any malfunctions that have occurred with respect to the front surface 1a (such as work to eliminate ball jams in the game board 1). In the following description, the front frame 52 may also be referred to as a glass frame.

Speakers 66 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52, and the game sounds generated by the pachinko machine 50 are output, enhancing the player's entertainment value. In addition, to enhance the player's entertainment value, the front frame 52 is also provided with a number of frame-side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status. An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed below the front frame 52. A launch handle 64 is attached to the right side of the lower tray 63, and by rotating the launch handle 64 clockwise, a launch device (not shown) is moved, and game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.

A performance button 67 that can be operated by the player is provided at the top center of the upper tray 55. When the player operates the performance button 67 during the valid period, it changes the performance content displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 (described later) and changes the game sound output by the speaker 66. The performance button 67 also has a jog dial 68 around it, and is configured so that the image for the performance can be changed by rotating the jog dial 68. The pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 for reading and writing prepaid cards, and the pachinko machine 50 is equipped with a CR settlement display device having a loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a balance display 59.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 1 of the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment.
This game board 1 has an approximately circular game area 3 surrounded by known guide rails 2a, 2b, which is divided into a first game area portion 3L and a second game area portion 3R by a center case 5 located approximately in the center.
The left side of the center case 5 is the first game area (hereafter referred to as the left hitting area) 3L, and the right side is the second game area (hereafter referred to as the right hitting area) 3R. A game ball that reaches the T part shown in the figure with a launch power of a predetermined force or more rolls on the guide path 3p, reaches the right hitting area 3R, and flows down the right hitting area 3R. On the other hand, a game ball that does not reach the T part because its launch power is less than the predetermined value flows down the left hitting area 3L (left side of the center case 5). Note that many game nails are planted in the game areas 3 (left hitting area 3L, right hitting area 3R) (not shown).

The center case 5, like known ones, is equipped with a warp entrance, a warp passage, a stage, a window overlooking the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6, and the like. A first start opening 11 is disposed under the center case 5. Also, four normal winning openings 13 are provided to the left of the first start opening 11. These normal winning openings 13 are normal winning openings in which the winning rate does not change and balls can always be won.
A normal symbol activation gate 17 is disposed in the right-hand hitting area 3R on the right side of the center case 5.
In the right-hand hitting area 3R, a normal electric device 12A is disposed under the normal symbol operation gate 17. A second start hole 12 is provided inside the normal electric device 12A, and a game ball that has entered the normal electric device 12A can enter the second start hole 12.

The normal electric prop 12A is provided with a pair of left and right wings 12t for opening and closing the prop, and the pair of wings 12t are rotatable based on a fulcrum on the lower end side, and the normal electric prop 12A is closed by narrowing the gap between the upper ends of the pair of wings 12t.
When the normal electric device 12A is in a closed state, a gap is formed between the upper ends of the pair of wing pieces 12t that allows the passage of approximately one game ball, but directly above the gap formed by the upper ends, a contact member 12a that prohibits the passage of the game ball is provided. Therefore, when the normal electric device 12A is in an open state, the game ball that has flowed down the right hitting area 3R may enter the normal electric device 12A and enter the second starting hole 12, but when the normal electric device 12A is in a closed state, it is impossible for the game ball to enter the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12). However, the obstacle member 12a may be removed from the upper part of the pair of wing pieces 12t, etc., so that the game ball can enter the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) even when the normal electric device 12A is in a closed state.

In addition, when the distance between the upper ends of the pair of wings 12t is widened, the normal electric device 12A is opened. In other words, when the normal electric device 12A is opened, the pair of wings 12t are in a generally inverted-H position when viewed from the front, the distance between the upper ends is widened to several diameters of a game ball, and the distance between the upper end of each wing 12t and the obstacle member 12a exceeds the diameter of a game ball. Furthermore, the opposing surfaces of the pair of wings 12t on the left and right constitute guide surfaces that guide game balls that reach the upper periphery of the second starting hole 12 into the inside of the second starting hole 12. Therefore, when the normal electric device 12A is opened, game balls that flow down around the upper periphery of the normal electric device 12A (the upper ends of the pair of wings 12t) are more likely to enter the second starting hole 12.

In addition, a large prize opening 14 is located to the lower left of the normal electric device 12A (second starting opening 12), and a first starting opening (first starting winning device) 11 is located directly below the center case 5 and to the left of the large prize opening 14.
The first starting hole 11 is configured to make it difficult for game balls that have flowed down the right hitting area 3R to enter the hole, due to the installed game nails (not shown) and the large center case 5 arranged in the approximate center of the game area 3. As a result, only game balls that have flowed down the left hitting area 3L can enter the hole. In other words, the possibility of game balls that have flowed down the right hitting area 3R entering the hole 11 is low.

At the bottom of the right-hand hitting area 3R, 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 display device 9 consisting of a 7-segment display device, a second special symbol display device 10 consisting of a 7-segment display device, a first special symbol reserved number display device 18 consisting of multiple LEDs, and a second special symbol reserved number display device 19 consisting of multiple LEDs. It is difficult for players to reliably recognize the display contents of the various displays arranged in this position, and players will play by focusing on the display contents of the performance symbol display device 6.

By configuring the game board 1 as described above, the first special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the first special pattern) in the first special pattern display device 9 starts to change based on the game ball that has flowed down into the left hitting area 3L entering the first start hole 11 (the first start hole switch 11a (see Figure 4) detects the game ball), and stops after a predetermined time.

When a game ball is allowed to flow down into the right-hand hitting area 3R, the game ball enters the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal symbol activation switch 17a (see FIG. 4) detects the game ball), and based on this, the normal symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the normal symbol) begins to change display on the normal symbol display device 7, and the normal electric solenoid 12b (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is driven according to the state of the normal symbol (won or lost) that has stopped after a predetermined time. In other words, when the winning state of the normal symbol (winning symbol) is displayed stopped on the normal symbol display device 7 and the normal electric solenoid 12b is driven, the wing piece 12t of the second start hole (normal electric device 12A) opens almost synchronously, and the ball can enter the second start hole 12 (detection by the second start hole switch 12a (see FIG. 4)). When a game ball enters the second start hole 12 (the second special symbol start switch 12a (see Figure 4) detects the game ball), the second special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the second special symbol) starts to change and display on the second special symbol display device 10, and stops after a predetermined time.

During the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the second special pattern, the performance mode linked to the fluctuation of each special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern) is displayed on the performance pattern display device 6. In addition, the first special pattern and the second special pattern do not change at the same time, and the fluctuation of the second special pattern (win/lose judgment) is carried out with priority regardless of the order of ball entry into the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12. Specifically, when there is a reserved memory of the first special pattern, the fluctuation of the second special pattern stops, and the state becomes a state where there is no reserved memory of the second special pattern, and the fluctuation of the reserved memory of the first special pattern (win/lose judgment) starts. This point will be described later.
However, unlike this embodiment, the first special pattern and the second special pattern may be changed in the order in which the balls enter the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12, or the first special pattern and the second special pattern may be changed simultaneously.

A large prize opening solenoid 14b (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is driven according to the state in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol are determined and displayed. When the large prize opening solenoid 14b is driven, the door member 14t of the large prize opening 14 opens almost synchronously, and the game ball can enter the large prize opening 14 (the count switch 14a (see FIG. 4) detects the game ball).
That is, a door member (opening/closing member) 14t is supported at the lower end of the large prize opening 14 so as to be able to tilt, and in a non-special game state (when neither a large prize game nor a small prize game described later is being played), the large prize opening 14 is closed by the door member 14t and game balls cannot be inserted. On the other hand, in a special game state (large prize game, etc.), the door member 14t tilts (tilts toward the player facing the game board 1) and the large prize opening 14 is opened and game balls can be inserted.

As described above, since the normal symbol activation gate 17, the second start hole 12, and the big prize hole 14 are located in the right-hand hitting area 3R (to the right of the center case 5), when the special game state (big win game state, etc.) or the time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c) is entered, the launch handle 64 is adjusted (the launch power of the game balls is adjusted to a predetermined force or more) so that all of the launched game balls reach the right-hand hitting area 3R. On the other hand, since the first start hole 11 is located almost directly below the center case 5, and in the non-open extended state (non-time-saving state), the frequency with which the normal electric device 12A (second start hole 12) is in the open state is low (much lower than in the time-saving state), the launch handle 64 is adjusted (the launch power of the game balls is adjusted to less than the predetermined force) so that all of the launched game balls reach the left-hand hitting area 3L.

In this pachinko machine 50, the opening extension function is activated in the time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c described below), so the time-saving state is sometimes referred to as the opening extension state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c).

A large number of game pegs (not shown) are planted in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet 2d is provided at the bottom of the board surface.
As shown in Fig. 3, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 has an inner frame 70, which is detachably attached to the game board 1, housed in the outer frame 51. The inner frame 70 is provided with a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout device 73 from above. With this configuration, if a game ball enters the winning hole on the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls can be discharged from the ball tank 71 through the tank rail 72 by the payout device 73 to the upper tray 55. In addition, a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device 84, and a power supply board 85 are provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 50. The performance symbol control device 82 and the sub-integrated control device 83 correspond to the sub-control devices.

The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Although the launch control device 84 is not shown in FIG. 3, the launch control device 84 is provided below the payout control device 81. An external connection terminal 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) from this external connection terminal 78. Note that, in the past, two types of external connection terminals 78 were used for sending signals to the hall computer: one for the board (a terminal for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer) and one for the frame (a terminal for outputting signals output from the frame side (front frame 52, inner frame 70, outer frame 51) to the hall computer). In this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer via one external connection terminal 78.

In addition, detection signals are input to the main control device 80 from the glass frame opening switch 35 and the inner frame opening switch 36. When the inner frame 70 is closed relative to the outer frame 51, the inner frame switch 36 (see FIG. 4) is turned ON, and when the inner frame 70 is open relative to the outer frame 51, the inner frame switch 36 is turned OFF. Furthermore, the glass frame opening switch 35 can be provided on the back side of the inner frame 70.

The main control device 80 on the back side of the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a performance display device 48, a setting key SW 47, and a RAM clear switch 46.
The RAM clear switch 46 is a switch for clearing the RAM by turning on the power switch 86 and powering on the device while pressing the RAM clear switch 46. The RAM clear switch 46 also functions as an operating means for changing the step setting value to an arbitrary value when changing the settings.
Here, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment may be provided with a function for changing the setting of the jackpot determination probability. For example, when any of the six types (types) of setting values 1 to 6 can be set, different jackpot determination probabilities are provided in stages corresponding to each of the setting values 1 to 6. In this case, the jackpot winning probability corresponding to the setting value 1 increases in the order of (1/300), setting value 2 (1/290), setting value 3 (1/280), setting value 4 (1/270), setting value 5 (1/260), and setting value 6 (1/250).

In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, an administrator (such as a pachinko parlor staff member) inserts the setting key SW47 into the setting switch (keyhole) and rotates the setting key SW47 in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise) from the initial position to turn the setting switch ON. In this state, when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 50 while the RAM clear switch 46 is pressed, the mode of the pachinko machine 50 becomes the setting change mode.
In this setting change mode, an administrator (such as a pachinko parlor staff member) can change the setting value by pressing the RAM clear switch 46 (setting change button). That is, each time the RAM clear switch 46 (setting change button) is pressed, the setting value is changed in the order of setting value 1 to setting value 6, and then back to setting value 1...
At this time, as the setting value is changed, a numerical value indicating the setting value at that time is displayed on the performance display device 48.

The electrical configuration of this pachinko machine 50 is centered around the main control device 80, as shown in the block diagram of Figure 4. Although not shown in detail, 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 port, output port, etc. In addition, in each of these control devices, the CPU starts a program consisting of a main routine and a subroutine loaded in the ROM in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle, and various controls are executed. The main control device 80 also has a random number counter that extracts (generates) various random numbers, etc.
In addition, in this embodiment, the launch control device 84 is not provided with a CPU, ROM, or RAM. However, this is not limited to this, and the launch control device 84 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from a first start port switch 11a that detects game balls that have entered the first start port 11, a second start port switch 12a that detects game balls that have entered the second start port 12, a normal symbol activation switch 17a that detects game balls that have entered the normal symbol activation gate 17 that activates the normal symbol, a count switch 14a for counting game balls that have entered the special prize port 14, and a general prize port switch 13a that detects game balls that have entered the general prize port 13.

The main control unit 80 operates according to a program installed therein, and generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and outputs them to the payout control unit 81 and the sub-integrated control unit 83.
In addition, the main control unit 80 controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9 and the second special pattern display device 10, which are connected via the pattern display device relay terminal board 90, and the lighting of the first special pattern reserved number display device 18, the second special pattern reserved number display device 19, the normal pattern display device 7, and the normal pattern reserved display device 8.

Furthermore, the main control unit 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 14 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the normal electric device (second starting opening 12) by controlling the normal electric device solenoid 12b.
The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing the fluctuation of symbols, the big win (also called special game), etc. are output to the external connection terminal 78 and sent to the hall main computer 87. The main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 are capable of two-way communication.

The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 20 in response to commands sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from the payout switch 21 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a configuration may be used in which a detection signal from the payout switch 21 is input to both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and the counting of prize balls is performed by both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81.

When the full switch 22 and the ball out switch 23 input a signal, and the full switch 22 inputs a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the ball out switch 23 inputs a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank, the payout control device 81 stops the payout motor 20 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full switch 22 and the ball out switch 23 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 20 when the signal is no longer output.

The payout control device 81 also communicates with the prepaid card unit via the CR unit terminal board 24 to operate the payout motor 20 and dispense the dispensed balls. The dispensed balls are detected by the payout switch 21, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 24 is also connected to the settlement display board 25 for two-way communication, and the settlement display board 25 is connected to a ball loan button for requesting the loan of game balls, a return button for requesting settlement, and a balance display.

In addition, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding winning balls, information indicating the open/closed status of the frames (inner frame, front frame), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal 78, and also transmits a launch stop signal to the launch control device 84.
In this embodiment, the game balls are paid out, but the game balls may be stored in a sealed manner without being paid out depending on the winning of a prize or the like.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 30 to launch the game balls into the game area 3. In addition to the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch switch 28, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop switch 29.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop switch 29. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle 64.

When the pachinko machine 50 is powered on with the RAM clear switch (SW) 46 (located on the main control unit 80 in the illustrated example) pressed, all but a portion of the RAM area is cleared and the RAM is initialized.
In this embodiment, the step setting values (so-called values indicating settings 1 to 6) are also configured not to be erased by RAM clearing. Specifically, the RAM clearing process is configured not to erase areas related to the step setting values among the RAM areas erased by RAM clearing.
As described above, the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a RAM clear SW 46 in the main control device 80 for erasing information stored in the RAM. The RAM clear SW 46 may be provided in the payout control device 81 or the power supply board 85. The performance display device 48 is provided in the main control device 80 and is controlled by the main control device 80. In this embodiment, the main control device 80 is also provided with a setting key SW 47 used when changing or checking settings as described above.

The sub-integrated control device 83 corresponds to the sub-control device, and receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80, sorts them into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, and sends the commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, while distributing the commands for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in it (functional parts as sound control device and lamp control device).
The functional unit as a voice control device (represented as a voice control unit 83a in FIG. 4) controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on the data for voice control, that is, controls the volume and the type of sound (for example, the type of notification sound, control of setting suggestion sound, etc.) etc. The functional unit as a lamp control device (represented as a lamp control unit 83b in FIG. 4) controls various LEDs and lamps 26 by operating a lamp driver based on the data for lamp control.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to the effect button 67 and the jog dial 68, and when the player operates the effect units 67, 68, the operation signal is input to the sub-integrated control device 83. The jog dial 68 may be configured to be connected to the effect symbol control device 82.
The sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 are capable of two-way communication.
The performance pattern control device 82 controls the performance pattern display device 6 based on the data and commands received from the sub-integrated control device 83 (both of which are sent from the main control device 80 and generated by the sub-integrated control device 83), and displays performance images such as performance patterns on the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6.
In this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 are separated into separate devices, but they may also be configured to be integrated into a single device.

The power supply board 85 (see FIG. 3) 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 85. The power supply board 85 is equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor and the like, 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 basic specifications of the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is a so-called "time-saving machine" and does not have a high probability state in which the probability of determining a jackpot in the judgment of whether a special symbol is a hit is higher than usual. In other words, the probability of determining a jackpot in the judgment of whether a special symbol is a hit does not change, and is always performed at the normal probability. However, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment may have the high probability state.
In the pachinko machine 50, a hit/miss judgment of a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a first hit/miss judgment) is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole 11. Also, a hit/miss judgment of a second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a second hit/miss judgment) is executed in response to a ball entering the second starting hole 12.

When the first hit/miss determination is executed, the stopping pattern of the first special pattern (a winning pattern or a losing pattern) and the change pattern (a change pattern that specifies the time during which the first special pattern changes and is displayed) are determined by random number lottery, and the first special pattern display device 9 and the performance pattern display device 6 start changing their patterns based on the determined change time. After that, after the change time of the first special pattern has elapsed, the stopping pattern (confirmed pattern) of the first special pattern is displayed on the first special pattern display device 9, and the performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern is displayed (confirmed display) on the performance pattern display device 6, and the result of the first hit/miss determination is announced.

In addition, when the second hit/miss determination is executed, the stopping pattern (hit pattern or miss pattern) of the second special pattern and the change pattern (changing pattern that specifies the time when the second special pattern changes and is displayed) are determined by random number lottery, and the second special pattern display device 10 and the performance pattern display device 6 start changing the patterns based on the determined change time. After that, after the change time of the second special pattern has elapsed, the stopping pattern (confirmed pattern) of the second special pattern is displayed on the second special pattern display device 10, and the performance pattern corresponding to the second special pattern is displayed (confirmed display) on the performance pattern display device 6, and the result of the second hit/miss determination is notified.

When the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol (first hit/miss judgment) or the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol (second hit/miss judgment) is a jackpot, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time, and then the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) is displayed as a fixed jackpot symbol (special symbol 1_jackpot symbol 1, special symbol 1_jackpot symbol 2, special symbol 2_jackpot symbol 1, or special symbol 2_jackpot symbol 2). This causes the condition device to operate, which in turn operates the role-playing device to open the jackpot opening 14 in a predetermined manner, thereby executing a jackpot game.

In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, when the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, as shown in Figure 5 (a), the stopped pattern (the jackpot pattern that is displayed as a confirmed hit) will be "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern 1 (4R normal jackpot pattern)" with a probability of "40%", and "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern 2 (6R normal jackpot pattern)" with a probability of "60%".
Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a hit, there is a 40% chance that it will be a "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern 1 (8R normal jackpot pattern)," and there is a 60% chance that it will be a "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern 2 (10R normal jackpot pattern)."

And all of the jackpot symbols are so-called "normal jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols that do not increase the jackpot probability even if they are displayed as confirmed jackpot symbols)."
In other words, when the stop display (confirmation display) is made, a normal jackpot occurs, and after the corresponding jackpot game (4R jackpot game, 6R jackpot game, 8R jackpot game, or 10R jackpot game) is played, the game state of the pachinko machine 50 transitions to a normal probability state and an extended opening state (time-saving state) (see FIG. 9(a)). This normal probability state and extended opening state (time-saving state) is the a-time-saving state.

In this embodiment, the normal probability state and the extended open state (a time-saving state) will be entered regardless of whether any of the jackpot patterns are displayed as stopped (determined), but it is also possible not to enter the normal probability state and the extended open state (time-saving state) regardless of whether any of the jackpot patterns are displayed as stopped (determined). For example, after the end of a jackpot game that is executed based on the result of the first hit/miss judgment being a jackpot, the state may be in the normal probability state and the non-open extended state (non-time-saving state), or the rate of entering the normal probability state and the extended open state (time-saving state) may be lower than after the end of a jackpot game that is executed based on the result of the second hit/miss judgment being a jackpot.

If the normal probability/open extended state (a time-saving state) is entered after a jackpot game is played based on the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment), the game will continue until the number of times the "special symbol hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment)" performed after the jackpot game reaches "100 times" or the hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) results in a jackpot. Then, when this normal probability/open extended state (a time-saving state) ends, the game state becomes a normal probability/non-open extended state (hereinafter referred to as the normal probability/non-open extended state). Here, the number of hit/miss judgments that can be performed while maintaining the a time-saving state (100 times) is referred to as the number of time-saving times in the a time-saving state.

In addition, if the normal probability/open extended state (a time-saving state) is entered after a jackpot game is played based on the result of the hit/miss judgment (second hit/miss judgment) of the second special symbol being a jackpot, the normal probability/open extended state (a time-saving state) continues until the number of times the "hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) for the special symbol is executed after the jackpot game reaches "100 times" or the hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) results in a jackpot. Then, when this normal probability/open extended state (a time-saving state) ends, the game state becomes a normal probability/non-open extended state (hereinafter referred to as the normal probability/non-open extended state).
In the following explanation, when the result of the win/loss judgment is a jackpot and the jackpot game is played, the time-saving state (time-saving state A) to which the player enters may be referred to as the "jackpot time-saving state" based on the cause of the transition.

In addition, this extended opening state (time-saving state a) is a state in which the opening time of the normal electric device (second starting hole 12) is extended (opening extension function) and the variable time-saving function that shortens the average time of the special and normal patterns is activated, and the non-extended opening state (non-time-saving state) is a state in which the opening extension function and the variable time-saving function are not activated.

As shown in Figures 5(c) and 9(b), in this pachinko machine 50, when the game state is in the normal probability state and the number of times that the "win/lose judgment regarding the special symbol (first win/lose judgment or second win/lose judgment)" is executed without resulting in a jackpot reaches "900 times (prescribed number of times reached)," the game state transitions to the normal probability/open extended state (hereinafter, this time-saving state may be referred to as the b time-saving state).

In other words, when the number of hit/miss judgments (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) performed in the normal probability state reaches the specified number of times, the state transitions to the normal probability/extended open state (b time-shortened state) without going through a jackpot game. This normal probability/extended open state (b time-shortened state) continues until the number of hit/miss judgments (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) performed after the transition to the normal probability/extended open state (b time-shortened state) reaches "900" or the result of the hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment or second hit/miss judgment) is a jackpot.

In the following explanation, the time-shortening state (time-shortening state b) to which a transition occurs when the number of correct/incorrect judgments (first correct/incorrect judgment or second correct/incorrect judgment) reaches a specified number of times may be referred to as the ``reached time-shortening state'' based on the cause of the transition.
Here, the specified number of times reached is the number of times the special pattern changes counted from the "RAM clear process" that initializes the RAM installed in the main control unit 80 or "after a jackpot occurs (after a jackpot game is executed)", in other words, the number of times "a win/loss determination regarding the special pattern" is performed without the result of the win/loss determination under normal probability conditions resulting in a jackpot.

In the embodiment, the number of times the specified number of times is reached is not particularly limited as long as it is a value (a value greater than 300) that exceeds the "reciprocal" of the jackpot probability (1/300). In other words, if a jackpot is not generated even after a hit/miss determination is performed a number of times that exceeds the "reciprocal" of the jackpot probability in the normal probability state, the player is deemed to be "stuck" and the game is switched to a time-saving state in order to rescue the player who continues to play normally. More specifically, when the jackpot probability is "1/300", the number of times can be, for example, 301 times or more, particularly 700 times or more, or any number between 750 times and 900 times.

In this embodiment, when the game transitions to the "attainment time reduction (b time reduction state)", it is possible to obtain a much larger number of time reductions than in the big win time reduction (a time reduction state). Here, the number of hit/miss judgments that can be performed while maintaining the b time reduction state (900 times) is referred to as the number of time reductions in the b time reduction state.
However, unlike this embodiment, when transitioning to the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state), a greater number of time-saving states may be awarded than in the "attainment time-saving state (b time-saving state)."

The time-saving state for reaching the target (time-saving state b), like the time-saving state for hitting the jackpot (time-saving state a), is a state in which the time-saving function is activated to extend the opening time of the normal electric device (second starting hole 12) (opening extension function) and to shorten the average fluctuation time of the special and normal symbols.

In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, when the game state is not in the time-saving state as shown in Fig. 6(a) and when the game state is in the time-saving state as shown in Fig. 6(b), if the result of the first win/loss judgment is a miss, "special chart 1_missing chart 1" or "special chart 1_missing chart 2" is displayed as the missing symbol. Also, when the result of the first win/loss judgment is a miss, the probability that the missing symbol is set to "special chart 1_missing chart 1" (probability of being selected by random number lottery) is "149/150", and the probability that the missing symbol is set to "special chart 1_missing chart 2" (probability of being selected by random number lottery) is "1/150".
Here, "Special chart 1_missing pattern 1" constitutes a specific example of a non-specific missing pattern, and "Special chart 1_missing pattern 2" constitutes a specific example of a specific missing pattern.

In addition, if the result of the second win/loss judgment is a miss, as shown in Fig. 6 (c), "special chart 2_missing chart 1" is displayed as a miss pattern. In addition, if the result of the second win/loss judgment is a miss, the probability that the miss pattern is set to "special chart 2_missing chart 1" is "100%, and this "special chart 2_missing chart 1" constitutes a specific example of a non-specific miss pattern.
In this embodiment, the first special symbol includes a specific losing symbol (specific losing symbol), but the second special symbol does not include a specific losing symbol. However, the second special symbol may include a specific losing symbol.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if a specific losing symbol (special symbol 1_losing symbol 2) is displayed as a stopped symbol (confirmed symbol), as shown in FIG. 6(a), the game state of the pachinko machine 50 transitions to a normal probability state and an extended open state (time-saving state) without executing a jackpot game (without going through a jackpot game). This normal probability/extended open state (time-saving state c) continues after transitioning to that state (time-saving state c) until the number of times that a win/loss judgment (first win/loss judgment or second win/loss judgment) for the special symbol is performed reaches 50 times or the result of that win/loss judgment (first win/loss judgment or second win/loss judgment) is a jackpot. Here, the number of win/loss judgments that can be performed while maintaining the time-saving state c (50 times) is referred to as the number of time-saving times in the time-saving state c.

The "normal probability state and extended open state (time-saving state)" to which the player transitions without playing a jackpot based on the specific losing symbol (specific symbol, i.e., specific non-jackpot symbol) being displayed as a stopped (confirmed) symbol is the c time-saving state. Note that even if a non-specific losing symbol is displayed as a stopped (confirmed) symbol, this does not trigger a transition to the time-saving state.

Then, when this normal probability/open extension state (c time-shortened state) ends, the game state becomes a normal probability/non-open extension state.
This extended opening state (time-saving state c), like the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a), is a state in which the opening time of the normal electric device (second starting hole 12) is extended (opening extension function) and the time-saving function that shortens the average fluctuation time of the special and normal patterns is activated. Here, the time-saving state (time-saving state c) in which the specific loss pattern (special pattern 1_loss pattern 2) is displayed as stopped (confirmed display) and the jackpot game is not executed is called the "specific time-saving state" and may be distinguished from other extended opening states (time-saving state a and time-saving state b) that have different activation triggers.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the game state is in the time-saving state (either the a time-saving state, the b time-saving state, or the c time-saving state), even if the specific missing symbol (special symbol 1_missing symbol 2) is displayed as a stopped symbol (determined display), it is treated as a simple miss. In other words, when the specific missing symbol (special symbol 1_missing symbol 2) is displayed as a stopped symbol (determined display), the number of time-saving times is maintained as it is, and 50 new times are not added. For example, when the remaining number of time-saving times (described later) is 20, even if the specific missing symbol (special symbol 1_missing symbol 2) is displayed as a stopped symbol (determined display), the number of time-saving times is not "20 times + 50 times", but is maintained as "20 times".

Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the "game state when a trigger for transition to the time-saving state occurs" and the "type of time-saving state to be transitioned to" will be described.
Regardless of whether the game state is the "normal probability/non-open extended state (so-called normal state),""time-saving state A,""time-saving state B," or "time-saving state C," when the jackpot pattern is displayed as confirmed, the game can transition to the "time-saving state A" via the jackpot game.

In addition, when the game state is the "normal probability/non-open extended state (so-called normal state)", "time-saving state a", or "time-saving state c", if a transition trigger to the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b) occurs, it is possible to transition to the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b) without going through a jackpot game. Note that when the game state is the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b), it is considered unrealistic to create a transition trigger to the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b). In other words, the possibility of a situation where the probability of a jackpot is 1/300, the result of the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol) not being a jackpot for 900 tries, transitioning to a time-saving state (time-saving state b), and in this time-saving state (time-saving state b), the result of the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol) not being a jackpot for another 900 tries, in other words, a jackpot probability of 1/300 and not being a jackpot for 1800 tries, is quite low.

It is also conceivable that the time-saving state is set to operate only once before a jackpot (jackpot game) is reached, in which case the result of the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol) over 900 times in the time-saving state will not result in a jackpot, and the time-saving state will not be entered even if the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol) is performed again over 900 times after the time-saving state ends.

Furthermore, when the game state is in the "normal probability/non-open extended state (so-called normal state)," if a transition trigger to the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) occurs, it is possible to transition to the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) without going through a jackpot game. In contrast, when the game state is in the "a time-saving state" or "b time-saving state," there is no transition to the "c time-saving state" even if a specific losing pattern is displayed as a confirmed result.

Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the content of the jackpot game that is executed when the result of the hit/miss judgment (first hit/miss judgment, second hit/miss judgment) regarding the special pattern is a jackpot, and the game state to which the player transitions after executing the jackpot game.
As shown in Fig. 5, when the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a hit and "Special chart 1_hit pattern 1 (4R normal hit pattern)" is displayed, a 4R normal hit occurs and a "4R hit game" is executed. Also, when the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a hit and "Special chart 1_hit pattern 2 (6R normal hit pattern)" is displayed, a 6R normal hit occurs and a "6R hit game" is executed.

When the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a hit and "Special chart 2_hit pattern 1 (8R normal hit pattern)" is displayed, an 8R normal hit occurs and an "8R hit game" is played. When the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a hit and "Special chart 2_hit pattern 2 (10R normal hit pattern)" is displayed, a 10R normal hit occurs and a "10R hit game" is played.
Here, in the "4R jackpot game", a round game (maximum opening of 30 seconds or 10 counts per round) in which the large prize winning port 14 is opened is played four times with a predetermined interval in between, and in the "6R jackpot game", a similar round game is played six times with a similar interval in between. Furthermore, in the "8R jackpot game", a similar round game is played eight times with a similar interval in between, and in the "10R jackpot game", a similar round game is played ten times with a similar interval in between.

8(a), the number of winning balls from balls entering the first starting hole 11 and the second starting hole 12 is 3, and the number of winning balls from balls entering the other winning holes 13 is 10. Therefore, when the game ball is shot toward the right hitting area 3R in the open extended state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c), the balls enter the second starting hole 12 frequently, and by frequently winning "3" winning balls based on the balls entering the second starting hole 12, the so-called "ball loss" can be suppressed.
The number of winning balls that can be won by entering the big winning hole 14 is 10. The number of winning balls that can be won by entering the big winning hole 14 is 10, and the number of winning balls that can be won by entering the normal electric device (second starting hole 12) is 9.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the probability of winning a normal pattern is set to "1/6" in the non-time-saving state (non-open extended state), and is set to "5/6" in the time-saving states (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c).
The opening time of the normal electric device (second starting port 12) is "once every 0.3 seconds" in the non-time-saving state, and "once every 2 seconds" in the time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c).
The normal pattern change time is an average of 5 seconds in the non-time-saving state, and an average of 1 second in the time-saving state (time-saving state A, time-saving state B, time-saving state C).

As shown in Figure 9 (a), the change time of the special pattern is an average of 20 seconds in the non-time-saving state, an average of 10 seconds in the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a), and an average of 5 seconds in the reach time-saving state (time-saving state b) and the specific time-saving state (time-saving state c).
In the display of effects corresponding to the fluctuation of special symbols, the probability of executing a reach and the associated reach effect (hereinafter simply referred to as a "reach") is approximately 9.2% in the non-time-saving state, approximately 3.1% in the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a), and approximately 1.7% in the reach time-saving state (time-saving state b) and specific time-saving state (time-saving state c).

Next, the relationship between the presence or absence of a reach for each game state and the variable time will be described with reference to FIG.
In the non-time-saving state, when a reach is not executed, the average time is 5 to 15 seconds, and when a reach is executed, the average time is 20 to 120 seconds. In the time-saving state, when a reach is not executed, the average time is 5 to 12 seconds, and when a reach is executed, the average time is 15 to 60 seconds.

In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, with the above configuration, when the game state is not in the time-saving state, the player first aims the game ball at the left-hand hitting area 3L (hits from the left) and aims for the ball to enter the first starting hole 11 to generate a jackpot in the first hit/miss judgment. After the jackpot is generated and the jackpot game is executed, the game moves to the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a), and the opening time of the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) is extended, so the game ball launch mode is switched (made stronger) and the game ball is launched toward the right-hand hitting area 3R (hits from the right to aim for the ball to enter the second starting hole 12).

In addition, regardless of whether the game state is in the non-time-saving state or the time-saving state, when the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol) is performed a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, "900 times") without the occurrence of a jackpot, the game transitions to the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b), and the opening time of the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) is extended.

Furthermore, if a specific loss symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol when the game state is not in the time-saving state, the game will transition to the specific time-saving state (time-saving state c) without a jackpot game, and the opening time of the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) will be extended. Note that even if a specific loss symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol in the time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c), it will be treated as a normal loss (non-specific loss), and the game will not transition to the specific time-saving state based on the stopped symbol of the specific loss symbol.

In addition, when a specific failure symbol is displayed in a stopped state during a jackpot time-saving state, the remaining number of times in the jackpot time-saving state and the number of times in the time-saving state (specific time-saving state) granted by the specific failure symbol may be compared, and a transition may be made to the one with the greater number of times.

In addition, the reaching time-saving state may be configured in a similar manner. In other words, when the operating condition of the reaching time-saving state is established during the jackpot time-saving state, the remaining number of times of the jackpot time-saving state and the number of times of the time-saving state (time-saving state b) granted by the establishment of the operating condition are compared, and the state may be shifted to the one with the larger number of times.
In this way, the player with the most remaining number of plays will always be selected, so the player will not be disadvantaged.

Furthermore, in this gaming machine 50, the amount of prize balls normally increases in proportion to the number of rounds of play, so in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, there is a higher chance of winning a larger number of prize balls when the result of the second win/loss judgment is a jackpot than when the result of the first win/loss judgment is a jackpot.
In this embodiment, there is no difference in the bonus given after the jackpot game between the case where the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a jackpot and the case where the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, but unlike this embodiment, a difference may be given between the two cases. For example, more bonuses may be given after the jackpot game when the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a jackpot than when the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a jackpot. In other words, the period of the open extension state (time-shortened state a) to which the game is transferred after the jackpot game may be longer when the result of the second hit/miss judgment is a jackpot than when the result of the first hit/miss judgment is a jackpot.

Furthermore, the method of providing a difference in the payoff when the result of the second win/loss determination is a jackpot and when the result of the first win/loss determination is a jackpot is not limited to this, and for example, the bonus awarded after a jackpot game may be the same and a difference in the payoff may be provided depending on the amount of prize balls awarded when the jackpot game is played, or conversely, the amount of prize balls awarded after a jackpot game may be the same and a difference in the payoff provided to the player may be provided depending on the amount of bonus awarded after the jackpot game.
As described above, in this pachinko machine 50, the second starting hole 12 etc. are arranged in the right-hand hitting area 3R, and since the frequency of winning at the second starting hole 12 increases in the extended open state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c), the configuration is such that the launch of the game ball is induced in the right-hand hitting area 3R in the extended open state (time-saving jackpot, time-saving reach).

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the time for which the special symbols change is longer in the time-saving state, increasing the probability of a reach occurring. Also, in the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state, the time for which the special symbols change is shorter, decreasing the probability of a reach occurring.

In this pachinko machine 50, the game proceeds as follows.
First, the main routine executed by the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 11. This main routine is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt approximately every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the process from S10 to S65, which is executed only once, is called "main process", and the process of S70, which is executed repeatedly as long as time permits within the time remaining after executing this main process, is called "remaining process". The "main process" is executed periodically by the above interrupt.

When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcomputer, it is first determined whether it is a normal interrupt or not (S10). This determination process is performed by determining whether the value in a specified area of the RAM as a memory is a specified value, and is for determining whether normal processing may be executed when the processing executed by the microcomputer transitions to this processing. Cases when the interrupt is not normal include when the power is turned on or when the microcomputer goes out of control due to noise, etc., but since microcomputer runaway is considered to be almost nonexistent due to recent technological improvements, it usually occurs when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the value in the specified area of the RAM is different from the specified value.
If it is determined that the interrupt is not normal (S10: no), initial settings (for example, writing a specified value to a specified area of the memory, writing each initial value to the working area of the memory, etc., setting the special and normal patterns as the initial patterns, etc.) are made (S15), and the process moves to the remaining processing (S70).

If a positive judgment that the interrupt is normal is made (S10: yes), the initial value random number update process is executed (S20). This process is an increment process that increments the value of the initial value random number by +1 each time this process is executed, incrementing the value of the initial value random number before this process is executed by +1. However, if the random number value before this process is executed is the maximum value "3966", it will return to the initial value "0" in the next process, and 3967 integers from "0" to "3966" will be repeatedly created in ascending order.

The random number update process for determining a jackpot (S25) following S20 is an increment process that increments by +1 each time the process is executed, similar to the initial value random number update process. When the maximum value of "3966" is reached, the next process returns to the initial value of "0", and 3967 integers from "0" to "3966" are repeatedly created in ascending order. The initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot is the value set in the initial value random number setting process. If this value is 250, the random number for determining a jackpot will be updated as follows: "250", "251", "252", ... "3966", "0", "1", ...

When the random number for determining a jackpot goes through one cycle (updated 3967 times), the value of the initial random number at that time is set as the initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot, and the random number for determining a jackpot is incremented by +1 from its initial value. Then, when the random number for determining a jackpot goes through another cycle, the value of the initial random number at that time is set as the initial value of the random number for determining a jackpot. In other words, this series of operations is repeated. In the above example, when the random number for determining a jackpot becomes "249", it is the first cycle, so the value after "249" will be the value of the initial random number. If the value of the initial random number is "87", it will change to "249", "87", "88", ... "3966", "0", "1", ... "86", and the value after "86" will be a new value of the initial random number.
The random number update process for determining the winning symbol (S30) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 100 integers from "0" to "99", and is incremented by +1 for each process, returning to the initial value of "0" when the maximum value is exceeded.

The random number update process for determining a win (S35) following S30 is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 997 integers from "0" to "996", and is incremented by +1 for each process, returning to the initial value of "0" when the maximum value is exceeded.
The random number update process for determining a win is used to draw normal patterns, while the other initial value random numbers, random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for reaching a reach, and random numbers for determining a variation pattern are used to draw special patterns.
The random number update process for reach determination (S40) following S35 is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 229 integers from "0" to "228", and increments by +1 for each process, returning to the initial value of "0" when the maximum value is exceeded.

The number of values that can be reached in the non-time-saving state (when the variable time-saving function is not activated) is 21, with values ranging from "0" to "20." The number of values that can be reached in the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state A) is 5, with values ranging from "0" to "4." The number of values that can be reached in the reached time-saving state (time-saving state B) or specific time-saving state (time-saving state C) is 4, with values ranging from "0" to "3."

The random number update process for determining the variation pattern (S45) following S40 is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 1021 integers from "0" to "1020", incrementing by +1 for each process and returning to the initial value of "0" when the maximum value is exceeded.
The random number update process for determining losing symbols (S46) is configured as a counter that repeatedly creates 3,967 integers from "0" to "3,966," and is incremented by +1 for each process, returning to the initial value of "0" when it exceeds the maximum value.

In the subsequent winning confirmation process (S50), winnings at the first starting port 11, the second starting port 12, winnings at the large winning port 14, the general winning port 13, and balls entering the normal pattern activation gate 17 are confirmed, and input processing is performed for each switch provided in the pachinko machine 50 and connected to the main control unit 80.
The process of confirming whether the ball has entered each starting port and operating port (starting winning process) will be described later.

In this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, multiple random numbers are obtained, such as a random number for determining a jackpot, a random number for determining a jackpot pattern, a random number for determining a variation pattern, and a random number for judging a reach. However, the number that can be reserved and stored is limited to four for each of the first start port 11 and the second start port 12, and even if a game ball enters the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 when the reserved memory is full of four balls, only the prize balls (three balls) are paid out, and the multiple random numbers are not reserved and stored.

Next, a hit/miss determination process (S55) is performed as a condition establishment determination means for determining whether or not a big hit has occurred. When this hit/miss determination process (S55) is completed, each output process (S60) such as an image output process is executed.
In each output process (S60), the main control device 80 executes output processes for the performance symbol control device 82, payout control device 81, launch control device 84, sub-integrated control device 83, large prize opening solenoid 14b, etc., depending on the progress of the game. That is, when the winning confirmation process (S50) detects that a game ball has won in each winning opening on the game board 1, it executes a process of outputting prize ball data to the payout control device 81 to pay out a game ball as a prize ball, a process of outputting sound data corresponding to the game status to the sub-integrated control device 83, and a process of outputting an error signal to the performance symbol control device 82 to notify that an error is occurring when there is an abnormality in the pachinko machine 50.

The following fraud monitoring process (S65) is a process for monitoring whether or not fraud has been committed against the normal winning opening 13, and determines whether or not the number of game balls entering the winning opening within a specified time is greater than a predetermined number. If so, it is determined that fraud has occurred, and a notification to that effect is issued. In other words, the fraud determination means is provided in the main control device 80.

The residual process that follows this process is composed of an initial value random number update process (S70), which is exactly the same as the above-mentioned S20. This process forms an infinite loop and is executed repeatedly as long as time allows until the next interrupt is executed. The time required to execute the above-mentioned processes from S10 to S65 differs for each interrupt, depending on whether or not the jackpot process is executed, the display mode of the special pattern, etc. As a result, the number of times the residual process is executed also differs for each interrupt, and the value updated to the initial value random number by executing the interrupt process shown in FIG. 11 once is not uniform. This makes it extremely unlikely that the initial value random number will be synchronized with the random number for determining a jackpot. If the values of the initial value random number (3967 ways from 0 to 3966) are generated at the same rate when the random number for determining a jackpot goes through one cycle, the probability of synchronization is only 1/3967. In addition, the above-mentioned random number update process for determining a jackpot (S35) may also be configured to be executed within the residual process.

Next, the start winning confirmation process for the normal symbol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the normal symbol start winning confirmation process) will be described with reference to Fig. 12. This normal symbol start winning confirmation process is one of the subroutines of the winning confirmation process (S50) of the main routine of Fig. 11.
In the start winning confirmation process for the normal symbol shown in FIG. 12 (normal symbol start winning confirmation process), it is determined whether or not there is a ball entering the normal symbol operation gate 17 (S100), and if there is a ball entering (S100: yes), it is determined whether or not the reserved memory for the normal symbol is full (S102). In the case of a negative determination (S102: no), various random numbers such as a random number for determining a winning symbol for the normal symbol and a random number for determining a winning symbol (random number for determining a normal symbol) are extracted in the process of S104, and the various extracted random numbers are stored as reserved memory in the memory of the main control device 80 (a reserved memory process for normal symbols provided in the built-in RAM, not shown in FIG. 12) (maximum of four). Then, the display control of the normal symbol reserved number display device 8 and the normal symbol reserved number command transmission process to the performance symbol display device 82 and the sub integrated control device 83 are performed (S106), and this process is terminated (returned).

In addition, if the process of S100 determines that no game ball has entered the normal symbol activation gate 17 (S100: no) or if the reserved memory for normal symbols is full (S102: yes), the process returns.

Next, the winning/losing judgment process for the normal symbol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the normal symbol winning/losing judgment process) will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 15. This normal symbol winning/losing judgment process is one of the subroutines of the winning/losing judgment process (S55) of the main routine of Figure 11.
In the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process (normal symbol hit/miss judgment process), first, it is judged whether the normal electric role 12A for opening the second starting hole 12 is in operation (S110). If the normal electric role 12A is in operation (S110: yes), it proceeds directly to the normal symbol game process. Also, if the normal electric role 12A is not in operation (S110: no), it is judged whether the normal symbol is changing (S112). If it is not changing (S112: no), it is judged whether the fixed symbol is displayed (S114).

If the confirmed symbol is not being displayed (S114: no), it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of a normal symbol (S116), and if there is a reserved memory of a normal symbol (S116: yes), the number of reserved memories of normal symbols is decremented (S118) and the process proceeds to S120. However, if there is no reserved memory of a normal symbol (S116: no), the process proceeds directly to normal symbol game processing.

In S120, the oldest reserved memory is read (and that reserved memory is erased) and it is determined whether the time-saving flag is set (i.e., 1). If the determination in S120 is positive (S120: yes), the random number for determining a win for the read normal symbol is compared with the winning value recorded in the time-saving table (S122), and the process moves to S130 in FIG. 14. If the determination is negative (S120: no), the random number for determining a win is compared with the winning value recorded in the normal table in S124, and the process moves to S130 in FIG. 14.

In this embodiment, when the game state is such that the jackpot probability for special symbols is the normal probability (time-saving flag is "0"), the hit probability for normal symbols is "1/6", and when the game state is such that the time-saving flag is "1"), the hit probability for normal symbols is "5/6". When the time-saving flag is "1", the game state is such that the normal symbol probability variation function is normally activated.

The hit probability of the normal symbol (the probability that the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the normal symbol is a hit) changes from the normal probability (in this embodiment, "1/6") to the high probability (in this embodiment, "5/6") on the premise that the continuous operation device of the accessory that started operating when the jackpot game started (see S388 in FIG. 24) has stopped operating. In other words, it is generally a prerequisite for the hit probability of the normal symbol to change to a high probability that the continuous operation device of the accessory that was operating during the jackpot game has stopped operating after the jackpot game ends.
Therefore, the probability of winning the normal pattern is not necessarily changed from the normal probability to a high probability when the time-saving flag becomes "1", but the probability of winning the normal pattern may be changed to a high probability when the following two conditions are met: (1) the operation of the continuous operation device of the reel has stopped, and (2) the time-saving flag has become "1".

In S130 of Fig. 14, it is determined whether the normal symbol is a winning symbol, and if it is a winning symbol (S130: yes), the winning symbol is determined based on the winning symbol determination random number (S132), and the variation pattern is determined (S134). After that, the normal symbol winning symbol setting process is executed (S136), and the process proceeds to S140. On the other hand, if the normal symbol is not a winning symbol (S130: no), the variation pattern of the losing symbol is determined (S138), and the process proceeds to S140.
In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, the normal symbol fluctuation time (the fluctuation time specified by the fluctuation pattern determined in S134 or S138) is always 5.0 seconds if the game state of the pachinko machine 50 is the normal game state (non-open extended state), regardless of whether the normal symbol is a hit or a miss, and regardless of the winning symbol, and is always 1.0 second if the game state of the pachinko machine 50 is the open extended state.

Then, the process proceeds to S140, where the normal symbol display device 7 starts to change, and a normal symbol change start command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S140), and the process proceeds to normal symbol game processing. In the normal symbol winning setting process (S136) of this embodiment, if a positive judgment is made in S130 during the non-open extension state, the normal electric role 12A is set to an opening pattern of once every 0.3 seconds. Also, if a positive judgment is made in S130 during the open extension state, the normal electric role 12A is set to an opening pattern of once every 2 seconds.
In S112 of FIG. 13, if the normal symbol is changing (S112: yes), the process proceeds to S146 shown in FIG. 15(a). In S146, it is determined whether the normal symbol change time has elapsed. If the result is positive (S146: yes), the process proceeds to the normal symbol game process by performing a fixed symbol display process for the corresponding normal symbol (S148). In the fixed symbol display process, a command to display the fixed symbol (symbol fixed command) is output to the sub-integrated control device 83, and a command is output to the normal symbol display device 7 to stop the display at the fixed symbol. If the symbol change time has not elapsed (S146: no), the process proceeds directly to the normal symbol game process.

In S114 of FIG. 13, if the fixed symbol is being displayed (S114: yes), the process proceeds to S150 shown in FIG. 15(b). In S150, it is determined whether the fixed symbol display time has ended. If the fixed symbol display time has ended (S150: yes), the display of the fixed symbol ends (S152), and it is determined whether the normal symbol combination is a winning combination (S154). If the normal symbol combination is a winning combination (S154: yes), a normal symbol winning start performance process is performed (S156), and the process proceeds to normal symbol game processing. If the fixed symbol display time has not ended (S150: no) or if the normal symbol combination is a losing combination (S154: no), the process proceeds directly to normal symbol game processing.

16 to 17, the normal symbol game process performed by opening the normal electric role 12A (second starting hole 12) will be described. The normal symbol game process is a process executed after the execution of the normal symbol hit/miss determination process.
As shown in Fig. 16, when the normal symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether the normal electric role 12A is in operation (S160). If the normal electric role 12A is in operation (S160: yes), it is determined whether the normal electric role 12A is open (S162). On the other hand, if the normal electric role 12A is not in operation (S160: no), this process ends (returns).

If the normal electric role device 12A is not open (S162: no), it is determined whether the normal symbol hit end performance is in progress (S164), and if the normal symbol hit end performance is not in progress (S164: no), it is confirmed whether the normal symbol hit start performance time has elapsed (S166). If the normal symbol hit start performance time has elapsed (S166: yes), the process proceeds to the normal electric role device opening process (S168) and ends.
The normal electric device opening process (S168) in this embodiment opens the normal electric device 12A (second starting port 12) based on the opening pattern of the normal electric device 12A set in S136 described above (changing from a closed state to an open state).

If the normal electric role 12A is open in the process of S162 in FIG. 16 (S162: yes), the process proceeds to S170 in FIG. 17(a). Then, it is determined whether or not nine balls (prescribed number) have entered the normal electric role 12A (second starting hole 12) (S170). If the prescribed number has been reached (S170: yes), the normal electric role closing process (S174) is performed, and the normal symbol winning end performance process is executed (S176), and the process ends. On the other hand, if nine balls (prescribed number) have not entered the normal electric role 12A (second starting hole 12) (S170: no), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the normal electric role 12A has ended (S172). If the determination is positive (S172: yes), the process proceeds to S174. If the determination is negative (S172: no), the process ends as it is.

If the normal symbol hit end presentation is in progress in the process of S164 in FIG. 16 (S164: yes), the process proceeds to S180 shown in FIG. 17(b), where it is confirmed whether the normal symbol hit end presentation time has elapsed (S180). If the normal symbol hit end presentation time has elapsed (S180: yes), a normal symbol hit end command transmission process (S182) is executed, and in this process a normal symbol hit end command is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the normal symbol game ends. Note that if the normal symbol hit end presentation time has not elapsed (S180: no), the normal symbol game process ends as is.

Next, the winning confirmation process for the special symbol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the special symbol winning confirmation process) will be described with reference to Fig. 18. This special symbol winning confirmation process is one of the subroutines of the winning confirmation process (S50) of the main routine of Fig. 11.
When the special symbol winning confirmation process is started, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 11 based on the detection signal of the first start hole switch 11a (S200). If the judgment is affirmative (S200: yes), the random numbers for determining a big win, for determining a big win symbol, for judging a reach, for determining a variation pattern, and for determining a losing symbol are read from the corresponding counters, and it is judged whether or not the first reserved memory is full (four in this embodiment) (S202). Also, if it is judged that a game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (S200: yes), the main control device 80 outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 to instruct the payout of prize balls (three balls).

If the first reserved memory is not full (S202: no), the process proceeds to S204, where the random numbers are stored in the memory area as the first reserved memory, the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18 is increased by 1, "1" is added to the counter indicating the number of first reserved memories, and the number of lights on the first special symbol reserved number display device 18 is increased. Then, a reserved number command (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved number command) indicating the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol that have not been consumed (not subject to the win/loss judgment) that have not been consumed (not subject to the win/loss judgment) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the process proceeds to S206.

In S206, the main control device 80 executes a look-ahead determination process for the reserved memory (first reserved memory) related to the newly generated first special symbol, and shifts the process to S210. The look-ahead determination process of S206 will be described later together with S216 using FIG. 19.
On the other hand, if it is determined in S202 that four first reserved memories have been stored (S202: yes), the reserved memories (first reserved memories) are not stored, and the process proceeds to S210 without increasing the counter indicating the number of first reserved memories or the number of lights on the first special pattern reserved number display device 18.

If it is determined that a game ball has not entered the first starting hole 11 (S200: no) or if a positive judgment is made in S202 (S202: yes), after execution of S206, the process proceeds to S210, and it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second starting hole 12 based on the detection signal of the second starting hole switch 12a (S210).
If the answer is yes (S210: yes), the random numbers for determining a jackpot, for determining a jackpot pattern, for judging a reach, for determining a variation pattern, and for determining a losing pattern are read from the corresponding counters, and it is judged whether the second reserved memory is full (four in this embodiment) or not (S212). Also, if it is judged that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 12 (S210: yes), the main control device 80 outputs a signal to the payout control device 81 to instruct the payout of prize balls (three balls).

If the second reserved memory is not full (S212: no), the process proceeds to S214, where the random numbers are stored as second reserved memories, the counter indicating the number of second reserved memories is incremented by "1", and the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 19 is increased. Then, a reserved number command (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved number command) indicating the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol that have not been consumed (not subject to the win/loss judgment) that have not been consumed (not subject to the win/loss judgment) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the process proceeds to S216.

In S216, the main control device 80 executes a look-ahead determination process for the reserved memory (second reserved memory) related to the newly generated second special symbol. Then, after executing S216, this process ends (returns).
On the other hand, if there are four second reserved memories in S212 (S212: yes), the reserved memories (second reserved memories) are not stored, and the process ends (returns) without increasing the counter indicating the number of second reserved memories or the number of lights on the second special symbol reserved number display device 18. Also, if no game ball has entered the second starting hole 12 (S210: no), the process ends.

Next, using FIG. 19, we will explain the process of making a preliminary judgment (a preliminary judgment prior to the judgment of whether the newly generated reserved memory is a hit or not) on the value of the random number for determining a hit etc. corresponding to the newly generated reserved memory, that is, the pre-read judgment process (S206, S216). Note that this process is called from the special symbol winning confirmation process.

When the look-ahead determination process is started, the main control device 80 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot related to the newly generated reserved memory (the first reserved memory in S206, the second reserved memory in S216) is a specific value (a jackpot value that results in a jackpot) in S220. If the result is affirmative (S220: yes), the process proceeds to S222, and if the result is negative (S220: no), the process proceeds to S224.
Here, in S222, the main control unit 80 generates a look-ahead command 1 indicating that the random number for determining a jackpot related to the newly generated reserved memory (first reserved memory, second reserved memory) is a specific value (a jackpot value that results in a jackpot), sends it to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and returns this process.

In S224, which is reached after a negative determination in S220, the main control device 80 determines whether the reach determination random number related to the newly generated reserved memory (first reserved memory, second reserved memory) is a predetermined value (a value that will cause a reach-miss performance to be executed in the performance display). If a positive determination is made (S224: yes), the process proceeds to S226, and if a negative determination is made (S224: no), the process proceeds to S228.
Here, in S226, the main control unit 80 generates a look-ahead command 2 indicating that the newly generated reserved memory (first reserved memory, second reserved memory) is a predetermined value (a value indicating a reach), sends it to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and returns this process.

When the process proceeds to S228, the main control unit 80 generates a look-ahead command 3 indicating that the random number for determining a jackpot related to the newly generated reserved memory (first reserved memory, second reserved memory) is not the specific value (the jackpot value that results in a jackpot) and is not the specified value (the value indicating a reach), sends this to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and returns this process. Note that the main control unit 80 may decide whether or not to output look-ahead commands 1 to 3 before outputting them (for example, by random number drawing), and output look-ahead commands 1 to 3 only if it is decided to output them.

In this embodiment, the pre-reading determination command and the hold number instruction command are sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 as separate commands, but it is also possible to consider a configuration in which the contents of these two commands are generated into a single command and sent to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In addition, when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives the first reserved number command or the second reserved number command (second reserved memory number instruction command), it sends an instruction signal to the performance pattern control device 82 to change the number of reserved memories displayed on the performance pattern display device 6 according to the reserved memory number indicated by the received command.

Next, the winning/losing determination process for the special symbol (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the winning/losing determination process for the special symbol) will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 26. This special winning/losing determination process is one of the subroutines of the winning/losing determination process (S55) of the main routine shown in Figure 11.
As shown in Fig. 20, when the special symbol hit/miss judgment process is started, the main control device 80 judges whether the special electric role is in operation based on the big hit flag (S320). If the special electric role is in operation (S320: yes), the process proceeds to the big hit game process. Also, if the judgment of S320 is a negative judgment (S320: no), the special symbol is not changing (S322: no), and the fixed symbol is not being displayed (S324: no), the process proceeds to S330 in Fig. 21, and judges whether there is a second reserved memory (reserved memory by S214 in Fig. 18 above) (S330).

If this reserved memory exists (S330: yes), the second reserved memory count is decremented (S332) and the process proceeds to S350.
On the other hand, if there is no second reserved memory (S330: no), it is determined whether there is a first reserved memory (reserved memory by S204 in FIG. 18) (S334). If there is a first reserved memory (S334: yes), the number of first reserved memories is decremented (S336) and the process proceeds to S350.

If there is no first reserved memory (S334: no), a standby command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S337), and then the process proceeds to the big win game process. This standby command is a command indicating that the special symbol is not changing and the pachinko machine 50 is in a "standby state (a state where the pachinko machine 50 is waiting for customers)."
Also, in this pachinko machine 50, when both the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory are not "zero", the second reserved memory is processed preferentially.

The pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment does not have a function that allows the probability of a jackpot for determining whether or not a special symbol is a hit to be set in stages, but in a pachinko machine 50 that has this setting function, a jackpot is determined (jackpot determination) at S350 with a probability that varies in stages depending on the setting value at that time.

When it is determined in S350 that a jackpot has been reached (S350: yes), the jackpot symbol is determined by random number lottery using the random numbers for determining the jackpot symbol (S352).
If the result of the "first hit/miss determination" is a hit, the hit symbol is determined by random number lottery using the hit symbol determination random number read by decrementing the first reserved memory (S352).

Furthermore, if the result of the "second hit/miss determination" is a hit, the hit symbol is determined by random number lottery using the hit symbol determination random number read by decrementing the second reserved memory.
Here, the main control device 80 compares the random number for determining a jackpot read by decrementing the first reserved memory with the winning value and determines whether or not a jackpot has been reached, which corresponds to the "first win/loss determination." Also, the main control device 80 compares the random number for determining a jackpot read by decrementing the second reserved memory with the winning value and determines whether or not a jackpot has been reached, which corresponds to the "second win/loss determination."

As shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b), in the process of S352, which is entered after the first hit/miss judgment, the jackpot pattern is determined to be either "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern 1 (4R normal jackpot pattern)" or "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern 2 (6R normal jackpot pattern)". In addition, in the process of S352, which is entered after the second hit/miss judgment, the jackpot pattern is determined to be either "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern 1 (8R normal jackpot pattern)" or "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern 2 (10R normal jackpot pattern)".

Then, when the winning symbol is determined in the process of S352, the process proceeds to a variation pattern determination process (S354).
In this variation pattern determination process (S354), the jackpot variation pattern is determined by the variation pattern determination random number. Here, the variation time (variation time of special symbols) until the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed is specified by the variation pattern, but in the performance display (variation display of performance symbols) corresponding to the variation (hereinafter referred to as jackpot variation) executed when the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the reach (reach display followed by the reach performance) is performed uniformly. Therefore, regardless of the game state (open extension state, non-open extension state) of the pachinko machine 50, it is highly likely that a longer variation time (longer than when the result of the hit/miss judgment is a miss) will be determined.

Then, after the fluctuation pattern determination process, the jackpot setting process is performed (S356), and then the process proceeds to S364.
Here, the jackpot setting process is a process for obtaining the game state after the jackpot game is executed (whether it will be a time-saving state in this embodiment, or a high probability state or a time-saving state in a pachinko machine 50 equipped with a special probability function, etc.) and information related to the jackpot game (jackpot opening time, opening pattern, jackpot ending time, number of rounds, etc.) based on the determined jackpot pattern (see Figures 5 (a) and (b)).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination is a miss in S350 (S350: no), a losing symbol is determined (S358). Then, when the losing symbol is determined, a variation pattern is determined based on the reach determination random number and the variation pattern determination random number (S360). When the variation pattern is set in this way, a loss setting process is performed (S362), and then the process proceeds to S364.

The out-of-range setting process of S362 will now be described with reference to FIG.
When the miss setting process is started, it is determined in S362e whether the value of the time-saving flag is "1" or not (S362e). Here, in this embodiment, the time-saving flags are a first time-saving flag that is set when the game state is "time-saving state a", a second time-saving flag that is set when the game state is "time-saving state b", and a third time-saving flag that is set when the game state is "time-saving state c".
If a positive determination is made in S362e (S362e: yes), S362f is executed and then the process proceeds to S362g. If a negative determination is made in S362e (S362e: no), S362f is skipped and the process proceeds to S362g.

Here, in S362f, a process of decrementing the number of time-saving times by "1" is performed. In other words, the remaining number of times (the number of time-saving times) that can be performed in the time-saving state is decremented by "1."
In this embodiment, at the end of the jackpot game, the state transitions to the jackpot time-saving state, and the number of time-saving times is set to "100 times" (see S546 in FIG. 30), and when the number of hit/miss judgments performed in the normal probability state reaches "900 times", the state transitions to the reached time-saving state, and the number of time-saving times is set to "900 times" (see S452 in FIG. 26). Also, when a specific miss pattern is displayed, the state transitions to the specific time-saving state, and the number of time-saving times is set to "50 times" (see S458 in FIG. 26).

In S362f, each time the variable display of the special symbol is started, the time-saving count is incremented by "-1", and when the variable display is stopped, the value of the time-saving flag is changed from "1" to "0" by performing S362b. However, unlike this embodiment, if the value of the corresponding time-saving flag is "1", the process of decrementing the time-saving count by "-1" may be performed when the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

In S362g, the value of the arrival counter is incremented by "1." Here, the arrival counter is a counter for counting the number of hit/miss determinations executed in the normal probability state, and in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, when a big hit game is executed or the RAM is cleared, the arrival counter is initialized (the value is set to "0") (see FIG. 5(d)).
In this manner, in this pachinko machine 50, when the game state is in the normal probability state, the number of times that the "win/lose judgment regarding the special symbol" is executed without resulting in a jackpot is counted.

When S362g is executed, the process proceeds to S362h, where it is determined whether the value of the arrival counter has reached a specified number of times. Here, when the number of hit/miss judgments executed without the occurrence of a jackpot in the normal probability state reaches a specified number of times (900 in this embodiment), the game state transitions to the time-saving state (b time-saving state) without the jackpot game.
If the result of S362h is negative (S362h: no), the failure setting process is returned. On the other hand, if the result of S362h is positive (S362h: yes), the process of setting the value of the reach flag to "1" (S362i) and the process of initializing the reach counter (S362j) are executed, and then the failure setting process is returned. The reach counter is a flag indicating that the number of hit/miss judgments (variable display) in the normal probability state has reached a specified number of times, and the value is set to "1" when the number of times has been reached.

Here, in S360, if the reach judgment random number is judged to be a value that generates a reach (the above-mentioned predetermined value), a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that takes into account the game state at that time and the fluctuation pattern determination random number. Here, if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a miss, a reach (a reach display followed by a reach performance) is performed in the variable display of the performance pattern, which is called a "reach miss", and a reach is not performed is called a "normal miss".
In addition, if the result of the win/loss judgment is a miss and no reach is made, and the game state is in a non-open extension state, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the "fluctuation pattern table for normal miss and non-open extension," and if the game state is in an open extension state, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the "fluctuation pattern table for normal miss and open extension."

When the result of the hit/miss judgment is a miss and a reach is made (when the reach is missed) and the game state is in a non-open extension state, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the "reach miss and non-open extension fluctuation pattern table", and when the game state is in an open extension state, the fluctuation pattern is determined by referring to the "reach miss and open extension fluctuation pattern table". In this case, as in the case where the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the fluctuation time determined by referring to the open extension fluctuation pattern table is made shorter than the fluctuation time determined by referring to the non-open extension fluctuation pattern table.
Generally, the fluctuation pattern determined by referring to the "fluctuation pattern table for normal miss and non-opening extension" when a normal miss occurs (when there is no reach display followed by a reach performance) specifies a shorter fluctuation time than the fluctuation pattern determined by referring to the "fluctuation pattern table for reach miss and non-opening extension" when a reach miss occurs (when there is a reach display followed by a reach performance).

21, following S356 or S362, the process proceeds to S364, in which a reservation number command indicating the number of reserved memories decremented in S332 or S336 described above is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In S366 following S364, data indicating the above-mentioned lottery result (first win/loss judgment or second win/loss judgment) is output to the sub-integrated control device 83 (S366), and the process proceeds to jackpot game processing.

Here, the data transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83 in S366 is "data indicating the result of the hit/miss determination (data indicating a jackpot or a miss)", "if the result of the hit/miss determination is a jackpot, data indicating the type of jackpot (for example, in a pachinko machine 50 with a special chance function, data indicating that the jackpot that occurs is a normal jackpot, or data indicating that it is a special chance jackpot)", "if the result of the hit/miss determination is a miss, data indicating whether the miss is a reach miss or a normal miss", and "a fluctuation start command (display control command) which includes fluctuation pattern data (fluctuation pattern command) that specifies the fluctuation time."
In addition, this "variation start command (display control command)" also includes data identifying the random number for determining the losing symbol obtained when the game ball enters the starting hole 11, 12 (non-specific losing data in variant example 2 described below).

This variation start command can include information about the value of the time-saving counter to be decremented in the processing of S362 (the time-saving counter to be decremented when performing S362b in FIG. 22) (i.e., information about the remaining number of times in the time-saving state). For example, if the variation is the final variation that starts while maintaining the time-saving state, it can include information for identifying that the variation display that is about to start is the final variation (information for identifying that the variation is one in which the number of times the time-saving state is set to "0" in S362). The sub-integrated control device 83, which has received information from the main control device 80 that can identify whether or not the variation is the final variation, can execute a provocative performance according to the content of the information.

Furthermore, the processing of S366 causes the performance pattern display device 6 to start displaying the changing performance patterns, and at almost the same time, the main control device 80 also starts changing the special patterns.
Returning to FIG. 20 for further explanation, if it is determined in S322 of FIG. 20 that the special symbol is changing (S322: yes), the process proceeds to S370 of FIG. 23, where it is determined whether the symbol change time (based on the change pattern of S354 or S360) has elapsed. If the determination is negative (S370: no), the process proceeds directly to the big win game process. On the other hand, if the determination is positive (S370: yes), the big win game process is performed after the fixed symbol display process (S372). In the fixed symbol display process, a command to display the fixed symbol (symbol fixed command) is output to the sub-integrated control device 83, and a command is output to the special symbol display devices 9 and 10 to stop them at the fixed symbol.

When it is determined in S324 of Fig. 20 that the fixed symbol is being displayed (S324: yes), the process proceeds to S374 of Fig. 24, where it is determined whether the display time of the fixed symbol has ended. When it is determined that the fixed symbol is not being displayed (S374: no), a big win game process is performed.
On the other hand, if the determination at S374 is affirmative (S374: yes), the display of the confirmed symbols is terminated (S376), and it is determined whether the confirmed and displayed special symbols are symbols that will result in a jackpot (S378).

If it is determined in S378 that the symbol will result in a jackpot (S378: yes), it is determined in S380 whether the time-saving flag (first time-saving flag, second time-saving flag, or third time-saving flag) is 1. If any of the first time-saving flag, second time-saving flag, or third time-saving flag is 1 (S380: yes), the time-saving flag (first time-saving flag, second time-saving flag, or third time-saving flag) is set to 0 in S382, and the process proceeds to S384. On the other hand, if none of the time-saving flags (first time-saving flag, second time-saving flag, or third time-saving flag) is 1 (S380: no), the process proceeds directly to S384.

In other words, in S382, if the value of the first time-saving flag is 1, the value of the first time-saving flag is set to 0, if the value of the second time-saving flag is 1, the value of the second time-saving flag is set to 0, and if the value of the third time-saving flag is 1, the value of the third time-saving flag is set to 0.

In S384, a state designation command is transmitted. In this case, a command indicating that the gaming state is "a normal probability/non-opening extended state (i.e., normal state)" is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83. In other words, during the execution of a jackpot game, the gaming state becomes a normal probability/non-opening extended state (normal state).
Following S384, in S386, a jackpot flag is set by a condition device operation start process, and in the following S388, a device for continuously operating the reels is operated.
After S388, the main control device 80 performs a jackpot start effect process in the following S390, and executes a jackpot game process. When the jackpot start effect process is executed, the main control device 80 transmits a command indicating the start of a jackpot game and information related to the jackpot game (opening time of the jackpot, opening pattern, ending time of the jackpot, number of rounds, etc.) to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In S378, if it is determined that the special symbol displayed as confirmed is not a symbol that will result in a jackpot (S378: no), the process proceeds to S398 in FIG. 25, where it is determined whether the first time-saving flag is "1" or not.

In other words, in S398, it is determined whether or not the current state is the jackpot time-saving state. Then, if the value of the first time-saving flag is 1 (S398: yes), it is determined whether or not the value of the reach flag is 1 (S404), and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S450 (see FIG. 26). In other words, even if the jackpot time-saving state is in progress, once the specified number of times has been reached (when the value of the reach flag becomes 1), the process proceeds to the reach time-saving state. Details of S450 will be described later.

If a negative judgment is made in S404 (S404), it is judged in S406 whether or not the number of time-saving times is "0" (S406). Then, if the number of time-saving times is not "0" (S406: no), the process proceeds directly to S470.
On the other hand, when the number of time-saving times is "0" (this is the final change to be executed while maintaining the benefits of the jackpot time-saving state), the process proceeds to S408, and it is determined whether or not the current miss is a specific miss (i.e., whether or not the miss pattern displayed as confirmed in S372 is a specific miss pattern).

If a negative judgment is made in S408 (if the losing symbol confirmed and displayed in S372 is a non-specific losing symbol), the first time-saving flag is set to "0" in S410, and the process proceeds to S470.
On the other hand, if the miss this time is a specific miss (S408: yes), the process proceeds to S458 (see FIG. 26). Details of S458 will be described later. Here, in this embodiment, in the final fluctuation executed while maintaining the benefit of the jackpot time-saving state, if an opportunity to transition to the specific time-saving state occurs, the specific time-saving state is restarted, but even if an opportunity to transition to the specific time-saving state occurs in the final fluctuation, the specific time-saving state may not be restarted.

If the first time-saving flag is not “1” in S398 (S398: no), the process proceeds to S412, where it is determined whether or not the second time-saving flag is “1.” That is, in S412, it is determined whether or not the game is currently in the reached time-saving state.
Then, when the value of the second time-saving flag is 1 (S412: yes), it is determined whether the value of the arrival flag is 1 (S414), and when the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to S450 (see FIG. 26). However, as described above, since it is actually impossible for the value of the arrival flag to be set to 1 during the arrival time-saving state, a negative determination is usually made in S414.

If the determination in S414 is negative, the process proceeds to S416, where it is determined whether the number of time-saving times is "0" or not (S416: no). If the number of time-saving times is not "0" (S416: no), the process proceeds directly to S470.
On the other hand, when the number of time-saving times is "0" (when this is the final change to be executed while maintaining the benefits of the reached time-saving state), the process proceeds to S418, where it is determined whether the current miss is a specific miss or not.

If the determination in S418 is negative, the second time-shortening flag is set to "0" in S430, and the process proceeds to S470.
On the other hand, if the current miss is a specific miss (S418: yes), the process proceeds to S458 (see FIG. 26).
Here, in this embodiment, if an opportunity to transition to a specific time-saving state occurs in the final variation that is executed while maintaining the benefits of the reached time-saving state, the specific time-saving state is restarted; however, even if an opportunity to transition to the specific time-saving state occurs in the final variation, the time-saving state may not be restarted.

If the second time-saving flag is not "1" in S412 (S412: no), the process proceeds to S436 in Fig. 26, where it is determined whether or not the third time-saving flag is "1". That is, in S436, it is determined whether or not the specific time-saving state is currently in effect.
If the value of the third time-saving flag is 1 (S436: yes), the process proceeds to S438, where it is determined whether the value of the reach flag is 1 (S438). If the determination in S438 is affirmative (S438: yes), the process proceeds to S450.
If the result of the determination in S438 is negative (S438: no), the process determines whether the time-saving count is "0" (S440). If the time-saving count is not "0" (S440: no), the process proceeds directly to S470.

On the other hand, when the number of time-saving times is "0" (when this is the final change to be executed while maintaining the benefits of the specific time-saving state), the process proceeds to S444, where it is determined whether the current miss is a specific miss.
If a negative judgment is made in S444, the third time-shortening flag is set to "0" in S446, and the process proceeds to S470.
On the other hand, if the current miss is a specific miss (S444: yes), the process proceeds to S458 (see FIG. 26).
Here, in this embodiment, if an opportunity to transition to the specific time-saving state occurs in the final change that is executed while maintaining the benefits of the specific time-saving state, the time-saving state is restarted; however, even if an opportunity to transition to the specific time-saving state occurs in the final change, the specific time-saving state may not be restarted.

If a negative judgment is made in S436 (S436: no), that is, if the value of none of the time-saving flags is 1, the process proceeds to S448, where it is judged whether the value of the reach flag is "1." If a positive judgment is made in S448 (S448: yes), the process proceeds to S470 after performing a process of setting the value of the reach flag to "0" (S450), a process of setting the number of time-saving times (S452), and a process of setting the value of the second time-saving flag to "1" (S454).
Here, in S452, the number of time-saving times is set to "900 times." When moving to the "reach time-saving state," the average fluctuation time of special symbols is shortened, the average fluctuation time of normal symbols is shortened, and an opening extension function that extends the opening time of normal electric roles is set.

If the result of the determination in S448 is negative (S448: no), then in S456, it is determined whether or not the current loss is a specific loss (whether or not the specific loss symbol confirmation display was performed in S372). If the result of the determination in S456 is negative, the process proceeds directly to S470.
On the other hand, if the result of the S456 judgment is positive, the process proceeds to S470 after performing a process of setting the number of time-saving times (S458) and a process of setting the third time-saving flag to "1" (S460). When the third time-saving flag is set to "1" in this S460, the open extension state (c time-saving state) is entered.
Here, a positive judgment in S456 indicates a case where the game state transitions to a "specific time-saving state", and in that case, the number of time-saving times is set to "50 times" in S458. When transitioning to the "specific time-saving state", the average fluctuation time reduction of special symbols, the average fluctuation time reduction of normal symbols, and the opening extension function for extending the opening time of normal electric roles are set.

After performing S460, if the determination in S456 is negative (S456: no), the process proceeds to S470.

In S470, the main control unit 80 sends a state designation command indicating the current game state, such as whether or not the game is in a special bonus state or a time-saving state, to the sub-integrated control unit 83 after the special pattern determination time (600 ms), and then transitions to jackpot game processing.
In this embodiment, the timing for sending a status designation command from the main control unit 80 to the sub-integrated control unit 83 in the special pattern win/loss determination process is after the special pattern is determined, but the configuration may also be such that the status designation command is sent when the special pattern starts to change and when the power is restored.

The contents of the state designation command sent in S470 will now be described with reference to FIG.
In the process of S470, which is performed after the value of the second time-saving flag is set to 1 (S454), a second time-saving state transition designation command is transmitted. That is, a command indicating a transition to the arrival time-saving state is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In addition, in the process of S470 which is performed after the value of the third time-saving flag is set to 1 (S460), a third time-saving state transition designation command is transmitted. That is, a command indicating a transition to a specific time-saving state is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Furthermore, in the process of S470 which is performed after the value of the first time-saving flag is set to 0 (S410), a command to specify the end of the first time-saving state is transmitted. That is, a command indicating that the jackpot time-saving state is to end is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.
In addition, in the process of S470 which is performed after the value of the second time-saving flag is set to 0 (S430), a second time-saving state end designation command is transmitted. That is, a command indicating that the arrival time-saving state ends is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Furthermore, in the process of S470, which is performed after the value of the third time-saving flag is set to 0 (S446), a command to transition to the third time-saving state is sent. In other words, a command indicating that the specific time-saving state is ending is sent from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.

Similarly, the state designation command of S384 in FIG. 24 is a time-saving state end designation command (a command designating that the time-saving state a, the time-saving state b, or the time-saving state c) has ended). In other words, a command indicating that the time-saving state (the time-saving state a, the time-saving state b, or the time-saving state c) has ended is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.

In addition, the state designation command of S556 in Fig. 30 described later is a jackpot time-saving state start designation command. In other words, a command indicating a transition to the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.
Furthermore, in the jackpot start presentation process of S390 in the above-mentioned FIG. 24, a command indicating the start of jackpot play is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.
Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 that receives the above command executes a process of setting the display mode of the performance pattern display device 6 (see Figure 35).

Next, the big win game processing will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 30.
28, in the jackpot game process, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the accessory is in operation based on the jackpot flag (S500). When the consecutive operation device of the accessory is in operation (S500: yes), it judges whether the big prize opening 14 is open (S502), and if it is judged that the big prize opening 14 is closed (S502: no), it judges whether the big prize opening 14 is closed due to an interval between rounds of play (S506).

If it is not during the interval between rounds of play (S506: no), it is determined whether the big win end presentation is in progress (S508). If this is also a negative determination (S508: no), it is determined whether the time required for the presentation to start the big win game has elapsed (S510). If the big win start presentation time has elapsed (S510: yes), the big win opening process (S512) is performed, and the big win game process is ended (returned).
In addition, in S500, if the accessory continuous operation device is not operating (S500: no), the big win game process is terminated. Also, in S510, if the big win start presentation time has not elapsed (S510: no), the big win game process is terminated.

If it is determined that the large prize opening 14 is open (S502: yes), the process proceeds to S514 in Fig. 29 to determine whether or not 10 prizes have been won in the large prize opening 14. In this embodiment, the specified number of prizes won in the large prize opening 14 is 10, but it may be 8 or 9, and is not particularly limited.
If ten balls have not been won in the large prize opening 14 (S514: no), the process proceeds to S516, where it is determined whether the opening time of the large prize opening 14 has ended. If the opening time has ended (S516: yes), the process proceeds to S518. If the opening time of the large prize opening 14 has not ended (S516: no), the large prize game process ends (returns) as is.
In S514, if ten game balls have entered the big prize opening 14 (S514: yes), a big prize opening closing process (S518) is performed, a big prize interval process (S520) is performed, and the big prize game process is ended (returned).

Return to FIG. 28. If it is determined in S506 of FIG. 28 that an interval is in progress (S506: yes), the process proceeds to S522 of FIG. 29, where it is determined whether or not the interval time between rounds of play has elapsed. If the interval time between rounds of play has elapsed (S522: yes), it is determined whether or not the last round in which the jackpot opening 14 was open was the final round (S524). If the interval time between rounds of play has not elapsed (S522: no), the jackpot game process is terminated (returned) as is. If it is the final round in S524 (S524: yes), a jackpot end presentation process (S526) is performed, and the jackpot game process is terminated (returned).

In S524, if it is not the final round (S524: no), the process of opening the large prize opening 14 (S528) is performed, and the large prize game process ends (returns). In addition, in the process of opening and closing the large prize opening 14, a signal is also sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. Based on that signal, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines the current round and performs a performance according to that round.

Return to Fig. 28. If it is determined in S508 of Fig. 28 that the jackpot end presentation is in progress (S508: yes), the process proceeds to S530 of Fig. 30, where it is determined whether the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed. If the jackpot end presentation time has not elapsed (S530: no), the jackpot game process is ended (returned).
On the other hand, if the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed (S530: yes), the operation of the device for continuously operating the reels is stopped (S532), and the operation of the condition device is stopped (S534).

After S534 is executed, the process proceeds to S544, where it is determined whether or not the game will transition to time-saving mode in the next game state.
In this embodiment, the result of S544 is always positive, followed by a process of setting the number of time-saving times (S546) and a process of setting the time-saving flag to 1 (S548). Here, when the time-saving flag is set to 1 in S548, the average fluctuation time reduction of the special symbol, the average fluctuation time reduction of the normal symbol, and the opening extension function for extending the opening time of the normal electric role object are set.

The process of S548 is performed, or if a negative determination is made in S544 (S544: no), the process proceeds to S550, where it is determined whether the value of the arrival counter is a "positive number." If a positive determination is made in S550 (S550: yes), the value of the arrival counter is initialized (set to "0"), and the process proceeds to S554. If a negative determination is made in S550 (S550: no), the process proceeds directly to S554.
That is, in this pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot occurs or when RAM clear processing is performed on the main control device 80, the attainment counter is initialized. In this case, when the number of hit/miss judgments (hit/miss judgments regarding special symbols) executed in the normal state after the initialization reaches "900 times", the machine transitions to the attainment time-saving state.

In S554, the main control device 80 performs processing to transmit a big win end command to the sub-integrated control device 83, and in the following S556, transmits a state designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83. Then, the big win game processing is returned.
In other words, in S556, a command indicating that the time-saving state (jackpot time-saving state) to which the transition will be made via jackpot play is to be entered is transmitted from the main control device 80 to the sub-integrated control device 83.
Here, in S546, the number of time-saving times is set to "100 times" when the result of the first hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the first special pattern) or the second hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the second special pattern) is a jackpot and the jackpot game that was executed is ended.

Next, the performance control and the like executed in the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 31 to 34.
In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance pattern control device 82, etc. based on each command transmitted from the main control device 80, performs display performance on the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6, controls the sound effects generated from the speaker 66, and controls the light emission mode of the LEDs and lamps 26 for electric decoration.

First, FIG. 31(a) shows the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 when the game state is the "non-time-saving state."
Regardless of whether the game state is the "non-time-saving state" or the "time-saving state," when a judgment of whether a special pattern has been won or lost is executed based on the game ball entering the starting hole 11, 12, the special pattern starts to change in the first special pattern display device 9 or the second special pattern display device 10. Then, in response to the start of the special pattern change, the left, right, and center performance patterns start to change vertically (scroll change) in the main display area 6H of the performance pattern display device 6.

In this main display area 6H, when the change time (change time of the special pattern) specified by the change pattern described above has elapsed, it stops at a combination that indicates the result of the win/lose judgment. In this embodiment, the change of the performance pattern is performed by displaying three-digit constituent patterns in the main display area 6H, but the number of constituent patterns is not particularly important, and it may be one or a number other than three, and the scrolling direction may be horizontal. In the main display area 6H, the constituent pattern displayed on the left side is called the left performance pattern 6L, the constituent pattern displayed on the right side is called the right performance pattern 6R, and the constituent pattern displayed in the center is called the center performance pattern 6C.

In addition, a related matter display section 6F appears on the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6, and for example, using characters, videos, live-action images, etc., related effects are executed to liven up the changes in the performance patterns and the stopped display, and comments, warnings, etc. to be issued to the player are displayed.
However, when the "game state is not in the time-saving state", a general left-hit suggestion effect LH is executed on the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 to encourage the player to "hit to the left" the game ball. Note that when the "game state is not in the time-saving state", any display suggesting the launch mode of the game ball (for example, the general left-hit suggestion effect LH) may not be performed at all, except for the left-hit suggestion effects LS1, LS2, and LS3 described later.

This general left-hit suggestion effect LH is composed of an arrow L1 pointing to the left and a text display L2 saying "Please hit to the left" displayed at a position away from the arrow L1.
While this "general left hit suggestion effect LH" appears, the player will usually reduce the strength of the game ball's launch, allowing the launched game ball to flow down the left hit area 3L and progress with the game.

This general left-hit suggestion effect LH is displayed when the game state changes, in order to inform the player which game area (either the left-hit area 3L or the right-hit area 3R) he or she should aim to shoot the game ball toward.
In this case, when a predetermined time has elapsed, it may be determined that the player has already ascertained which game area to play in, and the display may be terminated.
It is also possible to display the message when it is detected that the game ball is shot into the right-hand shot area 3R when left-hand shot play is recommended (the game state is not in the time-saving state). In this case, by ending the display when it is detected that the launch position has been corrected to the recommended game area (i.e., the left-hand shot area 3L), irregular play in a game area other than the recommended game area (i.e., the right-hand shot area 3R) can be suppressed.

In addition, when the game state is not in a time-saving state, the main display area 6H is displayed large and approximately in the center of the performance pattern display device 6.
In addition, when the game state transitions to a non-time-saving state, a display suggesting a left hit (such as a general left hit suggestion effect LH) may not be displayed except immediately after the transition. In other words, when it is suggested that the game ball launch mode will be switched immediately after the transition (switching from a right hit during the time-saving state to a left hit during the non-time-saving state), for example, the left hit suggestion effects LS1, LS2, and LS3 described below are performed. Then, after the transition to the non-time-saving state, a display suggesting the game ball launch mode may not be displayed, and when a right hit is detected during the non-time-saving state (for example, when the normal symbol activation gate 17 provided in the right hit area 3R detects a game ball), a warning display may be displayed.

Furthermore, regardless of whether the game state is the "non-time-saving state" or the "time-saving state," the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6 is capable of displaying a first reserved pattern display area 6D and a second reserved pattern display area 6E in addition to a variable display area 6H for displaying the result of a win/loss judgment regarding the special pattern.
The first reserved pattern display area 6D is an area capable of displaying up to four reserved patterns (hereinafter referred to as first reserved patterns) 6d corresponding to reserved memories (first reserved memories) acquired based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 11. The second reserved pattern display area 6E is an area capable of displaying up to four reserved patterns (hereinafter referred to as second reserved patterns) 6e corresponding to reserved memories (second reserved memories) acquired based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 12.

In Figure 31, a "black circle" indicates that a reserved pattern is displayed in the reserved pattern display areas 6D and 6E, and a "white circle" indicates that a reserved pattern is not displayed. Note that when the game state is in the "non-time-saving state," if the player fires the game ball aiming at the left-hand hitting area 3L, the first reserved memory is accumulated, but the second reserved memory is difficult to accumulate. Also, as will be described later, when the game state is in the "time-saving state," if the player fires the game ball aiming at the right-hand hitting area 3R, the second reserved memory is accumulated, but the first reserved memory is difficult to accumulate.

Also, as shown in Fig. 31(a), when the result of the win/loss judgment regarding the special pattern is displayed, the variation of the performance pattern starts in the main display area 6H. In other words, when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives a variation start command, the left performance pattern 6L, the center performance pattern 6C, and the right performance pattern 6R start to vary as shown in Fig. 31(a).
If it is decided to perform a reach, when it is time to execute the reach display, the left effect pattern 6L and the right effect pattern 6R are stopped and displayed with the same numbers as shown in Fig. 31 (b) to execute the reach display. At this time, the word "reach" M1 is displayed on the screen 6a, and the reach display starts.

Furthermore, when the change time (change time of the special symbol) specified by the aforementioned change pattern has elapsed, the combination in the main display area 6H stops indicating the result of the win/loss judgment.
At this time, if the result of the judgment regarding the special symbol is a jackpot, after the change time has elapsed, as shown in Figure 31 (c), the changing center performance symbol 6C is stopped and displayed with the same numbers as the left performance symbol 6L and the right performance symbol 6R, and the confirmation display of the jackpot symbol is executed. The occurrence of a jackpot is notified by this confirmation display of the jackpot symbol, and the jackpot game is executed.
Although not shown in the figure, when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a miss, there are misses with a reach (reach miss) and misses without a reach (normal miss). Also, when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a miss, after the change time has elapsed, the changing center performance symbol 6C is stopped and displayed with a number different from the left performance symbol 6L and the right performance symbol 6R, and a confirmation display of the miss symbol is executed.

As shown in Fig. 31(d), when the big win game ends, the display of the special symbols can be started. In this case, as shown in Fig. 32(a), the display for the big win time-saving state (time-saving state a) is started on the screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6.
Specifically, a right-hit suggestion effect RS1 is executed near the upper edge of the screen 6a. This right-hit suggestion effect RS1 is composed of a text display R2 saying "Please hit right", an arrow R1 (arrow R1 pointing to the right) displayed on both sides of the text display R2, and a text display R3 saying "Tatsukichi RUSH". At this time, a text display R4 showing the remaining number of times in the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a) (the number of hit/fail judgments that can be performed while maintaining the profit of the jackpot time-saving state) is also displayed on the screen 6a.

Also, an ally character A and an enemy character B appear on the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 and glare at each other. When the right-hit suggestion effect RS1 for the jackpot time-saving state appears, the player usually tries to increase the shooting strength of the game ball and make the shot game ball flow down the right-hit area 3R to progress the game.
After this, in the jackpot time-saving state, a presentation display starts each time the variable display of the special symbol starts, but if it is decided to make a reach, as shown in Fig. 32(b), after the reach display, a battle presentation is performed between ally character A and enemy character B, and the result of the battle is suggested as a "win/lose judgment result." In other words, if the result of the win/lose judgment regarding the special symbol is a jackpot, a display is executed in which ally character A wins (not shown). Also, if the result of the win/lose judgment regarding the special symbol is a miss, a display is executed in which enemy character B wins, as shown in Fig. 32(c).

Although not shown, if it is not determined that a reach is to be executed, ally character A and enemy character B maintain a state of glaring at each other (see FIG. 32(a)).
In addition, when the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) is started, the main display area 6H is displayed in a reduced size in the corner of the screen 6a, and each time the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special pattern is a miss, the character display R4 indicating the remaining number of times in the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) is updated (-1 each time the performance display is started) and displayed.
In addition, when the game state is the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state), the right-hit suggestion effect RS1 for the jackpot time-saving state continues.

And each time the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a miss, the remaining number of times in the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) is updated, and when the final fluctuation of the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) ends and transitions to the normal state (non-time-saving state), the left-hit suggestion effect LS1 for the jackpot time-saving state appears, as shown in FIG. 32(d). This left-hit suggestion effect LS1 suggests that the effect display will change (the launch mode of the game ball will change to a left hit), and is performed by displaying on screen 6a ally character A, character D (rock character D) suggesting the end of the jackpot time-saving state, text display R5 saying "Sorry, time-saving has ended!", and text display R6 saying "Please return to left hit."

In other words, the jackpot time-saving state takes a certain amount of time to change, and friendly character A and enemy character B appear, but when this state (jackpot time-saving state) ends and the game state changes, the player is not confused about which game area (left-hitting area 3L or right-hitting area 3R) to play in, so that the left-hitting suggestion effect LS1 can be displayed to guide the player.

When the jackpot time-saving state ends and the game state becomes a non-time-saving state, a left-hit suggestion effect LS1 is executed on the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6. Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed after the left-hit suggestion effect LS1 is executed, the aforementioned "general left-hit suggestion effect LH" may be executed, or a display suggesting the launch mode of the game ball may not be displayed.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 after the game state has shifted to the b time-saving state.
When the number of hit/miss judgments for the special symbols executed in the normal probability state reaches the specified number of times "900 times" and a miss symbol is displayed in the main display area 6H, a message is displayed on the screen 6a indicating that the game will move to the hit time-saving state (b time-saving state). Specifically, a text display R7 saying "Suddenly, we will enter Karaoke Play Time from the next change!" is displayed along with a cat character N holding a microphone M. Also, a large arrow R8 pointing to the right is displayed on the screen 6a.
This arrow R8 is larger than the multiple white arrows R1 displayed during the jackpot time-saving state, and is filled in black, with only one displayed. Therefore, when the b time-saving state starts, it is significantly different from when the a time-saving state starts, and it is easy for the player to distinguish the type of time-saving state that will start.

Here, by displaying the arrow R8, the text display R7, the microphone M, and the character N, a "right-hit suggestion effect RS2" in the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b) is executed. This "right-hit suggestion effect RS2" is easily distinguishable at a glance from the "right-hit suggestion effect RS1" in the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a), so the player can mentally prepare for the start of the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b).

When the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is started, the main display area 6H is displayed in a reduced size in the corner of the screen 6a, and each time the result of the win/loss judgment regarding the special pattern is a miss, the character display R4 indicating the remaining number of times in the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is updated (-1 is displayed each time the performance display is started).
Also, at this time, the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6 displays the text display R10 "Karaoke Yu-Time", and also displays the text display R4 indicating the remaining number of time-saving times in the b time-saving state. However, since the number of time-saving times is set high (the upper limit is set to 900 times) in the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state), and there is a high possibility of a jackpot occurring, it is not necessarily necessary to display the remaining number of time-saving times in the b time-saving state.

In addition, in the time-saving state (b time-saving state), the change time is shorter (about half) than in the time-saving state for the big win, so even if the performance display (change of the special symbol) starts, the result of the hit/miss judgment is displayed quickly. In other words, the change starts "quickly" and the result of the hit/miss judgment is displayed quickly.
In fact, since the number of time-saving times in the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is large at 900 times (which is 9 times the number of time-saving times in the jackpot time-saving state), the purpose is to quickly consume the large number of time-saving times and display the result of the win/loss judgment.

The jackpot time-saving state provides a favorable game state as a bonus for winning a jackpot, and since the interest lies in whether or not a jackpot can be obtained in this time-saving state, it entertains the player with previews and reach effects, whereas the reached time-saving state provides a time-saving state as a relief measure for players who have played to the point where the reached time-saving state is activated without being able to get a jackpot. For this reason, rather than creating a performance that shows whether or not a jackpot will be won (whether or not the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special pattern is a jackpot or not), it is considered to refrain from variable effects so that a jackpot will occur as soon as possible.

Here, in this reaching time-saving state (b time-saving state), the character N continues to sing karaoke until the reaching time-saving state (b time-saving state) ends, and a display is executed with an arrow R8 suggesting a right hit.
Furthermore, even in the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state), each time the result of the judgment regarding the special pattern is incorrect, the remaining number of times in the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is updated.

Although not shown in the figure, in the reaching time-saving state (b time-saving state), it is determined whether or not to execute a reach, and if the reach is executed, a reach display and the subsequent reach performance are executed. However, the probability of executing the reach is lower than in the big win time-saving state.
In addition, in the time-saving state (time-saving state b), even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a hit, the reach may not be executed. In other words, even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a hit, when the performance display starts, the hit symbol may be displayed without the reach display.

Furthermore, when the final fluctuation of the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is completed, a left-hit suggestion effect LS2 for the reached time-saving state appears, as shown in FIG. 33(c). This left-hit suggestion effect LS2 suggests that the effect display will change (the launch mode of the game ball will change to a left hit), and displays a character N waving his hand, a text display R11 saying "Karaoke play time will end soon," and a large arrow R12 pointing to the left.

In other words, in the time-saving state (b time-saving state), the display of the short variable time effect is repeated, but when this state (time-saving state) ends and the game state changes, the left-hit suggestion effect LS2 is displayed to guide the player so that the player will not be confused as to which game area (left-hit area 3L or right-hit area 3R) to play in.

This arrow R12 is also larger than the multiple white arrows R1 displayed during the jackpot time-saving state, and is filled in black, with only one arrow displayed. Therefore, when the time-saving state b starts, it is significantly different from when the time-saving state a starts, and it is easy for the player to distinguish the type of time-saving state that is ending.
When the time-saving state is ended and the game state becomes a non-time-saving state, the above-mentioned left-hit suggestion effect LS2 is executed on the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed after the left-hit suggestion effect LS2 is executed, the above-mentioned "general left-hit suggestion effect LH" may be executed, or a display suggesting the launch mode of the game ball may not be displayed.

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the screen 6a of the effect symbol display device 6 after the game state has shifted to the c time-saving state.
Even if the result of the hit/miss judgment (hit/miss judgment regarding the special pattern) specifies the occurrence of a "specific miss," when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the fluctuation, the left performance pattern 6L, the right performance pattern 6R, and the center performance pattern 6C are stopped in that order, and the missing performance pattern is displayed as a confirmed result.

The performance pattern indicating the occurrence of this "specific miss" is different from the performance pattern indicating the occurrence of a "non-specific miss". For example, as shown in FIG. 34(a), when a "specific miss performance pattern" is confirmed and displayed, a performance pattern in which even numbers are arranged in ascending order from left to right is confirmed and displayed in the variable display area 6H. In addition, on the screen 6a, text information R13 saying "You are entering Tatsukichi Chance!" is displayed together with a specified character Q as related information 6F.

In this case, the right-hit suggestion effect LS3 is executed by displaying the text display R14 saying "Please hit right", an arrow R15 pointing to the right, a bear Tatsukichi Q, and the text display R13 saying "Enter Tatsukichi Chance!".

In other words, the content and characters of the text information make it easy to tell at a glance whether the player is moving to a jackpot time-saving state or an arrival time-saving state. Therefore, the player can mentally prepare for the start of a specific time-saving state (c time-saving state).

When the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) is started, the main display area 6H is displayed in a reduced size in the corner of the screen 6a, and the remaining number of times the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) is in progress is updated (-1 each time the performance display is started) and displayed as text information R4.
Also, at this time, text information R18 saying "Tatsukichi chance, grab a win!" is displayed on the screen 6a of the effect symbol display device 6, and text information R4 indicating the remaining number of time-saving turns in the c time-saving state is also displayed.
In addition, the right-hit suggestion display LS3 will continue even while the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) is continuing.

In this special time-saving state (c time-saving state), if Tatsukichi's character Q can catch the text state R17 (text information R17 indicating a win) that suggests a big win, a presentation suggesting that a big win is possible will be executed until the special time-saving state (c time-saving state) ends (see Figures 34 (a) and (b)). Also, in the special time-saving state (c time-saving state), the remaining number of times in the special time-saving state (c time-saving state) is updated each time the result of the win/loss judgment regarding the special pattern is a miss.

Furthermore, when the final fluctuation of the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) is completed, a left-hit suggestion effect LS3 for the specific time-saving state appears, as shown in FIG. 34(d). This left-hit suggestion effect LS3 suggests that the effect display will change (the launch mode of the game ball will change to a left hit), and is performed by displaying the face S of the bear Tatsukichi character and text information R19 saying "Tatsukichi Chance will end soon."

In this case, too, in the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state), the display of a short variable time effect is repeated, but when this state (reach time-saving state) ends and the game state changes, the left-hit suggestion effect LS3 is displayed to guide the player so that the player will not be confused as to which game area (the left-hit area 3L or the right-hit area 3R) he or she should play in.
When the specific time-saving state ends and the game state becomes a non-time-saving state, the above-mentioned left hit suggestion effect LS3 is executed on the screen 6a of the effect pattern display device 6. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed after the left hit suggestion effect LS3 is executed, the above-mentioned "general left hit suggestion effect LH" may be executed, or a display suggesting the launch mode of the game ball may not be displayed.

Also, although not shown, in the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state), it is determined whether or not to execute a reach, and if a reach is executed, a reach display and the subsequent reach performance are executed. However, the probability of executing a reach is set lower than in the jackpot time-saving state. Of course, it is also possible to use a fluctuation table with a longer average fluctuation time than in the jackpot time-saving state, to configure the performance of one fluctuation to be enhanced, and to create a state with a higher reach occurrence rate than in the jackpot time-saving state. Since the specific time-saving state tends to be given a relatively small number of time-savings, it is also possible to configure it to enhance the performance of one fluctuation differently from this embodiment.
Furthermore, in the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state), even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a hit, the reach may not be executed. In other words, even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a hit, when the performance display starts, the hit symbol may be displayed without the reach display.

As described above, the presentation mode differs depending on each time-saving state (time-saving state A, time-saving state B, time-saving state C), and depending on the presentation mode, not only the display mode of the right-hit suggestion mode but also the display mode of the left-hit suggestion mode differs. To be more specific, differences are provided in the size of the arrow, the number of arrows, the display mode of the right-hit suggestion presentation, etc. in each time-saving state. This allows the player to immediately tell which time-saving state is starting and which is ending.

In this embodiment, the differences are indicated by the display format, but it is also possible to indicate them by different announcement sounds or different LED lighting patterns. In the case of sounds or LEDs, it is possible to communicate to the player without having to provide a display device.

Next, a display mode setting process executed by the sub integrated control device 83 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 35. This process is executed periodically (for example, every 2 ms) by the sub integrated control device 83.
This process sets the display mode of the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6 in response to the transition to or end of each time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c), or in response to the start of a jackpot game.

When this process starts, in S1000, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it has received a jackpot start command. If the judgment in S1000 is affirmative (S1000: yes), the process sets the display mode of the screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6 to the display mode during jackpot play (S1005), and returns to this process.
Here, the sub-integrated control device 83 can determine that the jackpot game has started by receiving a jackpot start command (a command indicating the start of the jackpot game transmitted in S390 of FIG. 24). In this case, in the display mode during the jackpot game, a display (not shown) encouraging the player to hit to the right is executed on the screen 6a of the performance symbol display device 6, so that the player can immediately increase the launch strength of the game ball, and it is easy to change the game mode (game ball launch mode) to "right-hit game in which the game ball is launched aiming at the right-hit region 3R".

If a negative judgment is made in S1000 (S1000: no), the process proceeds to S1010, where it is judged whether or not a right-hit display is being set (whether or not any of the right-hit suggestion effects RS1 to RS3 is being displayed) (S1010). If a negative judgment is made in the process of S1010 (S1010: no), the process proceeds to S1015, where it is judged whether or not a time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c) transition designation command has been received (S1015).
In other words, it is determined whether or not the following has been received (S1015): (1) a second time-shortened state transition designation command (a command indicating a transition to the reached time-shortened state) transmitted from the main control unit 80 in the processing of S470 in FIG. 25; (2) a third time-shortened state transition designation command (a command indicating a transition to a specific time-shortened state) transmitted from the main control unit 80 in the processing of S470; or (3) a command indicating a transition to the jackpot time-shortened state transmitted from the main control unit 80 in S556 in FIG. 30.

If the result of S1015 is positive (S1015: yes), the process proceeds to S1020, where the right-hit setting process corresponding to the received command for transition to the time-saving state (time-saving state a, time-saving state b, time-saving state c) is performed (the display of one of the right-hit suggestion effects RS1 to RS3 is started), and the process returns. In other words, when a command for transition to the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a) is received, the display of the right-hit suggestion effect RS1 for the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a) is started (see FIG. 32). Also, when a command for transition to the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b) is received, the display of the right-hit suggestion effect RS2 for the reached time-saving state (time-saving state b) is started (see FIG. 33). Furthermore, when a command for transition to the specific time-saving state (time-saving state c) is received, the display of the right-hit suggestion effect RS3 for the specific time-saving state (time-saving state c) is started (see FIG. 34).

If the result of S1010 is affirmative (S1010: yes), the process proceeds to S1030. In S1030, the process determines whether or not a time-saving state (a time-saving state, b time-saving state, c time-saving state) end command has been received (S1030).
In other words, it is determined whether or not (1) a first time-shortening state end designation command (a command indicating the end of the jackpot time-shortening state) transmitted from the main control unit 80 in the processing of S470 in FIG. 25, (2) a second time-shortening state end designation command (a command indicating the end of the reached time-shortening state) transmitted from the main control unit 80 in the processing of S470, or (3) a third time-shortening state end designation command (a command indicating the end of a specific time-shortening state) transmitted from the main control unit 80 in the processing of S470 has been received (S1030).

If the result of S1030 is positive (S1030: yes), the process proceeds to S1035, where the left-hit display is set (the display of one of the left-hit suggestion effects LS1 to LS3 is started), and the process returns. In other words, when a command is received specifying that the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) has ended, the display of the left-hit suggestion effect LS1 for the jackpot time-saving state (a time-saving state) is started (see FIG. 32). Also, when a command is received specifying that the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) has ended, the display of the left-hit suggestion effect LS2 for the reached time-saving state (b time-saving state) is started (see FIG. 33). Furthermore, when a command is received specifying that the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) has ended, the display of the left-hit suggestion effect LS3 for the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) is started (see FIG. 34).

If a negative determination is made in S1030 (S1030: no), the display mode setting process is returned.
Although not shown in the figures, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the left hit suggestion performances LS1 to LS3, the left hit suggestion performances LS1 to LS3 end. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the left hit suggestion performances LS1 to LS3, the above-mentioned "general left hit suggestion performance LH" may be executed, or a display suggesting the launch mode of the game ball may not be displayed.

Next, a description will be given of the performance start process executed by the sub integrated control device 83 with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 36(a). Note that this process is executed periodically (for example, every 2 ms) in the sub integrated control process 83.
When the sub-integrated control device 83 starts the effect start process, it judges whether or not a variation start command has been received (S1100). If the judgment is negative (S1100: no), the effect start process ends as it is, and if the judgment is positive (S1100: yes), it proceeds to the process of S1105 and obtains an allocation random number 1 to be used when allocating the effect pattern (effect mode).
Here, the variation start command is a command sent from the main control device 80 when starting the variation of the special symbol (see S366 in FIG. 21). This variation start command includes data indicating the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol (jackpot, miss) and data indicating the variation pattern that specifies the variation time. If the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a hit, the variation start command includes a symbol designation command that specifies the hit symbol (data indicating the type of hit that has occurred).

In addition, this variation start command includes data specifying whether the miss is "data specifying a non-specific miss" or "data specifying a specific miss" if the result of the special pattern hit/miss determination is a miss.
When the sub-integrated control device 83 executes S1105, it proceeds to S1110 and sets "a pattern (performance pattern) of the performance display (display performance) that is started in response to the variable display of the special pattern".

Here, in S1110, in the a time-saving state, a pattern (presentation pattern) of the presentation display (display presentation) corresponding to a longer change time (change display of a special symbol) is set, and in the b time-saving state or the c time-saving state, a pattern (presentation pattern) of the presentation display (display presentation) corresponding to a shorter change time (change display of a special symbol) is set. Also, the probability that a pattern of the presentation display (display presentation) accompanied by a reach presentation is set is lower in the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state compared to the a time-saving state. Then, when S1110 is executed, the process moves to S1115.

In S1115, a process for setting the stop pattern of the performance pattern is performed. In this case, if the confirmed display is a big win pattern, it is set to "a pattern consisting of three digits with the same number", and if it is a loss pattern, it is set to "a pattern consisting of three digits with different numbers". And, for a loss pattern that indicates the occurrence of a specific loss, a pattern in which even numbers are arranged in ascending order from left to right is set, and a performance pattern that is clearly and easily distinguishable from the big win pattern is set.
After S1115, the display of the effect symbols is started (S1120), and the effect start process is returned. At that time, sound effects and light emission effects associated with the effect display that is started are also started.

Next, a description will be given of the performance stop process executed by the sub-integrated control device 83 with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 36(b). Note that this process is executed periodically (for example, every 2 ms) by the sub-integrated control device 83.
When the performance stop process is started, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it has received a change stop command (S1200). Here, the change stop command is a command sent from the main control device 80 when stopping the change of the special symbol and displaying the fixed symbol (see the process of S372 in FIG. 23).
If the judgment is negative (S1200: no), the performance stop processing is terminated as is, and if the judgment is positive (S1200: yes), a processing is performed to send a performance pattern confirmation display instruction signal to the performance pattern control device 82, and the performance stop processing is terminated.

Here, if the result of the hit/miss determination is a jackpot, a "jackpot pattern (performance pattern)" is confirmed and displayed on the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6 as a result of the processing of S1205.
In this case, the middle performance pattern 6C is displayed stopped with the same number pattern (performance pattern) as the left performance pattern 6L and the right performance pattern 6R, and the occurrence of a jackpot is announced.
On the other hand, if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a miss, the "miss pattern (performance pattern)" is confirmed and displayed on the screen 6a of the performance pattern display device 6 as a result of the processing of S1205.
In this case, the middle performance pattern 6C is displayed as a stopped number pattern (performance pattern) different from the left performance pattern 6L and the right performance pattern 6R, and a miss is notified.

Next, with reference to Figures 37 and 38, examples of special displays after transition from each time-saving state to the normal game state in this embodiment will be described.
According to the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37(a), when the jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a) ends without winning and the game transitions to the normal game state, the game transitions to a dedicated presentation mode. This makes it possible to determine whether the game is in the normal game state immediately after the time-saving state has ended or in another normal game state. In addition, by showing a different presentation to only players who did not win during the time-saving state, it is possible to reduce shock. It is possible to consider a configuration in which the dedicated presentation mode transitions to the normal presentation mode after a predetermined number of hit/miss judgments have been made. This is to show that the game is in the normal game state immediately after the time-saving state has ended.
Also, in the case of a configuration that displays the number of times a win has been won during the time-saving state (so-called consecutive win count), it is possible to continue the number of times a win has been won when a special presentation mode is selected. By treating the consecutive win count as continuing when a special presentation mode is selected even in the same normal game state, it is possible to make the player feel that they are in an advantageous state even in the normal game state, and to treat the development in which they win again immediately after returning to the normal game state as special.
Although this example shows the effect mode, it may be possible to display the effect by changing the display mode of the effect pattern, background music, characters, etc.

Also, as shown in FIG. 37(b), when the game ends without winning during the time-saving state (time-saving state b) and the game transitions to the normal game state, in this embodiment, the game transitions to a special presentation mode similar to that of the time-saving state b (time-saving state b). By displaying this special presentation mode, it is indicated that the game was unable to win during the time-saving state, and in this embodiment, even if the game is replayed 900 times in the normal game state after the time-saving state ends, the game will not transition to the time-saving state b (time-saving state b) again, so even if the player changes during the game, it is possible to know whether the time-saving state b will be granted or not. The time-saving state is set to be easier to win compared to other time-saving states (favorable treatment of the maximum number of time-savings granted), and it is rare for a player to fail to win there, so this is notified, and by informing the player that the time-saving state is not granted, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

Also, as shown in FIG. 38(c), when the game ends without getting a win during the specific time-saving state (c time-saving state) and the game transitions to the normal game state, the game transitions to a dedicated presentation mode that indicates that the game is in the normal game state immediately after the specific time-saving state has been exited. This makes it possible to determine whether the game is in the normal game state immediately after the specific time-saving state has been exited. Unlike other time-saving states, the specific time-saving state tends to have a relatively low upper limit number of times, and in such a setting, it is not necessary to indicate that the game is in the normal game state immediately after the specific time-saving state has been exited. However, if the time-saving state is included in the count of the number of times that the reaching time-saving state is activated, the count of the number of times that the number of balls held can be advanced without reducing the number of balls held compared to the normal game state, so in such a configuration, it is possible to use a presentation content that suggests that the reaching time-saving state has been activated earlier in the dedicated presentation mode.

As shown in FIG. 38(d), for example, when multiple time-saving states, such as a jackpot time-saving state (time-saving state a) and a specific time-saving state (time-saving state c), are activated without a win and the game returns to the normal game state after the state has ended, it is possible to transition to a special presentation mode. This allows the presentation mode to differ depending on what time-saving state has been passed through and how many times it has been passed through, even in the same normal game state, and the presentation content changes depending on the development of the game, entertaining the player, and giving the player some joy by knowing how the game is developing.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope shown in the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

That is, in each embodiment and each modified example, when the state transitions to the jackpot time-saving state, the arrival time-saving state, or the specific time-saving state, the opening extension function of the normal electric device 12A (the so-called "electric chute support function") is activated, and at the same time, the "function to shorten the fluctuation time of the special symbol" is also activated (see FIG. 8(a)). Here, the "function to shorten the fluctuation time of the special symbol" is a function to shorten the fluctuation time (average fluctuation time) of the special symbol.
However, unlike each of the implemented boats and each of the modified examples, in at least one of the cases of the arrival time reduction and the jackpot time reduction, the opening extension function of the normal electric device 12A is activated, but the ``shortening function for the special pattern change time'' may not be activated.

As shown in each embodiment and each modified example, the same time-saving control may be executed for the big win time-saving state, the arrival time-saving state, and the specific time-saving state, but different time-saving controls may be executed. In other words, the profit from the arrival time-saving state and the specific time-saving state may be less than the profit from the big win time-saving state, or conversely, may be more.
For example, as shown in Figures 8 (a) and (b), when the opening extension function of the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) is activated, the opening time of the normal electric device 12A (second starting hole 12) may be longer for the jackpot time reduction than the arrival time reduction, or conversely, it may be shorter.

Furthermore, the average change time of the special pattern change time may be different in the jackpot time-saving state and the reach time-saving state or specific time-saving state. In other words, the degree of shortening of the special pattern change time may be greater in the jackpot time-saving state (first extended opening state) than in the reach time-saving state (second extended opening state), or conversely, may be less. Similarly, the average change time of the normal pattern change time may be different in the jackpot time-saving state and the reach time-saving state.

In each embodiment, in addition to the reached time-saving state, a specific time-saving state is provided as a time-saving state to which one can transition without going through a jackpot game, which makes an even greater impact on the player and increases their interest in the game.
For example, the specific time-saving state may be entered only when the time-saving function (opening extension function) is not activated, as shown in each embodiment and in Figure 39(a) (hereinafter referred to as Case 1), or may be entered even when the time-saving function (opening extension function) is activated (when the game state is in the time-saving state), as shown in Figure 39(b) (hereinafter referred to as Case 2).

In case 2, the number of time-saving times to be added by the new time-saving state to be transitioned to may overwrite the remaining number of time-saving times in the active time-saving state. Alternatively, the remaining number of times in the active time-saving state and the number of time-saving times in the new time-saving state to be transitioned to may be compared, and if the remaining number of times in the active time-saving state is less than the number of time-saving times in the new time-saving state to be transitioned to, the remaining number of time-saving times in the active time-saving state may be overwritten with the number of time-saving times in the new time-saving state to be transitioned to, and if the remaining number of times in the active time-saving state is more than the number of time-saving times in the new time-saving state to be transitioned to, the remaining number of time-saving times in the active time-saving state may not be overwritten.

In this embodiment, the machine is not provided with a function for changing the probability of a jackpot to a higher probability by determining whether or not a special symbol is a hit (a function for changing the probability of a jackpot), but the present invention can also be suitably applied to a pachinko machine 50 that is provided with a function for changing the probability of a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 39(c) or (d).

However, if the device is equipped with a probability variation function for the jackpot probability, when the jackpot probability is high, the reach counter may not be incremented even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special pattern is a miss, as shown in Figure 22 (b).
That is, in the pachinko machine 50 having the probability fluctuation function, when the miss setting process 2 is started, it is judged whether or not the value of the probability fluctuation flag (a flag indicating that the probability of a big win in the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol has changed to a high probability) is "1" (S362a). Then, when the judgment is negative in S362a (S362a:no), the process after S362a shown in FIG. 22(a) is the same as in this embodiment.

On the other hand, if the value of the probability change flag is "1" (S362a: yes), the process of decrementing the probability change count by "1" is performed in S362b. In other words, the remaining number of hit/miss judgments that can be performed in a high probability state (probability change count) is decremented by "1".
Thereafter, in S362c, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving flag is "1" (S362c). If the determination in S362c is affirmative (S362c: yes), S362d is executed and then the failure setting process 2 is returned, whereas if the determination in S362c is negative (S362c: no), S362d is skipped and the failure setting process 2 is returned.
In other words, when the probability of a big win is fluctuating, even if the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a miss, the counting means (attainment counter) is not incremented.

In addition, in this embodiment and the modified example, when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol under the specified conditions is a miss, the counting means (arrival counter) is incremented, but in a pachinko machine 50 that generates small hits in addition to misses when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is not a big hit, the counting means (arrival counter) may be incremented when the result of the hit/miss judgment regarding the special symbol is a small hit.

In addition, although this embodiment has been described as an example of application to a typical digital pachinko type pachinko machine 50, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to other types of pachinko machines 50, such as a so-called "one-type two-type mixed machine type" pachinko machine 50 or a so-called "V Challenge type" pachinko machine 50.
Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a so-called "enclosed gaming machine" or a "non-enclosed gaming machine."
In addition, when the jackpot time-saving state, the reach time-saving state, or the specific time-saving state ends without a hit, the mode switches to a dedicated mode for each state, but it may also be configured to switch to a common mode. For example, if a mode such as a "revival chance" is set, which allows the player to hope for a hit early after the time-saving state ends and a return to an advantageous state, it can be used after various time-saving states.
In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a transition is made to a dedicated presentation mode according to various time-saving states, it is possible to use a preview presentation or presentation pattern dedicated to each presentation mode. The game sensation can be made different depending on each presentation mode, which can entertain the player.
In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a transition is made to a dedicated presentation mode depending on various time-saving states, it is possible to make the termination conditions for each presentation mode different.
The jackpot time-saving state means that the player has gone from a jackpot game to a time-saving state and then returned to the normal game state, and the presentation mode to determine whether or not it is possible to return to a state in which consecutive jackpots can be obtained is continued until a predetermined number of hit/miss judgments have been made, and when the predetermined number of hits has been reached, the mode ends and the player transitions to the normal presentation mode.
In the case of the time-saving state, as described above, if the time-saving state ends without a hit, it is possible to continue the special presentation mode until a hit is obtained, in order to indicate that the time-saving state will not be granted even if the number of hits is reached again.
In the case of a specific time-saving state, it feels like the time-saving state is suddenly granted without any winning, so if the end of the presentation mode is made to end based on time, it is possible to give the player a sense of a sudden start and an abrupt end in the game.

1 Game board 3 Game area 3L Left hitting area 3R Right hitting area 6 Performance pattern display device 11 First starting hole (special first starting hole)
12. Second starting port (special second starting port)
14 Large prize opening 17 Normal symbol activation gate 80 Main control device 82 Performance symbol control device 83 Sub-integrated control device

Claims (1)

A winning/losing determination means for extracting numerical data resulting from the entry of a game ball into a starting hole provided on a game board and determining whether or not a winning/losing is determined based on the numerical data;
A winning game execution means for executing a winning game based on the winning/losing determination;
A performance control means for executing various performances;
a performance display means for executing various performance displays based on the control of the performance control means, and a variable winning device having the starting hole;
As game states, the game machine includes at least a normal state and an easy-to-enter-ball state in which it is easy to enter the variable winning device;
The easy-to-score state is as follows:
A first state in which a transition condition is established by displaying a predetermined winning symbol, and the state transitions to the easy-to-score state after the winning game ends, and is maintained until the number of times the winning/losing determination is made reaches a predetermined number;
A transition condition is established when the number of hit/miss determinations reaches a first predetermined number, and a second state is maintained from the transition to the easy-to-score state until the number of hit/miss determinations reaches a second predetermined number,
The second state is configured not to transition to the easy-to-score state even if the number of hit/miss judgments reaches the first predetermined number again without a winning result after the second state ends,
The performance control means includes:
a first state presentation mode selected when the game is transitioned to the first state;
a second state presentation mode selected when the game is transitioned to the second state;
A special presentation mode is provided as a presentation mode selected in the normal state,
The special performance mode is
A first presentation mode that is selected when the first state ends and transitions to the normal state;
a second presentation mode that is selected when the second state ends and the normal state is entered;
The performance display means is capable of displaying a main display for displaying a variation performance of a performance pattern for notifying the result of the hit/miss judgment, and a related matter display for displaying a related performance for enhancing the variation performance of the performance pattern,
A pinball game machine characterized in that the display mode of the related item display in the second presentation mode and the display mode of the related item display in the second state presentation mode display at least a common character , and the display mode of the related item display in the first state presentation mode and the display mode of the related item display in the first presentation mode do not display a common character .

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