JP7598615B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

Pachinko machines are known that transition to a special state advantageous to the player as a result of a win in the win/loss judgment. One example of such a special state is a time-saving state, as described in Patent Document 1, in which the time for which the special symbol is displayed is shortened and the frequency of win/loss judgments is increased. It is also known that during the time-saving state, the probability of winning with a normal symbol is increased, and the opening time of the starting hole configured as a normal electric role device is extended, thereby increasing the frequency of the ball entering the starting hole.

Generally, the time-saving state ends when the number of jackpot lotteries held during the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number of times. There are also known pachinko machines that have multiple times the time-saving state can continue, and the number of times the time-saving state can continue is determined based on factors such as the type of winning symbol that appears when a winning symbol is determined.

JP 2003-62225 A

In such pachinko machines, effects are used to suggest or notify the end of the time-saving state. However, these effects have become commonplace, such as counting down the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be executed during the time-saving state, and have lacked interest.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to increase the interest of the presentation regarding the end of a special state.

The invention of claim 1, which was made in consideration of the above problem, is a pinball game machine that judges whether it wins or loses when a ball enters a starting hole, and is equipped with a transition means for transitioning to a bonus state in which the player is given an advantageous gameplay, an end means for ending the bonus state when any of a plurality of different end conditions, including a first end condition and a second end condition, is satisfied during the bonus state, and a presentation means for presenting a presentation via a display device, in which the presentation means uses a common display element displayed on the display device during the bonus state to indicate the time when the bonus state will end when the first end condition is satisfied and the time when the bonus state will end when the second end condition is satisfied.

According to the above configuration, the common display element indicates the end time of the bonus state due to the satisfaction of the first end condition (hereinafter, the first end time) and the end time of the bonus state due to the satisfaction of the second end condition (hereinafter, the second end time). However, since the first end condition and the second end condition are not necessarily satisfied at the same time, the first and second end times do not necessarily coincide, and it is possible that both the first and second end times cannot be reflected simultaneously in the content suggested by the common display element. For this reason, by looking at the common display element, the player can roughly grasp the end time of the bonus state due to the satisfaction of the first and second end conditions, but may not be able to grasp the end time accurately, and the end time becomes ambiguous, which can give the player a sense of tension during the bonus state. Therefore, it is possible to increase the interest of the presentation regarding the end of the bonus state.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. This is a table explaining the winning probability and winning symbols in the jackpot lottery. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine. This is a flowchart for the starting gate winning confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the pass/fail determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the pass/fail determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. This is an explanatory diagram of the presentation screen and a table to explain the pre-reading reserved patterns. 13 is a flowchart of an end indication effect processing.

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

Speakers 66 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 52, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 52 is also provided with horizontal frame lamps 65 and upper frame lamps 68 that emit light in response to special effects. The horizontal frame lamps 65 and upper frame lamps 68 are equipped with LEDs that light up in a specified color. In addition, the front frame 52 is also provided with LEDs that alert players to abnormalities during gameplay.

An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed at the bottom of the front frame 52. A launching handle 64 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 63. By operating the launching handle 64 clockwise, the launching device is activated and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.
The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a coin box provided in the game parlor. In addition, a game button 67 is provided in the center of the upper tray 55.

This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards, and is provided with a ball loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a settlement display device 59 on the right side of the upper tray 55.
In addition, reference numeral 49 in Figure 1 denotes a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame to the outer frame 51. When a specified key is inserted into the cylinder lock 49 and the key is turned clockwise, the inner frame is opened, and when the key is turned counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 1 has a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b. A center case 5 is attached to the center of the game area 3, and a normal symbol activation gate 22 is installed to the right of the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, multiple types of random numbers are extracted for the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol is a winner, and a win/loss determination (normal symbol lottery) is made based on the extracted random numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

In the area on the left side of the game board 1, there are installed a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each equipped with multiple (e.g., about seven) LEDs, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 23 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 24 each consisting of four LEDs. In addition, in the area on the lower right side of the game board 1, there are installed a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of two LEDs, and a normal symbol reserved number display device 8 consisting of four LEDs.

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

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

Moreover, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, there are disposed general winning holes 25 to 27. Below the second starting hole 12 (in other words, to the right of the big winning hole 20), there is disposed a general winning hole 28, which is configured to allow game balls to enter at all times.
A large number of game pegs are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the board.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 is configured such that an inner frame 70, which detachably mounts the game board 1, is housed in the outer frame 51. The inner frame 70, like the front frame 52, is connected to a hinge 53 provided on the outer frame 51 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 3), and is installed so as to be able to open and close. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 70, and a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout unit 73 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 73. With this configuration, when a game ball enters the winning hole of the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) stored in the ball tank 71 are paid out from the payout device, and are paid out through the flow passage to the upper tray 55. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout device is configured to pay out game balls (loan balls) in response to the operation of the ball loan button 57.

The back side of the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device, and a power supply board 85. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Note that although the launch control device is not shown in Figure 3, the launch control device is located behind the payout control device 81 (on the game board 1 side).

In addition, an external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 78.
(2) Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 50 is configured with the main control device 80 as the center. Note that this block diagram does not show so-called relay boards and power supply boards that simply relay signals. Also, although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, payout control device 81, performance symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 all have a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc. Also, although the launch control device 84 and the power supply board are not provided with a CPU, ROM, or RAM, this is not limited thereto, and the launch control device 84, etc. may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from a first start port SW 11a which detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second start port SW 12a which detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal pattern operation SW 22a which detects a game ball that has entered the normal pattern operation gate 22, and a general winning port SW 25a which detects a game ball that has entered the general winning ports 25 to 28.
In addition to this, a detection signal is input from a count SW 20a for counting the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 20.

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

Furthermore, the main control unit 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 20 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 20b, and also controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal power device solenoid 12b.
The main control device 80 is also provided with a setting display device 80a, a RAM clear SW 80b, and a setting key SW 80c. The setting display device 80a, the RAM clear SW 80b, and the setting key SW 80c are arranged in positions where they cannot be seen or operated by the player, and can be seen and operated by opening the inner frame.

The setting display device 80a has a seven-segment LED display or the like. Although details will be described later, the pachinko machine of this embodiment has a setting change function for selecting one of a number of setting values, and the probability of winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery can be changed in stages according to the selected setting value. The setting display device 80a displays the current setting value. Note that a configuration without the setting display device 80a is also possible. However, in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, as an example, the setting change function is disabled and only one setting value can be selected, so the probability of winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery cannot be changed. Of course, the setting change function may be enabled and any one of a number of setting values may be set.

The RAM clear SW 80b is a switch for initializing (clearing) the RAM of the main control device 80. The RAM clear SW 80b is also used for changing set values (hereinafter also referred to as setting change).
The setting key SW 80c is a portion into which a setting key can be inserted. The setting key SW 80c has an ON state and an OFF state, and by inserting the setting key into the setting key SW 80c and turning it, it is possible to switch between the ON state and the OFF state. When the setting key SW 80c is in the ON state, it is possible to change the setting of the big win.

Furthermore, the main control device 80 is equipped with a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) (not shown) for storing the current setting values.
The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, jackpots, etc. are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.

The main control unit 80 and the dispensing control unit 81 are capable of two-way communication.
The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 30 in response to a command sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout SW 31 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a detection signal from the payout SW 31 is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 may count the prize balls.

The payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame closing SW 45, inner frame closing SW 46, ball out SW 33, payout SW 31, and full SW 32 via the rear wiring relay terminal board 75 and payout relay terminal board 76, and when the full SW 32 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the ball out SW 33 receives a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank 71, it stops the payout motor 30 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full SW 32 and ball out SW 33 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 30 when the signal is no longer output.

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

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

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

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

The functional unit as a voice control device controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by activating the sound LSI based on data for voice control, and the functional unit as a lamp control device controls the horizontal frame lamp 65 and the upper frame lamp 68 by activating the lamp driver based on data for lamp control.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to the game button 67 , and when the player operates the game button 67 , the signal is input to the sub-integrated control device 83 .

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

[Operation Description]
(1) Regarding the setting change function As described above, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is provided with a setting change function, but the setting value is fixed in advance and cannot be changed. It is also possible to set any one of a number of setting values, and the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of a jackpot occurring. The setting value is stored in a non-volatile memory in the main control device 80. When the main control device 80 is powered on, it saves the setting value stored in the non-volatile memory in the RAM, and sets the setting value as the current setting value.

In the pachinko machine 50, the settings are changed by operating the RAM clear SW 80b and the setting key SW 80c when the power is turned on. Specifically, when the RAM clear SW 80b is on and the setting key SW 80c is in the ON state, the main control unit 80 transitions to the setting change mode when the power of the pachinko machine is turned on. In the setting change mode, the current setting value is first displayed on the setting display device 80a, and each time the RAM clear SW 80b is operated, the setting value displayed on the setting display device 80a is changed in sequence. Then, when the setting key SW 80c is operated to the OFF state, the setting value displayed on the setting display device 80a at that time becomes the new current setting value of the pachinko machine 50. At this time, the main control unit 80 saves the new current setting value in a non-volatile memory, and transmits to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a setting value command indicating the current setting value and a setting change command indicating that the setting has been changed.

(2) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described. The pachinko machine 50 is configured to win a jackpot and a small jackpot in a jackpot lottery, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the large prize winning port 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds (for example, 4R or 10R). Then, after the jackpot game ends, the time-saving function, or the time-saving function and the probability variable function, are activated. Hereinafter, the game state when the time-saving function, or the time-saving function and the probability variable function are activated, is also referred to as a privilege state, and the game state that is not a privilege state is also referred to as a normal state.

The probability of winning the jackpot lottery is a function that increases the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. Hereinafter, the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is activated will be referred to as the probability of winning state or high probability state, and the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is not activated will also be referred to as the low probability state. The probability of winning the jackpot lottery in the low probability state and high probability state are 1/300 and 1/30, respectively (see Figure 5 (a)).

On the other hand, the time-saving function is a function that increases the frequency of the second special symbol jackpot lottery. Specifically, when the time-saving function is activated, the variable display time of the special symbol on the special symbol display device is shortened. In this embodiment, when the time-saving function is activated, the electric support function is also activated, making it easier to enter the second starting hole 12. In other words, when the electric support function is activated, the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery increases, the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when the normal symbol lottery is won becomes longer, and the variable display time on the normal symbol display device 7 when the normal symbol lottery is held becomes shorter. Of course, the electric support function may not be activated when the time-saving function is activated. Hereinafter, the game state in which the time-saving function is activated will be referred to as the time-saving state.

During the time-saving state, it becomes easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, and the frequency of the lottery for the big win on the second special chart increases. For this reason, during the time-saving state, players hit to the right and aim to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, when the time-saving state is not in effect, it becomes difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, when the time-saving state is not in effect, players hit to the left and aim to land the ball in the first starting hole 11.

The pachinko machine 50 wins a small win in the big win lottery of the second special chart, and when a small win occurs, the special chart corresponding to the small win is displayed on the second special chart display device 10. It is also possible to win a small win in the big win lottery of the first special chart. When a small win occurs, the big prize opening 20 is opened multiple times (for example, twice) for a short period of time. It is to be noted that the opening time of the big prize opening 20 due to a small win is short, and it is difficult for a ball to enter the big prize opening 20, so winning a prize ball due to a small win is not possible.

The pachinko machine 50 has multiple termination conditions for the bonus state, and when at least one of these termination conditions is subordinated, the bonus state ends. In this embodiment, as an example, a first and second termination condition are provided. The first termination condition is that the number of jackpot draws (in other words, the variable display of the special chart) performed during the bonus state reaches the continuation number. The second termination condition is that the number of small wins that have occurred in the jackpot draws during the bonus state reaches the maximum number of small wins.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, multiple types of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot symbols) are provided to be displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 when a jackpot occurs. In other words, multiple types of jackpots are provided, and the type of jackpot is determined by the jackpot symbol. As shown in Figs. 5(b) and (c), the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the end conditions of the bonus state after the jackpot game are determined according to the jackpot symbol. Specifically, the jackpot symbols on special symbol 1 are divided into special 1 jackpot symbols 1 and 2, and the jackpot symbols on special symbol 2 are divided into special 2 jackpot symbols 1 to 3. Each of these divisions includes multiple types of jackpot symbols.

A jackpot with a jackpot pattern of Special 1 jackpot pattern 2 or Special 2 jackpot pattern 2, 3 is configured as a guaranteed jackpot, and the guaranteed jackpot function and the time-saving function are activated after the jackpot game caused by the guaranteed jackpot. On the other hand, a jackpot with a jackpot pattern of Special 1 jackpot pattern 1 or Special 2 jackpot pattern 1 is configured as a time-saving jackpot, and after the jackpot game caused by the time-saving jackpot, the guaranteed jackpot function is not activated but the time-saving function is activated. In addition to these jackpots, a normal jackpot that returns to the normal state after the jackpot game ends may also be provided.

In addition, if the jackpot pattern belongs to the special 1 jackpot pattern 2 and the special 2 jackpot pattern 2, 3, the number of continuations for the first end condition is 100, and the maximum number of small hits for the second end condition is 4. On the other hand, if the jackpot pattern belongs to the special 1 jackpot pattern 1 and the special 2 jackpot pattern 1, the number of continuations for the first end condition is 25, and the maximum number of small hits for the second end condition is 1, or the number of continuations is 50 and the maximum number of small hits is 2, or the number of continuations is 100 and the maximum number of small hits is 4.

(3) Time-saving function In the pachinko machine 50 of the present embodiment, when a time-saving start condition set for a jackpot lottery is satisfied, the pachinko machine 50 transitions to a time-saving state. Specifically, when a time-saving win occurs or when the continuous time-saving function is activated, the time-saving start condition is satisfied.
That is, in this embodiment, a time-saving pattern is provided as the first special pattern, and when the time-saving pattern is displayed as a fixed pattern in the variable display of the first special pattern during the normal state, a time-saving win occurs and the game transitions to the time-saving state. As an example, the probability of winning the time-saving win is 1/150 (see FIG. 5(a)). However, this probability can be determined as appropriate. In addition, as an example, the time-saving state has a first end condition of 20 times of continuation, and a second end condition of 1 time of maximum small wins. However, the end condition can be determined as appropriate. In addition, multiple time-saving patterns may be provided, and the end condition may be determined according to the type of the time-saving pattern that is displayed as a fixed pattern.

In addition, the time-saving pattern may be provided not only for the first special chart but also for the second special chart, so that the time-saving winning may occur in the jackpot lottery for the second special chart. As a result, when the jackpot lottery is held based on the remaining reserve of the second special chart after the time-saving state ends, there is a chance to acquire the time-saving state in addition to the jackpot. Therefore, even if the time-saving state ends without a jackpot, there is still hope that the time-saving state will be restored. In addition, the remaining reserve means the reserved memory that exists after the time-saving state ends and that was generated during the time-saving state. Furthermore, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins in the end condition when the time-saving state is transitioned to the time-saving state by winning the time-saving of the second special chart may be greater than the number of continuations in the end condition of the time-saving winning of the first special chart. In addition, the probability of winning the time-saving of the second special chart may be higher than the probability of winning the time-saving of the first special chart. This increases the expectation of acquiring the time-saving state by consuming the remaining reserve.

In addition, when the number of consecutive occurrences of jackpot lotteries that have resulted in a lottery result other than a jackpot (in other words, jackpot lotteries that do not result in a jackpot game) during the continuation of the low probability state, the pachinko machine 50 activates the continuous time-saving function and the time-saving function is activated. The upper limit number may be 800 times, for example. The upper limit number may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 750 times to 900 times. In addition, when the time-saving state is transitioned to by the continuous time-saving function, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins of the termination conditions of the time-saving state are greater than the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins of the termination conditions of the time-saving state transitioned to by the jackpot and time-saving winning. In this embodiment, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins of the termination conditions of the time-saving state transitioned to by the activation of the continuous time-saving function are, for example, 1140 times and 47 times. However, the number of continuations can be set appropriately within a range of 1,140 times or less, as an example, and the maximum number of small wins can also be set appropriately.

(4) Extension of the time-saving state The above-mentioned time-saving start conditions may be satisfied during the time-saving state, and in such a case, the time-saving state may be extended and the remaining number of big win lotteries and/or the remaining number of small wins that may occur until the end of the time-saving state may be added. Hereinafter, the end condition of the time-saving state when the time-saving start condition is satisfied is also referred to as the current end condition, and the end condition of the time-saving state to which the transition occurs due to the newly satisfied time-saving start condition is also referred to as the new end condition.

Specifically, when the time-saving start condition is satisfied during the time-saving state, for example, the count of the big win lottery and the small win that occurred during the time-saving state may be initialized (hereinafter, the addition process 1). In other words, the remaining number of the big win lottery and the small win that can occur during the time-saving state may be added by setting the remaining number of these numbers as the continuation number of the current end condition and the maximum number of small wins, respectively.
In addition, it is assumed that the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins under the new termination condition are small, such as when a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state. In such a case, when the addition process 1 is performed, the number of added jackpot draws and small wins will be greater than the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins under the new termination condition, and the player may be given an excessive number of benefits. For this reason, when a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins under the new termination condition may be added to the remaining number of jackpot draws and small wins.

In addition, when the time-saving start condition is satisfied during the time-saving state, for example, the end condition of the time-saving state may be changed from the current end condition to a new end condition, and further, the count of the big win lottery and small wins that occurred during the time-saving state may be initialized (hereinafter, "addition process 2"). In other words, the remaining number of big win lotteries and small wins may be added on by setting these remaining numbers as the continuation number and maximum number of small wins of the new end condition.

It is anticipated that there will be cases where the number of continuations for the new end condition and the maximum number of time-saving times are less than the number of remaining jackpot draws and small jackpots when the time-saving start condition is met, such as when a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state. If the add-on process 2 is performed in such a case, the number of remaining jackpot draws and small jackpots during the time-saving state will actually decrease. For this reason, when a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state, the remaining number of jackpot draws and small jackpots may be maintained without performing the add-on process 2.

In addition, when the time-saving start condition is satisfied during the time-saving state, for example, the number of continuations of the end condition may be updated to the sum of the number of continuations of the current end condition and the number of continuations of the new end condition while maintaining the count of the jackpot lottery and small jackpots that occurred during the current time-saving state, and the maximum number of small jackpots of the end condition may be updated to the sum of the maximum number of small jackpots of the current end condition and the maximum number of small jackpots of the new end condition (hereinafter, "addition process 3"). In other words, the remaining number of jackpot lotteries and small jackpots at the time the time-saving start condition is satisfied may be added to the number of continuations of the new end condition and the maximum number of small jackpots, respectively, to determine the new remaining number of jackpot lotteries and small jackpots.

In this embodiment, as an example, when the continuous time-saving function is activated during the time-saving state, the addition process 2 is performed, but if a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state, the remaining number of times is not added. However, this is not limited to this, and when the continuous time-saving function is activated during the time-saving state, the addition process 1 or 3 may be performed, or the remaining number of times may not be added. Also, if a time-saving win occurs during the time-saving state, any of the addition processes 1 to 3 may be performed.

(5) Main Routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.
In S10, the main control unit 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: no), the process proceeds to S15.

In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I/O, etc., and then proceeds to S70.
On the other hand, if a positive judgment is obtained in S10, the main control unit 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), updates the random number for determining a win (S35), updates the random number for reach judgment (S40), and updates the random number for determining a variation pattern (S45).

The main control device 80 then performs a winning confirmation process to detect the entry of a game ball into a winning hole such as the starting hole (S50), a winning/losing determination process to draw a jackpot lottery based on the winning ball entering the starting hole (S55), various output processes to send data and commands to the sub integrated control device 83 etc. and to send various information to the hall computer 87 etc. (S60), and a fraud monitoring process to detect fraudulent activity by players (S65).

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

(6) Start Port Winning Confirmation Processing Next, the start port winning confirmation processing, which detects winnings at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 and performs reserved storage in response to the winnings, will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. This processing is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation processing executed from the main routine.

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

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

In S110, the main control unit 80 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot related to the first reserved memory (in other words, the first numerical data) is a specific value, and performs a look-ahead to determine whether a jackpot will occur in the jackpot lottery based on the first reserved memory, whether a specific reach will occur in the pattern presentation that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, and whether a time-saving win will occur, for each of the high probability state and low probability state. Then, a look-ahead command indicating the look-ahead result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

In addition to this, for example, a read-ahead may be performed based on the extracted random number before storing the random number as the first reserved memory, or the extracted random number may be stored in a memory area separate from the memory area provided for the first reserved memory, and a read-ahead may be performed based on the random number stored in the separate memory area.
In S115, the main control device 80 judges, based on the detection signal of the second start hole SW 12a, whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12. If the judgment is affirmative (S115: yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the judgment is negative (S115: no), the process ends.

In S120, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (second reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the second starting port 12 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S120: yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S120: no), the process proceeds to S125.
In S125, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for judging a reach, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. Then, the main control device 80 stores the extracted random numbers as second reserved memories, generates a second reserved number command indicating how many second reserved memories have been generated, and transmits it to the sub integrated control device 83, and ends this process.

In addition, the main control unit 80 may perform the above-mentioned look-ahead on the random numbers for determining a jackpot related to the second reserved memory (in other words, the second numerical data) and send a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control unit 83.
(7) Win/lose Judgment Process Next, the win/lose judgment process for performing a jackpot lottery using the jackpot determination random numbers related to the reserved memory will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 8 to 12. This process is executed from the main routine. After the end of this process, the jackpot game process for playing the jackpot game is executed.

First, in Fig. 8, in S200, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S200: yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S200: no), the process proceeds to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S205: yes), the process proceeds to S320 in FIG. 11, and if the judgment is negative (S205: no), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S210: yes), the process proceeds to S330 in Fig. 12, and if the judgment is negative (S210: no), the process proceeds to S215 in Fig. 9.
Next, with regard to FIG. 9, in S215, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a first pending memory and a second pending memory exist, and if either pending memory exists (S215: yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if not (S215: no), the process terminates.

In S220, if a second reserved memory exists, the main control unit 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if a second reserved memory does not exist and only a first reserved memory exists, the main control unit 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. In other words, in this embodiment, the second reserved memory is consumed with priority. However, this is not limited to the above, and the first generated first or second reserved memory may be selected.

In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: no), the process proceeds to S235.
In S230, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a jackpot will be won in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot determination related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing determination table (probability variable table) corresponding to the probability variable state, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a jackpot will be obtained in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot judgment related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the case where the probability of winning is not increased, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.
In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: yes), the processing proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: no), the processing proceeds to S265 in FIG. 10.

In S245, the main control device 80 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol, each jackpot symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.
In S250, the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol based on the variation pattern determination random number related to the consumed reserved memory and the variation pattern table. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol is registered in the variation pattern table, and the variation time of the special symbol is determined by selecting one of the variation times registered in the variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random number. In this embodiment, a time-saving variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is activated and a normal variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is not activated are provided. The average value of the variation time registered in the time-saving variation pattern table is smaller than the average value of the variation time registered in the normal variation pattern table.

In this embodiment, the time-saving state is entered due to three factors: a jackpot, the activation of the continuous time-saving function, and winning the time-saving prize. A different time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to each factor may be provided. Furthermore, as time-saving fluctuation pattern tables corresponding to each factor, a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a high probability state and a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a low probability state may be provided. The average value of the fluctuation time registered in each time-saving fluctuation pattern table may be different. During the time-saving state, the fluctuation time of the special chart may be determined using a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the factor for entering the time-saving state and the presence or absence of the activation of the special fluctuation function. Of course, during the time-saving state, the same time-saving fluctuation pattern table may be used regardless of the factor for entering the time-saving state.

In the following S255, the main control unit 80 determines the type of jackpot, the total number of rounds of jackpot play, the game state after the jackpot play, the number of continuations in the end conditions of the bonus state, the maximum number of small jackpots, etc. based on the jackpot pattern, and then transitions to processing at S260.
On the other hand, in S265 of FIG. 10, which is entered when it is determined in S240 that the jackpot lottery has been lost, the main control device 80 determines whether the probability variable flag is cleared, and in the following S270, determines whether the continuous counter is greater than 0. If a positive determination is obtained in S265 and S270, the main control device 80 proceeds to S275 to decrement the continuous counter, and in the following S280, determines whether the continuous counter is 0, and if a positive determination is obtained (S280: yes), proceeds to S285 to activate the continuous time-shortening function. If a negative determination is obtained in S265 or S270, and if a negative determination is obtained in S280, the main control device 80 proceeds to S295.

The consecutive counter counts the number of consecutive times while the low probability state continues, and is used to determine whether the number of consecutive times has reached the upper limit. An upper limit is set in the consecutive counter when the pachinko machine 50 is initialized by turning on the power or when a jackpot occurs. When the number of consecutive times reaches the upper limit, the consecutive counter becomes 0, the consecutive time-saving function is activated to transition to the time-saving state, and after the consecutive time-saving function is activated, the upper limit is not set in the consecutive counter until a new jackpot occurs. Therefore, once the consecutive time-saving function is activated, even if the time-saving state to which the function was activated ends, the consecutive counter remains at 0 until a new jackpot occurs. Therefore, in S270, it is determined whether the time-saving state has been transitioned to by the activation of the consecutive time-saving function.

In S285, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change based on the random numbers for reaching the goal, the random numbers for determining the change pattern, the change pattern table, etc., related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. In the following S290, the main control unit 80 sets the end conditions for the new time-saving state to which the time-saving function will be newly entered in order to activate the continuous time-saving function or to activate the time-saving function by winning the time-saving function, and then proceeds to S260 in FIG. 9.

On the other hand, in S295, the main control unit 80 judges whether or not a time-saving winning has occurred based on the random number for determining a jackpot related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. If the judgment is positive (S295: yes), the main control unit 80 decides to confirm and display the time-saving pattern (S300) and proceeds to S305. Note that if multiple types of time-saving patterns are provided, the type of time-saving pattern to be confirmed and displayed may be determined based on the random number for determining a jackpot, or the random number for determining a jackpot and the random number for determining a jackpot pattern. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S295: no), proceeds to S307.

In S305, the main control device 80 determines whether the game state is normal or not, and if a positive determination is obtained (S305: yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if a negative determination is obtained (S305: no), the process proceeds to S307.
In S307, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a small win has occurred in the big win lottery, and if a positive determination is obtained (S307: yes), the process proceeds to S310, and if a negative determination is obtained (S307: no), the process proceeds to S315.

In S310, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change when a small win occurs, etc., based on the reach judgment random number, the change pattern determination random number, the change pattern table, etc., related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. Then, in the following S312, the main control unit 80 performs a lottery for a big win that may occur during the bonus state, updates the counter indicating the remaining number of small wins, etc., and transitions to processing at S260 in FIG. 9.

Meanwhile, in S315, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change when a miss occurs, etc., based on the reach judgment random number, the change pattern determination random number, the change pattern table, etc., related to the pending memory that has been consumed. Then, in the following S317, the main control unit 80 updates the counter indicating the jackpot lottery that may occur during the bonus state, and transitions to S260 in FIG. 9.

In S260, the main control device 80 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 a first reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after the big win drawing, and a second reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after the big win drawing. It also starts the display of the special pattern corresponding to the consumed reserved memory, and starts the pattern display by transmitting a change start command to the sub-integrated control device 83 indicating the change time of the special pattern, etc. Furthermore, it transmits a pattern designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to specify the display pattern to be stopped, and ends this process.

Next, with regard to FIG. 11, in S320, which is entered during the varying display of the first or second special chart, the main control unit 80 determines whether the variation time of the special chart has elapsed or not, and if the determination is positive (S320: yes), the process proceeds to S325, and if the determination is negative (S320: no), the process is terminated.
In S325, the main control unit 80 ends the varying display of the special chart, displays the confirmed pattern of the special chart, and sends a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to cause the confirmed display of the performance pattern, and ends this processing.

12, in S330, which is performed during the confirmation display of the special image, the main control device 80 judges whether the duration of the confirmation display of the special image has ended. If the result is positive (S330: yes), the process proceeds to S335, and if the result is negative (S330: no), the process ends.
In S335, the main control unit 80 ends the confirmation display of the special drawing and transitions to S340.

In S340, the main control unit 80 determines whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is the one that will be displayed at the time of a jackpot, and if the determination is positive (S340: yes), the process proceeds to S345, and if the determination is negative (S340: no), the process proceeds to S380.
In S345, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag which indicates that the game is in a high probability state, and if the high probability flag is set, clears the high probability flag (S350), and then proceeds to S355.

In S355, the main control device 80 refers to a time-shortening flag indicating that the time-shortening state is in effect, and if the time-shortening flag is set, clears the time-shortening flag (S360), and then transitions to processing at S365.
Then, the main control unit 80 executes a condition device operation start process (S365) and a role device continuous operation device operation start process (S370), and sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 notifying the player of the win in the jackpot lottery, as well as a command to notify the player of the type of jackpot game and the contents of the bonus, etc. (S375), and then ends this process.

On the other hand, in S380, which is reached if a negative judgment is obtained in S340, the main control unit 80 judges whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is for a small win. If the judgment is positive (S380: yes), the small win flag is set (S385) and processing proceeds to S390, and if the judgment is negative (S380: no), processing proceeds to S390.

In S390, the main control device 80 refers to the probability change flag and the time-saving flag to determine whether or not the special state is in effect. If the result is positive (S390: yes), the process proceeds to S395, and if the result is negative (S390: no), the process proceeds to S410.
In S395, the main control device 80 judges whether or not at least one of the first and second ending conditions is satisfied based on the remaining number of big wins and small wins that may occur during the special state. If the judgment is affirmative (S390: yes), the probability change flag and the time-saving flag are cleared (S400), and the process proceeds to S410. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S390: no), the process proceeds to S410.

In S410, the main control device 80 judges whether or not the continuous time-saving function or the time-saving function due to the time-saving winning is to be activated. If a positive judgment is obtained (S410: yes), the process proceeds to S415, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S410: no), the process proceeds to S430.
In S415, the main control unit 80 sets a time-saving flag, and in the following S420, it sets the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the time-saving state entered by the activation of the continuous time-saving function or winning the time-saving function, and then proceeds to S430.

In S430, the main control unit 80 executes a state designation command sending process to send a state designation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the current game state, the number of remaining special mode rounds, and the number of remaining time-saving mode rounds, and then terminates this process.
(8) Big Win Game Processing Next, the big win game processing for performing the big win game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 16. This processing is executed following the win/loss determination processing.

In S500, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role object is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being executed. If the judgment is affirmative (S500: yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S500: no), the process proceeds to S540.
In S510, the main control device 80 determines whether the large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S510: yes), the process proceeds to S550 in FIG. 14, and if the determination is negative (S510: no), the process proceeds to S515.

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

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

On the other hand, in S540, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a small win has occurred (in other words, whether or not the small win flag is 1). If a positive judgment is obtained (S540: yes), the process proceeds to S542, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S540: no), the process ends.
In S542, the main control device 80 performs a large prize opening process in which the large prize opening 20 is opened twice over a short period of time (in other words, a small prize game is played), and then proceeds to S544.

In S544, the main control device 80 judges whether the small win game has ended, and if a positive judgment is obtained (S544: yes), the small win flag is set to 0 (S546) and the process ends. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is obtained (S544: no), the process ends.
14, in S550, which is performed while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 has reached 10. If the judgment is affirmative (S550: yes), the process proceeds to S560, and if the judgment is negative (S550: no), the process proceeds to S555.

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

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

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

In S620, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20, and increments the opening counter indicating the number of rounds (S625), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may transmit a command indicating a new round to the sub integrated control device 83.
Next, with regard to Figure 16, in S645, which is entered during the end presentation of the jackpot game, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time for the end presentation has ended, and if the determination is positive (S645: yes), the process proceeds to S650, and if the determination is negative (S645: no), the process terminates.

In the following steps S650 and S655, the main control device 80 stops the reel continuous operation device and the condition device, and transfers processing to S660.
In S660, the main control device 80 judges whether the game state after the big win game is the high probability state and the time-saving state. If the judgment is affirmative (S660: yes), the process proceeds to S665, and if the judgment is negative (S660: no), the process proceeds to S680.

In S665, the main control device 80 sets the number of continuations, the maximum number of small wins, etc., in the first and second ending conditions previously determined according to the big win symbols. In addition, the probability variable flag and the time-saving flag are set (S670), and the process proceeds to S695.
On the other hand, in S680, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time-saving state will be entered after the end of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S680: yes), the processing proceeds to S685, and if the determination is negative (S680: no), the processing proceeds to S695.

In S685, the main control device 80 sets the number of continuations, the maximum number of small wins, etc., in the first and second ending conditions previously determined according to the big win symbols. In addition, the time-saving flag is set (S690), and the process proceeds to S695.
In S695 and S700, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the end conditions of the bonus state, and then ends this processing.

(9) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance symbol control device 82 and the like based on a command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen 800 of the performance symbol display device 6 and the speaker 66. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a pattern performance 801 that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery on the performance screen 800 based on a variable start command from the main control device 80 (see FIG. 17(a)). In the pattern performance 801, as an example, a variable display of three performance symbols is performed, and after all of these performance symbols are displayed as stopped, the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by displaying them as fixed. In addition, as a mode of the pattern performance 801, a reach that suggests or notifies the winning of the jackpot lottery is provided. In addition, the reach is provided with a normal reach that has a low expectation (in other words, a probability) of winning the jackpot lottery, and a SP reach that has a high expectation. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a reserved performance 803 in which reserved symbols corresponding to the first and second reserved memories are displayed on the performance screen 800 based on a reserved number command or the like from the main control device 80. In addition, when the reserved memory is consumed, a changing performance is performed in which a changing symbol 805 is displayed in place of the reserved symbol corresponding to the reserved memory.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may, for example, display on the display screen 800, together with a pattern display 801, a preview display that suggests or notifies the player that a jackpot will occur in a jackpot lottery whose result is announced by the pattern display 801.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a look-ahead performance that suggests or notifies the result of the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory, for example, based on a look-ahead command corresponding to the first or second reserved memory received from the main control device 80, before the reserved memory (hereinafter, the target reserved memory) is consumed. The look-ahead performance is performed together with one or more pattern performances that are performed until the target reserved memory is consumed. In this embodiment, the look-ahead performance corresponding to the first and second reserved memories is performed, but the configuration may be such that only the look-ahead performance corresponding to the first reserved memory is performed. Details of the look-ahead performance will be described later.

As one of the above-mentioned effects, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a jackpot effect that notifies the progress of the jackpot game via the effect screen based on a command from the main control device 80. The jackpot effect is performed in a manner that corresponds to, for example, the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game, and displays, for example, the current round, the total number of winning balls won by the player in the jackpot game, the difference in number of balls in the jackpot game, and the total number of winning balls and the difference in number of balls in the jackpot game played during the winning streak. The difference in number of balls means the total number of winning balls minus the number of game balls shot.

The pachinko machine 50 has multiple types of presentation modes, and various presentations such as the above-mentioned pattern presentations are performed in presentation styles corresponding to the presentation modes. The presentation mode is determined, for example, according to the current game state. In this embodiment, the presentation modes include a normal mode and a bonus mode. The normal mode is a presentation mode to which the game state is switched when the game state is in a normal state. On the other hand, the bonus mode is switched to when the game state switches to a bonus state, and when the bonus state ends and the game state switches to a normal state, the bonus mode ends and the game state switches to the normal mode.

In this embodiment, the bonus modes include a time-saving mode and a probability-changing mode. The time-saving mode is entered when the game state is in a low probability state and a time-saving state, and the probability-changing mode is entered when the game state is in a high probability state and a time-saving state.
Also, multiple types of normal modes may be provided, and the type of normal mode to which the game is transferred may be switched at the start of the normal state, or the type of normal mode may be switched during the normal state. Similarly, multiple types of time-saving modes may be provided, or multiple types of probability-changing modes may be provided. And, for example, the type of the bonus mode to which the game is transferred may be switched depending on the number of consecutive big win games.

(10) About the end suggestion effect As described above, the time-saving mode (in other words, the low probability state and the time-saving state) ends when one of the first end condition that the number of big win lotteries reaches the number of continuations and the second end condition that the number of small wins in the big win lottery reaches the maximum number of small wins is satisfied. Then, during the time-saving mode, an end suggestion effect is performed to suggest the end of the time-saving mode. In the end suggestion effect, the end time of the time-saving mode due to the satisfaction of the first end condition (in other words, the remaining duration of the time-saving mode) and the end time of the time-saving mode due to the satisfaction of the second end condition are suggested using a common display element displayed on the effect screen.

Note that the first and second end conditions are not necessarily satisfied at the same time, and the end time of the time-saving mode due to the satisfaction of the first end condition (hereinafter, the first end time) may differ from the end time of the time-saving mode due to the satisfaction of the second end condition (hereinafter, the second end time). For this reason, the end time suggested by the end suggestion effect does not necessarily reflect both the first and second end times at the same time, and the end suggestion effect may suggest the approximate first and second end times.

In addition, the end suggestion effect may further suggest that the first end condition is satisfied by a newly generated big win lottery and the time-saving mode is ended, and that the second end condition is satisfied by a newly generated small win and the time-saving mode is ended. These suggestions may be realized by performing the end suggestion effect in different ways.
In addition, the end suggestion effect may be set to intentionally suggest an inaccurate end time (so-called false end time) with a certain probability. By doing so, it is possible to make the end time of the time-saving mode unclear, and it is possible to give the player a sense of tension and to entertain the player during the time-saving mode.

In addition, in the symbol presentation 801, the occurrence of a big win or a small win is notified by the combination of the decidedly displayed presentation symbols, but when the end suggestion presentation is being performed, the occurrence of a small win may not be notified by the symbol presentation 801. By doing so, it becomes difficult for the player to grasp the second end time, and the presentation effect of the end suggestion presentation can be enhanced.
Also, during the probability variation mode (in other words, during the high probability state and the time-saving state), an end suggestion effect suggesting the end of the probability variation mode may be performed in the same manner, or an end suggestion effect may be performed during the probability variation mode instead of during the time-saving mode. Also, a special state may be provided in which the probability variation function operates but the time-saving function does not operate, and an end suggestion effect suggesting the end of the special state may be performed in the same manner during the special state.

(11) Specific Example of End Suggestion Effects In this embodiment, as an example, the common display elements in the end suggestion effects are a bar graph 810 and an attack from a monster 820 to a protagonist 830. In other words, a specific image displayed on the effect screen 800 is used as the common display element (see FIGS. 17(a) to 17(d)).

The bar graph 810 indicates the maximum HP of the main character 830 by the length of the frame, and indicates the HP of the main character 830 by the length of the bar within the frame. When the length of the bar reaches 0, the HP becomes 0. When the time-saving mode ends, the HP becomes 0, and the remaining HP indicates the time when the time-saving mode will end. When a big win lottery or a small win occurs, the monster 820 attacks the main character 830, and when the main character 830 is attacked by the monster 820, damage is caused to the main character 830 and the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 decreases. The decrease in HP indicates that the time when the time-saving mode will end is approaching and the remaining duration of the time-saving mode has decreased. Note that there may be cases where the main character 830 is not damaged and the HP does not decrease despite an attack, and there may be cases where no attack is performed despite a big win lottery or a small win.

As an example, there are three types of attacks: a large attack, a medium attack, and a small attack, and the amount of damage to the main character 830 varies depending on the type of attack. Specifically, a large attack causes the most damage, and a small attack causes the least damage. The type of attack indicates the HP after the attack, and a large hit or small hit drawn when the attack occurs indicates the end of the time-saving mode.

When a small hit occurs, a big hit lottery will naturally occur, but when a small hit occurs during the bonus state, the number of small hits is counted to determine whether the second end condition is met, and the big hit lottery is also counted to determine whether the first end condition is met. However, with regard to the end suggestion effect, when a small hit occurs, the content of the end suggestion effect is determined as if the small hit had newly occurred, rather than the big hit lottery in which the small hit occurred. Of course, this is not limited to this, and for example, when the number of remaining big hit lotteries that can occur during the time-saving mode is low, the content of the end suggestion effect may be determined as if a new big hit lottery has occurred when a small hit occurs.

Next, a specific example of an end indication effect during the time-saving mode when the end condition is 100 continuations and the maximum number of small wins is 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 17(a), the maximum HP of the main character 830 is set to 200 as an example. Then, for example, when a big win lottery is performed during the time-saving mode, the monster 820 may perform a small attack on the main character 830, and the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may decrease slightly (by 1 to 3 points as an example) in response to the small attack (FIG. 17(b)).

Then, depending on subsequent attacks, etc., the HP indicated by bar graph 810 is gradually reduced, and when the HP indicated by bar graph 810 becomes sufficiently small, the time-saving mode is ended (in other words, the number of continuations is reached). When a jackpot lottery occurs, a small attack can be used to cause the HP indicated by bar graph 810 to become 0.
Also, for example, by providing a case where the damage of an attack is 0 during the time-saving mode, or a case where no attack is made even if a big win lottery or a small win occurs, the bar graph 810 may show a high HP (for example, 200) until just before the end of the time-saving mode. Then, when the big win lottery that ends the time-saving mode occurs while the HP is high, a big attack may be made, and the HP shown by the bar graph 810 may be set to 0 on one side (see FIG. 17(c)).

For example, when a small hit occurs during the time-saving mode, the monster 820 may perform a medium attack on the main character 830 (FIG. 17(d)). The HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may be significantly reduced in response to the medium attack, and the HP may be reduced to 0 after a predetermined number of medium attacks (hereafter, X). In other words, when a medium attack is performed, the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may be reduced by about maximum value/X, and when a small hit occurs that ends the time-saving mode, the Xth medium attack may be performed to reduce the HP to 0, indicating that the time-saving mode is ending. In this specific example, the value of X is set to 4, which is the maximum number of small hits in the second ending condition. However, the value of X is not limited to this, and may be any value of 2 or more.

In addition, depending on the remaining number of jackpot draws and small wins that can occur during the time-saving mode, the second condition may not be satisfied even if a small win occurs. More specifically, in the above specific example, if the remaining number of jackpot draws is less than four and the remaining number of small wins is four, the second condition will not be satisfied even if a small win occurs during the time-saving mode. In such a case, the damage when a medium attack is performed in response to the occurrence of a small win may be set to 0.

In this way, in the above specific example, the small attack and large attack that are performed when the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 is a predetermined value suggest that the first end condition will be satisfied and the time-saving mode will end due to a newly occurring large win lottery. Similarly, the medium attack that is performed when the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 is a predetermined value suggests that the second end condition will be satisfied and the time-saving mode will end due to a newly occurring small win.

When a small hit occurs, a small attack or a large attack may be performed in the same manner as when a big hit is drawn. Here, when a small attack is performed when a small hit occurs, it is preferable to make the damage to the main character 830 greater (for example, about 10 points) than when a big hit is drawn. When a big hit is drawn, a medium attack may be performed in the same manner as when a small hit occurs. In this case, it is preferable to make the damage to the main character 830 smaller than when a medium attack is performed due to a small hit.

As described above, the HP indicated by bar graph 810 indicates the first and second end times, but in order to prevent the gap between the end time indicated by the end indication effect and each of the first and second end times from becoming too large, whether or not an attack will be carried out is determined based on, for example, the type of attack, the amount of damage caused by the attack, and the occurrence of a big win or small win.
In the above specific example, the bar graph 810 and the attack from the monster 820 to the protagonist 830 are used as the above-mentioned common display element in the end suggestion performance. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, one of the bar graph 810 and the attack may be used as the common display element. Also, various images displayed on the performance screen 800 may be used as the common display element. Specifically, for example, instead of the bar graph 810, the HP of the protagonist 830 may be indicated by the display mode of the protagonist 830 (for example, the degree of fatigue of the protagonist, etc.). Also, in addition to the performance screen 800, for example, light irradiated by a light-emitting body such as an LED or a lamp, or an image projected on a light guide plate may be used as the common display element. Even in the case of such a configuration, the same effect can be obtained.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, a big win may cause a transition to a time-saving mode in which the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins in the end condition are 50 and 2, or 25 and 1. In addition, in the time-saving mode in which a time-saving win occurs, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins in the end condition are 20 and 1, and in the time-saving mode transitioned to by the activation of the continuous time-saving function, the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins in the end condition are 1,140 and 47.

When performing an end indication effect in these time-saving modes, the length of the frame of the bar graph 810 may be changed according to the number of continuations and the maximum number of small hits, and the maximum HP value indicated by the bar graph 810 may be changed. This allows the number of continuations and the maximum number of small hits to be indicated by the bar graph 810. In addition, the maximum HP value indicated by the bar graph 810 may be set to 200 regardless of the number of continuations and the maximum number of small hits. Then, the damage caused by each type of attack may be appropriately adjusted according to the number of continuations and the maximum number of small hits so that the end of the time-saving mode is appropriately indicated. This makes it difficult to grasp the number of continuations and the maximum number of small hits during the time-saving mode, which can be enjoyed by the player.

As described above, when the time-saving start conditions are met during the time-saving mode, the remaining number of jackpot draws and small wins that can occur during the time-saving mode may be added. In such a case, the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may be increased according to the remaining number of added-on draws. At this time, if the remaining number of jackpot draws and small wins after the addition is equal to or greater than the number of continuations and the maximum number of small wins under the end conditions before the addition, the bar graph 810 may be made full as shown in FIG. 17(a), or the frame of the bar graph 810 may be lengthened while the bar graph 810 is made full.

(12) Regarding other termination conditions In the present embodiment, the time-saving mode is terminated when the first or second termination condition is satisfied. However, the time-saving mode may be terminated when another termination condition is satisfied instead of or in addition to the first or second termination condition.
Specifically, for example, the pachinko machine 50 may be provided with a normal jackpot that does not transition to the time-saving state or the probability variable state after the jackpot game as the jackpot of the second special chart. In this case, the occurrence of the normal jackpot corresponds to the end condition of the time-saving mode.

When such an end condition is provided, in the end indication performance, when a normal jackpot occurs in the jackpot lottery during the time-saving mode, for example, a large attack may be performed as shown in FIG. 17(c), and the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may be set to 0 on one side. In addition, for example, the second reserved memory in which a normal jackpot occurs may be identified by a look-ahead command, and in the end indication performance, when a jackpot lottery is performed based on the second reserved memory that is consumed before the second reserved memory, a medium attack may be performed as shown in FIG. 17(d). And when a jackpot lottery is performed based on the second reserved memory in which a normal jackpot occurs, a medium attack may also be performed, and the HP indicated by the bar graph 810 may be set to 0 by the medium attack.

In addition to a normal jackpot, other conditions for ending the time-saving mode may include, for example, the number of normal drawing rounds held during the time-saving mode reaching a predetermined number, or the ball entering a predetermined winning slot.
(13) End Suggestion Rendering Process Next, the end suggestion rendering process for performing the end suggestion rendering will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 18. Note that this process is periodically executed by the sub integrated control device 83.

In S900, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the game state will transition to a low probability state and time-saving state based on the state designation command etc. received from the main control device 80. Then, if a positive judgment is obtained (S900: yes), the process proceeds to S905, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S900: no), the process proceeds to S910.
In S905, the sub-integrated control device 83 shifts the presentation mode to the time-saving mode, starts the end suggestion presentation, and shifts to S910. At this time, the sub-integrated control device 83 grasps the number of continuations and the maximum number of time-savings in the first and second end conditions of the time-saving mode based on the state designation command, and sets the maximum value of HP in the end suggestion presentation, etc., based on these.

In S910, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether the presentation mode is the time-saving mode. If a positive judgment is obtained (S910: yes), the process proceeds to S915, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S910: no), the process ends.
In S915, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether a new big win lottery has been executed. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether a new fluctuation start command has been received from the main control device 80, and if a positive judgment is obtained (S915: yes), the sub-integrated control device 83 proceeds to S920, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S910: no), the sub-integrated control device 83 ends this process.

In S920, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not a small win has occurred in the big win lottery based on the newly received fluctuation start command. If a positive judgment is obtained (S920: yes), the process proceeds to S925, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S920: no), the process proceeds to S930.
In S925, the sub integrated control device 83 performs a medium attack in the end suggestion performance as described above, and proceeds to S935. Note that the sub integrated control device 83 may perform a small attack or a large attack instead of the medium attack, or may provide a case where no attack is performed.

In S930, the sub integrated control device 83 performs a small attack or a large attack in the end suggestion performance as described above, and proceeds to S935. Note that the sub integrated control device 83 may perform a medium attack instead of the small attack or the large attack, or may provide a case where no attack is performed.
In S935, the sub-integrated control device 83 reduces the remaining amount of HP indicated by the bar graph 810 of the end suggestion effect in accordance with the type of attack performed in S925 or S930, and ends this process.

[Other embodiments]
(1) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment may be configured not to have a continuous time-saving function, or may be configured not to have a time-saving winning. In other words, it may be configured to transition to a time-saving state by either the occurrence of a time-saving winning or the operation of the continuous time-saving function, or may be configured not to have a time-saving winning or continuous time-saving function. Even in such a configuration, the same effect can be obtained.

(2) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment is configured to transition to a bonus period after a jackpot game, and transition to a normal state when a predetermined number of jackpot games have been played during the bonus period. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-configured pachinko machine, and can be applied to various types of pachinko machines, such as a pachinko machine configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine, a pachinko machine equipped with a limiter function, etc.

[Correspondence to claims]
The following shows correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the claims.
The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine, and the sub-integrated control device 83, the performance pattern control device 82, and the performance pattern display device 6, etc. correspond to an example of a performance means.

In addition, S415 of the correct/incorrect determination process corresponds to an example of a transition means, and S400 corresponds to an example of a termination means.
Furthermore, S670 and S690 of the big win game processing correspond to an example of a transition means.
In addition, the small attack and large attack in the end suggestion performance correspond to the first mode, and the medium attack corresponds to the second mode.

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

Claims (1)

A pinball game machine that judges whether a ball has won or lost based on the ball entering the starting hole,
A transition means for transitioning to a special state in which a game advantageous to the player is played;
a termination means for terminating the privileged state when any one of a plurality of different termination conditions including a first termination condition and a second termination condition is satisfied during the privileged state;
A production means for producing a production via a display device,
The termination condition is such that a first termination condition is satisfied by executing a first predetermined condition a first predetermined number of times, and a second termination condition is satisfied by executing a second predetermined number of times,
the presentation means, during the bonus state, performs the presentation indicating the time when the bonus state will end due to the satisfaction of the first end condition when the first predetermined condition is established , and the time when the bonus state will end due to the satisfaction of the second end condition when the second predetermined condition is established , using a common display element displayed on the display device;
the common display element indicates the end time of the privilege state by a decrease in a predetermined display of the display element, and indicates the end time by a decrease in the predetermined display of the display element both when the first predetermined condition is satisfied and when the second predetermined condition is satisfied;
A pinball game machine characterized by:

Images