JP7586471B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine that allows a transition to a big win game when a game ball enters a specific area during a small win game.

Conventionally, a type 1 pachinko machine is known in which a ball entering the starting hole determines whether or not a jackpot will be awarded, and if a jackpot is awarded, a special symbol is displayed as a confirmed jackpot symbol, and then the jackpot game is played.

Other conventional pachinko machines include a type 1 pachinko machine that, in addition to the gameplay of a type 1 pachinko machine, when a small win is determined in the win/loss judgment, a special symbol indicating a small win is displayed and then a small win game is played. There is also a pachinko machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine) that has the gameplay of playing a big win game when a game ball enters a specific area provided in a big winning hole that is opened in the small win game (for example, see Patent Document 1).

This type of mixed machine type pachinko machine is configured so that a small win is more likely to occur when the second special symbol is determined to have been hit by the ball entering the second starting hole located in the normal electric device that opens when a normal symbol is won, than when the first special symbol is determined to have been hit by the ball entering the first starting hole that is always open.

Furthermore, in mixed-machine type pachinko machines, a game state that is favorable for the ball to land on the normal electric device is provided, and in the normal game state, the player aims for a jackpot with the first type of gameplay, and in the game state that is favorable for the ball to land on the normal electric device, the player aims for a jackpot with the second type of gameplay.

JP 2014-012183 A

In pachinko machines, the game state that is favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices is of great interest to players. Therefore, how to set the game state that is favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices is an important issue in the development of pachinko machines that greatly affects the interest of the game, and there is a demand to further improve the gameplay regarding the game state that is favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices.

In view of the above, the present invention was made with the objective of providing a pinball game machine that creates a game state favorable for scoring balls into normal electric devices, and can further increase the excitement of the game.

The pinball game machine of the present invention has a normal symbol winning/losing determination means for determining whether a normal symbol is a winning or losing symbol due to a ball entering a predetermined ball entrance;
The first starting gate, which is always open for ball entry;
A normal electric device that can be operated from a state where the game ball cannot enter or has difficulty entering to an open state where the game ball can enter easily based on the result of the win/loss judgment by the normal symbol win/loss judgment means;
A second starting hole into which the game ball that entered the normal electric device can enter;
A special symbol winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a winning is caused by a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole;
A small win game implementation means for implementing a small win game in which a large winning port having a specific area is opened in a predetermined opening manner when the result of the hit/miss determination by the special pattern hit/miss determination means becomes a small win;
A jackpot game implementation means for implementing a jackpot game in which a large prize winning hole is opened in a predetermined opening manner when the result of the hit/miss judgment by the special symbol hit/miss judgment means becomes a jackpot or when a game ball enters the specific area in the small hit game;
a game state control means for transitioning to a first game state which is more favorable for winning the ball into the normal electric device than a normal game state, or to a second game state which is more favorable for winning the ball into the normal electric device than the first game state, for a predetermined period of time, when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied;
The gist of the invention is that it satisfies the above requirements.

The pinball game machine of the present invention is configured to have at least one of the following functions function as a first game state that is favorable for the ball to land on the normal electric device: a function to make the probability of winning a normal symbol higher than in the normal game state, a function to shorten the fluctuation time of the normal symbol than in the normal game state, and a function to extend the opening time of the normal electric device than in the normal game state.

Furthermore, the pinball game machine of the present invention is configured to have at least one of the following functions function as a second game state that is favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device: a function to make the probability of winning the normal pattern higher than the first game state, a function to shorten the fluctuation time of the normal pattern than the first game state, and a function to extend the opening time of the normal electric device than the first game state.

It is desirable that the pinball game machine of the present invention is configured so that the judgment of the second special symbol caused by the ball landing in the second starting hole is more likely to result in a small win than the judgment of the first special symbol caused by the ball landing in the first starting hole.

According to the pinball game machine of the present invention, when a predetermined transition condition is met, the game machine transitions to a first game state that is more favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices than the normal game state, or to a second game state that is more favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices than the first game state, so that a variety of game states that are favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices can be provided. Furthermore, the difference in game state can change the player's expectations for the next big hit, and the playability in a game state that is favorable for scoring balls on normal electric devices can be expanded, increasing the interest of the game.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the pinball game machine of the present invention is configured such that the game state control means transitions to a first game state when a first transition condition among a plurality of types of transition conditions is satisfied, and transitions to a second game state when a second transition condition different from the first transition condition is satisfied.

In this way, by changing the game state that is favorable for scoring into the normal electric device according to multiple transition conditions, a more dynamic gameplay can be achieved, further increasing the interest of the game.

Furthermore, in the pinball game machine of the present invention, it is desirable that the game state control means is configured to set the winning probability of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment in the first game state to a higher probability than in the normal game state, and to set the winning probability of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment in the second game state to a higher probability than in the first game state.

This makes it possible to advantageously make it easier for balls to land on normal electric devices in the first gaming state than in the normal gaming state, and also makes it advantageously easier for balls to land on normal electric devices in the second gaming state than in the first gaming state.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the pinball game machine of the present invention is configured such that the game state control means ends the first game state and the second game state when the number of times the winning/losing judgments for the special symbol reach a predetermined number of times, or when the number of times the winning/losing judgments for the normal symbol reach a predetermined number of times, as a termination condition.

This allows the player's anticipation for the next big hit to be changed by changing the game state and ending conditions, expanding the playability in game states that are favorable for hitting the normal electric device, and increasing the interest of the game.

1 is a front view of a pinball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the pinball game machine. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the big prize opening provided on the game board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pinball game machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the game state of a pinball game machine. FIG. 11 is a first explanatory diagram regarding the time-saving game of the pinball game machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing special symbols used in a pinball game machine. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the game specifications of the pinball game machine. 13 is a flowchart showing the "start-up process" executed by the main control device of the pinball game machine. 4 is a first flowchart showing an "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 11 is a second flowchart showing the "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing an "input determination process" executed in the interrupt process. This is a flowchart showing the "special ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "normal ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "pass/fail determination process" executed during the interrupt process. This is the first flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a first flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is the first flowchart showing the "special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is the fourth flowchart showing the "special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is the fifth flowchart showing the "special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special game winning/losing determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special game winning/losing determination processing. This is a third flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is a fourth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is the fifth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special drawing win/loss determination processing. This is the sixth flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a "time-saving game setting process" executed during special game processing. 11 is a first display example showing a display mode relating to a performance display. 13 is a second display example showing a display mode relating to a performance display. FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram regarding the time-saving game of the pinball game machine.

[Example]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pinball game machine (pachinko machine) according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the external configuration of a pachinko machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

(1. General Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 is a gaming machine that can be played by a player and is installed in an amusement facility.

(1-1. Front configuration of pachinko machine 1)
The pachinko machine 1 is structured such that each component is held by an outer frame 10 that is a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 11 in which a glass plate 110 is fitted and an inner frame 30 (see FIG. 4) are provided so as to be openable and closable via hinges 101, 101 provided at upper and lower positions on the left side of the outer frame 10. The front frame 11 and the inner frame 30 are locked to the outer frame 10 by a cylinder lock 18. By inserting a specified key into the cylinder lock 18 and turning the key clockwise to open the inner frame 30, the front frame 11 can be opened by turning it counterclockwise.
Behind the glass plate 110 of the front frame 11 is a game board 2 (see FIG. 2) held by an inner frame 30 .

Speakers 112, 112 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 11, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 11 is also equipped with frame-side decorative lamps 113 that light up according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

An upper tray 12 and a lower tray 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launching handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 13, and by operating the launching handle 14 clockwise, the launching device is activated and game balls supplied from the upper tray 12 are launched toward the game board 2. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 12.
The lower tray 13 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 12, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls accumulated in the lower tray 13 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) provided in the game arcade.

This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards. On the right side of the upper tray 12 of the pachinko machine 1, a ball loan switch 171, a settlement switch 172, and a settlement display of the settlement display device 170 are provided. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 12, a performance button 15 that can be operated by the player is provided, and a jog dial 16 is provided around the outer periphery of the button.

(1-2. Configuration of the game board of the pachinko machine 1)
As shown in Fig. 2, the game board 2 has a substantially circular game area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202. A center case 200 is attached to the game area at a position near the upper center. This divides the game area 20 into a left-hand hitting area L where a game ball flows down when shot with a predetermined strength, and a right-hand hitting area R where a game ball flows down when shot with a strength stronger than the predetermined strength. A large number of game nails and windmills are planted in the game area 20.
An LCD panel of the performance symbol display device 46 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 200. The center case 200 is also provided with a warp entrance, a warp gutter, a stage, and the like, in the same manner as known in the art.

Directly below the center of the center case 200 in the left-right direction, a first special pattern start hole 23 for a first special pattern (hereinafter, simply referred to as the first special pattern) that can always be entered is located. The first special pattern start hole 23 is a ball entry hole that causes a hit/miss judgment of the first special pattern to be executed when a ball enters. When a ball enters the first special pattern start hole 23, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) such as a random number for determining a jackpot for the first special pattern, a random number for determining the jackpot pattern for the first special pattern, and a random number for determining the variation pattern of the first special pattern are extracted and used for the hit/miss judgment. The extracted random numbers of the first special pattern are stored as reserved memories up to a maximum of four (a specified number). The pachinko machine 1 sequentially executes a hit/miss judgment of the first special pattern based on these reserved memories, and judges whether it is a hit or a miss.

In the left-hand hitting area L, multiple general winning holes 27 are located to the left of and directly below the first special chart starting hole 23.

In the right-hand hitting area R, a normal symbol operation port 21 is located to the right of the center case 200. The normal symbol operation port 21 is a gate through which a game ball can enter and pass, and whether or not a normal symbol (hereinafter simply referred to as a normal symbol) is determined based on the ball passing through. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the normal symbol.

In the right-hand hitting area R, a normal electric device 22 (hereafter simply referred to as the normal electric device) is located downstream of the normal play opening 21. The normal electric device 22 has a pair of left and right wings that can be opened and closed, and is a ball entry device that normally makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the ball. Then, when the normal play is judged to be a winning combination, the wings are opened in a predetermined manner, making it possible for the ball to enter the ball.

The second special symbol start hole 24 is disposed inside the normal electric device 22. The second special symbol start hole 24 is configured so that only game balls that have entered the normal electric device 22 can enter. The second special symbol start hole 24 is a ball entry hole that causes a hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the second special symbol) to be executed due to a ball entering it. When a ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) such as a random number for determining a big hit of the second special symbol, a random number for determining the big hit symbol of the second special symbol, and a random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol are extracted and used for the hit/miss judgment. The extracted random numbers of the second special symbol are stored as reserved memories up to a maximum of four (a specified number). The pachinko machine 1 sequentially executes a hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol based on these reserved memories, and judges whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss.

Furthermore, in the right-hand hitting area R, a first large prize winning opening 25 is arranged downstream of the normal electric device 22 and is capable of being opened and closed by the first special electric door of the first special electric device. The first large prize winning opening 25 is opened in a predetermined manner in a jackpot game that is performed when the first or second special device is hit, and is configured to allow a game ball to enter when it is opened.

Furthermore, in the right-hand hitting area R, downstream of the first large prize opening 25, there is a second large prize opening 26 that can be opened and closed by a second special electric door of the second special electric device. The second large prize opening 26 is opened in a predetermined manner in a small prize game that is performed when a small prize is won on the second special chart, and is configured to allow a game ball to enter when it is opened. The second large prize opening 26 is a prize-winning device that has inside it a specific area 262 that is a V prize opening, and a shutter 263 that determines whether or not the game ball will enter the specific area 262.

(1-3. Configuration of the second large prize slot 26)
As shown in Fig. 3, the second large prize opening 26 is provided with a ball entrance 260 whose upper end can be opened and closed by a second special electric door, and game balls can enter when the second special electric door is open. The game balls that enter the ball entrance 260 are taken in from the center of the ball entrance 260 and sent into the device through a sending outlet 261 formed in a tunnel shape.

The second large prize opening 26 has a specific area 262 located in the lower center inside. The specific area 262 is an area where a game ball can enter and progress from a small win game to a big win game (a special big win). A shutter 263 that closes or opens the specific area 262 is provided between the outlet 261 and an upper position of the specific area 262. The shutter 263 closes the specific area 262 by bringing a pair of left and right opening and closing bodies together in a palm-to-palm shape, and opens to the left and right to open the specific area 262. The shutter 263 constantly repeats a constant opening and closing operation.

When the shutter 263 is open, the game ball sent out from the outlet 261 enters the specific area 262, and when the shutter 263 is closed, the ball is taken into the game board through a pair of intake ports 264, 264 provided on both the left and right sides of the shutter 263, and is discharged from the second large prize opening 26.

The probability of a ball entering the specific area 262 of the second large winning hole 26 changes depending on the timing at which the ball entry hole 260 opens and the operation of the shutter 263. Therefore, by adjusting the opening timing of the ball entry hole 260 with respect to the shutter 263, which opens and closes constantly, the probability of a ball entering the specific area 262 can be controlled. For example, the pachinko machine 1 sets the probability of a ball entering the specific area 262 to one in five. In other words, the ball enters the specific area 262 once in every five times that the ball enters the second large winning hole 26.

A game ball that enters the second large winning opening 26 is detected by a ball detection sensor (first count SW 506 described later, see FIG. 5) provided in the ball entry opening 260 and is counted as a winning ball. In addition, the game balls that have entered the specific area 262 and the game balls that have been taken into each intake opening 264, 264 are compared with the winning ball count to confirm whether or not there are any game balls remaining in the second large winning opening 26.

Returning to FIG. 2, the game board 2 has an outlet 203 for taking in game balls located at the bottom of the board surface at the lower center of the game area 20.

In the game board 2, in the area outside the outer rail 201 at the lower right end, a first special symbol display device 281 and a second special symbol display device 283 consisting of seven-segment displays, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 282 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 284 consisting of four LED displays are arranged. In the same area, a normal symbol display device 285 and a normal symbol reserved number display device 286 consisting of multiple LED displays are also arranged.

(1-4. Back structure of pachinko machine 1)
4 shows the back of the pachinko machine 1, and the back side of the pachinko machine 1 houses an inner frame 30 to which the game board 2 is detachably attached. The inner frame 30 is hinged to the outer frame 10 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (right side of FIG. 4) in the same manner as the front frame 11, and is installed so as to be openable and closable. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 30, and a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided from the top (upstream), and a payout mechanism is provided in the payout unit 33. With this configuration, when a game ball enters a winning hole of the game board 2, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out from the ball tank 31 through the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow passage to the upper tray 12. In addition, the payout unit 33, which pays out prize balls, also pays out loan balls paid out by operating the ball loan switch 171.

The back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45. The main control device 40, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. The launch control device 44 is not shown in Figure 4, but it is provided on the back side of the power supply board 45.

The main control device 40 is provided with an RWM clear switch and a setting key switch. The RWM clear switch is primarily operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM built into the main control device 40. The RWM clear switch may also be located on the payout control device 41 or the power supply board 45.

The main control device 40 is provided with a performance display device consisting of four 7-segment LED displays. By providing the performance display device on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the pachinko machine 1 can place the performance display device in a position that is not visible to the player during play.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp that lights up an LED when the main control device 40 determines that fraud has occurred, thereby notifying employees of the gaming facility that fraud has occurred.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, to the right of the ball tank 31, an external connection terminal board 38 is arranged, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 (see FIG. 5) via the external connection terminal board 38. Note that, conventionally, two types of external connection terminal boards are used to send signals to the hall computer 500: one for the board (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer 500) and one for the frame side (terminals for outputting signals output from the outer frame 10, front frame 11, and inner frame 30 to the hall computer 500). However, in this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 via a single external connection terminal board 38.

(2. Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a main control device 40 that controls the game progress, etc., and sub-control devices such as a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, and a launch control device 44. The main control device 40, the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are all equipped with a CPU, a ROM, an RWM, an input port, an output port, etc., and each of these control devices starts a program consisting of a main routine and a subroutine loaded in the ROM by the CPU in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle, and various controls are executed. The main control device 40 also has a random number counter that extracts various random numbers.

In this embodiment, the launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc. However, this is not limited to this, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc.

(2-1. Main Control Device 40)
As shown in Fig. 5, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is centered around a main control device 40 that mainly controls the game. The main control device 40 is electrically connected to a hall computer 500 or a test firing device (not shown) via a rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and an external connection terminal board 38. An output signal from the main control device 40 is sent to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38.

A glass frame opening switch 501 that detects whether the front frame 11 (see FIG. 1) is open or not, and an inner frame opening switch 502 that detects whether the inner frame 30 (see FIG. 4) is open or not are connected to the main control device 40 via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. Note that in the figure, the switches are simply written as SW. The glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40. Note that in FIG. 5, "switch" is written as "SW."

In addition, the main control device 40 is connected, via the game board relay terminal board 531, to a first special symbol start port switch 503 which detects balls entering the first special symbol start port 23 (see Figure 2), a second special symbol start port switch 504 which detects balls entering the second special symbol start port 24 (see Figure 2), a normal symbol operation switch 505 which detects balls entering the normal symbol operation port 21 (see Figure 2), a first count switch 506 which counts the number of balls entering the first large prize port 25 (see Figure 2), a second count switch 507 which counts the number of balls entering the second large prize port 26 (see Figure 2), a V prize port switch 508 which detects balls entering the specific area 262 (see Figure 2), a general prize port switch 509 which detects balls entering the general prize port 27 (see Figure 2), and an out port switch 510 which detects game balls taken into the out port 203. The first special symbol start switch 503, the second special symbol start switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the V winning hole switch 508, the normal winning hole switch 509, and the out hole switch 510 each output a detection signal to the main control device 40.

Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the first large prize opening solenoid 511 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the first large prize opening 25 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the second large prize opening solenoid 512 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the second large prize opening 26 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the normal power device solenoid 513 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the normal power device 22 (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 is connected to the shutter solenoid 514 via the game board relay terminal board 531, and drives this to control the opening and closing of the shutter 263 (see FIG. 3) of the second large prize opening 26. Note that in FIG. 5, "solenoid" is written as "SOL".

The main control device 40 operates according to the installed program. The main control device 40 generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on various detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 41 and the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, the main control device 40 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 281, the first special symbol reserved number display device 282, the second special symbol display device 283, the second special symbol reserved number display device 284, the normal symbol display device 285, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 286, which are connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533.

The MPU (Micro Processing Unit) mounted on the main control device 40 mainly comprises a CPU, ROM, RAM, a counter circuit, a timer circuit, and a random number circuit. The CPU, ROM, RAM, counter circuit, timer circuit, and random number circuit are each connected via an internal bus, and the internal bus is communicatively connected to various switches and devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 via an external bus interface.

(2-2. Dispensing control device 41)
Next, the payout control device 41 will be described. The payout control device 41 is connected to the main control device 40 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout control device 41 is connected to the glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 via the payout relay terminal board 534 and the back wiring relay terminal board 530. The payout control device 41 transmits information about the winning balls, information about the open/closed state of the front frame 11 and the inner frame 30, etc. to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 38. The payout control device 41 also transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 44 to stop the firing of the game balls as necessary.

The dispensing control device 41 is also connected to a bulb-out switch 520, which detects when the bulb tank 31 (see FIG. 4) is empty, via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. When the bulb-out switch 520 detects that the bulb tank 31 is empty, it outputs a detection signal to the dispensing control device 41.

Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a payout motor 521 that pays out game balls and a payout switch 522 that detects that game balls have been paid out via a payout relay terminal board 534. The payout control device 41 drives the payout motor 521 in response to commands sent from the main control device 40 to pay out game balls. When the payout switch 522 detects that game balls have been paid out, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41. Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a full switch 523 that detects when the lower tray 13 is full. When the full switch 523 detects that the lower tray 13 is full, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41.

When a detection signal is input from the out-of-ball switch 520 and when a detection signal is input from the full switch 523, the payout control device 41 stops the payout motor 521. This stops the payout operation of the payout unit 33 to pay out prize balls. The out-of-ball switch 520 continues to output a detection signal until the out-of-ball condition is resolved, and the full switch 523 continues to output a detection signal until the full condition of the lower tray 13 is released. Then, when the input of the detection signals from the out-of-ball switch 520 and the full switch 523 stops, the payout control device 41 resumes driving the payout motor 521.

When the present invention is applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which game balls enclosed within the machine are circulated to play the game, one-way communication may be used from the main control device 40 to the payout control device 41 (in the case of an enclosed gaming machine, since game balls are not paid out, it is preferable to call it a frame control device). In this case, the gaming machine can be configured to be difficult to tamper with.

The payout control device 41 is further connected to the CR unit CR and the settlement display device 170 via the CR unit terminal board 535 so as to be capable of two-way communication. A ball lending switch 171 and a settlement switch 172 operated by the player are connected to the settlement display device 170. The ball lending switch 171 is a switch that is operated when the player requests the lending of game balls, and the settlement switch 172 is a switch that is operated when the player requests settlement.

When the ball lending switch 171 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting a loan. The loan request signal output by the ball lending switch 171 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and a loan request signal is sent from the CR unit CR to the payout control device 41. Then, when the payout control device 41 receives the loan request signal from the CR unit CR, it drives the payout motor 521 to pay out game balls and control the display of the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit CR.

When the settlement switch 172 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting settlement. The settlement request signal output by the settlement switch 172 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and the CR unit CR controls the balance management and balance display of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit CR in response to the settlement request signal.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp, which is an LED that lights up if it is determined that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal. When the payout control device 41 receives a fraud command from the main control device 40, it lights up the fraud notification lamp, thereby alerting employees of the gaming facility that fraud may have occurred.

(2-3. Sub-integrated control device 42 and performance pattern control device 43)
The sub integrated control device 42 is connected to the main control device 40 via a performance relay terminal board 532, and enables communication from the main control device 40 to the sub integrated control device 42. The sub integrated control device 42 controls performance based on commands received from the main control device 40. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 are connected to the sub integrated control device 42. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 each input their respective detection signals to the sub integrated control device 42 when operated.

The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the output of sound by driving the speaker 112, and also controls the turning on and off of various LEDs and lamps, including the frame side decorative lamp 113. Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 42 is provided with a volume adjustment switch that adjusts the volume output from the speaker 112. The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the volume output from the speaker 112 based on the operation signal input from the volume adjustment switch.

The effect pattern control device 43 is connected to the sub-integrated control device 42 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The sub-integrated control device 42 transmits commands to the effect pattern control device 43 regarding the display mode of pseudo effects that display characters and the pseudo patterns of special charts. Meanwhile, the effect pattern control device 43 displays pseudo effect patterns 700 corresponding to the commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 42 on the LCD panel of the effect pattern display device 46.

In addition, if the sub-integrated control device 42 determines that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal, it issues an error alert via the speaker 112, the frame side decorative lamp 113, and the performance pattern display device 46.

(2-4. Launch Control Device 44)
The launch control device 44 is connected to the payout control device 41 and enables communication from the payout control device 41 to the launch control device 44. The launch control device 44 controls the launch motor 526 based on commands sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41 and rotation signals of the launch handle 14, and launches and stops the launch of game balls.

The launch control device 44 is also connected to a launch stop switch 524 provided on the launch handle 14, and a touch switch 525 that detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14. When the touch switch 525 detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14, it inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44. When a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525, the launch control device 44 launches the game ball. On the other hand, the launch stop switch 524 inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44 when operated by the player. When a detection signal is input from the launch stop switch 524, the launch control device 44 stops the launch of the game ball, even if a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525.

(2-5. Power supply board 45)
Although not shown, the power supply board 45 includes a power supply circuit, a power receiving circuit, a power failure detection circuit, and a backup power supply circuit. The power supply circuit converts AC voltage supplied from an external AC power supply (main power supply AC 24V) to generate DC voltage. A power switch is provided in the power receiving circuit, and the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply via the power receiving circuit. When the power switch is turned on, the power supply circuit is connected to the AC power supply, and the main power supply AC 24V is supplied to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit then supplies the necessary DC voltage to various control devices, actuators, etc.

The power outage detection circuit monitors the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit. If the supplied voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit determines that the power switch has been switched OFF or that a power outage has occurred, and sets the power outage detection signal output to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41 to a high level (ON). On the other hand, if the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit rises above the predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit sets the power outage detection signal to a low level (OFF).

In this embodiment, the power outage detection circuit has been described as transmitting a power outage detection signal to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the power outage detection circuit may be configured to transmit a power outage detection signal to only one of the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, and transmit a power outage command from the main control device 40 to the dispensing control device 41, or from the dispensing control device 41 to the main control device 40.

The backup power supply circuit is composed of a capacitor, etc. The backup power supply circuit charges the DC 5V power generated while the power supply circuit supplies power from the AC power source, and in the event of a power outage, supplies the backup power (DC 5V) to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the dispensing control device 41, etc.

In this embodiment, the backup power supply is supplied to the RWM of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the payout control device 41. Therefore, even after the power supply is cut off, the pachinko machine 1 can retain the contents stored in the main control device 40 and the payout control device 41 at the time of the power outage for a certain period of time, such as the game status of the pachinko machine 1 and the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls.

On the other hand, the backup power supply is not supplied to the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42. Therefore, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, the contents stored in the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42 are erased.

(3. Operation of Pachinko Machine 1)
The operation of the pachinko machine 1 will now be described.

(3-1. Basic Games)
When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random numbers related to the normal symbol hit/miss judgment, and judges the hit/miss based on the extracted random numbers. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the normal symbol fluctuating display on the normal symbol display device 285, and displays the fixed hit after a predetermined time.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment is a hit, the pachinko machine 1 opens the normal power device 22, allowing the ball to enter the second special chart starting hole 24. The opening time and number of times the normal power device 22 is opened are set, for example, to 0.2 seconds x 1 time in normal game mode, and to 2.0 seconds x 1 time in a game mode advantageous to the player (a time-saving game mode described below).

When a game ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the first special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number values, and judges whether it is a big hit or a miss. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 281, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 (see Figure 34) corresponding to the first special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed.

Similarly, when a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number value of the second special symbol, and judges whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss. Based on this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 283, and displays the finalized second special symbol after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 corresponding to the second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46, and displays the finalized symbol after a predetermined time has passed.

The variable display and the fixed display of the first and second special symbols are displayed in small size in the corners of the game board 2. The pachinko machine 1 performs a pseudo display using pseudo performance symbols 700 corresponding to the first and second special symbols on the performance symbol display device 46 provided in the center of the game area 20, and notifies the player of the result of the hit/miss judgment through the pseudo performance display. In the pseudo performance display, the pachinko machine 1 performs a variable display of three pseudo performance symbols 700, and if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the three pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 performs a reach display in which two pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol in the pseudo performance display, and the remaining one pseudo performance symbol 700 is displayed with a variable display, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation that the hit/miss judgment will be a jackpot.

The pachinko machine 1 is configured to prioritize the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol over the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol. For example, even if the first special symbol is reserved, if the second special symbol is reserved by a ball entering the second special symbol start hole 24, the hit/miss judgment of the reserved memory of the second special symbol is performed before the hit/miss judgment of the reserved memory of the first special symbol. In this case, the change of the special symbol and the pseudo performance symbol is also performed with priority given to the change of the second special symbol. Note that the game configuration does not need to prioritize the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol in implementing the present invention, and the game configuration may be such that the first special symbol and the second special symbol change simultaneously.

When the result of the first or second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit according to the state in which the first or second special symbol is confirmed, the pachinko machine 1 plays a hit game. In this hit game, the pachinko machine 1 operates a condition device, and in response to this, the role device operates to open and close the first large prize opening 25. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 closes the first large prize opening 25 when a predetermined time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 25 was opened, or when the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 25 since the first large prize opening 25 was opened reaches a specified number of winning balls (10 in this embodiment), and a series of actions is performed a predetermined number of times as one round.

In a jackpot game, the number of round games to be played is determined according to the jackpot pattern determined when determining whether the first or second special pattern is a hit or miss. For example, depending on the jackpot pattern, one of several types of jackpot games is determined, such as a 4R jackpot game in which four rounds of round games are played, or a 15R jackpot game in which 15 rounds are played. In a jackpot game, the pachinko machine 1 plays a game in which a right-hand hit game is used to shoot a game ball toward the right-hand hit area R, aiming at the first large prize opening 25.

If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit according to the confirmed display state of the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 1 executes a small hit game. In the case of a small hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the second large winning opening 26 without operating the condition device and the role continuous operation device. In a small hit game, for example, an opening operation is executed once to open the second large winning opening 26 for 6.0 seconds.

Then, in the pachinko machine 1, a special jackpot occurs when a game ball enters the specific area 262 of the second large winning opening 26 that has been opened in a small winning game. In a special jackpot, a condition device is activated, and in response to this, a special continuous operation device is activated to open and close the first large winning opening 25. In a jackpot game due to a special jackpot, the number of round games to be played is determined according to the small winning symbol determined when the second special symbol is judged to be a hit or miss. For example, in a jackpot game, although it is common that 10 round games are played in a special jackpot game regardless of the small winning symbol, one game is selected from multiple types of jackpot games with different V winning rates into the specific area 262 described below depending on the small winning symbol.

(3-2. Game Status)
The pachinko machine 1 is roughly divided into two game states, a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed and a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is open. Furthermore, the game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed includes a normal game state and a game state that is more favorable for balls to enter the normal power device 22 than the normal game state. The game state that is favorable for balls to enter the normal power device 22 is favorable for winning small wins, and is also favorable for winning prize balls when a big win game occurs.

Specifically, the game state favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device 22 includes a special pattern time-saving function that shortens the average time of the special pattern fluctuation when determining whether the first or second special pattern is a hit, a normal pattern probability-changing function that increases the probability of winning when determining whether the normal pattern is a hit, a normal pattern time-saving function that shortens the time of the normal pattern fluctuation associated with the determination of whether the normal pattern is a hit, and an opening extension function that extends the opening time of the normal electric device 22 that is opened when the normal pattern is won. The game state favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device 22 is not limited to a configuration in which all of these functions are functioning, but may be a configuration in which any one or more functions are activated. The game state favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device 22 is also called a time-saving game state.

In this way, in the time-saving play state, it is easy for the ball to enter the normal electric device 22, and even the second special chart starting hole 24, and the probability of winning a small win is high in the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart, which is advantageous for winning a small win, and since a small win can easily progress to a big hit on the device, it is an extremely advantageous state for winning prize balls. Of course, when playing in the time-saving play state, right-hand play aiming for the right-hand hit area R is recommended.

In pachinko machine 1, the time-saving game mode is switched to via jackpot game after the jackpot game due to a symbol jackpot or a jackpot feature is completed. Pachinko machine 1 is configured to always switch to the time-saving game mode after the jackpot game is completed.

The pachinko machine 1 has a first time-saving game (also called a time-saving game a) to which a transition can be made via a jackpot game, which starts when the jackpot game resulting from the first special symbol ends (also called a starting condition or transition condition) and which transitions to after the jackpot game ends. The pachinko machine 1 also has a second time-saving game to which a transition can be made via a jackpot game, which starts when the jackpot game resulting from the second special symbol ends or when the jackpot game resulting from the second special symbol ends.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the normal game mode (non-time-saving mode), the pachinko machine 1 aims to get the ball into the first special symbol starting hole 23 by hitting the ball from the left. When a jackpot occurs in the normal game mode, a jackpot game triggered by the first special symbol is played. After the jackpot game ends, the machine transitions to the first time-saving game mode.

In the first time-saving play state, the pachinko machine 1 aims to open the normal electric device 22 and to have the ball enter the second special symbol starting hole 24 by playing from the right. If a jackpot occurs in the first time-saving play state, a jackpot play triggered by the second special symbol is played. After the jackpot play ends, the machine transitions to the second time-saving play state.

On the other hand, in the pachinko machine 1, if no jackpot occurs in the first time-saving game state and a preset condition for ending the time-saving game is met, the first time-saving game state ends. When the first time-saving game state ends, the game transitions to the normal game state.

The pachinko machine 1 transitions to the second time-saving game state after the jackpot game triggered by the second special symbol has ended. In the second time-saving game state, as in the first time-saving game state, the player aims to open the normal electric device 22 and to have the ball enter the second special symbol starting hole 24 by hitting the ball to the right. If a jackpot occurs in the second time-saving game state, a jackpot game triggered by the second special symbol is played. After the jackpot game has ended, the machine transitions to the second time-saving game state.

On the other hand, if no jackpot occurs in the second time-saving game state and the preset time-saving end condition is met, the pachinko machine 1 ends the second time-saving game state. When the second time-saving game state ends, the game transitions to the normal game state.

Next, the contents of the first time-saving game and the second time-saving game will be described with reference to FIG.
The first time-saving game is started when the jackpot game ends, which is caused by the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol. The probability of winning the normal symbol in the first time-saving game state is set to 1/5. The opening mode of the normal electric device 22 in the first time-saving game state is a 2.0-second opening once. The first time-saving game state ends when the total number of times the first or second special symbol changes reaches three (special symbol change specified number of times), or when the number of times the normal symbol changes reaches ten (normal symbol change specified number of times).

The second time-saving game is started when the jackpot game ends, which is caused by the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol. The probability of winning a normal symbol in the second time-saving game state is set to 1/2. The opening mode of the normal electric device 22 in the second time-saving game state is a 2.0-second opening once. The second time-saving game state ends when the total number of times the first or second special symbol changes reaches 3 (special symbol change specified number of times), or when the number of times the normal symbol changes reaches 10 (normal symbol change specified number of times).

As such, the probability of winning a normal symbol in the second time-saving game is higher than that in the first time-saving game, so the second time-saving game is considered to be a more favorable time-saving game for winning the normal symbol in the normal electric device 22 than the first time-saving game.

In general, pachinko machines have recently been provided with multiple types of time-saving games, including a time-saving game to which a jackpot game is played. The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a bonus time-saving game (also called b time-saving) that can be switched from normal play without a jackpot game when the number of consecutive non-jackpot variations (small jackpot variations or miss variations) determined by the hit/miss judgment of the first and second special charts after the jackpot game ends reaches a preset number (also called the bonus time-saving number of times, for example 900 times). The bonus time-saving game can be considered to have the same game content as the first time-saving game.

The pachinko machine 1 also has a type of time-saving game (also called c-time-saving) that can be switched from normal play without going through a jackpot game when a predetermined losing pattern (time-saving pattern) is determined when the first or second special pattern is hit or lost during normal play. The time-saving game using the time-saving pattern can be considered to have the same game content as the first time-saving game.

In all these time-saving games, the game transitions to normal play when a termination condition is met, such as the number of times that the special pattern has changed without consecutively resulting in a jackpot based on the judgment of whether the first and second special patterns are a hit or a miss reaches a predetermined number of consecutive times (e.g., three times), or the number of times that the normal pattern has changed due to the judgment of whether the normal pattern is a hit or a miss reaches a predetermined number of consecutive times (e.g., ten times).

In the following, when explaining the first time-saving game state, the second time-saving game state, the bonus time-saving game, and the c time-saving game, each time-saving game is explained separately, it will be referred to as the first time-saving game, the second time-saving game, the bonus time-saving game, and the c time-saving game. However, when the explanation is common to each time-saving game and there is no need to distinguish between each time-saving game, it will simply be referred to as the time-saving game.

The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a counter that counts the total number of times the first special chart changes and the second special chart changes during the time-saving play state. The counter that counts the number of times the special chart changes (hereinafter referred to as the special chart counting counter) stores that the specified number of times the special chart changes has been reached when the total number of times the first special chart and the second special chart change reaches a predetermined specified number of times. The special chart counting counter then clears the count value when the time-saving play state ends.

The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a counter that counts the number of times the normal map changes during the time-saving play state. When the number of times the normal map changes reaches a predetermined number of normal map changes, the counter that counts the number of normal map changes (hereinafter referred to as the normal map count counter) stores that the number of normal map changes has been reached. The normal map count counter then clears the count value when the time-saving play state ends.

Note that, depending on the game configuration, the time-saving game may be configured to provide a regular game probability change function, a regular game time-saving function, and an extension function without shortening the average fluctuation time of the special game. In particular, in the case of configurations that provide time-saving without a jackpot game such as "b time-saving" and "c time-saving", the rules do not allow the winning probability to shift to a high probability without a jackpot game, so in the case of configurations that have such time-saving games, it is necessary to configure a time-saving game state without shifting the winning probability of the regular game to a high probability. For this reason, it may be said that a state in which it is easy to win a prize on a regular game device is simply called a time-saving game.

(3-3. Special design)
With reference to Fig. 8, the following describes the big win symbol, small win symbol, and miss symbol used in the pachinko machine 1, and the types of big win games set according to the big win symbol and small win symbol. As shown in Fig. 8, the pachinko machine 1 has 10 types of special symbols, such as "first big win symbol,""second big win symbol,""third big win symbol,""fourth big win symbol,""fifth big win symbol,""small win symbol A,""small win symbol B,""small win symbol C,""miss symbol 1," and "miss symbol 2."

The "first jackpot symbol" is the symbol selected when determining whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, and is the symbol that selects "4R jackpot 1" as the type of jackpot game. "4R jackpot 1" is a jackpot game in which four rounds of round play are played, and the game state transitions to "first time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. "4R jackpot 1" has a 40% selection rate when the first special symbol is a hit.

The "second jackpot pattern" is a pattern that is selected when determining whether the first special pattern is a hit or miss, and is a pattern that selects "4R jackpot 2" as the type of jackpot game. "4R jackpot 2" is a jackpot game in which four rounds of round play are played, and the game state is transitioned to "first time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. "4R jackpot 2" has a selection rate of 20% when the first special pattern is a hit.

The "third jackpot symbol" is a symbol that is selected when determining whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, and is a symbol that selects "15R jackpot 1" as the type of jackpot game. "15R jackpot 1" is a jackpot game in which 15 rounds of round play are played, and the game state transitions to "first time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. "15R jackpot 1" has a selection rate of 20% when the first special symbol is a hit.

The "fourth jackpot symbol" is a symbol that is selected when determining whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, and is a symbol that selects "15R jackpot 2" as the type of jackpot game. The "15R jackpot 2" is a jackpot game in which 15 rounds of round play are played, and the game state transitions to "first time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. The selection rate for "15R jackpot 2" when the first special symbol is a hit is 20%.

The "5th jackpot symbol" is the symbol selected when determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss, and is the symbol that selects "15R jackpot 3" as the type of jackpot game. The "15R jackpot 3" is a jackpot game in which 15 rounds of round play are played, and the game state transitions to "2nd time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. The selection rate of the "15R jackpot 3" when the second special symbol is a hit is 100%.

The "small win pattern A" is a pattern selected when determining whether the second special pattern is a hit or miss, and is a pattern for selecting "10R jackpot A" as the type of jackpot game that develops from a small win game by a ball entering the specific area 262. The "10R jackpot A" is a jackpot game in which 10 rounds of round play are played, and the game state is transitioned to the "second time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. With the "10R jackpot A", the probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 during a small win game (V winning rate) is approximately 1/100.

The "small win symbol B" is a symbol selected when determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss, and is a symbol for selecting "10R big win B" as the type of jackpot game that develops from a small win game by the ball entering the specific area 262. The "10R big win B" is a big win game in which 10 rounds of round play are played, and the game state is transitioned to the "second time-saving game" after the big win game ends. With the "10R big win B", the probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 in a small win game (V winning rate) is approximately 1/5.

The "small win symbol C" is a symbol selected when determining whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss, and is a symbol for selecting "10R jackpot C" as the type of jackpot game that develops from a small win game by the ball entering the specific area 262. The "10R jackpot C" is a jackpot game in which 10 rounds of round play are played, and the game state is transitioned to the "second time-saving game" after the jackpot game ends. The probability of the ball entering the specific area 262 (V winning rate) in the small win game for the "10R jackpot C" is approximately 99/100.

Of "Missing symbol 1" and "Missing symbol 2", "Missing symbol 1" is a "time-saving symbol". After the symbol is determined, "Missing symbol 1" is a symbol that sets the game state to "c time-saving game" from the next change without going through a jackpot game.

(4. Game Specifications of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the basic game specifications of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 9, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to be able to change the probability of winning the jackpot for the first and second special symbols according to the setting value. For example, the jackpot probability for both the first and second special symbols at setting value 1 is set to 1/209, at setting value 2 it is set to 1/204, at setting value 3 it is set to 1/199, at setting value 4 it is set to 1/194, at setting value 5 it is set to 1/189, and at setting value 6 it is set to 1/184.

The pachinko machine 1 is configured so that a small win is not determined when determining whether the first special chart is a win or not.
The probability of winning a small jackpot on the second special chart is constant regardless of the set value, and is set to 1/3.0.

In the pachinko machine 1, the second large prize opening 26 is opened during a small prize game. During a small prize game, the opening time and number of times the second large prize opening 26 is opened is set to 6.0 seconds x 1 time, regardless of whether the game is in normal play mode or normal power support mode. Also, during a small prize game, the specified number is counted as 1, and when one game ball enters the second large prize opening 26, the second large prize opening 26 is closed and the small prize game ends, even if the opening time is less than 6.0 seconds.

Next, the types of jackpot games that arise from the normal game state of the pachinko machine 1 will be explained. In the case of a pattern jackpot determined by the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart, for example, one of four types of jackpot games, "4R jackpot 1", "4R jackpot 2", "15R jackpot 1", and "15R jackpot 2", is selected. In the case of a pattern jackpot determined by the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart, only the jackpot game of "15R jackpot 3" is implemented.

When a special jackpot is reached from a small jackpot game on the second special chart, for example, one of three jackpot games, "10R jackpot A," "10R jackpot B," and "10R jackpot C," is selected.

Next, the change time of the special chart will be explained. The change time of the special chart is common to the first and second special charts, and is set for each of the game states of non-time-saving game state (normal game state), first time-saving game state, and second time-saving game state. For example, in the non-time-saving game state (normal game state), the change time of both the first and second special charts is set to an average of 10 seconds. In the first time-saving game state, the change time of both the first and second special charts is set to an average of 4.0 seconds. In the second time-saving game state, the change time of both the first and second special charts is set to approximately 4.0 seconds.

Next, the game specifications related to the judgment of whether the normal figure is a winning number or not and the operation of the normal power device will be explained. In the normal game mode of the pachinko machine 1, the fluctuation time of the normal figure is set to 6.2 seconds. The probability of winning the normal figure is also set to 1 in 100. The opening time and number of openings of the normal power device 22, which is activated by a winning number, are set to 0.2 seconds x 1 time.

In the time-saving game state (mainly the first and second time-saving games), the normal map fluctuation time is set to 0.7 seconds. The probability of winning a normal map is set to either 1/5 or 1/2. The opening time and number of times the normal power device 22 is opened when it is activated is set to 2.0 seconds x 1 time.

(5. Start-up process)
Next, the "start-up process" executed by the main control device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. The start-up process is a process executed when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 40 sets a stack pointer to a stack address as the first process of the startup process (process S1). Next, the main control unit 40 sets the interrupt vector address of the interrupt vector table to the corresponding register (process S2) and also sets the built-in register (process S3). Note that the interrupt vector address is used to specify the start address of the interrupt processing program, which will be described later, in the address space (memory space).

Next, the main control unit 40 reads the register of the input port (process S4) and determines whether the power outage stop signal is OFF or not (process S5). Then, if the power outage detection signal remains ON and a negative determination is made (process S5: No), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has not reached the predetermined voltage. In this case, the main control unit 40 returns to process S4 and repeatedly executes processes S4 and S5 until the power outage stop signal is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the power outage detection signal switches to OFF and the result is positive (Process S5: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has reached or exceeded the predetermined voltage and that a stable voltage supply has been achieved, and permits writing to the RWM (Process S6).

After process S6, the main control unit 40 executes an initial setting process (process S7). This initial setting process (process S7) mainly sets the transition mode. After that, the main control unit 40 prohibits interrupts (process S8) and executes register evacuation (process S9). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 executes a gaming performance calculation process (process S10) that calculates gaming performance such as base values. In other words, the main control unit 40 performs calculations related to gaming performance outside the RWM area.

After process S10, the main control unit 40 executes register restoration (process S11) and allows interrupts (process S12), and returns to process S8. In this way, the main control unit 40 repeatedly executes processes S8 to S12 in the startup process. Meanwhile, the main control unit 40 periodically (e.g., at a processing S cycle of 4m) executes an interrupt process (see FIG. 11) described below, between the time when process S12 is executed and the time when process S8 is executed again.

(6. Interrupt Processing)
Next, the "interrupt process" executed by the main control unit 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the main control unit 40 sets a timer and a watchdog timer as the first process executed in the interrupt process (process S21). In process S21, the main control unit 40 sets various timers provided in the main control unit 40 and clears and restarts the watchdog timer.

After process S21, the main control device 40 judges whether the transition mode to which the pachinko machine 1 transitions after power is turned on is the "game stop mode" (process S22). As a result, if it is the "game stop mode" (process S22: Yes), it can be judged that the pachinko machine 1 is in a state in which it is not possible to start playing and is waiting for the power switch to be switched to OFF. Therefore, in this case, the main control device 40 permits an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 10).

On the other hand, if the mode is not "game stop mode" and the result is negative in process S22 (process S22: No), the main control device 40 executes a timer update process to update various timers provided in the main control device 40 (process S23). Next, the main control device 40 executes an input determination process (process S24), which is a process related to the entry of game balls into various starting holes and various winning holes. Details of the input determination process (process S24) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. After process S24, the main control device 40 executes a win/loss determination process (process S25), which is a process related to win/loss determination and jackpot play. Details of the win/loss determination process (process S25) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

After process S25, the main control unit 40 executes a game state setting process (process S26) in which, if the game state has changed, a signal to that effect is sent to the hall computer 500. In process S26, the main control unit 40 sends a signal to the hall computer 500 after a predetermined time has elapsed after, for example, the jackpot game (special game) or winning game (regular game) has ended in the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above.

When the pachinko machine 1 is connected to a test firing device (not shown), the main control device 40 transmits a test signal indicating that the game state has been changed to the test firing device in process S26.

After process S26, the main control unit 40 performs an error monitoring process (process S27) to monitor whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors that the main control unit 40 monitors in the error monitoring process (process S27) include an open error indicating that the front frame 11 or the inner frame 30 is open, a radio wave error indicating that an abnormal radio wave has been detected by a radio wave sensor (not shown), and a vibration error indicating that an abnormal vibration has been detected by a vibration sensor (not shown).

After process S27, the main control device 40 executes a prize ball command transmission process (process S28) to transmit a prize ball command to the payout control device 41. Then, based on the received prize ball command, the payout control device 41 executes the payout of prize balls set for each of the various starting holes or various winning holes into which the ball entered.

After process S28, the main control device 40 executes a performance data output process (process S29) in which image data, audio data, etc. corresponding to the game content are created during execution, and output to the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, if the main control device 40 detects the occurrence of an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it will appropriately notify the error by displaying an error on the performance pattern display device 46, lighting or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting audio from the speaker 112, etc., depending on the content of the detected error.

After process S29, the main control unit 40 executes an external output process (process S30) to the hall computer 500 via the external connection terminal board 38. In process S30, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 511, the second large prize opening solenoid 512, and the normal power function solenoid 513 to the hall computer 500 based on the processing contents of the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above. Also, in process S30, if the main control unit 40 detects an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it transmits a security signal to the hall computer 500. Note that if a test firing device is connected to the pachinko machine 1, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 511, the second large prize opening solenoid 512, and the normal power function solenoid 513 and a security signal to the test firing device in process S30.

As shown in FIG. 12, after process S30, the main control unit 40 performs register save (process S31) and executes performance display data creation process (process S32). In process S32, the main control unit 40 creates data to display on the performance display device the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) executed outside the RWM area during the startup process (see FIG. 10) and the test results of the test firing test. After process S31, the main control unit 40 executes register restore (process S33).

After process S33, the main control unit 40 executes a segment data creation process (process S34). In process S34, the main control unit 40 creates segment data for controlling the light emission of each common (8-bit display area related to an LED segment) of various LEDs provided on the performance display unit in preparation for displaying the data created in process S31 on the performance display unit.

After process S34, the main control unit 40 displays game performance and test firing data on the performance display device as a display process (process S35) for the various display devices. Also, in process S35, the main control unit 40 performs variable display and final display of various patterns on the first special pattern display device 281, the second special pattern display device 283, and the normal pattern display device 285 according to the game status being played. After process S35, the main control unit 40 allows an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 10).

The main control unit 40 executes the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the startup process (Figure 10), while performing the process related to displaying the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the interrupt process. In this regard, the main control unit 40 executes the performance display calculation process (process S10), which has a large processing volume, in the startup process, thereby preventing interrupt prohibition (process S8, see Figure 10) from being executed before the performance display calculation process (process S10) is completed. On the other hand, the main control unit 40 can improve the efficiency of display control by executing the display process for the performance display device at the same timing as the display process for the first special chart display device 281, etc.

(7. Input Determination Process)
Next, the "input judgment process" (process S24) executed in the interrupt process (see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, the main control device 40 executes a special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) as the first process of the input judgment process (process S24). The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) is a process executed when a game ball enters the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24. The details of the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

After process S101, the main control device 40 executes a normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102). The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) is a process that is executed when a game ball enters the normal ball operation port 21. Details of the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15.

After process S102, the main control unit 40 executes a winning number count process (process S103). The winning number count process (process S103) is a process executed when a gaming ball enters the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27. Specifically, in process S103, when the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, or the general winning opening switch 509 detects a gaming ball, the main control unit 40 adds 1 to the value of a counter that counts the number of gaming balls that have entered the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27.

After process S103, the main control unit 40 executes the out number count process (process S104). The out number count process (process S104) is a process for tallying up the number of outs used to calculate the game performance. Specifically, in process S104, the main control unit 40 adds 1 to the value of the counter that counts the number of outs when the first special symbol start port switch 503, the second special symbol start port switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the V winning port switch 508, the normal winning port switch 509, and the out port switch 510 detect a game ball.

After process S104, the main control unit 40 judges whether the frequency of balls entering the general winning opening 27 is abnormal (process S105). Specifically, in process S105, the main control unit 40 judges that cheating has occurred if the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 27 within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) exceeds a specified number of winning balls (e.g., 10 balls). As a result, if the main control unit 40 judges that the frequency of balls entering is normal and the judgment is negative (process S105: No), it ends this process as is and returns to the interrupt process (see FIG. 11).

On the other hand, if the ball entry frequency is abnormal and the result is a positive judgment (Process S105: Yes), the main control unit 40 sends a fraud notification command to the payout control unit 41 and the sub-integrated control unit 42 (Process S106), and ends this process. In Process S106, the payout control unit 41, which has received the fraud notification command from the main control unit 40, turns on the fraud notification lamp provided on the payout control unit 41.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received a fraud notification command from the main control device 40, issues an error notification by turning on or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting a sound from the speaker 112, etc. Furthermore, the performance pattern control device 43, which has received a fraud notification command from the sub-integrated control device 42, displays a warning on the performance pattern display device 46 to the effect that fraud has occurred. The error notification via sound output from the speaker 112 ends 30 seconds after the error notification begins, and the warning display on the performance pattern display device 46 and the error notification by the frame side decorative lamp 113 end 5 minutes after the error notification begins.

(7-1. Special ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101, see FIG. 13) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) extracts and reserves a plurality of first special ball random numbers according to the entry into the first special ball start hole 23, and extracts and reserves a plurality of second special ball random numbers according to the entry into the second special ball start hole 24. Then, it is a process of transmitting various commands resulting from the entry into the first special ball start hole 23 and the second special ball start hole 24 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

As shown in Fig. 14, the "special drawing entry confirmation process" first determines in process S110 whether or not the first special drawing start port switch 503 detects an entry into the first special drawing start port 23. If the determination is negative (process S110: No), the process proceeds to process S115.
If the result is positive (step S110: Yes), the process proceeds to step S111 to determine whether the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol stored in the reserved memory area for the first special symbol is full (whether the upper limit has been reached). If the result is positive (step S111: Yes), the process proceeds to step S115.

If the result of the process S111 is negative (process S111: No), the random numbers for determining the jackpot of the first special chart, the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern, the random numbers for determining the reach, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted in process S112. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area for the first special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area for the first special chart as reserved memory for the first special chart. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the first special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, the first special symbol pre-reading judgment process is executed in process S113. This pre-reading judgment process checks whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot and the random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the temporary storage area of the reserved storage area for the first special symbol are specific numbers before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot is made. For example, it is checked whether the specific numbers are numbers that are judged to be a jackpot, numbers that are judged to be a super reach or a reach, etc. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment of the first special symbol is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S114, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the incremented value of the reserved memory counter for the first special symbol is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

It is preferable that the read-ahead command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, or the like. Of course, it may be configured to send a read-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the read-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a read-ahead performance on the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 46, etc., suggesting the possibility of a jackpot or a reach.

In the next process S115, the second special symbol start hole switch 504 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second special symbol start hole 24. If the determination is negative (process S115: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see FIG. 13) and ends this process.
If the result is positive (process S115: Yes), in process S116, it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the second special symbols stored in the reserved memory area for the second special symbols is full (whether the upper limit number has been reached). If the result is positive (process S116: Yes), the process returns.

If the result of the process S116 is negative (process S116: No), in process S117, the random numbers for determining the big win of the second special chart, the random numbers for determining the big win pattern, the random numbers for determining the small win pattern, the random numbers for reaching the limit, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area for the second special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area for the second special chart as reserved memory for the second special chart. Furthermore, the random numbers stored in the specified memory area are stored as reserved memory. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the second special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, in process S118, a pre-reading judgment process for the second special chart is executed. This pre-reading judgment process checks whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot and the random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the temporary storage area of the reserved storage area for the second special chart are specific numbers before a judgment is made as to whether or not a jackpot will be obtained. For example, it is checked whether the specific numbers are numbers that are judged to be a jackpot, numbers that are judged to be a super reach or a reach, etc. Also, in this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment for the second special chart is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S119, a reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the incremented value of the reserved memory counter for the first special chart is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

It is preferable that the read-ahead command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot, a reach, or the like. Of course, it may be configured to send a read-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the read-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a read-ahead performance on the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 46, etc., suggesting the possibility of a jackpot or a reach.

In the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number is stored in a pre-set temporary storage area, and then the random number stored in the temporary storage area is stored in the main reserved storage area. Not limited to this, if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number may be stored in the temporary storage area and the main reserved storage area, respectively. Furthermore, when a random number is extracted due to a ball entering the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24, the extracted random number is stored in the temporary storage area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of reserved memories is full, and if it is not full, the random number stored in the temporary storage area may be stored in the main reserved storage area. In this case, if the number of reserved memories is full, the random number stored in the temporary storage area is erased.
In addition, in the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), the look-ahead judgment process looks ahead and judges the random numbers stored in a temporary memory area, but it is not limited to this and may also look ahead and judge the random numbers stored in the subject's reserved memory area.

(7-2. Normal ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102, see FIG. 13) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15. The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) extracts and reserves random numbers related to multiple normal balls according to the entry into the normal ball operation port 21. Then, it is a process that transmits various commands resulting from the entry into the normal ball operation port 21 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

As shown in FIG. 15, the "regular ball entry confirmation process" first determines in process S121 whether the regular symbol activation switch 505 has detected a ball entering the regular symbol activation port 21. If the determination is negative (process S121: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see FIG. 13) and ends this process.

If the result of step S121 is positive (step S121: Yes), then step S122 determines whether the number of reserved memories for regular maps stored in the reserved memory area for regular maps is full (whether the upper limit has been reached). If the result of step S122 is positive (step S122: Yes), then return.

If the result of the process S122 is negative (process S122: No), in process S123, random numbers for determining whether a regular figure is a winning number, for determining a winning pattern, for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted. Then, the various extracted random numbers are stored in the regular figure reserve memory area as reserved memories for regular figures. Note that even if the reserved memory number for regular figures is "0", the various random numbers extracted when a game ball enters the regular figure operation port 21 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Then, in process S124, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number for regular figures is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the incremented reserved memory counter for regular figures is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

(8. Correct/incorrect decision process)
Next, the winning/losing determination process (process S25) executed in the interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 16, the main control device 40 executes the winning/losing determination process (process S200) for the normal game winning/losing determination and the winning game (normal game) as the first process executed in the winning/losing determination process (process S25). Details of the normal game winning/losing determination process (process S200) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 17 to FIG. 21.

Next, the main control device 40 executes a special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300), which is a process related to the win/loss determination of the first or second special pattern, the small win game, and the big win game. Details of the special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 22 to 32.

(8-1. Normal drawing correctness judgment process)
Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 17 to 21, we will explain the "regular winning/loosening process" (process S200) executed in the winning/loosening process (process S25, see Figure 16).

As shown in FIG. 17, the main control unit 40 determines whether the normal power device 22 that operates during a winning game (normal game) is in operation (processing S201) as the first process executed in the normal game win/loss determination process (processing S200). In process S201, if the normal power device 22 is in operation and the determination is positive (processing S201: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that a winning game is in progress and proceeds to the normal game process (processing S250).

On the other hand, if the normal electric device 22 is not operating and the judgment is negative (Process S201: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner on the normal pattern display device 285 (Process S202). As a result, if the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner and the judgment is positive (Process S202: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the change time of the normal pattern being displayed in a changing manner has elapsed (Process S203).

Then, if the time for the normal map being displayed to change has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S203: Yes), the main control unit 40 stops the change in the normal map, executes a confirmation display process to display the confirmation (Process S204), and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250). On the other hand, if the time for the normal map being displayed to change has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S203: No), the main control unit 40 skips Process S204 and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250).

If the normal map is not being displayed in a variable manner in process S202 and the result is negative (process S202: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the normal map is being displayed in a fixed manner on the normal pattern display device 285 (process S205).

Then, if the confirmed display of the normal map is in progress and the judgment is positive (Process S205: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed (Process S206). As a result, if the confirmed display time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S206: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to the normal map game processing (Process S250). On the other hand, if the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S206: Yes), the main control unit 40 executes the confirmed display end processing (Process S207).

In process S207, the main control device 40 sets the display of the normal symbol being confirmed and displayed on the normal symbol display device 285 to end. The main control device 40 also transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to end the performance related to the normal symbol on the performance symbol display device 46. After process S207, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S208 shown in FIG. 18.

As shown in FIG. 18, in process S208, the main control device 40 judges whether the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit or not. Then, if the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit and the judgment is affirmative (process S208: Yes), the main control device 40 performs processing to start the winning game (normal map game) in process S209. Specifically, the main control device 40 performs processing to start the operation of the normal power device 22. In the following process S210, the main control device 40 sends a winning game start command to the sub integrated control device 42 to instruct the start of the winning game presentation, and starts timing the start interval time of the winning game. After process S210, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S211.

On the other hand, in process S208, if the result of the judgment of whether the normal drawing is correct or not is a negative judgment (process S208: No), the main control device 40 skips processes S209 and S210 and proceeds to process S211.

Next, in process S211, the main control device 40 judges whether or not the time-saving flag, which indicates that the game is in the time-saving game state, is "1" (if the time-saving flag is "1", the game is in the time-saving game state). If the judgment is negative (process S211: No), the process proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 17). If the judgment is positive (process S211: Yes), the process proceeds to process S212, in which the number of times the normal figure has changed after the game has been switched to the time-saving game state is counted by the normal figure counting counter.

For example, in this embodiment, the number of times the regular map changes before the time-saving game state ends is 10, and it is desirable for the counting process by the regular map counting counter to subtract "1" from the count value of the regular map counting counter from the number of times it continues, "10", each time the regular map changes. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of times the regular map changes may also be a process of adding "1" to the count value of the regular map counting counter from the initial value "0" each time the regular map changes.

Next, in process S213, it is determined whether the number of times the normal map has changed has reached the specified number of times (10 times) for which the time-saving game state will end. That is, it is determined whether the value counted in process S212 is "0" (in an addition configuration, it is determined whether it is "10"). If the determination is negative (process S213: No), the process proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 17). If the determination is positive (process S213: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S214. This ends the time-saving game state, and the game state transitions to a non-time-saving game state.

Returning to FIG. 17, we will continue with the explanation of the process for determining whether or not the regular map is correct (Process S200). In Process S205, if the regular map is not being displayed as confirmed and the result is negative (Process S205: No), the main control unit 40 determines whether or not there is a reserved memory for the regular map (Process S220).

As a result, if there is no reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is negative (process S220: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to regular map game processing (process S250). On the other hand, if there is reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is positive (process S220: Yes), the main control unit 40 performs shift processing of the reserved memory for regular maps (process S221) and performs a win/loss judgment based on the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories for regular maps. Also, in conjunction with this process S221, the main control unit 40 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved memories for regular maps. Then, after process S221, the process proceeds to process S222 shown in FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, in process S222, the main control device 40 checks whether the time-saving flag is "1." If the judgment is positive (process S222: Yes), in process S223, the main control device 40 executes a win/loss judgment of the normal drawing based on a judgment table for high probability during time-saving play (high probability table) and a random number for determining whether the normal drawing is a win.

If the result of the process S222 is negative (process S222: No), the main control device 40 performs a process S224 in which it determines whether the normal drawing is a hit or not based on a judgment table for low probability during non-time-saving play (normal table) and a random number for determining whether the normal drawing is a hit.

Next, if the result of these hit/miss judgments is a hit and the judgment is affirmative in process S225 (process S225: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines the winning symbol of the regular symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol in process S226. Then, in process S227, the fluctuation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern. After that, in process S228, the main control unit 40 executes a hit setting process to set the start interval time and end interval time of the winning game.

After process S228, in process S229, the main control device 40 transmits reserved memory information, including information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory of the regular map, to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, upon receiving the reserved memory information, the sub-integrated control device 42 transmits the reserved memory information to the performance pattern control device 43, and updates the display contents of the reserved display of the regular map (not shown) on the performance pattern display device 46.

In the next process S230, the main control device 40 sends a normal pattern change start command to the sub-integrated control device 42. Process S230 is a pre-processing for performing a performance corresponding to the normal pattern on the performance pattern display device 46 in conjunction with the display of the normal pattern change on the normal pattern display device 285. Specifically, the main control device 40 sends to the sub-integrated control device 42, as a normal pattern change start command, a pattern change start command including the result of the win/loss judgment and the normal pattern change pattern, etc., and a performance designation command that designates a performance corresponding to the winning pattern determined in process S226. After process S230, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S250 (see Figure 17).

On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss determination in the process S225 is a loss and a negative determination is made (process S225: No), the main control unit 40 determines the losing symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol in process S231. Next, the variation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern in process S232. After that, the process S229 and process S230 are executed. After process S230, the main control unit 40 proceeds to process S250 (see FIG. 17).

In addition, in processes S227 and S232, if the game state is a time-saving game state, the main control device 40 determines a variation pattern so that the normal game fluctuation time is shorter than in the normal game state. For example, if the game state is a normal game state, the main control device 40 selects a variation pattern with a fluctuation time of 6.2 seconds, and if the game state is a special probability game state or a normal power support state, it selects a variation pattern with a fluctuation time of 0.7 seconds, which is shorter than in the normal game state.

(8-2. Normal game processing)
Next, the "regular game processing" (processing S250) executed in the regular game winning/losing judgment processing (processing S200) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 20, the main control device 40 judges whether the regular game device 22 is being opened (processing S251) as the first processing executed in the regular game processing (processing S250). Then, if the regular game device 22 is opened and the judgment is positive (processing S251: Yes), the main control device 40 proceeds to processing S252 shown in FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 21, in process S252, the main control unit 40 judges whether or not four game balls have entered the normal power device 22 based on the detection signal of the second special chart start switch 504. Then, if the number of game balls that have entered the normal power device 22 has not reached four and the judgment is negative (process S252: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the normal power device 22 was released (process S253). Then, if the predetermined time has not passed since the normal power device 22 was released and the judgment is negative (process S253: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal chart game processing (process S250, see FIG. 20) and returns to the win/loss judgment processing (see FIG. 16).

On the other hand, if the number of game balls entering the normal power device 22 reaches four and the result of the judgment in process S252 is positive (process S252: Yes), or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal power device 22 was opened and the result of the judgment in process S252 is positive (process S253: Yes), the main control unit 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 513 to close the normal power device 22 (process S254). Next, the main control unit 40 executes an end interval process (process S255) that starts timing the end interval time. After process S255, the main control unit 40 ends the normal game process (process S250) and returns.

Returning to FIG. 20, the explanation of the normal game process (process S250) will continue. If the judgment in process S251 is negative (process S251: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not it is during the end interval (process S256). As a result, if it is during the end interval and the judgment is positive (process S256: Yes), the main control unit 40 then judges whether or not the end interval time has elapsed (process S257).

As a result, if the judgment in process S257 is positive (process S257: Yes), the main control device 40 executes the process of ending the winning game of the normal map in process S258, and transmits a winning game end command to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S259. Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, having received the winning game end command, ends the winning game presentation. After process S259, the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250, see FIG. 17) and returns to the winning/losing determination process (see FIG. 16). On the other hand, if the end interval time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (process S257: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250) as it is, and returns to the winning/losing determination process.

If the judgment in process S256 is negative (process S256: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether the start interval time has elapsed (process S260). As a result, if the start interval time has elapsed and the judgment is positive (process S260: Yes), the main control unit 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 513 in process S261 to open the normal power device 22. On the other hand, if the judgment in process S260 is negative (process S260: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal game processing (process S250) as it is and returns to the win/lose judgment processing.

(8-3. Special drawing right or wrong judgment processing)
Next, the "special chart win/loss determination process" (process S300) executed in the win/loss determination process (process S25, see FIG. 16) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 32. The special chart win/loss determination process (process S300) sequentially executes the "special chart win/loss determination process" shown in FIG. 22 to FIG. 26 and the "special game process" shown in FIG. 27 to FIG. 32. In the following description, except when it is necessary to distinguish between the first special chart and the second special chart, both are regarded as equivalent and are simply referred to as "special chart".

As shown in FIG. 22, in the "special winning/losing determination process," the main control device 40 first determines in process S301 whether the jackpot flag, which indicates that a jackpot is being hit, is "0." If the determination is negative (process S301: No), the "special winning/losing determination process" is terminated and the process proceeds to the "special game process" described below (see FIG. 23).

If the result of step S301 is positive (step S301: Yes), then step S302 determines whether the small win flag, which indicates that a small win is occurring, is "0." If the result of step S302 is negative (step S302: No), then the process proceeds to the "special game process" described below.

If the result of step S302 is positive (step S302: Yes), then in step S303 it is determined whether the change in the special pattern is stopped. If the result of step S302 is positive (step S303: Yes), then in step S304 it is determined whether the fixed pattern of the special pattern has not yet been displayed.

If the determination is positive in process S304 (process S304: Yes), it is determined in process S305 whether or not there is a reserved memory of the second special design (process S305). If the determination is positive (process S305: Yes), a shift process is performed on the reserved memory of the second special design in process S306. As a result of this shift process, the random number of the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the second special design is subject to the judgment of whether or not it is correct.

On the other hand, if the result of the process S305 is negative (process S305: No), the process S307 determines whether or not there is a reserved memory of the first special drawing. If the result of the process S305 is positive (process S307: Yes), the process S308 performs a shift process of the reserved memory of the first special drawing. By the shift process, the random number of the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the first special drawing is the object of the judgment of whether or not it is correct.
In this way, the second special chart is given priority over the first special chart in determining whether it is correct or not.
If there is no reserved memory of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol in process S307 and the result is a negative judgment (process S307: No), the process proceeds to "special game process".

Following process S306 or process S308, as shown in FIG. 23, in process S312, a win/loss determination table is compared with the random number for determining a jackpot, which is the random number that is the subject of the win/loss determination, to determine whether or not the win/loss result is a win/loss determination. Next, in process S313, it is determined whether or not the result is a jackpot (jackpot pattern). If it is a jackpot (jackpot pattern) (process S313: Yes), the jackpot pattern is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the jackpot pattern, which is the random number that is the subject of the win/loss determination (process S314). In addition, the jackpot fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, which is the random number that is the subject of the win/loss determination, and the current game state (normal game or time-saving game state) (process S315).

Next, in process S316, a jackpot content setting process is performed, and the content of the jackpot game (special game) (opening pattern of the first large winning opening 25, opening performance time, ending performance time, etc.) is set based on the value of the random number for determining the jackpot pattern.

Next, in process S317, information on the reserved memory after the correct/incorrect decision is made (such as information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the correct/incorrect decision is made) is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

Next, in process S318, the first special chart or the second special chart is displayed on the first special chart display device 281 or the second special chart display device 283, and a process is performed to output a special chart change start command and a pattern designation command, which include data indicating the hit/miss judgment result (big hit, small hit, type of miss, whether there is a reach, change time, etc.), to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43. As a result, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 start changing the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first special chart or the second special chart on the performance pattern display device 46. After that, the process moves to "special game processing". The change start command and the pattern designation command include the change pattern of the special chart, the judgment result of the hit/miss judgment of the special chart, etc. Depending on the configuration, a pattern determination command may be sent to indicate the end of the change time. However, this is not essential because the change time is specified in advance by the change pattern, etc.

If the result of the process S313 is negative (Process S313: No), a determination is made in process S320 as to whether the result of the process S312 is a small win or not. If the result of the process S312 is positive (Process S320: Yes), a small win pattern is determined in process S321 based on the random number for determining the small win pattern of the second special pattern that is the subject of the win/loss determination.

Next, in process S322, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the small win pattern of the second special chart, which is the subject of the hit/miss judgment, is determined from a preselected variation pattern table for variations other than at the time of a big win.

Next, in process S323, a small win setting process is performed. In this process, based on the determined small win pattern, the contents of the small win game, the time of the small win start presentation of the small win game performed by the presentation pattern display device 46, the time of the small win end presentation, etc. are set. After that, the process S317 and the process S318 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the result of the process S320 is negative (process S320: No), the first or second special chart is determined to be a miss, so the missing symbol of the second special chart is determined in process S325, and the fluctuation pattern, such as the fluctuation time of the missing symbol, is determined from a preselected fluctuation pattern table for fluctuations other than at the time of a jackpot in process S326, based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. Next, a miss setting process is performed in process S327. After that, the process S317 and the process S318 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the determination is negative in process S303 shown in FIG. 22 (process S303: No), then in process S340, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the special chart change time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (process S340: No), the process proceeds to "special game processing."

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S340 that the change time has elapsed (step S340: Yes), a pattern stop command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 in step S341.

Next, in process S342, it is determined whether the pattern is a jackpot pattern. If the determination is positive (process S342: Yes), in process S343, a process is performed to have the jackpot pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display device 281 or the second special pattern display device 283 confirmed and displayed. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 cause the performance pattern display device 46 to confirm and display a pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the jackpot pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern.

Next, in process S344, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is "1" (if it is "1", the game is in the time-saving game mode). If the determination is positive (process S344: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S345. This causes a transition from the time-saving game mode to the normal game mode.

Then, the operation of the condition device is started (process S346), and the operation of the consecutive device operation device is started (process S347). The condition device is a device necessary for the operation of the consecutive device operation device in a jackpot game, and the consecutive device operation device is a device that operates the first special electric device consecutively. Then, in process S348, the jackpot flag is set to "1". After that, the process moves to "special game process".

If the result of the process S342 is negative (Process S342: No), as shown in FIG. 25, the process S351 determines whether the second special symbol is a small win symbol. If the result of the process S351 is negative (Process S351: No), the process proceeds to Process S353.

If the result of step S351 is positive (step S351: Yes), the small win flag is set to "1" in step S352.

Next, in process S353, the main control device 40 performs a process to confirm and display the special symbol. In the case of a small win, the main control device 40 performs a process to confirm and display the small win symbol on the second special symbol display device 283. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance symbol control device 43 perform a process to confirm and display the pseudo performance symbol corresponding to the small win symbol of the second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46. In the case of a miss, the first special symbol display device 281 or the second special symbol display device 283 performs a process to confirm and display the losing symbol of the first or second special symbol. Accordingly, the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance symbol control device 43 perform a process to confirm and display the pseudo performance symbol corresponding to the losing symbol of the first or second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 46.

Next, in process S354, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is "1". If the determination is negative (process S354: No), the process proceeds to process S360. If the determination is positive (process S354: Yes), the process proceeds to process S355, where the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart have changed after the transition to the time-saving game state is counted by the special chart counting counter. In this case, the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart have changed is the sum of the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart have changed.

For example, in this embodiment, the specified number of times the special chart changes before the time-saving game state ends is three, and it is desirable for the counting process by the special chart counting counter to subtract "1" from the count value of the special chart counting counter from the number of times continued "3" each time the special chart changes. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of times the special chart changes may also be a process of adding "1" to the count value of the special chart counting counter from the initial value "0" each time the special chart changes.

Next, in process S356, it is determined whether the number of times the special chart has changed has reached the specified number of times (three times) for which the time-saving play state will end. That is, it is determined whether the value counted in process S355 is "0" (in an addition configuration, it is determined whether it is "3"). If the determination is negative (process S356: No), the process proceeds to process S360. If the determination is positive (process S356: Yes), the time-saving flag is reset to "0" in process S357. This ends the time-saving play, and the play state transitions to a non-time-saving play state.

In the next process S360, it is determined whether the losing symbol set in accordance with the winning/losing determination is a time-saving symbol (losing symbol 1). If the determination is negative (process S360: No), the process proceeds to process S363.

If the result of process S360 is positive (process S360: Yes), the game will transition to a time-saving game state. Therefore, in process S361, the specified number of times for special pattern change (3 times) and the specified number of times for normal pattern change (10 times), which are predetermined continuation numbers according to the time-saving pattern of the losing pattern, are set in the respective counters. Next, in process S362, the time-saving flag is set to "1". This grants the time-saving game state.

In this case, if it is a losing symbol 1, the game will transition to a time-saving game state after the special symbol has finished changing. Furthermore, even if the time-saving symbol is displayed in the pachinko machine 1 during the time-saving game state, it will be considered invalid. In other words, after the change has ended, a new time-saving game state will not start, but the time-saving game state before the change will continue (each counting counter will continue to count).

In the next process S363, the number of times that the variable display of the first special chart and the second special chart that do not result in a jackpot is counted by the bonus time-saving counter since the end of the previous jackpot game. In this case, the count is the total number of times that the variable display of the first special chart and the second special chart that do not result in a jackpot.

For example, the process of counting with the bonus time-saving counter is preferably a process of adding "1" to the count value of the bonus time-saving counter from the initial value "0" each time a change occurs other than a jackpot on the first and second special charts. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of changes other than a jackpot may be a process of setting the bonus time-saving counter to the number of times (900 times) that a bonus time-saving has been reached, which was determined in advance after the previous jackpot game ended, as the count value, and subtracting "1" from the count value each time a change occurs other than a jackpot on the first and second special charts. The bonus time-saving counter is reset (cleared) to its initial value when a jackpot game occurs (see process S348) or when the bonus time-saving number of times is reached in process S366 described below.

Next, in process S364, it is determined whether the number of fluctuations other than the jackpot of the first special chart and the second special chart has reached the bonus time-saving number of times that grants the time-saving game state. In other words, it is determined whether the count value of the bonus time-saving counter counted in process S363 is the bonus time-saving number of times (in a subtraction configuration, it is determined whether it is "0" or not). If the determination is negative (process S364: No), the process proceeds to process S368.

If the result of the process S364 is positive (Process S364: Yes), the process of setting the number of times the special chart changes (3 times) and the number of times the normal chart changes (10 times), which are the number of times the bonus time-saving game state will continue when the bonus time-saving count is reached, to the respective counters is performed. Next, in process S366, the count value of the bonus time-saving counter is reset to the initial value when the bonus time-saving count is reached.

Next, in process S367, the time-saving flag is set to "1". This causes the game state to transition to a bonus time-saving game state due to the bonus time-saving count being reached. In the bonus time-saving game state, the pattern change time associated with the hit/miss determination of the first and second special symbols is shortened, and a time-saving function for the regular symbols and an extension function for the opening of the regular electric device 22 are granted. On the other hand, the probability of winning a regular symbol is not high.

In this case, if the bonus time-saving number of times reached is indicated by a small win change, the bonus time-saving play state will be entered after the small win play ends. On the other hand, if the bonus time-saving number of times reached is indicated by a miss change, the bonus time-saving play state will be entered after the special chart change ends. As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the bonus time-saving number of times reached is reached in the time-saving play state, the transition to the bonus time-saving play state due to this is invalidated. In other words, a new time-saving play state is not started after the change ends, but the time-saving play state before the change continues (the time-saving counter continues to count). However, this is just one example, and a configuration in which a bonus time-saving play starts from there when the bonus time-saving number of times is reached in the time-saving play state, or a configuration in which a transition to the one with the longer number of continuations is made when a new time-saving play starts in the time-saving play state may be entered. It is sufficient to adopt this as appropriate when determining the playability.

Next, in process S368, a state designation command indicating whether the current game state is a guaranteed bonus game state or not, a time-saving game state or not, etc. is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 after the special pattern determination time. Note that the timing for sending the state designation command from the main control device 40 to the sub-integrated control device 42 is after the special pattern determination time, but the state designation command may also be sent when the special pattern starts to change and when the power is restored. Then, the process moves to "special game processing".

If the determination is positive in process S304 of FIG. 22 (process S304: No), as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined in process S370 whether the display time of the confirmed pattern has elapsed. If the determination is positive (process S370: Yes), in the confirmed pattern display end process of process S371, the first special pattern display device 281 or the second special pattern display device 283 ends the display of the confirmed pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern, and a command regarding the end of the confirmed pattern display is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43, and then the process proceeds to "special game processing".

The above command causes the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 to end the confirmed display of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern on the performance pattern display device 46.

If the result of step S370 is negative (step S370: No), step S371 is skipped and the process moves to "special game processing."

(8-4. Special Game Processing)
Next, the "special game process" for implementing the small win game and the big win game will be described with reference to Fig. 27 to Fig. 32. As shown in Fig. 27, the "special game process" first judges whether the big win flag is "0" in process S400. If the judgement is positive (process S400: Yes), it is not a big win, so it is judged whether the small win flag is "0" in process S401 (process S401). If the judgement is positive (process S401: Yes), it is neither a big win nor a small win, so this "special game process" is terminated and the process returns to the win/loss judgment process (see Fig. 16).

If the result of the process S401 is negative (process S401: No), it is a small win, so in process S402, it is determined whether or not the small win start performance is in progress (process S402). If the result of the process S401 is positive and the small win performance is in progress (process S402: Yes), it is determined in process S403 whether or not the small win start performance end time has arrived. If the result of the process S403 is positive, the second special electric door of the second special electric role is operated in the second large prize opening process of process S404 to open the second large prize opening 26 in the opening pattern set in process S323 (FIG. 23).
Next, in process S405, detection of a ball entering the specific area 262 of the second large prize opening 26 is validated.

If the result of step S402 is negative (step S402: No), then in step S406 it is determined whether the second large prize opening 26 is open. If the result of step S402 is negative (step S406: No), then in step S407 it is determined whether the specific area 262 is valid. If the result of step S407 is negative (step S407: No), then in step S408 it is determined whether the small prize end presentation is in progress, and if the result of step S408 is positive (step S408: Yes), then in step S409 it is determined whether the time for the small prize end presentation to end has arrived. If the result of step S409 is positive (step S409: Yes), then in step S410 the small prize flag is reset to "0" and the small prize game ends. Then it returns.

If the result of step S408 is negative (step S408: No), step S411 performs small win start display processing, which sends a small win start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the display pattern control device 43. Then, the process returns.

If the second large prize opening 26 is open in step S406 and the result is positive (step S406: Yes), then it is determined in step S420 whether the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 26 has reached the specified number of winning balls, which is four, as shown in Fig. 28 (step S420). If the result is positive (step S420: Yes), then the second large prize opening 26 is closed in step S422.
On the other hand, if the determination is negative in step S420 (step S420: No), then in step S421 it is determined whether or not the opening time of the second large prize opening 26 has ended. If the determination is positive (step S421: Yes), then in step S422 the second large prize opening 26 is closed.

If the result of process S421 is negative (process S421: No), or if the specific area 262 is valid (process S407: Yes) in process S407 (FIG. 27), then process S430 determines whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 262 (a win), as shown in FIG. 29.

If the determination in step S430 is affirmative (step S430: Yes), the operation of the condition device is started in step S431. Then, the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (step S432).
Next, in process S433, it is determined whether or not the second large prize opening 26 is open. If the determination is affirmative (process S433: Yes), the second large prize opening 26 is closed in process S434, and further the specific area 262 is invalidated in process S435.

After that, the following process is performed in the bonus jackpot setting process of process S436. First, the opening pattern of the first large winning port 25, the bonus jackpot start presentation time, the bonus jackpot end presentation time, etc. are set. Then, a bonus jackpot start command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the presentation pattern control device 43. Next, it is confirmed whether the time-saving flag is "1", and if it is "1", the time-saving flag is reset to "0".
Furthermore, in this process, the ending conditions of the time-saving game state to which the player enters after the end of the jackpot game due to a jackpot hit of a special device are set.

Next, in process S437, the small win flag is reset to "0". Next, the big win flag is set to "1" (process S438). This transitions from a small win to a special big win. Then, the process returns.

In addition, in this "special game processing", if a ball enters the specific area 262 (processing S430: Yes) while the second large winning opening 26 is open during a small winning game (processing S421: No), the condition device and the continuous operation device of the special device are immediately operated to close the second large winning opening 26 and transition to a special winning event, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the number of balls entering the second large winning opening 26 reaches a specified number (processing S420: Yes) or the opening time of the second large winning opening 26 ends (processing S421: Yes), the second large winning opening 26 is closed and it is checked whether or not a ball has entered the specific area 262, and if a ball has entered, the condition device and the continuous operation device of the special device are operated to transition to a special winning event.

If the determination is negative in process S430 (process S430: No), then in process S439 it is checked whether the effective period of the specific area 262 has ended. If the determination is positive (process S439: Yes), then in process S440 a small win end effect is set, and a small win end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect pattern control device 43. Then, the process returns.

If the determination is negative in process S400 shown in FIG. 27 (process S400: No), then as shown in FIG. 30, it is determined in process S450 whether the first large prize opening 25 is open or not. If the determination is negative (process S450: No), then it is determined in process S451 whether it is during the interval of the large prize. If the determination is positive (process S451: Yes), then it is determined in process S452 whether it is the end time of the interval, and if the determination is positive (process S452: Yes), then in process S453 the first special electric door of the first special electric role is operated to open the first large prize opening 25 in the next round of the large prize game. Then it returns.

If the determination is negative in process S451 (process S451: No), then in process S454 it is determined whether or not the jackpot end presentation is in progress. If the determination is negative (process S454: No), then in process S455 it is determined whether or not the jackpot start presentation is in progress.

If the determination is positive in process S455 (process S455: Yes), then in process S456 it is determined whether or not the jackpot start presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is positive (process S456: Yes), then in process S457 the first special electric door of the first special electric device is activated to open the first big prize opening 25 in the first round of jackpot play. Then, the process returns.

If the result of step S455 is negative (step S455: No), step S458 performs a jackpot start effect process, which sends a jackpot start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the effect pattern control device 43. Then, the process returns.

If the result of step S450 is positive (step S450: Yes), as shown in FIG. 31, step S460 determines whether the number of balls entering the first large prize opening 25 has reached the specified number of winning balls, which is 10. If the result of step S460 is positive (step S460: Yes), step S462 closes the first large prize opening 25.

If the determination is negative in process S460 (process S460: No), then in process S461 it is determined whether the opening time of the first large prize opening 25 has ended. If the determination is negative (process S461: No), the process returns. If the determination is positive (process S461: Yes), then in process S462 the first large prize opening 25 is closed.

Next, in process S463, it is determined whether the final round of the jackpot has ended. If the determination is positive (process S463: Yes), in process S464, a jackpot end presentation process is performed, whereby a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the presentation pattern control device 43 (process S464). Then, it returns.

If the result of step S463 is negative (step S463: No), step S465 performs the interval between openings (jackpot interval) process, thereby transmitting the jackpot interval command to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance symbol control device 43. Then, the process returns.

If the determination is affirmative in step S454 (see FIG. 30) (step S454: Yes), it is determined in step S470 whether or not the big win end presentation time has elapsed, as shown in FIG 32. If the determination is negative (step S470: No), the process returns.
If the judgment is affirmative (process S470: Yes), the condition device is stopped in process S471, and the role object continuous operation device is stopped (process S472).

Next, in process S473, it is determined whether or not to transition to a time-saving game state after the end of the jackpot game, depending on the jackpot symbol and the small jackpot symbol (process S473). If the determination is negative (process S470: No), the process proceeds to process S476.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to transition to a time-saving game state after the end of a jackpot game, and the judgment in this process S473 is a positive judgment. If the judgment is positive (process S473: Yes), the time-saving flag is set to "1" in process S474. In the following process S475, the process transitions to a subroutine (see FIG. 33) and a selection is made as to whether the time-saving game is the first time-saving game or the second time-saving game.

As shown in FIG. 33, the "time-saving game selection process" first determines in process S480 whether the time-saving flag is "1." If the determination is negative (process S480: No), the process returns to the "special game process."

If the determination in step S480 is positive (step S480: Yes), then in step S481 it is determined whether the cause of the jackpot game is the first special pattern. If the determination is positive (step S481: Yes), then in step S482 the first time-saving game is selected as the time-saving game.

If the determination in step S481 is negative (step S481: No), it is determined that the cause of the jackpot game is the second special drawing, and in step S483, the second time-saving game is selected as the time-saving game.

After execution of the process S482 or the process S483, in process S484, the predetermined number of times the time-saving game can continue, that is, the specified number of times for special pattern change (3 times) and the specified number of times for regular pattern change (10 times), are set in the respective counters. Then, the process returns.

Returning to FIG. 32, we will continue to explain the "special game process." Following the process S475, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set in process S476. This causes a transition to the first time-limited game state or the second time-limited game state after the jackpot game ends. Then, in process S477, the jackpot flag is reset to "0" to end the jackpot game.

(9. Performance display of pachinko machine 1)
It is desirable that the pachinko machine 1 performs an effect that indicates to the player whether the game state is the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, or the second time-saving game state. For example, it is conceivable to indicate the game state by making the effect mode different for each of the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state.

Referring to Figures 34 and 35, we will explain the pseudo-pattern effects of the first and second special symbols, as well as examples of effect displays corresponding to the effect modes in the normal game state, the first time-saving game state, and the second time-saving game state.

When the pachinko machine 1 starts changing the pattern of the first or second special pattern in response to a win/loss determination, the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first or second special pattern starts to change on the performance pattern display device 46. As shown in FIG. 34(a), a large pseudo performance pattern 700 consisting of three number patterns or the like corresponding to the change in the first or second special pattern is displayed in the center of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46. Also, a first character image 710 of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear", the main character of the pachinko machine 1, is displayed on the upper right side of the display screen.

The display screen of the effect pattern display device 46 also has a reserved effect area in the lower part of the screen below the pseudo effect pattern 700, which displays the reserved memory of the first or second special pattern and performs pre-reading effects based on the reserved memory. The reserved effect area displays a first special pattern reserved pattern 721 on the left side, which indicates the reserved memory of the first special pattern. Meanwhile, the right side of the reserved effect area displays a second special pattern reserved pattern 722, which indicates the reserved memory of the second special pattern.

When the pseudo performance pattern 700 changes, the pachinko machine 1 progresses to a reach performance if there is a high expectation of a jackpot. In this case, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46 displays a reach suggestion display section 731 on the upper left side, and a large reach pseudo performance pattern 701 is displayed on the lower half of the display screen. In the reach pseudo performance pattern 701, the two patterns on both sides stop at the same pattern, and only the central pattern is changing.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart is a hit (pattern hit), the pachinko machine 1 displays a hit suggestion display section 732 on the upper left side of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46, as shown in FIG. 34(c). Then, a large, confirmed hit pseudo performance pattern 702 consisting of three identical patterns corresponding to the hit pattern of the first or second special chart is displayed on the lower half of the display screen. In addition, a broadly smiling "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" is displayed as the first character image 710.

If the result of the hit/miss determination is a small hit, the pachinko machine 1 will confirm and display a small hit pseudo performance pattern 703 consisting of three identical small hit patterns corresponding to the small hit patterns of the first special pattern or the second special pattern in a large size in the lower half of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 46, as shown in Figure 34 (d).

Next, the presentation modes according to the game state will be explained with reference to FIG. 35. As shown in FIG. 35(a), in the normal game state, the pachinko machine 1 is set to the Tatsukichi presentation mode in which "Tatsukichi the Bear" is the main character.

The pachinko machine 1 changes the presentation mode by transitioning to the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state. For example, as shown in Fig. 35(b), the pachinko machine 1 is set to a fighting presentation mode consisting of a fighting image 741 in which two martial artists face off in the first time-shortened game state. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 35(c), the pachinko machine 1 is set to a boxing presentation mode consisting of a boxing image 751 in the second time-shortened game state.
In this way, the pachinko machine 1 changes the presentation mode during a game state and indicates the game state through the presentation.

(10. Effects of the embodiment)
The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration. That is, it is equipped with a normal symbol hit/miss judgment means (process S223, process S224) that performs a hit/miss judgment of a normal symbol due to a ball entering a predetermined ball entrance 21. It is equipped with a first start opening 23 that can always be entered, a normal electric device 22 that can be operated from a state in which the game ball cannot or has difficulty entering to an open state in which the game ball can easily enter based on the result of the hit/miss judgment by the normal symbol hit/miss judgment means being a winning ball, and a second start opening 24 into which the game ball that entered the normal electric device can enter. It also includes a special pattern hit/miss determination means (process S312) which determines whether or not a win has occurred due to a ball entering the first starting port or the second starting port, a small hit game implementation means (process S312) which implements a small hit game in which the large winning port 26 having the specific area 262 opens in a predetermined opening manner when the hit/miss determination result by the special pattern hit/miss determination means is a small hit, and a big hit game implementation means which implements a big hit game in which the large winning port opens in a predetermined opening manner when the hit/miss determination result by the special pattern hit/miss determination means is a big hit or when a game ball enters the specific area during a small hit game. Furthermore, the configuration is equipped with a game state control means (processing S482, processing S483) which, when a predetermined transition condition is met, transitions to a first game state which is more favorable for scoring a normal electric device than the normal game state, or to a second game state which is more favorable for scoring a normal electric device than the first game state, for a predetermined period of time.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is also configured so that the second special pattern, which is caused by the ball entering the second starting hole, is more likely to result in a small win than the first special pattern, which is caused by the ball entering the first starting hole.

According to the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a jackpot game caused by the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart occurs (a predetermined transition condition (first transition condition) is met), and after the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to a first time-saving game state that is more favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device than the normal game state. Furthermore, a jackpot game caused by the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart occurs (a predetermined transition condition (second transition condition) is met), and after the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to a second time-saving game state that is more favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device than the first game state. In this way, the pachinko machine 1 can provide a variety of game states that are favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device. Furthermore, the player's expectations for the next jackpot can be changed depending on the game state, and the playability in the game state that is favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device can be expanded, and the interest in the game can be improved.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has a first transition condition of a jackpot game triggered by a hit/miss judgment of the first special chart, and a second transition condition of a jackpot game triggered by a hit/miss judgment of the second special chart. By changing the game state that is favorable for the ball to enter the normal electric device according to the multiple transition conditions, a more dynamic game can be realized, and the excitement of the game can be further increased.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set the winning probability of the hit/miss judgment of the normal figure in the first time-saving game state to a higher probability than in the normal game state, and to set the winning probability of the hit/miss judgment of the normal figure in the second time-saving game state to a higher probability than in the first game state. This makes it possible to advantageously make it easier for the ball to land on the normal electric device in the first time-saving game state than in the normal game state, and to make it easier for the ball to land on the normal electric device in the second time-saving game state than in the first time-saving game state.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment ends the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state when the number of times the special pattern changes (number of times the winning/losing judgment is made) reaches a predetermined specified number, or when the number of times the regular pattern changes (number of times the winning/losing judgment is made) reaches a predetermined specified number.

This has the following effects. In the conventional pachinko machine 1, only the number of times the special chart changes was the end condition for the time-saving game, so the time period (number of times it changes) in which it can be challenged was almost fixed. However, if the average number of times the normal chart changes (time including opening) when it changes without interruption is less than the average number of times the special chart changes (time), the more the normal chart hits, the more time can be gained by extending the opening of the normal electric device, and the more the special chart can be changed, so that an unprecedented gameplay in which the number of times the special chart changes depending on the number of times the normal chart hits can be realized. On the other hand, if the average number of times the normal chart changes (time) and the average number of times the special chart changes (time) are almost the same, the player can be given a sense of tension that the time-saving game will end regardless of the number of times it hits. Furthermore, the player's sense of expectation for the next big hit can be changed depending on the difference in the game state and the difference in the end condition, and the gameplay in a game state that is favorable for entering the normal electric device can be expanded, and the interest in the game can be improved.

11. Other Embodiments
In the above embodiment of the pachinko machine 1, the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state are provided as time-saving game states in which the ball is advantageously placed in the normal electric device 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a third game state in which the ball is advantageously placed in the normal electric device 22 in comparison with the second time-saving game state may be provided as the time-saving game state. In this case, the third time-saving game state has a higher probability of winning the normal symbol than the second time-saving game state. It is preferable that the second time-saving game state and the third time-saving game state are selected according to the type of the big win symbol and the small win symbol of the second special symbol.

As another embodiment, the following configuration is possible. For example, the opening time of the normal electric device 22 in the time-saving play state is set to be selected by lottery between a short opening for a short time and a long opening for a long time, and the selection rate of the short opening and the long opening is set to be different between the first time-saving play state and the second time-saving play state.

For example, referring to FIG. 36, an example of the contents of the first time-saving game and the second time-saving game in this embodiment is shown. The first time-saving game is started under the condition that the jackpot game ends due to the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol. The probability of winning a normal symbol in the first time-saving game state is set to 1/1.1. The opening mode of the normal electric device 22 in the first time-saving game state is selected by lottery to be either a short opening of 0.8 seconds or a long opening of 2.0 seconds. In this case, the probability of the lottery is set to 80% for a short opening and 20% for a long opening. The condition for ending the first time-saving game state is set to be that the total number of times the first special symbol or the second special symbol changes reaches 3 times (special symbol change specified number of times), or that the number of times the normal symbol changes reaches 10 times (normal symbol change specified number of times).

The second time-saving game is started when the jackpot game ends, which is caused by the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol. The probability of winning a normal symbol in the second time-saving game state is set to 1/1.1. The opening mode of the normal electric device 22 in the first time-saving game state is selected by lottery to be either a short opening of 0.8 seconds or a long opening of 2.0 seconds. In this case, the probability of the lottery is set to 50% for both the short opening and the long opening. The condition for ending the second time-saving game state is when the total number of times the first or second special symbol changes reaches 3, or the number of times the normal symbol changes reaches 10.

In this way, between the first time-saving game and the second time-saving game, the probability of a long opening is higher in the second time-saving game, and therefore the second time-saving game is considered to be a more advantageous time-saving game for getting the ball into the normal electric device 22 than the first time-saving game.
Furthermore, a third game state in which the probability of a long opening is higher than that of the second time-saving game state may be provided as the time-saving game state.

In addition, in these other embodiments, the time-saving play state may have various winning rates for normal symbols, various probabilities for long opening, and the ball entry rates into the normal electric device 22 and the second special symbol starting hole 24 may be different between the first time-saving play state and the second time-saving play state.

Furthermore, the following configuration can be considered as another embodiment. In the above-mentioned pachinko machine 1, the first time-shortened game state is set after the end of the jackpot game caused by the first special design, and the second time-shortened game state is set after the end of the jackpot game caused by the second special design, but this is not limited to this. For example, a configuration can be considered in which both the first time-shortened game state and the second time-shortened game state can be set after the end of the jackpot game caused by the first special design and after the end of the jackpot game caused by the second special design, making it easier to set the second time-shortened game state after the end of the jackpot game caused by the second special design.

Furthermore, it is also possible to select either the first or second time-saving game depending on the game state at the time of the jackpot, not just the first or second special chart. For example, a configuration is conceivable in which the first time-saving game is likely to be selected when a jackpot occurs in the normal game state, and the second time-saving game is likely to be selected when a jackpot occurs by passing through a specific area from a jackpot or small jackpot in the time-saving game state. With this, for example, even if a jackpot occurs on the first special chart due to reserved memory despite a transition to the time-saving game state, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the first time-saving game will be selected after the jackpot game ends.

Furthermore, the following configuration may be considered as another embodiment. In the above-mentioned pachinko machine 1, the presentation indicates whether the game has moved to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state, but this is not limited to the above. For example, a configuration may be considered in which the game suggests that the game has moved to the time-shortened game state, but does not indicate whether the game has moved to the first time-shortened game state or the second time-shortened game state. This allows the player to play the game while hoping that an advantageous time-shortened game state has been selected.

It is also possible to use a display that suggests the number of times the time-saving play state will continue in the indication display for the first time-saving play state and the second time-saving play state. In this case, by not indicating either the first time-saving play state or the second time-saving play state, or not indicating both, in the display of the remaining number of times, it is possible to provide the player with a more tense game experience. Of course, both may be displayed.

Furthermore, the following configurations are possible as other examples. In the pachinko machine 1 described above, the end conditions are the same for the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state, but this is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the end conditions are different for the first time-saving game state and the second time-saving game state is possible. Furthermore, the end conditions may be changed regardless of whether the game is in the first time-saving game state or the second time-saving game state, depending on the special design that causes a jackpot.

Furthermore, the following configurations are possible as other examples. For example, the opening mode of the normal electric device in the time-saving game state may be set to close after 6.0 seconds of opening or when the specified number of 10 balls enter, so that the reserved memory for the second special chart is full (4 balls) with one opening, or it may be set to close after 6.0 seconds of opening or when the specified number of 1 ball enters. In the former case, multiple balls are accumulated with one opening, making it difficult to win a normal chart, and providing gameplay in which the value of opening the normal electric device once is high. Also, in the latter case, since basically only one ball enters, it is easier to win than the former, providing gameplay with more chances.

Furthermore, the following configurations are possible as other examples. For example, the degree of advantage of the ball entering the normal electric device may be different between the time-saving game (a time-saving game), the bonus time-saving game (b time-saving game), and the time-saving game due to a losing symbol (c time-saving game) to which the game is transferred via a jackpot game. Also, in the bonus time-saving game (b time-saving game), it is possible to provide multiple types of time-saving game states with different advantages of the ball entering the normal electric device, and to change the time-saving game state to which the game is transferred depending on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, such as the end of a jackpot game caused by the first special symbol or the end of a jackpot game caused by the second special symbol. Furthermore, in time-saving play with losing symbols (c time-saving play), it is also possible to provide multiple types of time-saving play states with different degrees of advantage for the ball entering the normal electric device, and to change the time-saving play state to which the transition occurs depending on whether a specified transition condition is met, such as after the end of a jackpot game caused by the first special symbol or after the end of a jackpot game caused by the second special symbol.

Furthermore, the following configuration can be considered as another embodiment. For example, a pass gate for starting a jackpot game can be arranged on the game board, and when a jackpot occurs, the game ball enters the pass gate, thereby executing the jackpot game. In the pachinko machine 1 of the above embodiment, the end condition for the time-saving game is the number of times the normal pattern changes, and the player can only take a break when the normal pattern and special pattern are not changing, making it difficult to take a break. Therefore, by providing a pass gate for starting a jackpot game, the jackpot time will not start unless the ball passes through the pass gate, so the player can take a break during that period.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which the launched gaming balls are collected inside the gaming machine and launched again by the launching device, and the number of balls held by the player is managed as data using a storage medium such as an IC card.

1: Pachinko machine, 2: Game board, 20 Game area, L: Left game area, R: Right game area, 21: Normal game operation port (ball entry port), 22: Normal electric device, 23: First special game start port (first start port), 24: Second special game start port (second start port), 25: First big prize opening, 26: Second big prize opening, 262: Specific area, 281: First special game display device, 283: Second special game display device, 40: Main control device (normal game pattern hit/miss determination means, special game pattern hit/miss determination means, small hit game execution means, big hit game execution means, game state control means), 42: Sub integrated control device, 46: Performance pattern display device

Claims (1)

A normal symbol winning/losing determination means for determining whether a normal symbol is winning or losing due to a ball entering a predetermined ball entry port;
A normal pattern change display means for displaying a change display of the normal pattern and a result of a win/loss judgment based on a result of the win/loss judgment of the normal pattern by the normal pattern win/loss judgment means;
The first starting gate, which is always open for ball entry;
A normal electric device that can be operated from a state where the game ball cannot enter or has difficulty entering to an open state where the game ball can enter easily based on the result of the normal symbol determination by the normal symbol determination means being a winner;
A second starting hole into which the game ball that entered the normal electric device can enter;
A special symbol winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a special symbol has won due to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole;
A special symbol variation display means for displaying a variation display of the special symbol and a result of a win/loss judgment based on a result of the win/loss judgment of the special symbol by the special symbol win/loss judgment means;
A small win game implementation means for implementing a small win game in which a large winning hole having a specific area is opened in a predetermined opening manner when the result of the hit/miss judgment of the special symbol by the hit/miss judgment means becomes a small win;
A jackpot game implementation means for implementing a jackpot game in which a jackpot opening is opened in a predetermined opening manner when the result of the hit/miss judgment of the special symbol by the hit/miss judgment means becomes a jackpot or when a game ball enters the specific area in the small hit game;
a game state control means for transitioning to a first game state more favorable for winning the normal electric device than a normal game state, or to a second game state more favorable for winning the normal electric device than the first game state, for a period until either the number of times the winning/losing judgments for the special symbols reaches a first specified number of times or the number of times the winning/losing judgments for the normal symbols reaches a second specified number of times when a specified transition condition is satisfied;
An effect notification means for performing an effect in response to the winning/losing judgment of the normal pattern and/or the winning/losing judgment of the special pattern and a game state;
Equipped with
The period is different between the first gaming state and the second gaming state,
The effect notifying means indicates, by the effect, whether the game is in the first game state or the second game state.
A pinball game machine characterized by :

Images