JP7613719B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a prize draw.

Conventionally, gaming machines that perform a so-called role lottery using a game ball that has entered inside a role such as a special electric role are known, and a lottery is held to see whether the game will move to an advantageous state. The gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a distribution rotor on a crown to which a game ball that has entered a role winning port that opens upon a small win can reach via a first distribution device, a second distribution device, and a third distribution device. The distribution rotor constantly rotates around an axis in the vertical direction, and a game ball in the crown that abuts against the distribution rotor is bounced toward the peripheral wall of the crown and enters either the second V winning port or the third loss port. When a game ball enters the second V winning port, a big win game is executed in which a big win port opens in a predetermined pattern. When a game ball enters the third loss port, a big win game is not executed.

JP 2019-17689 A

In the above gaming machine, the expected longest period from when the gaming ball enters the special feature winning port until it reaches the crown and rotates inside the crown and enters either the second V winning port or the third losing port is 180,000 ms, which is quite a long time. If the gaming ball repeatedly enters the third losing port as a result of the long special feature lottery, there is a problem that the player's expectations for the special feature lottery will fade and the player's evaluation of the gaming machine may decrease.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase players' expectations for the prize draw through new gameplay features.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball entry means configured to be operable mutually between a first state in which a game ball cannot enter and a second state in which a game ball can enter more easily than in the first state; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game that operates the ball entry means from the first state to the second state when a predetermined trigger occurs; a first area and a second area which are areas into which a game ball that has entered the ball entry means can enter; a distribution area which is an area into which at least a part of the game balls that have entered the ball entry means can enter and which distributes the game balls to the first area or the second area; and a control device provided in the distribution area which prevents the game balls in the distribution area from entering the first area and which distributes the game balls to either the second area or the first area. The gaming machine provided has an allocation means that performs an allocation operation to allocate a game ball to a specific ball at least during the execution of the specific game, and an awarding means that awards a predetermined game profit when a game ball enters the first area, wherein the allocation means allows a game ball in the allocation area to enter the first area when the allocation operation is not performed, and the allocation area has a rotation area in which the game ball can rotate, the first area being provided in a central portion of the rotation area and the second area being provided outside the rotation area, and the allocation means has an axis extending in a direction protruding from the central portion of the first area and a protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the axis, and the allocation operation is performed by rotating the protrusion around the axis.

A game ball that enters the ball entry means and enters the distribution area while the distribution means is performing the distribution operation is distributed in two ways: it enters the second area or it remains in the distribution area. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the distribution area when the distribution means does not perform the distribution operation is allowed to enter the first area. In other words, a game ball that is not distributed to the second area while the distribution means is performing the distribution operation and is able to remain in the distribution area can enter the first area after the distribution operation is completed. When a game ball enters the distribution area during the distribution operation, the player watches whether the distribution operation will allow the game ball to remain in the distribution area without entering the second area. If the distribution operation is completed while the game ball has withstood the distribution operation and is still in the distribution area, the game ball can enter the first area. Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention can increase the player's expectations for the prize draw by providing a new gameplay feature in which a gaming profit is awarded if the player can withstand the allocation operation.

A gaming ball that enters the distribution area rotates in the rotation area. This rotation is performed by circling the first area and the distribution means. When a gaming ball orbiting the distribution means hits a protruding portion that rotates around an axis and heads outside the rotation area, the gaming ball enters the second area. A gaming ball that is not distributed to the second area and survives the distribution operation of the distribution means can move from the rotation area to the first area when the distribution operation ends. With this configuration, the gaming machine attracts the player's attention to the distribution operation and the movement of the gaming ball in the distribution area, and players can enjoy the new specification in which a gaming profit is awarded if the gaming ball can withstand the distribution operation.

In the first aspect, the sorting operation may be performed at a first speed, and then at a second speed slower than the first speed, and then the sorting operation may end.

The gaming machine can give the player the impression that the gaming balls are more likely to withstand the sorting operation within the sorting area when the sorting operation is performed at the second speed than when the sorting operation is performed at the first speed. By changing the speed of the sorting operation in this way before the end of the sorting operation, the gaming machine can draw the player's attention to whether the gaming balls can withstand the sorting operation within the sorting area at the end of the sorting operation.

In a first aspect, the allocation means performs the allocation operation during a specific period during which the specific game is being played, and the gaming machine is equipped with a ball entry control means for controlling the ball entry timing, which is the timing at which a gaming ball that has entered the ball entry means enters the allocation area, and the ball entry control means may set multiple timings during the specific period as the ball entry timing.

In this case, since multiple ball entry timings are set within a specific period, there are multiple times from when the game ball enters the distribution area to when the distribution operation of the distribution means ends. In other words, there are multiple times for the game ball to endure in the distribution area and be allowed to enter the first area. The shorter the time from when the game ball enters the distribution area to when the distribution operation of the distribution means ends, the shorter the time the game ball will endure in the distribution area, making it easier for the game ball to enter the first area. The gaming machine can attract the player's attention to the ball entry timing as well, thereby changing the player's sense of expectation.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball entry means configured to be operable to alternate between a first state in which a game ball cannot enter and a second state in which a game ball can enter more easily than in the first state; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game which operates the ball entry means from the first state to the second state when a predetermined trigger occurs; a first area and a second area which are areas into which a game ball that has entered the ball entry means can enter; a distribution area which is an area into which at least a part of the game balls that have entered the ball entry means can enter and which distributes the game balls to the first area or the second area; and a control device provided in the distribution area which prevents the game balls in the distribution area from entering the first area and allows the game balls to enter the second area or allows the game balls to enter the distribution area. The gaming machine provided is characterized in that it comprises an allocation means that performs, at least during the execution of the specific game, an allocation operation to determine whether a gaming ball should be left in the first area or not, and an awarding means that awards a predetermined gaming profit if a gaming ball enters the first area, wherein the allocation means allows a gaming ball in the allocation area to enter the first area when the allocation operation is not performed, and the allocation means performs the allocation operation during a specific period that is a specific period during the execution of the specific game, and comprises a ball entry control means that controls the ball entry timing, which is the timing at which a gaming ball that has entered the ball entry means enters the allocation area, and the ball entry control means sets a plurality of timings in the specific period as the ball entry timing.
A game ball that enters the ball entry means and enters the distribution area while the distribution means is performing the distribution operation is distributed in two ways: into the second area or remaining in the distribution area. On the other hand, a game ball that enters the distribution area when the distribution means does not perform the distribution operation is allowed to enter the first area. In other words, a game ball that is not distributed to the second area while the distribution means is performing the distribution operation and is able to remain in the distribution area can enter the first area after the distribution operation is completed. When a game ball enters the distribution area during the distribution operation, the player watches whether the distribution operation will allow the game ball to remain in the distribution area without entering the second area. If the distribution operation is completed while the game ball is in the distribution area after enduring the distribution operation, the game ball can enter the first area. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can increase the player's expectations for the prize draw by providing a new gaming feature in which a gaming profit is awarded if the player can withstand the allocation operation.
Since multiple ball entry timings are set within a specific period, there are multiple times from when the game ball enters the distribution area to when the distribution operation of the distribution means ends. That is, there are multiple times for the game ball to endure in the distribution area until it is allowed to enter the first area. The shorter the time from when the game ball enters the distribution area to when the distribution operation of the distribution means ends, the shorter the time the game ball will endure in the distribution area, making it easier for the game ball to enter the first area. The gaming machine can attract the player's attention to the ball entry timing as well, thereby changing the player's sense of expectation.
In a second aspect, the sorting operation may be performed at a first speed, and then at a second speed slower than the first speed, and then the sorting operation may end.
The gaming machine can give the player the impression that the game balls are more likely to endure the sorting operation within the sorting area when the sorting operation is performed at the second speed than when the sorting operation is performed at the first speed. By changing the speed of the sorting operation in this way before the end of the sorting operation, the gaming machine can attract the player's attention to whether the game balls can endure the sorting operation within the sorting area at the end of the sorting operation.

In the first and second aspects, the ball entry control means may set the ball entry timing before the start of the specific period and after the end of the specific period during the execution of the specific game.

If a gaming ball enters the distribution area while the distribution means is not performing a distribution operation, the gaming ball is allowed to enter the first area. In other words, if a gaming ball enters the distribution area during a period other than the specific period, there is a higher chance that a gaming profit will be awarded by the awarding means than if the gaming ball enters the distribution area during the specific period. The gaming machine can provide two ball entry patterns that are advantageous to the player, before and after the specific period, thereby further increasing the player's expectations.

In the first and second aspects, the distribution means may perform a preventive operation to prevent game balls in the distribution area from heading toward the second area during a period other than the specific period during which the specific game is being played.

In this case, the gaming machine prevents gaming balls that land in the allocation area during periods other than the specific period from heading toward the second area, making it easier for the ball to land in the first area, giving players a sense of security.

FIG. A front view of the game board 2. A front view of the lower center ornament 22. A front view of the lower center ornament 22. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the storage section 25. FIG. An explanatory diagram explaining the movement of a game ball that has entered the first large winning slot 16. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the distributor 26. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the stop release unit 27. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sorting operation by the sorting unit 26 and the stop release operation by the stop release unit 27. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. A conceptual diagram showing the first jackpot related information storage area of RAM 52. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a special symbol determination table stored in ROM 53. FIG. 13 is a time chart explaining the small win release pattern and the operation of the storage section 25, the stop release section 27 and the distribution section 26 in the small win game. A conceptual diagram showing a variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. 4 is a flowchart of a main process performed on a main board 41. 13 is a flowchart of special symbol processing performed in the main processing. 18 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 17. 19 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 18 . 13 is a flowchart of a game state transition process performed in special pattern processing. 13 is a flowchart of the special electric device processing performed in the main processing. This is a flowchart continuing from Figure 21. 13 is a flowchart of sub-control board processing performed in the sub-control board 58. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manner in which the required durability time is displayed on the performance display unit 39.

A pachinko machine 1, which is a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. In the following description, the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right sides of Fig. 1 will be referred to as the front, back, top, bottom, left, and right sides of the pachinko machine 1, respectively. The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called two-type (wing type) gaming machine in which a jackpot game is played when a gaming ball that has entered the jackpot opening passes through a specific area provided inside the jackpot opening.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 2 is provided in the upper half of the pachinko machine 1. The game board 2 is a roughly square plate when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2), and its front is protected by a front frame 10 that holds a transparent glass plate. Various illumination lamps are provided on the front frame 10 so as to surround the glass plate. An illumination board 31 (see FIG. 11) equipped with LEDs or the like is provided inside the illumination lamp, and the illumination lamp lights up or blinks according to the progress of the game. An upper tray 5 is provided at the bottom of the game board 2. The upper tray 5 supplies metallic game balls to a game ball launcher 37 (see FIG. 11) and receives prize balls. An operation button 9 that is operated by the player is provided on the top surface of the upper tray 5. Directly below the upper tray 5, a lower tray 6 that receives prize balls is provided. A launch handle 7 that adjusts the launch of the game balls is provided to the right of the lower tray 6. The launch handle 7 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the launch handle 7 to perform the launch operation, the game ball is launched by the game ball launcher 37 with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 7. Speakers 48 are provided at the left and right corners of the upper part of the front frame 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front of the game board 2. The guide rail 3 is formed in an arc from the left side to the upper side of the game area 4. An upper center ornament 21 is provided in the approximate center of the upper part of the game area 4. Game balls launched by the game ball launcher 37 are guided to the game area 4 by the guide rail 3 and flow down within the game area 4. Game balls launched with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength flow down the left side of the upper center ornament 21, and game balls launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength flow down the right side of the upper center ornament 21. Hereinafter, launching a game ball so that it flows down the left side of the upper center ornament 21 is referred to as a "left hit," and launching a game ball so that it flows down the right side of the upper center ornament 21 is referred to as a "right hit."

The upper center ornament 21 mainly comprises a performance pattern display section 38, a warp passage 211, an upper center stage 212, a rolling section 213, and a first starting opening 12. The performance pattern display section 38 is located approximately in the center of the upper center ornament 21. The performance pattern display section 38 is configured using three large 7-segment LEDs, and can display various numbers, letters, symbols, etc. The performance pattern display section 38 is capable of executing notification performance. The notification performance notifies the player of the result of the jackpot determination by displaying a confirmed combination of performance patterns that indicate the result of the jackpot determination described below after varying the performance patterns, which are the patterns for the performance. The performance patterns in this embodiment are composed of three digits (three patterns) using each of the three large 7-segment LEDs.

The warp passage 211 is provided on the left side of the performance pattern display section 38. The warp passage 211 has an entrance section 211A, which is an entrance for game balls and is generally called a "dive", at the upper left. The entrance section 211A is configured so that balls cannot easily enter the entrance section 211A due to the arrangement of game nails and the like around the entrance section 211A. The lower end of the warp passage 211 extends to the upper left of the upper center stage 212. The warp passage 211 guides game balls that enter from the entrance section 211A to the upper center stage 212. The upper center stage 212 extends in the left-right direction below the performance pattern display section 38, and is configured so that game balls can roll on the upper side. The center section 212A of the upper center stage 212 is slightly inclined diagonally downward toward the front, and game balls that roll on the upper side of the upper center stage 212 are discharged downward from the center section 212A.

The rolling unit 213 is provided below the upper center stage 212. The rolling unit 213 is a roughly rectangular dish-shaped opening at the top in a plan view, and has a recess on the inside in which the game balls discharged from the central portion 212A can roll. A hole 213A is provided in the approximate center of the bottom of the rolling unit 213 for discharging the game balls downward from the rolling unit 213. The rolling unit 213 performs a reciprocating motion, moving back and forth in the left and right directions below the upper center stage 212, driven by the rolling unit motor 88 (see FIG. 11), which will be described later. The rolling unit 213 can perform a reciprocating motion with the game balls rolling in the recess on the inside.

The first starting hole 12 is a winning hole located in the approximate center of the lower part of the upper center ornament 21. The first starting hole 12 functions as a starting hole for a first special pattern, which will be described later. When a game ball is discharged from the hole 213A while the rolling part 213, which performs a reciprocating motion, is positioned approximately in the center of the upper center ornament 21, the game ball can enter the first starting hole 12. That is, a part of the game ball that enters from the entrance part 211A of the warp passage 211, passes through the upper center stage 212, and is discharged from the hole 213A of the rolling part 213 enters the first starting hole 12. Game balls that are discharged from the hole 213A but do not enter the first starting hole 12 are discharged below the upper center ornament 21 and return to the game area 4.

The lower center ornament 22 is provided below the upper center ornament 21. The lower center ornament 22 mainly includes the first large winning opening 16, the performance display section 39, the storage section 25, the distribution section 26, the stop release section 27 (see FIG. 8), the lower center stage 28, the specific area 291A, and the non-specific areas 292A and 293A (see FIG. 3). The first large winning opening 16 is a winning opening related to a special electric device (a device that changes the size of the entrance of the winning opening based on the result of the big win determination), and is provided at the top of the lower center ornament 22. The first large winning opening 16 includes an opening/closing member 161, which is a substantially V-shaped plate member that opens downward when viewed from the front. The opening/closing member 161 extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, and by protruding forward, it creates a closed state in which the game ball cannot win the first large winning opening 16, and by retreating backward, it creates an open state in which the game ball can win the first large winning opening 16.

The storage section 25, the distribution section 26, the stop release section 27, the lower center stage 28, the specific area 291A, and the non-specific areas 292A and 293A are provided inside the first large winning opening 16. The performance display section 39 is constructed using two medium-sized 7-segment LEDs and can display various numbers, letters, symbols, etc. In particular, during a small win game, the pachinko machine 1 executes a performance in which the performance display section 39 displays the required endurance time, which will be described later.

The second large prize opening 17, which is a special electric device, is provided in the upper right corner of the lower center ornament. The second large prize opening 17 is equipped with a roughly flat opening/closing member 171 that has a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction and extends a predetermined length in the front-rear direction. The opening/closing member 171 protrudes forward to create a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the second large prize opening 17, and retracts rearward to create an open state in which game balls can enter the second large prize opening 17.

Below the second large winning opening 17, there is a gate 11 through which the game ball can pass. The gate 11 is an operating gate for a normal pattern, which will be described later. Below the gate 11, there is a second starting opening 13, which is a winning opening for a normal electric device (a device that changes the size of the entrance to the winning opening based on the result of a normal winning judgment). The second starting opening 13 functions as a starting opening for a second special pattern, which will be described later. The second starting opening 13 is equipped with a substantially flat opening/closing member 131 that is shorter than the opening/closing member 171 in the left-right direction. The opening/closing member 131 protrudes forward to create a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting opening 13, and retracts backward to create an open state in which the game ball can enter the second starting opening 13.

The opening/closing members 131, 161, 171 are electrically opened or closed by driving the second start opening solenoid 68, the first large winning opening solenoid 70, and the second large winning opening solenoid 71 (see FIG. 11). A game ball can enter the second start opening 13, the first large winning opening 16, and the second large winning opening 17 only when the opening/closing members 131, 161, 171 are in the open state. The opening/closing member 131 of the second start opening 13 is opened in a normal winning game, which will be described later. The opening/closing member 161 of the first large winning opening 16 is opened in a small winning game, which will be described later. The opening/closing member 171 of the second large winning opening 17 is opened in a big winning game, which will be described later. In the following, when the first large winning opening 16 and the second large winning opening 17 are collectively referred to, they are simply called the large winning openings.

In addition to the above, the game area 4 is provided with an outlet 29, various electric lighting components, other winning ports, game nails, etc. The outlet 29 is provided at the bottom of the game board 2. Of the game balls that flow down the game area 4, those that do not win at the first start port 12, the second start port 13, the big winning port, or any other winning port and flow down to the bottom of the game area 4 pass through the outlet 29 and are discharged outside the game area 4.

In addition, since the game components are arranged as described above in the game area 4, game balls hit from the left are more likely to enter the first starting hole 12 than game balls hit from the right. It is difficult for game balls hit from the right to enter the first starting hole 12. In addition, game balls hit from the right are more likely to pass through or enter the gate 11, the second starting hole 13, and the second large winning hole 17 than game balls hit from the left. It is difficult for game balls hit from the left to pass through or enter the gate 11, the second starting hole 13, and the second large winning hole 17. In addition, both game balls hit from the left and game balls hit from the right can enter the first large winning hole 16. Therefore, the player plays by hitting from the right during the time-saving state and during the big win game described below, and plays by hitting from the left in other cases.

A pattern display unit 24 is provided at the lower left of the game board 2. The pattern display unit 24 includes a first special pattern display unit, a second special pattern display unit, a normal pattern display unit, a first special pattern memory number display LED, a second special pattern memory number display LED, and a normal pattern memory number display LED. The first special pattern display unit and the second special pattern display unit each include a plurality of LEDs, and display a first special pattern indicating the result of the first jackpot determination, and a second special pattern indicating the result of the second jackpot determination. Hereinafter, the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination are collectively referred to as jackpot determinations, or when neither is specified. The normal pattern display unit displays the result of the normal jackpot determination by turning on and off the LEDs. The first special pattern memory number display LED displays the first reserved ball number, which indicates the number of first reserved balls, which are game balls for which the result of the first jackpot determination has not yet been displayed. The second special pattern memory number display LED displays the second reserved ball number, which indicates the number of second reserved balls, which are game balls for which the result of the second jackpot determination has not yet been displayed. The normal symbol memory count display LED displays the normal reserved ball count, which indicates the number of normal reserved balls, which are game balls for which the result of the normal hit determination has not yet been displayed. In the following, when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are collectively referred to as special symbols, they will simply be referred to as such.

With reference to FIG. 2, an overview of the game in the pachinko machine 1 will be described. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a jackpot game, a small jackpot game, and a normal jackpot game. The jackpot game is executed by the operation of a condition device, which causes the continuous operation device of the accessory to operate. The condition device is a device that is a condition for the continuous operation device of the accessory to operate. The continuous operation device of the accessory is a device for generating a jackpot game state in which the large prize openings operate continuously. In this embodiment, the continuous operation device of the accessory operates when the condition device is operated. In the pachinko machine 1, the condition device operates when the game ball passes through a specific area inside the large prize opening (in this embodiment, the specific area 291A inside the first large prize opening 16 (see FIG. 3)). Hereinafter, the state in which the condition device and the continuous operation device of the accessory are operating (the state in which the jackpot game is being played) is referred to as the jackpot game state.

The pachinko machine 1 performs a first jackpot determination when a game ball enters the first starting hole 12. In the first jackpot determination, the result of the determination of a small win or a miss is derived based on the first jackpot random number. If the first jackpot determination determines that the game is a small win, a first special pattern indicating that the result of the determination is a small win is displayed on the first special pattern display section of the pattern display section 24. After that, a small win game is executed in which the opening and closing member 161 of the first large winning hole 16 performs an opening and closing operation based on a predetermined pattern, thereby opening and closing the first large winning hole 16. At the stage where a small win is determined by the jackpot determination, the condition device does not operate, and the role continuous operation device does not operate either. In a small win game, the first large winning hole 16 performs one opening and closing operation according to the pattern. In a small win game, the large winning hole does not perform multiple opening and closing operations. It is not prohibited that one opening and closing operation of the large winning hole in a small win game is configured by using the open state of one large winning hole multiple times. In this embodiment, the probability that the first big win determination will result in a small win (hereinafter referred to as the "first small win probability") is approximately 1/25.

When the game ball that entered the first large prize winning port 16 that was opened in the small prize game passes through the specific area 291A, the condition device is activated. When the continuous operation device of the accessory is activated with the activation of the condition device, a large prize game state is generated, and the large prize winning port performs multiple opening and closing operations in the large prize winning game, which is executed following the small prize game. In the pachinko machine 1, the large prize game is executed by the second large prize winning port 17 performing an opening and closing operation based on a predetermined opening and closing operation pattern. Hereinafter, one opening and closing operation performed by the second large prize winning port 17 in the large prize game is referred to as a "large prize round". Also, the total number of large prize rounds that constitute one large prize game is referred to as the "number of rounds". Hereinafter, the number of rounds may be indicated as "R". When a large prize game is executed, the small prize game executed prior to the large prize game is treated retroactively as the first round of the large prize round, and is converted into the number of rounds as the large prize round for one round. If the game ball that entered the first large winning hole 16 does not pass through the specific area 291A, the large winning game state is not generated (the condition device and the device for continuously operating the role are not activated), and the game returns to the state before the small winning game was played.

The pachinko machine 1 also performs a normal win determination when the game ball passes through the gate 11. In the normal win determination, the determination result of normal win or miss is derived based on the normal win random number. If the normal win determination determines that the ball is a normal win, a normal symbol indicating that the determination result is a normal win is displayed in the normal symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. After that, the opening/closing member 131 of the second starting hole 13 performs an opening/closing operation based on a predetermined opening/closing operation pattern, thereby opening the second starting hole 13, and a normal win game is executed. In this embodiment, the probability of a win being determined by the normal win determination (hereinafter referred to as the "normal win probability") is approximately 1/1.01.

The pachinko machine 1 generates either a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state. The non-time-saving state is a game state in which the second start hole 13 is opened at a normal rate. The time-saving state is a game state in which the second start hole 13 is opened more frequently than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, the total time during which the second start hole 13 is open during one normal winning game (opening time) is longer in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state (opening time in the non-time-saving state is about 0.04 seconds, and the opening time in the time-saving state is about 4 seconds). In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shorter in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state (fluctuation time in the non-time-saving state is about 40 seconds on average, and the fluctuation time in the time-saving state is about 0.2 seconds). In this embodiment, the non-time-saving state is also referred to as the normal state. In addition, game states such as the normal state and the time-saving state are hereinafter referred to as game states.

The pachinko machine 1 determines whether or not to set a time-saving state after the end of a big win game, depending on the small win symbol that is determined when a small win is determined in the big win determination. In this embodiment, the set time-saving state ends when a small win determination result is derived five times in the time-saving state, and the game state transitions to the normal state. Such conditions for ending the time-saving state are also referred to below as time-saving end conditions.

In the time-saving state, the frequency with which the second starting hole 13 is opened is higher than in the normal state, so that it is advantageous for the player to play by hitting with the right hand to pass or win the game ball through the gate 11 and the second starting hole 13. On the other hand, in the non-time-saving state, the rate at which the second starting hole 13 is opened is lower than in the time-saving state, so that the second starting hole 13 is less likely to be opened than in the time-saving state. As a result, in the non-time-saving state, it is easier for the player to win the game ball through the first starting hole 12 than through the second starting hole 13. Therefore, in the non-time-saving state, it is advantageous for the player to play by hitting with the left hand. The pachinko machine 1 recommends the player to play by hitting with the left hand in the normal state, and to play by hitting with the right hand in the time-saving state and the jackpot game state.

The pachinko machine 1 performs a second jackpot determination when a game ball hit from the right enters the second starting hole 13. In the second jackpot determination, the determination result of a small win or a miss is derived based on the second jackpot random number. If the second jackpot determination determines that the result is a small win, a second special symbol indicating that the result is a small win is displayed in the second special symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. Then, a small win game is played. In this embodiment, the probability that the second jackpot determination determines that the result is a small win (hereinafter referred to as the "second small win probability") is about 1/10. Note that, when a small win game is played due to a result of a small win determination being derived in the time-saving state, a right hit or a left hit may be performed continuously during the small win game. When a game ball enters the first large winning hole 16 that is open during the small win game, and the winning game ball passes through the specific area 291A, the aforementioned big win game state is generated, and the big win game is executed following the small win game. In the following, the small win game and the big win game are collectively referred to as "win game."

The general configuration of the inside of the first large prize opening 16 of the lower center ornament 22 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The inside of the first large prize opening 16 mainly comprises flow paths 162, 163, a storage section 25, a lower center stage 28, a distribution section 26, a stop release section 27, a specific area 291A, and non-specific areas 292A, 293A.

As shown in FIG. 3, flow path 162 is a flow path through which game balls that have entered first large winning opening 16 flow down. Flow path 162 extends downward from the entrance of first large winning opening 16, and from the lower end extends at an angle downward and left toward storage section 25. Storage section 25 is a member that operates in response to the drive of storage section solenoid 84 between a non-storage state (see FIG. 5 (1)) in which no game balls can be stored inside, and a storage state (see FIG. 5 (2)) in which one game ball can be stored inside. Flow path 163 extends downward from the left side of storage section 25, and is a flow path through which game balls that are not stored in storage section 25 flow down.

The lower center stage 28 is a game component on whose upper surface game balls can roll, and is provided below the storage section 25. In front of a distribution area 281 (described later) of the lower center stage 28, a stop area 288 in which game balls can stop is provided (see FIG. 9). The stop release section 27 is a game component provided inside the stop area 288. In front of the stop area 288, a stop area switch 32 is disposed for detecting the stop of game balls in the stop area 288. In the center of the lower center stage 28, a hit hole 283 (see FIG. 9) into which game balls can enter is provided. The distribution section 26 is a game component provided inside the hit hole 283.

The bottom of the hit hole 283 is slightly inclined downward and to the right, and is connected to the upper end of a flow path 291 that extends downward from the right side of the hit hole 283. Inside the flow path 291, a specific area 291A is provided, which is an area through which game balls flowing down the flow path 291 pass. The specific area 291A is an area through which only game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 16 and have been guided to the rotation area 282 of the lower center stage 28 via the storage section 25 and that have entered the hit hole 283 can pass. Directly below the specific area 291A, a specific area switch 81 is provided, which is a through-type proximity switch that detects the passage of a game ball into the specific area 291A.

The lower center stage 28 is provided with flow paths 292, 293 through which game balls that have won the first large winning opening 16 but have failed to enter the winning hole 283 flow down. The flow path 292 extends downward from the left part of the lower center stage 28. The flow path 293 extends downward from the right part of the lower center stage 28. Inside the flow path 292, there is a non-specific area 292A through which game balls flowing down the flow path 292 pass. Inside the flow path 293, there is a non-specific area 293A through which game balls flowing down the flow path 293 pass. Among the game balls that have won the first large winning opening 16, game balls that have not passed through the specific area 291A pass through either the non-specific area 292A or 293A. Directly below the non-specific areas 292A and 293A, a left non-specific area switch 82 and a right non-specific area switch 83, which are through-type proximity switches that detect the passage of the game ball into the non-specific areas 292A and 293A, are provided, respectively.

The detailed configuration of the storage unit 25 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The storage unit 25 mainly comprises a storage unit solenoid 84, a connecting member 251, a rotating body 252, a shaft portion 253, and a storage unit 255. The connecting member 251 is connected to a plunger head 84C attached to the lower end of a plunger 84B extending downward from inside the storage unit solenoid 84, and is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis AX1. The connecting member 251 has a tooth portion 251A at its left end portion that meshes with a tooth portion 252A of the rotating body 252. The rotating body 252 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis AX2. The storage unit 255 is a member that is roughly C-shaped in front view and has a recess 256 on the inside. The rotating body 252 and the container 255 are connected by a shaft portion 253 extending along the axis AX2, and as the rotating body 252 rotates about the axis AX2, the container 255 also rotates about the axis AX2. The recess 256 is recessed to a size that allows only one game ball to be stored. FIG. 5(1) shows the container 25 in a state where the container solenoid 84 is not energized. In this state, the container 255 opens the recess 256 to the right side when viewed from the front. Hereinafter, the state of the container 25 in FIG. 5(1) is referred to as the "non-storage state."

5 (2), when the storage solenoid 84 is energized, the plunger 84B and the plunger head 84C are attracted to the storage solenoid 84 (see arrow Y1), and the connecting member 251 rotates clockwise around the axis AX1 as viewed from the front (see arrow Y2). In response to this, the rotating body 252 rotates counterclockwise around the axis AX2 as viewed from the front (see arrow Y3). In response to the rotation of the rotating body 252, the storage body 255 also rotates about the axis AX2 counterclockwise as viewed from the front (see arrow Y4), and the storage body 255 opens the recess 256 on the upper side as viewed from the front. Hereinafter, the state of the storage section 25 in FIG. 5 (2) is referred to as the "storable state". After that, when the storage solenoid 84 is no longer energized, the plunger head 84C moves downward due to the restoring force of the coil spring 84A provided around the plunger 84B. In response, the storage body 255 rotates about the axis AX2 clockwise as viewed from the front by approximately 45 degrees, and the storage section 25 enters an unstorable state.

With reference to FIG. 6, the manner in which the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 is guided to the later-described rotation area 282 or receiving section 289 of the lower center stage 28 by the operation of the storage section 25 will be described. The game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 is called ball K. As shown in FIG. 6 (1), ball K flows down the flow path 162 and reaches the upper side of the storage section 25. When the storage section 25 is in a non-storable state, the recess 256 of the storage body 255 opens to the right side, and ball K is not stored in the recess 256. Ball K is guided to the flow path 163 along the outer periphery of the rotating body 252 (see arrow Y5) and flows down the flow path 163. The receiving section 289 of the lower center stage 28 is disposed below the lower end of the flow path 163 and receives ball K discharged from the lower end of the flow path 163.

6 (2) shows the case where the storage section 25 is in a storage-ready state. In this case, the recess 256 of the storage body 255 opens to the upper side. Of the balls K that flow down the flow path 162 and reach the upper side of the storage section 25, ball K1 falls toward the open recess 256 (see arrow Y6) and is stored inside the recess 256. Multiple game balls can enter the first large prize opening 16. Ball K2, which is ball K that flows down the flow path 162 after ball K1, is not stored in the recess 256 because ball K1 has already been stored in the recess 256. Ball K2 is guided to the flow path 163 along the outer periphery of ball K1 and the rotating body 252 (see arrow Y7) and flows down the flow path 163. After that, ball K2 is discharged from the lower end of the flow path 163 toward the receiving section 289. The ball K discharged to the receiver 289 is guided to the flow path 292 of the lower center stage 28, which will be described later, and passes through a non-specific area 292A provided in the flow path 292.

As shown in FIG. 6 (3), when the storage section 25 subsequently changes from a storage-capable state to a non-storage-capable state, the ball K1 stored in the recess 256 of the storage body 255 is guided to the flow path 259 extending downward from the right side of the storage body 255 (see arrow Y8). The lower end of the flow path 259 extends toward a position diagonally rearward to the left of the distribution section 26. After flowing down the flow path 259, the ball K1 is discharged from the lower end of the flow path 259 to the swirling area 282 of the distribution area 281 of the lower center stage 28. In this embodiment, one of the game balls that have won the first large winning opening 16 in one small winning game is guided to the swirling area 282 of the lower center stage 28. The other game balls that have won the first large winning opening 16 pass through the receiving section 289 and the flow path 292 of the lower center stage 28, pass through the non-specific area 292A, and are discharged to the back side of the game board 2.

The detailed configuration of the distribution unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The distribution unit 26 mainly includes a distribution unit motor 85, gears 261 and 262, a shaft portion 263, a protrusion portion 265, and a decorative portion 269. The distribution unit motor 85 is a stepping motor, and rotates according to the excitation pattern transmitted from the main board 41. The gear 261 is attached to the distribution unit motor 85, and rotates around the axis AX3 in response to the rotation of the distribution unit motor 85 (see arrow Y9). The gear 262 meshes with the gear 261, and rotates around the axis AX4 in response to the rotation of the gear 261 (see arrow Y10). The axis AX4 is located at the center of the hit hole 283. The gear 262 is attached to the lower end of the shaft portion 263 extending along the axis AX4.

The protrusion 265 is a screw-shaped portion in which five wing-shaped protrusions extending in a direction intersecting the shaft 263 are arranged at equal intervals (approximately 72 degree intervals in this embodiment) around the axis AX4. In this embodiment, the shaft 263 extends approximately vertically, and the five protrusions of the protrusion 265 extend approximately horizontally from approximately the center of the shaft 263 in the up-down direction toward the outside. As the gear 262 rotates, the protrusion 265 rotates clockwise in a plan view (see arrow Y11) at a position slightly above the stop hole 283 (see FIG. 9). The length from the axis AX4 to the tip of the five protrusions is slightly longer than the radius of the stop hole 283.

The decorative portion 269 is provided at the tip of the shaft portion 263 and is a member shaped like the letter "V." The decorative portion 269 is positioned above the hit hole 283 and rotates in response to the rotation of the protrusion 265. The decorative portion 269 indicates to the player that the gaming ball will pass through a specific area 291A, generally called the "V zone," provided that the gaming ball enters the hit hole 283.

The detailed configuration of the stop release unit 27 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The stop release unit 27 mainly comprises a stop release unit solenoid 86 and a lever unit 271. The lever unit 271 is rod-shaped and extends in the vertical direction, and has a connecting unit 271A at its lower end that connects to the lower end of the plunger 86B extending downward from inside the stop release unit solenoid 86. FIG. 8 (1) shows the stop release unit 27 in a state where no current is applied to the stop release unit solenoid 86. Hereinafter, the stop release unit 27 in the state of FIG. 8 (1) will be referred to as the "stop-enabled state". In the stop-enabled state, the upper end 271B of the lever unit 271 is positioned at approximately the same height as the bottom surface 288A of the stop area 288 (see FIG. 9) of the lower center stage 28.

As shown in FIG. 8 (2), when current is applied to the stop release solenoid 86, the plunger 86B and the connecting portion 271A are attracted to the stop release solenoid 86 (see arrow Y12). In response, the upper end 271B of the lever portion 271 moves upward (see arrow Y13) and is positioned higher than the bottom surface 288A (see FIG. 9) of the stop area 288 of the lower center stage 28. Hereinafter, the stop release portion 27 in the state of FIG. 8 (2) is referred to as the "non-stop state."

The sorting operation by the sorting unit 26 and the stop release operation by the stop release unit 27 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figure 9, the lower center stage 28 has a rectangular shape with its long sides aligned in the left-right direction in a plan view, and includes a roughly elliptical sorting area 281 in the center. The sorting area 281 includes a turning area 282 and a discharge area 286. The turning area 282 is a roughly elliptical area provided in the center of the sorting area 281. The upper surface of the turning area 282 forms a recess that is gently recessed toward the center, and a hit hole 283 and the sorting unit 26 are provided in the center corresponding to the bottom of the recess. The protrusion 265 of the sorting unit 26 is located above the hit hole 283.

The discharge area 286 is an area that is slightly wider than the diameter of the game ball and surrounds the outer periphery of the swirling area 282 except for the front part. The swirling area 282 and the discharge area 286 are separated by a wall part 285 that rises at a height slightly lower than the game ball on the outer periphery of the swirling area 282. The left rear part, left front part, right front part, and right rear part of the wall part 285 are provided with ball ejection parts 285A, 285B, 285C, 285D, which are gaps wide enough for one game ball to pass through. The left front part and right front part of the discharge area 286 are provided with miss holes 286A, 286B, which are holes through which the game ball can pass.

The stop area 288 is a generally square area in plan view provided in front of the rotation area 282, and is formed to be just large enough to fit one game ball. The bottom surface 288A (see FIG. 10) of the stop area 288 is positioned slightly higher than the top surface of the rotation area 282 at the portion connected to the stop area 288.

As shown in FIG. 9 (1), while the protrusion 265 of the distribution unit 26 is rotating (see arrow Y21), the ball K guided from the storage unit 25 to the swirling area 282 swirls above the swirling area 282. The game ball swirling in the swirling area 282 rolls around the distribution unit 26. As the rotation of the ball K weakens, the ball K begins to flow down the swirling area 282 toward the hit hole 283. The ball K that has flowed down to the vicinity of the hit hole 283 hits the tip of one of the five protrusions of the protrusion 265 that rotates above the hit hole 283, and is bounced outward from the swirling area 282.

When the ball K hits the wall 285, it revolves again above the revolving area 282 (see arrow Y22). On the other hand, when the ball K passes through any of the ball-playing areas 285A, 285B, 285C, or 285D (see arrow Y23), the ball K is guided to the discharge area 286 and enters one of the miss holes 286A or 286B (see arrow Y25). The miss holes 286A and 286B are connected to the flow paths 292 and 293 (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the game ball that enters the miss hole 286A or 286B passes through the non-specific area 292A or 293A and is discharged to the back side of the game board 2. In this way, the distribution unit 26 prevents the game balls in the distribution area 281 from entering the winning holes 283 by rotating, and distributes the game balls in the distribution area 281 to either enter the losing holes 286A, 286B or to remain in the rotating area 282 within the distribution area 281. Hereinafter, such an operation of the distribution unit 26 is referred to as an "distribution operation."

When ball K in the rotation area 282 moves toward the stopping area 288 at a speed equal to or greater than a predetermined value due to being bounced by the sorting operation, if the stop release unit 27 is in a stop-enabling state, ball K can ride up onto the stopping area 288 and stop within the stopping area 288 (see arrow Y26). Figure 9 (2) shows how the sorting operation continues with ball K stopped in the stopping area 288. In other words, when ball K stops in the stopping area 288, ball K remains within the sorting area 281 without being sorted into either the winning hole 283 or the losing holes 286A, 286B.

When the stop release part 27 transitions from a stop-possible state to a non-stop-possible state, the upper end 271B of the lever part 271 of the stop release part 27 protrudes to a position higher than the bottom surface 288A of the stop area 288 (see FIG. 10). When the stop release part 27 transitions from a stop-possible state to a non-stop-possible state while the ball K is stopped in the stop area 288, the ball K is pushed out of the stop area 288 by the upper end 271B of the lever part 271 (see arrow Y27) as shown in FIG. 10 (3). The ball K pushed out of the stop area 288 returns to the rotation area 282. The sorting operation continues, and the ball K continues to rotate within the rotating area 282, or is guided from the rotating area 282 to the discharge area 286 via the ball ejection sections 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D and enters the missed holes 286A and 286B.

As shown in FIG. 10 (4), when the distribution operation is completed, the ball K, whose rotational tendency weakens and which flows down the upper side of the rotation area 282 toward the winning hole 283, enters the winning hole 283 from a position between the five protrusions of the protrusion 265 (see arrow Y28). When the distribution unit 26 does not rotate (when the distribution operation is not performed), the distribution unit 26 allows the game ball in the rotation area 282 to enter the winning hole 283.

In this way, the pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's attention as to whether a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16 and been guided to the allocation area 281 will enter the offset holes 286A, 286B or remain in the allocation area 281, depending on the allocation operation of the allocation section 26. If a game ball in the swiveling area 282 moves to the stopping area 288 while the allocation operation is being performed, the game ball that is stopping in the stopping area 288 will not enter the offset holes 286A, 286B. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can create a sense of anticipation in the player that the game ball in the swiveling area 282 will move to the stopping area 288. The pachinko machine 1 not only provides a case where the game ball withstands the sorting operation and remains in the sorting area 281 without being bounced from the rotation area 282 to the discharge area 286 by the sorting operation, but also provides a case where the game ball is stopped in the stopping area 288. The player not only watches to make sure that the game ball is not bounced from the rotation area 282 to the discharge area 286, but also pays attention to whether the game ball is stopped in the stopping area 288. The pachinko machine 1 provides the player with an opportunity for a role lottery with unprecedented playability, in which a result advantageous to the player is obtained if the game ball withstands the sorting operation and remains in the sorting area 281, and can greatly attract the player's attention to the movement of the game ball during the small win game.

The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly comprises a main board 41, a sub-control board 58, a lamp driver board 46, a payout control board 45, a relay board 47, and a power supply board 42.

The main board 41 is responsible for the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 50 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 that performs various arithmetic processing, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a ROM 53 that stores control programs and the like. A random number generating circuit 56 and an interrupt signal generating circuit 57 are connected to the main board CPU unit 50. The random number generating circuit 56 generates random numbers within a predetermined range. The interrupt signal generating circuit 57 generates an interrupt signal every time a clock signal is input from a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a clock signal of a constant frequency. The main board 41 executes the main processing of the main control program described below every time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generating circuit 57.

The main board 41 is connected to the sub-control board 58, the dispensing control board 45, the relay board 47, the external terminal board 55, the first start port switch 61, and the second start port switch 62 via the I/O interface 54.

The sub-control board 58 is equipped with a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583, and is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the performance control board 43, and the speaker 48. The sub-control board 58 performs overall control of the performance, etc. according to commands sent from the main board 41. The lamp driver board 46 is connected to the operation button 9, the illumination board 31, the stop area switch 32, the performance pattern display unit 38, and the performance display unit 39. The illumination board 31 is equipped with, for example, an LED, and is provided inside the various illumination components mentioned above. The lamp driver board 46 controls the light emission operation of the operation button 9 and the illumination board 31, etc. according to commands received from the sub-control board 58. The stop area switch 32 is a non-penetrating type proximity switch that detects the stop of the game ball in the stop area 288. In addition, the lamp driver board 46 controls the display of the changing performance symbols in the performance symbol display unit 38 and the display of the required durability time, which will be described later, in the performance display unit 39 according to commands received from the sub-control board 58.

The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a and the like. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in response to commands sent from the main board 41, and causes the prize ball payout device 49 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls.

The relay board 47 is connected to the second start port solenoid 69, the first large prize port solenoid 70, the second large prize port solenoid 71, the gate switch 75, the first large prize port switch 77, the second large prize port switch 78, the specific area switch 81, the left non-specific area switch 82, the right non-specific area switch 83, the storage section solenoid 84, the distribution section motor 85, the stop release section solenoid 86, the rolling section motor 88, and the pattern display section 24. The second start port solenoid 69 opens and closes the opening/closing member 131 of the second start port 13 during normal winning play. The first large prize port solenoid 70 opens and closes the opening/closing member 161 of the first large prize port 16 during small winning play. The second large prize port solenoid 71 opens and closes the opening/closing member 171 of the second large prize port 17 during big winning play. The gate switch 75 is provided at the gate 11 and detects the passage of a game ball through the gate 11. The first large prize opening switch 77 is provided at the first large prize opening 16 and detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 16. The second large prize opening switch 78 is provided at the second large prize opening 17 and detects the entry of a game ball into the second large prize opening 17.

The specific area switch 81 detects the passage of a game ball into the specific area 291A. The left non-specific area switch 82 detects the passage of a game ball into the non-specific area 292A. The right non-specific area switch 83 detects the passage of a game ball into the non-specific area 293A. The storage section solenoid 84 alternates between a storage-enabled state and a non-storage-enabled state of the storage section 25 during a small win game. The distribution section motor 85 rotates the distribution section 26 during a small win game. The stop release section solenoid 86 operates the stop release section 27 during a small win game to switch the stop area 288 between a stop-enabled state and a stop release state. The rolling section motor 88 is a stepping motor provided in the upper center ornament 21, and causes the rolling section 213 to move back and forth.

The external terminal board 55 contact-outputs information about the pachinko machine 1 to an arcade management computer (a so-called hall computer, not shown) that manages all the gaming machines installed in the pachinko parlor. The first start hole switch 61 is provided in the first start hole 12 and detects the entry of a gaming ball into the first start hole 12. The second start hole switch 62 is provided in the second start hole 13 and detects the entry of a gaming ball into the second start hole 13.

The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the game ball launcher 37, and supplies each board and the game ball launcher 37 with stabilized DC power. The game ball launcher 37 launches one game ball at a time into the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in this embodiment).

The first jackpot related information storage area of the RAM 52 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The first jackpot related information storage area is used in the special symbol pattern processing of the main processing described later (see FIG. 17 to FIG. 19). The first jackpot related information storage area is provided with a number of storage areas corresponding to the maximum number of first reserved balls, which is the upper limit of the number of first reserved balls that can be stored. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first reserved balls is "4". For this reason, the first jackpot related information storage area is provided with four storage areas, No. 1 to No. 4. If the number of first reserved balls is less than 4 (0 to 3) when a game ball enters the first starting hole 12, random numbers are stored in order from the lowest numbered storage area.

The first reserved ball count is the number of random numbers that are stored in a state where the execution of the first jackpot determination, the determination of the variation pattern indicating the variation time of the special pattern, etc. are reserved among the random numbers obtained when the game ball enters the first starting hole 12. The CPU 51 shifts the random number stored in the smallest-numbered memory area among the random numbers in the memory areas that have not yet been processed to the determination area (not shown). The determination area is a memory area provided in the RAM 52 to store the random numbers for the jackpot determination, and is used in common for the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination. The CPU 51 performs various processes such as jackpot determination on the random numbers shifted to the determination area. When the random number stored in the smallest-numbered memory area is shifted to the determination area, the random numbers stored below the next number are shifted to the memory area with the next smaller number. Thereafter, the random numbers stored in the smallest-numbered memory area are shifted to the determination area in sequence, and the process of jackpot determination is repeated. The various processes for the random numbers stored in the determination area include, for example, determining the notification effect that notifies the result of the jackpot determination, and processes related to the jackpot game that are executed according to the determination result. The random numbers in the determination area are erased after the first jackpot determination and other processes are completed.

Each memory area is provided with a first jackpot random number column, a first pattern determination random number column, and a first variation pattern determination random number column. The first jackpot random number column stores the value of the first jackpot random number generated by the random number generating circuit 56 (see FIG. 11). The first pattern determination random number column stores the value of the first pattern determination random number generated by the random number generating circuit 56. The first variation pattern determination random number column stores the value of the first variation pattern determination random number generated by the random number generating circuit 56. When a game ball enters the first starting hole 12, the random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 56 for each type of random number at that time are latched by a hardware circuit and stored in each column. The first jackpot random number is used to determine the first jackpot. The first pattern determination random number is used to determine the first special pattern. The first variation pattern determination random number is used to determine the first variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special pattern displayed in the first special pattern display section of the pattern display section 24. The various random numbers acquired together with the first jackpot random number and stored in the first jackpot related information storage area are collectively referred to as the first random number. The time period during which the first special symbol changes is also referred to as the first change time.

Although not shown, the RAM 52 is provided with a second jackpot related information storage area. In this embodiment, the second jackpot related information storage area is provided with one storage area corresponding to the maximum second reserved ball number (1 in this embodiment). When a game ball enters the second starting hole 13, the random numbers generated by the random number generating circuit 56 for each type of random number at that time are latched by a hardware circuit and stored in each column of the second jackpot related information storage area. The storage area is provided with a second jackpot random number column in which the value of the second jackpot random number is stored, a second symbol determination random number column in which the value of the second symbol determination random number is stored, and a second variation pattern determination random number column in which the value of the second variation pattern determination random number is stored.

The CPU 51 shifts the random number stored in the smallest-numbered memory area among the random numbers in the memory areas that have not yet been processed to the aforementioned judgment area (not shown). The second judgment area is a memory area provided in the RAM 52 for storing the random numbers used to make the second jackpot judgment. The CPU 51 performs various processes, such as the second jackpot judgment, on the random numbers shifted to the second judgment area. The random numbers in the second judgment area are erased after the processing, such as the second jackpot judgment, is completed. The various random numbers acquired together with the second jackpot random number and stored in the second jackpot related information memory area are collectively referred to as the second random number. The variation time of the second special symbol is also referred to as the second variation time.

In the following explanation, when the first jackpot random number and the second jackpot random number are referred to collectively or when neither is specified, they are also referred to as jackpot random numbers. Furthermore, when the first fluctuation pattern determining random number and the second fluctuation pattern determining random number are referred to collectively or when neither is specified, they are also referred to as fluctuation pattern determining random numbers. Furthermore, when the first pattern determining random number and the second pattern determining random number are referred to collectively or when neither is specified, they are also referred to as special pattern determining random numbers.

In the pachinko machine 1, the first variation time and the second variation time are equal to the presentation time of the notification effect that notifies the player of the result of the first jackpot judgment and the result of the second jackpot judgment. The notification effect is performed by displaying the variation of the performance pattern in the performance pattern display unit 38 in synchronization with the variation of the special pattern. The main board 41 starts the variation of the first special pattern according to the first variation pattern based on the first variation pattern determination random number. The sub-control board 58 starts the variation display of the performance pattern in synchronization with the start of the variation of the first special pattern. When the first variation time ends, the main board 41 displays the first special pattern that has been varying as a fixed pattern for a predetermined special pattern stop display time (0.5 seconds in this embodiment). The sub-control board 58 displays the fixed pattern in synchronization with the fixed display of the first special pattern.

The main board 41 also starts varying the second special symbol according to the second variation pattern based on the second variation pattern determination random number. The sub-control board 58 starts displaying the variation of the performance symbol in synchronization with the start of the variation of the second special symbol. When the second variation time ends, the main board 41 displays the second special symbol that has been varying for a specified special symbol stop display time. The sub-control board 58 displays the performance symbol in synchronization with the display of the second special symbol. The sub-control board 58 executes a notification performance in synchronization with the variation time of the special symbol by displaying the variation of the performance symbol in the performance symbol display unit 38, as well as by using the electric lighting member, speaker 48, performance display unit 39, etc.

In the following, among the variations of the special symbols, the variation in which the result of the jackpot determination is displayed as a small win symbol, which is a symbol that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a small win, is referred to as a small win variation. Among the variations of the special symbols, the variation in which the result of the jackpot determination is displayed as a miss symbol, which is a symbol that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss, is referred to as a miss variation.

The RAM 52 is provided with a normal win related information storage area for storing the normal win random number obtained at the time the gaming ball passes through the gate 11. The normal win related information storage area is configured in the same manner as the first jackpot related information storage area. In this embodiment, the normal win related information storage area is provided with four storage areas, and the maximum number of normal reserved balls is "4". The storage areas are provided with a normal win random number column in which the value of the normal win random number is stored, and a normal symbol determination random number column in which the value of the normal symbol determination random number is stored. The normal win random number is used to determine a normal win. The normal symbol determination random number is used to determine the normal win symbol.

The special symbol determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The pachinko machine 1 determines the small win symbol by referring to the special symbol determination table. In the special symbol determination table, each small win symbol is associated with a special symbol determination random number value (0 to 199). If the result of the big win determination is a miss, a predetermined miss symbol indicating that the result of the big win determination is a miss is determined regardless of the special symbol determination table. Below, the small win symbol of the first special symbol is referred to as the first small win symbol, and the small win symbol of the second special symbol is referred to as the second small win symbol.

There are four types of first small prize designs: "Special 1 Small Prize A", "Special 1 Small Prize B", "Special 1 Small Prize C", and "Special 1 Small Prize D". The percentage of first small prize designs is "Special 1 Small Prize A" 40%, "Special 1 Small Prize B", 30%, "Special 1 Small Prize C", 20%, and "Special 1 Small Prize D" 10%. There are five types of second small prize designs: "Special 2 Small Prize A", "Special 2 Small Prize B", "Special 2 Small Prize C", "Special 2 Small Prize D", and "Special 2 Small Prize E". The percentage of second small prize designs is "Special 2 Small Prize A" 40%, "Special 2 Small Prize B", 25%, "Special 2 Small Prize C", 20%, "Special 2 Small Prize D", and 5%.

The special symbol determination table defines the opening pattern of the first large prize opening 16 in a small prize game in correspondence with the small prize symbol. Hereinafter, the opening pattern of the first large prize opening 16 in a small prize game is referred to as the small prize opening pattern. The pachinko machine 1 has six small prize opening patterns, pattern A to pattern F. Special 2 small prize A corresponds to pattern A, Special 1 small prize A and Special 2 small prize B correspond to pattern B, Special 1 small prize B and Special 2 small prize C correspond to pattern C, Special 1 small prize C and Special 2 small prize D correspond to pattern D, Special 2 small prize E corresponds to pattern E, and Special 1 small prize D corresponds to pattern F. In patterns A to E, the first large prize opening 16 opens for 0.052 seconds a maximum of 11 times. In pattern F, the first large prize opening 16 opens for a maximum of 1.5 seconds once. Regardless of the small win opening pattern used in the small win game, if the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 during the small win game passes through a specific area 291A within the first large winning opening 16, the large winning game will be played following the small win game.

As described above, in a jackpot game resulting from the execution of a small jackpot game, the small jackpot game is treated retroactively as the 1st round of the jackpot game. In this embodiment, the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 9R (the 1st round is a small jackpot game) regardless of the small jackpot pattern. In the 2nd round to the 9th round, the second large winning opening 17 opens once for a maximum of 28.0 seconds, and the jackpot game is played. Note that if a small jackpot game corresponding to a small jackpot pattern is executed but the game ball does not pass through the specific area 291A in the small jackpot game, the jackpot game state is not generated, and therefore the jackpot game is not played after the end of the small jackpot game.

For each small win pattern, a game state that is set after the big win game corresponding to the small win pattern is completed is defined. In this embodiment, if a big win game is played due to the determination of a small win pattern other than the special 1 small win D, a time-saving state is set after the big win game ends. The time-saving state set after the big win game ends when the number of times that a small win determination result is derived in the time-saving state reaches 5, and the time-saving end condition is met, and the game state then transitions to the normal state. Note that if a big win game is played due to the determination of the small win pattern of the special 1 small win D, the normal state is set after the big win game ends (the time-saving state is not set).

Referring to FIG. 14, the details of the small win opening pattern and the operation of the storage unit 25, the stop release unit 27, and the distribution unit 26 in a small win game will be described. Note that the operation of the storage unit 25, the stop release unit 27, and the distribution unit 26 in a small win game is the same regardless of the small win opening pattern. The small win game starts from time t0. The time from time t0 to time t1 is the so-called opening time for notifying the player that the small win game is about to start by executing a performance or the like. The opening time is about 7 seconds in pattern A, and 0.004 seconds in patterns B to F. In addition, the opening time may be a fixed time regardless of the small win opening pattern.

In patterns A to E, the first large prize opening 16 opens once for a time TA from time t1 to time t2. In this embodiment, the time TA is 0.052 seconds. The opening/closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 transitions from a closed state to an open state with a game ball placed on its upper side, so that at least one game ball can enter the first large prize opening 16 even if the time it is in the open state is short. In the cases of patterns B to E, the opening time is short, and at the timing when the first large prize opening 16 opens for the first time TA, a game ball has not yet been launched toward the first large prize opening 16. For this reason, since there is often no game ball on the upper side of the opening/closing member 161, a game ball rarely enters the first large prize opening 16 in the first opening for the time TA in patterns B to E. On the other hand, in the case of pattern A, a game ball launched toward the first large winning opening 16 during the opening time may be configured to land on the upper side of the opening/closing member 161, so that the game ball may enter the first large winning opening 16 when it is opened for the first time TA.

In pattern F, the first large prize opening 16 opens once for a time TC from time t1 to time t4. In this embodiment, the time TC is 1.5 seconds. In pattern F, the first large prize opening 16 does not open again thereafter.

The storage section 25 is in a storage-ready state for a time TD from time t1 to time t3. In this embodiment, the time TD is 0.1 seconds. If a game ball enters the first large winning opening 16 in the first opening of the patterns A to E at time TA and in the opening of the pattern F at time TC, the shape and length of the flow path 162 (see FIG. 3) are configured so that the game ball does not reach the position of the storage section 25 by time t2. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the first large winning opening 16 in the first opening of the patterns A to E at time TA and in the opening of the pattern F at time TC, the winning game ball is almost never guided to the distribution area 281 via the storage section 25. In other words, pattern F is a small win opening pattern that does not assume that a large win game will be played following a small win game.

In pattern A, the first large prize opening 16 is closed from time t2 to time t5, and during time TB from time t5 to time t8, the first large prize opening 16 repeats opening for time TA up to 10 times. In this embodiment, time TB is about 9.5 seconds. While the opening is performed multiple times over time TB, the player continues to shoot game balls aiming at the first large prize opening 16. Therefore, each time the first large prize opening 16 opens for time TA, about one game ball enters the first large prize opening 16. Therefore, while the opening is performed multiple times over time TB, about one game ball flows down the flow path 162 in sequence. After the opening is completed multiple times over time TB, the first large prize opening 16 does not open.

In addition, during the time TE from time t5 to time t9, the storage section 25 is in a storage-ready state. In this embodiment, the time TE is about 6 seconds. Therefore, the game balls flowing down the flow path 162 reach the position of the storage section 25 in a storage-ready state in sequence. The game ball that first reaches the storage section 25 in a storage-ready state is stored in the storage section 25. The game ball that reaches the storage section 25 after the game ball is stored in the storage section 25 passes through the receiving section 289 and the flow path 292 of the lower center stage 28, passes through the non-specific area 292A, and is discharged to the back side of the game board 2. That is, in this embodiment, when multiple game balls enter the first large winning opening 16, only one of the game balls is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage section 25, and the other game balls pass through the non-specific area 292A. The end of time TE is time t9, which is later than time t8, which is the end of time TB, and is the time when the game ball has had time to flow down to the position of the storage section 25 into the first large winning opening 16 just before the multiple openings over time TB are completed. Therefore, even if the game ball first enters the first large winning opening 16 just before the multiple openings over time TB are completed, the storage section 25 can store the game ball.

At time t9, the storage section 25 changes from a storage-capable state to an unstorable state, and if a game ball was stored in the storage section 25, the game ball is discharged into the rotation area 282 of the lower center stage 28. The retention release section 27 maintains the retention-capable state from time t0 to time t9, and then changes to a retention-capable state during the time TF from time t9 to time t11. In this embodiment, the time TF is 12 seconds. Therefore, after winning in the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A, the game ball discharged into the rotation area 282 flows down the rotation area 282 without staying in the retention area 288 until the time TF ends.

The distribution unit 26 continues to stop rotating from time t0 to time t6, and performs a rotation operation (operation indicated by "★" in FIG. 14) at a first rotation speed during a time TI from time t6 to time t7. In this embodiment, the time TI is about 2 seconds. The first speed is about 120 pps. This rotation operation is performed to prevent a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A, from hitting the protrusion 265 of the distribution unit 26 and passing through the ball portions 285A and 285D when the game ball is guided to the rotation area 282. Hereinafter, the rotation operation of the distribution unit 26 indicated by "★" in FIG. 14 is referred to as a prevention operation.

As shown in FIG. 10 (4), from time t0 to time t6, the distribution unit 26 is in the origin position where one of the five protrusions of the protrusion 265, protrusion 265A, extends toward the front. At the origin position, two of the five protrusions that extend diagonally backward extend from the center of the hit hole 283 toward the ball-playing sections 285A and 285D, respectively. If a game ball is discharged from the storage unit 25 toward the swirling area 282 while the distribution unit 26 is in the origin position, a game ball flowing down the swirling area 282 toward the protrusion 265 from the rear may hit the protrusion 265, bounce off, and head toward the ball-playing sections 285A and 285D.

The pachinko machine 1 performs a preventive operation to prevent a game ball that has entered the first large winning hole 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A, from heading toward the ball portions 285A and 285D. The preventive operation is performed by rotating the distribution unit 26 180 degrees from the origin position at a first speed. As a result, none of the five protrusions are positioned to extend from the center of the winning hole 283 toward the ball portions 285A and 285D. The preventive operation is performed from time t6 to time t7 when the storage unit 25 is in a storage-ready state. Therefore, a game ball that is discharged from the storage unit 25 to the rotation area 282 after time t9 and flows down the rotation area 282 toward the protrusion 265 from the rear is prevented from hitting the protrusion 265 and bouncing off, heading toward the ball portions 285A and 285D.

The distribution unit 26 remains stopped from time t7 when the prevention operation ends until time t12 when the distribution operation starts. The time from time t9 to time t12 is set to be longer than the time required for a game ball to flow down the swirl area 282 and enter the winning hole 283 after being discharged from the storage unit 25 into the swirl area 282. In other words, a game ball that enters the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A and is stored in the storage unit 25 is discharged to the swirl area 282 when the distribution unit 26 is not performing the distribution operation, and can enter the winning hole 283.

The time from when game balls are discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 to the end of the distribution operation period during which the distribution section 26 performs the distribution operation is referred to as the required durability time. Game balls that can withstand the distribution operation for the required durability time and remain in the rotation area 282 can enter the winning hole 283 after the distribution operation period ends. Game balls that enter the first large winning hole 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A, and are guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage section 25 can enter the winning hole 283 without having to withstand the distribution operation. Therefore, the required durability time for pattern A is "0 seconds."

In pattern B, from time t10 to time t13, the first large prize opening 16 opens multiple times over a period TB. Also, during the period TE from time t10 to time t14, the storage section 25 enters a storage-capable state. Therefore, the game ball that enters the first large prize opening 16 that opens in the small prize opening pattern of pattern B is stored in the storage section 25 that is in a storage-capable state. The game ball stored in the storage section 25 is discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 at time t14 when the storage section 25 enters an unstorable state.

The distribution unit 26 starts the distribution operation by performing a rotation operation at the first speed from time t12, which is before time t13. The distribution unit 26 continues the rotation operation at the first speed until time t22, and then performs the rotation operation at a second speed, which is slower than the first speed, until time t24, and then stops the rotation operation. In this embodiment, the second speed is about 40 pps. Even when the rotation operation is performed at the second speed, the game balls that flow down toward the winning hole 283 in the turning area 282 are prevented from entering the winning hole 283. In other words, the distribution operation is performed when the distribution unit 26 continues the rotation operation at the first speed and the second speed, and the period from time t12 to time t24, when the distribution operation is performed, corresponds to the distribution operation period. Note that, during the distribution operation period, the time TJ during which the distribution operation is at the first speed is about 56 seconds. The time TK during which the distribution operation is at the second speed thereafter is about 10 seconds.

The time from time t14, when the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern B, is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage section 25, to time t24, when the distribution operation period ends, is 60 seconds. Therefore, the required endurance time for pattern B is "60 seconds." Pachinko machine 1 has multiple required endurance times. In pachinko machine 1, the required endurance time of 60 seconds is the longest required endurance time.

In pattern C, from time t15 to time t16, the first large prize opening 16 opens multiple times over a period TB. Also, during the period TE from time t15 to time t17, the storage section 25 enters a storage-capable state. Therefore, the game ball that enters the first large prize opening 16 that opens in the small prize opening pattern of pattern C is stored in the storage section 25 that is in a storage-capable state. The game ball stored in the storage section 25 is discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 at time t17 when the storage section 25 enters an unstorable state.

The time from time t17, when the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern C, is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage section 25, to time t24, when the distribution operation period ends, is 40 seconds. Therefore, the required endurance time for pattern C is "40 seconds." The required endurance time for pattern C is shorter than the required endurance time for pattern B.

In pattern D, from time t18 to time t19, the first large prize opening 16 opens multiple times over a period TB. Also, during the period TE from time t18 to time t20, the storage section 25 enters a storage-capable state. Therefore, the game ball that enters the first large prize opening 16 that opens in the small prize opening pattern of pattern D is stored in the storage section 25 that is in a storage-capable state. The game ball stored in the storage section 25 is discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 at time t20 when the storage section 25 enters an unstorable state.

The time from time t20, when the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern D, is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage section 25, to time t24, when the distribution operation period ends, is 20 seconds. Therefore, the required endurance time for pattern D is "20 seconds". The required endurance time for pattern D is shorter than the required endurance times for patterns B and C. When a small winning game is played and a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16 is stored in the storage section 25, the pachinko machine 1 provides multiple required endurance times by providing multiple timings for the stored game ball to be discharged into the rotation area 282.

The shorter the required endurance time, the more likely it is that a game ball guided to the rotation area 282 will remain in the rotation area 282 without being discharged to the discharge area 286 via the ball bowls 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D. In other words, the shorter the required endurance time, the higher the chance that a game ball guided to the rotation area 282 will land in the winning hole 283. This allows the pachinko machine 1 to attract the player's interest in how many seconds the required endurance time will be, and to change the player's sense of expectation. In this embodiment, there are four required endurance times: "0 seconds," "20 seconds," "40 seconds," and "60 seconds."

The stop release unit 27 continues the stop-possible state from time t11 to time t22. Therefore, when a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the opening pattern of patterns B, C, and D is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage unit 25, the game ball rotating in the rotation area 282 may enter the stop area 288. While the game ball is stopped in the stop area 288, the game ball is not discharged to the discharge area 286 via the ball ejection units 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D, so the possibility of the game ball entering the winning hole 283 thereafter is maintained. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's attention as to whether the game ball will enter the stop area 288 during the distribution operation period. Furthermore, when a game ball stops in the stopping area 288, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's anticipation of the game ball subsequently entering the winning hole 283 and winning a jackpot.

The retention release unit 27 enters a retention-disabled state at time t22, which is the end of the distribution operation period, and continues to be in the retention-disabled state for a time TG until time t25 after the distribution operation period ends. Therefore, if a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the opening pattern of patterns B, C, or D, is guided to the rotation area 282 via the storage unit 25 and then stops in the retention area 288, the game ball is discharged from the retention area 288 when the distribution operation ends. Since the game ball that has stopped in the retention area 288 is always in the rotation area 282 at the end of the distribution operation period, the pachinko machine 1 can attract a lot of attention from players as to whether the game ball can withstand the distribution operation and remain in the rotation area 282.

During time TK from time t22 to time t24, which is the end of the distribution operation period, the rotation speed of the distribution unit 26 is the second speed. By lowering the rotation speed of the distribution unit 26 from the first speed to the second speed, the pachinko machine 1 allows the distribution operation to be performed more slowly, making the player feel that it is easier for the game balls in the turning area 282 to enter the winning holes 283. The pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's attention to the movement of the game balls in the turning area 282 and the distribution operation in the end of the distribution operation period, and can also arouse the player's sense of anticipation.

In pattern E, from time t21 to time t23, the first large winning opening 16 opens multiple times over a period of time TB. Also, during time TE from time t21 to time t24, the storage section 25 enters a storage-capable state. Therefore, a game ball that enters the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the opening pattern of pattern E is stored in the storage section 25 that is in a storage-capable state. The game ball stored in the storage section 25 is ejected from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 at time t24 when the storage section 25 enters an unstorable state.

At time t24 when the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the opening pattern of pattern E is guided to the swirling area 282 through the storage unit 25, the distribution operation of the distribution unit 26 ends. In other words, the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 that opens in the opening pattern of pattern E and was guided to the swirling area 282 through the storage unit 25 can enter the winning hole 283 without having to endure the distribution operation. Therefore, the endurance required time for pattern E is "0 seconds". In the pachinko machine 1, when the game ball that entered the first large winning opening 16 in a small winning game is stored in the storage unit 25, the timing at which the stored game ball is discharged to the swirling area 282 is set in two ways: before the start of the distribution operation (pattern A) and after the end of the distribution operation (pattern E). As a result, the pachinko machine 1 provides two patterns in which the required endurance time is "0 seconds", which is the highest expectation for the player, and diversifies the small win game. In particular, since the required endurance time may be "0 seconds" even after the distribution operation has started, the pachinko machine 1 can maintain the player's expectation until the end of the small win game.

After that, during the time TH from time t26 to time t27, the stop release section 27 again goes into a stop-disabled state. This prevents the small win game from ending with the game ball remaining stopped in the stop area 288. In this embodiment, the time TH is approximately 16 seconds. Also, during the time TH, the distribution section 26 performs a rotation operation for the time TL three times at the first speed. In this embodiment, the time TL is approximately 5 seconds. By the distribution section 26 performing the rotation operation for the time TL three times, when a game ball is discharged from the stop area 288 to the rotation area 282 at the time TH, the game ball is prevented from entering the winning hole 283. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 performs a rotation operation for time TL, thereby intermittently rotating the decorative portion 269 of the distribution portion 26, and when the game ball enters the winning hole 283 and passes through the specific area 291A, this is emphasized and the satisfaction of the player is improved. After that, a predetermined time is provided from time t27 to time t28 as a so-called ending, and then the opening operation of the first large winning opening 16 according to the small winning opening pattern and the operation of the storage portion 25, the stop release portion 27, and the distribution portion 26 in the small winning game are completed.

The variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The variation pattern determination table is divided into sections for each game state (normal state or time-saving state) at the time when the variation pattern is determined. A plurality of types of variation patterns are assigned to each section, and a value of a variation pattern determination random number (0 to 511) is associated with each variation pattern depending on the judgment result of the jackpot judgment (small win or miss). When a jackpot judgment is made, the table section according to the game state at that time is referenced, and one variation pattern corresponding to the value of the variation pattern determination random number obtained together with the jackpot random number is determined depending on the result of the jackpot judgment. In this embodiment, the variation pattern determination table is commonly referenced when determining either the first variation pattern or the second variation pattern.

When the result of the jackpot determination in the normal state is a small win, the rate at which the variation pattern is determined increases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance C". Here, the "reach performance" is a notification performance that executes a performance indicating the possibility of a small win after a reach state in which two of the three patterns that make up the performance pattern displayed on the performance pattern display unit 38 stop with the same pattern is formed. On the other hand, when the determination result is a miss, the rate at which the variation pattern is determined decreases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance C". Therefore, the expectation that the result of the first jackpot determination will be a jackpot increases in the order of "reach performance A" to "reach performance C". In this embodiment, the variation patterns of "miss variation A" to "miss variation D" are notification performances of miss variations in which the performance ends without reaching a reach state, and in this embodiment, they are determined only when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. Similarly, for the time-saving state, the variation patterns of the reach performance and the miss variation are defined in correspondence with the value of the variation pattern determination random number.

The main board 41 changes the first special symbol or the second special symbol for a change time determined according to the determined change pattern. When the change pattern is determined, the main board 41 sends a change pattern designation command, which is a command that designates the change pattern, to the sub-control board 58. The sub-control board 58 controls the change display of the performance symbol in the performance symbol display unit 38 and the speaker 48, etc., according to the change pattern designated by the command.

The operation of the main board 41 of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Figure 16. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main processing of the control program (see Figure 10) is executed by the CPU 51 when it detects an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generating circuit 57 (see Figure 4). Below, each step in the flowchart will be abbreviated as "S".

The following describes the flags used in the main process. In the main process, the big win game state flag, small win game state flag, first special pattern display state flag, second special pattern display state flag, time-saving flag, etc. are used. These flags are stored in RAM 52.

The jackpot game state flag is a flag indicating whether a jackpot game is in progress, and is set to "ON" during a jackpot game, and is set to "OFF" when a jackpot game is not in progress. The jackpot game state flag being "ON" indicates that both the condition device and the role continuous operation device are in operation. The small win game state flag is a flag indicating whether a small win game is in progress, and is set to "ON" during a small win game, and is set to "OFF" when a small win game is not in progress. In the following, the state in which a jackpot game state or a small win game state is occurring is also referred to as a win game state.

The special symbol display state flag is stored as "1" when either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (changing), "2" when both are displayed stationary (stationary), and "0" when neither is changing nor stationary. The time-saving flag is a flag that indicates whether the time-saving state is in effect, and is "ON" when the time-saving state is in effect, and is "OFF" when the normal state (non-time-saving state) is in effect.

When the power switch (not shown) of the pachinko machine 1 is operated to turn on the power of the pachinko machine 1, the CPU 51 starts the main process. When the main process starts, a switch reading process is first performed (S11). In the switch reading process, a process is performed to detect the passage or winning of a game ball from the detection results of each switch (see FIG. 11) provided in the gate 11, the first start port 12, the second start port 13, the first large winning port 16, the second large winning port 17, the specific area 291A, the non-specific areas 292A, 293A, and other winning ports. When each switch detects the passage or winning of a game ball, the flag corresponding to each switch stored in the RAM 52 becomes "ON". Next, a counter update process is performed (S12). In the counter update process, the values of various time counters stored in the RAM 52 are updated.

Next, special electric device processing is performed (S13). Details will be described later, but in the special electric device processing, processing for controlling the operation of the winning game and processing related to the game state set after the big win game ends are performed (see Figures 21 and 22). The winning game operation is mainly the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing members 161, 171 of the first large winning opening 16 and the second large winning opening 17 in the big win game and the small win game.

Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). Details will be described later, but in the special symbol processing, a jackpot determination, a variation pattern determination, a special symbol determination, a game state transition process, and the like are performed (see Figures 17 to 19).

Next, normal electric device processing is performed (S16). In the normal electric device processing, processing is performed to control the operation of the normal winning game (mainly the opening and closing operation of the opening and closing member 131 of the second starting port 13). As described above, when a normal winning game is executed during the time-saving state, the CPU 51 opens the opening and closing member 131 for a longer period of time than during the non-time-saving state. Note that the CPU 51 determines that the time-saving state is in effect when the time-saving flag is "ON".

Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S17). In the normal symbol processing, a normal win random number is obtained when the gate switch 75 detects the passage of the gaming ball. Based on the obtained random number, processing such as determining whether or not there is a normal win and generating commands to control the fluctuation of the normal symbol is performed.

Next, payout processing (S18), error check (S19), and information output processing (S20) are performed. In the payout processing, when the flag corresponding to each switch is set to "ON" by the switch reading processing, a command indicating that a game ball has entered the winning hole corresponding to each switch is sent to the payout control board 45. The CPU 45a of the payout control board 45 that receives this command causes the prize ball payout device 49 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls for the winning hole corresponding to the command according to the number of winning balls entered into the winning hole. In the error check, if an error occurs, the error is notified using the performance pattern display unit 38, the performance display unit 39, the speaker 48, etc. In the information output processing, various information is output to the game center management computer (not shown) via the external terminal board 55.

The details of the special symbol process (S14, see FIG. 16) will be described with reference to FIG. 17 to FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 17, when the special symbol process is started, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 12 (S71). When the first start hole switch 61 detects that a game ball has entered, the flag corresponding to the first start hole switch 61 becomes "ON" in the switch reading process (S11, see FIG. 16) of the main process. If this flag is "OFF", it is determined that a game ball has not entered the first start hole 12 (S71: NO), and the process proceeds to the determination of S81.

If this flag is "ON", it is determined that a game ball has entered the first starting hole 12 (S71: YES), and it is determined whether the first reserved ball number is "4" (S73). If the first reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 is "4" (S73: YES), the first reserved ball number has reached the maximum first reserved ball number, and the process proceeds to the determination of S81. If the first reserved ball number is not "4" (S73: NO), "1" is added to the first reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 (S75). Next, a first random number is obtained and stored in the smallest numbered empty memory area in the first jackpot related information storage area (see FIG. 5) (S76). Specifically, the value of the first jackpot random number is stored in the first jackpot random number column, the value of the first special symbol determination random number is stored in the first special symbol determination random number column, and the value of the first variation pattern determination random number is stored in the first variation pattern determination random number column. The first random number may include other types of random numbers.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 13 (S81). When the first start hole switch 61 detects that a game ball has entered, the flag corresponding to the second start hole switch 62 becomes "ON" in the switch reading process of the main process. If this flag is "OFF", it is determined that a game ball has not entered the second start hole 13 (S71: NO), and the process proceeds to the determination of S91 (see FIG. 18).

If this flag is "ON", it is determined that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 13 (S81: YES), and it is determined whether the second reserved ball number is "1" (S82). If the second reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 is "1" (S72: YES), the second reserved ball number has reached the maximum second reserved ball number, so the process proceeds to the determination of S91. If the second reserved ball number is not "1" (S82: NO), "1" is added to the second reserved ball number stored in the RAM 52 (S85). Next, a second random number is obtained and stored in the smallest numbered empty memory area in the second jackpot related information memory area (not shown) (S86). Specifically, the value of the second jackpot random number is stored in the second jackpot random number column, the value of the second special symbol determination random number is stored in the second special symbol determination random number column, and the value of the second variation pattern determination random number is stored in the second variation pattern determination random number column. The second random number may include other types of random numbers.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the game is in a winning state (S91). If the big win game state flag or the small win game state flag is "ON", it is determined that the game is in a winning state (S91: YES), and the process returns to the main process. If the big win game state flag and the small win game state flag are both "OFF", it is determined that the game is not in a winning state (S91: NO), and it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S92). If the first special symbol display state flag is not "1", it is determined that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is changing (S92: NO), and it is determined whether or not the special symbol is being displayed in a stopped state (S93). If the special symbol display state flag is not "2", it is determined that neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is being displayed in a stopped state (S93: NO), and processes such as a big win determination are performed.

In this embodiment, in the jackpot determination, the second jackpot determination is performed with priority over the first jackpot determination. As shown in FIG. 19, first, it is determined whether the second reserved ball count is "1" (S101). If the second reserved ball count stored in the RAM 52 is "1" (S101: YES), a second jackpot determination is performed, the details of which will be described later. If the second reserved ball count is "0" (S101: NO), it is determined whether the first reserved ball count is "1" or more (S102). If the first reserved ball count stored in the RAM 52 is "0" (S102: NO), the process returns to the main process.

If the first reserved ball count is "1" or more (S102: YES), the first reserved ball count stored in RAM 52 is decremented by "1" (S103). Next, the first random number stored in the smallest-numbered storage area in the first jackpot-related information storage area (see FIG. 12) is shifted to the judgment area (S105).

Next, a first jackpot determination is made (S106). Although not shown, a determination table, which is a table for making a jackpot determination, is stored in the ROM 53. The determination table defines the values of the jackpot random numbers corresponding to a "small win" and a "miss" for the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination, respectively. In the process of S106, the determination table is referenced to make a first jackpot determination in which it is determined whether the first jackpot random number shifted to the determination area corresponds to a "small win" or a "miss". As a result, a first jackpot determination based on the undetermined first jackpot random numbers stored in the RAM 52 is made in the order in which the first jackpot random numbers were stored.

Next, a first stop pattern is determined, which is the stop pattern of the first special pattern (pattern that is displayed as a confirmed result) according to the result of the first big win determination (S108). If the result of the first big win determination is a small win, a special pattern determination table (see FIG. 13) is referenced, and a small win pattern is determined as the first stop pattern according to the value of the first special pattern determination random number shifted to the determination area in S103. The determined small win pattern is stored in RAM 52. On the other hand, if the result of the first big win determination is a miss, a predetermined miss pattern is determined as the first stop pattern.

In addition, in the second jackpot determination, first, it is determined whether the second reserved ball count is "1" (S101). If the second reserved ball count is "1" (S101: YES), the second reserved ball count stored in RAM 52 is decremented by "1" (S111). Next, the second random number stored in the smallest-numbered memory area in the second jackpot-related information memory area (not shown) is shifted to the determination area (S112).

Next, the aforementioned judgment table is referenced, and a second jackpot judgment is performed to determine whether the second jackpot random number shifted to the judgment area corresponds to a "small win" or a "miss" (S113). As a result, a first jackpot judgment based on the undetermined second jackpot random numbers stored in RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the first jackpot random numbers were stored.

Next, a second stop pattern is determined, which is the stop pattern of the second special pattern according to the result of the second jackpot determination (S115). If the result of the second jackpot determination is a small win, the special pattern determination table is referenced, and a small win pattern is determined as the second stop pattern according to the value of the second special pattern determination random number shifted to the determination area in S112. The determined small win pattern is stored in RAM 52. On the other hand, if the result of the second jackpot determination is a miss, a predetermined miss pattern is determined as the first stop pattern.

Next, a fluctuation pattern is determined according to the result of the jackpot determination (S121). In the process of S121, the state of the time-saving flag is referenced to identify whether the current game state is set to the normal state or the time-saving state. The result of the judgment made immediately before the jackpot determination is also referenced. A table corresponding to the identified game state is referenced from among the fluctuation pattern determination tables (see FIG. 15), and a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination and the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number is determined. The determined fluctuation pattern is stored in RAM 52. If a first jackpot determination is made, the first fluctuation pattern is determined, and if a second jackpot determination is made, the second fluctuation pattern is determined.

Next, a variation pattern designation command indicating the determined variation pattern is generated and set in a command buffer provided in RAM 52 (S122). The commands set in the command buffer of RAM 52 are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 58, payout control board 45, relay board 47, etc. in the order in which they were set in the command buffer. The pattern display unit 24, which has received the variation pattern designation command via the relay board 47, starts varying the special pattern in the special pattern display unit. The pattern display unit 24 starts varying the first special pattern when it receives the first variation pattern, and starts varying the second special pattern when it receives the second variation pattern. The sub-control board 58, which has received the variation pattern designation command, starts varying the performance pattern in the performance pattern display unit 38 according to the variation pattern.

The main processing may include a command transmission process that transmits commands that were set in the command buffer in the previously executed main processing to the sub-control board 58, etc. In this case, the command transmission process may transmit the commands that were set in the command buffer to the sub-control board 58, etc., for each interruption of the main processing, in the order that the commands were set in the command buffer.

Next, the first change time corresponding to the determined first change pattern or the second change time corresponding to the determined second change pattern is set in the special symbol change time counter (S123). A "1" indicating that the special symbol is changing is stored in the special symbol display status flag (S125), and the process returns to the main process.

In addition, in the judgment of S92 shown in FIG. 18, if "1" is stored in the special pattern display status flag, it is judged that the first special pattern or the second special pattern is changing (S92: YES), and it is judged whether the special pattern change time has elapsed (S131). If the value of the special pattern change time counter set in the processing of S123 (see FIG. 19) is "0", it is judged that the change time has elapsed (S131: YES), and a special pattern stop command is generated in RAM 52 and set in the command buffer (S132). The special pattern stop command is a command for stopping the change of the special pattern and for notifying the contents of the stop pattern (first stop pattern or second stop pattern). The pattern display unit 24 that receives the pattern stop command via the relay board 47 stops the first special pattern or the second special pattern that is changing at the stop pattern indicated by the pattern stop command. Upon receiving the symbol stop command, the sub-control board 58 stops the changing symbols in the symbol display unit 38 at a symbol combination that corresponds to the stop symbol.

Then, a predetermined special symbol stop display time is set in the special symbol stop time counter (S133). A "2", indicating that either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, is stored in the special symbol display status flag (S1235), and processing returns to the main processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in S131 that the special symbol change time has not yet elapsed (S131: NO), processing returns to the main processing.

Also, if the special symbol display state flag is "2" in the judgment of S93, it is judged that the special symbol is being stopped and displayed (S93: YES), and it is judged whether the special symbol stop time has elapsed (S136). This judgment is made based on the value of the special symbol stop time counter. If the value of the first special symbol stop time counter is not "0", it is judged that the special symbol stop time has not yet elapsed (S136: NO), and the process returns to the main process. If the value of the special symbol stop time counter is "0", it is judged that the special symbol stop time has elapsed (S136: YES), and "0", which indicates that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are neither changing nor stopped, is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S138). After that, a game state transition process is performed (S139), and the process returns to the main process.

The game state transition process (S139, see FIG. 18) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 20. In the game state transition process, when a small win is determined by the big win determination, a process for transitioning the game to a small win game state is performed.

When the game state transition process is started, it is determined whether the special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (S141). If the special symbol is displayed as a losing symbol (S141: NO), the process returns to the special symbol process. If the special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (S141: YES), the small win game state flag becomes "ON" (S142). Next, the number of rounds corresponding to the small win symbol (in this embodiment, "9" for all small win symbols) is set in the R counter provided in RAM 52 as a counter that stores the number of rounds (S143).

Next, depending on the state of the time-saving flag, it is determined whether the time-saving state is set (S145). If the time-saving state is not set (the normal state is set) (S145: NO), the process returns to the special symbol process. If the time-saving state is set (S145: YES), "1" is added to the small win count counter provided in RAM 52 to count the number of times a small win determination result has been derived in the time-saving state (S146).

Next, it is determined whether the value of the small win count counter is "5" (S148). If the value of the small win count counter is not "5" (S148: NO), the process returns to the special symbol processing. If the value of the small win count counter is "5" (S148: YES), the time-saving flag becomes "OFF" (S149), and the process returns to the special symbol processing.

21 and 22, the details of the special electric role processing (S13, see FIG. 16) will be described. First, the flags used in the special electric role processing will be described. In addition to the various flags described above, the special electric role processing uses an open flag and the like. The open flag is a flag indicating whether the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are open or not, and is stored in the RAM 52. The open flag stores "1" when the opening/closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 is open, "2" when the opening/closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17 is open, and "0" when both the opening/closing members 161 and 171 are closed. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 16 and the second large prize opening 17 are never open at the same time. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 16 may be repeatedly opened multiple times in a small prize game, and "1" is stored in the open flag from the start to the end of the multiple openings.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the special electric device processing is started, it is determined whether or not the game is in a big win game state (S151). This determination is made based on the state of the big win game state flag. If the big win game state flag is "OFF", it is determined that the game is not in a big win game state (S151: NO), and it is determined whether or not the game is in a small win game state as shown in FIG. 22 (S181). If the small win game state flag is "OFF", it is determined that the game is not in a small win game state (S181: NO), and the processing returns to the main processing. If the small win game state flag is "ON", it is determined that the game is in a small win game state (S181: YES), and it is determined whether or not the first large winning opening 16 is open (S182). If the open flag is set to "1", it is determined that the first large winning opening 16 is open (S182: YES), and the processing moves to the determination of S191.

If "1" is not stored in the open flag, it is determined that the first large prize opening 16 is not open (S182: NO), and the small prize pattern stored in the RAM 52 is referenced (S183). A first opening command corresponding to the referenced small prize pattern is generated and set in the command buffer (S185). The first opening command is a command including information indicating a small prize opening pattern corresponding to the small prize pattern. The first opening command set in the command buffer is sequentially transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The first large prize opening solenoid 70, which has received the first opening command via the relay board 47, opens the opening/closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16 in a small prize opening pattern (any of patterns A to F (see FIG. 14)) corresponding to the small prize pattern. The sub-control board 58, which has received the first opening command, controls the small prize game presentation, which is the presentation during the small prize game. In particular, the sub-control board 58 causes the performance display unit 39 to display the required endurance time (0, 20, 40, or 60 seconds) according to the small win opening pattern. In addition, because the first large prize opening 16 is opened based on the first opening command, the open flag is set to "1" (S186).

Next, a small win operation command is generated and set in the command buffer (S188). The small win operation command is a command that indicates the solenoid current pattern and stepping motor excitation pattern for operating the storage section 25, the distribution section 26, and the stop release section 27 in a predetermined pattern (see FIG. 14) during a small win game. The first open command set in the command buffer is sequentially sent to the relay board 47. The storage section solenoid 84, the distribution section motor 85, and the stop release section solenoid 86, which receive the small win operation command via the relay board 47, drive according to the current pattern and excitation pattern indicated by the small win operation command. Processing proceeds to the judgment of S191.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the first major winning opening 16 (S191). If the flag corresponding to the first major winning opening switch 77 is "OFF", it is determined that a game ball has not entered the first major winning opening 16 (S191: NO), and processing proceeds to the determination of S193. If the flag corresponding to the first major winning opening switch 77 is "ON", it is determined that a game ball has entered the first major winning opening 16 (S191: YES), and "1" is added to the winning ball counter in RAM 52, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the first major winning opening 16 (S192). Processing proceeds to the determination of S193.

Next, it is determined whether the number of winning balls in the first large winning opening 16 is "10" or more (S193). If the value of the winning ball counter is less than "10" (S193: NO), it is determined whether the opening of the first large winning opening 16 according to the small winning opening pattern has been completed (S195). If the opening of the first large winning opening 16 according to the small winning opening pattern has not been completed (S195: NO), the process returns to the main process. In the special electric device process that is performed thereafter, if the game is in a small winning state (S181: YES), the determinations of S193 and S195 are repeatedly executed until 10 or more game balls enter the first large winning opening 16 or the opening of the first large winning opening 16 according to the small winning opening pattern has been completed.

When 10 or more game balls enter the first large prize opening 16 (S193: YES), or when the opening of the first large prize opening 16 according to the first small prize opening pattern is completed (S195: YES), a first close command is generated and set in the command buffer (S196). The first close command is a command for completing the opening of the first large prize opening 16. The set first close command is sequentially transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The first large prize opening solenoid 70, which receives the first close command via the relay board 47, closes the opening/closing member 161 of the first large prize opening 16. Next, the open flag is stored as "0" and becomes "OFF" (S198), and the small prize game state flag becomes "OFF" (S199).

Next, it is determined whether the gaming ball has passed through the specific area 291A during the small win game (S201). When the specific area switch 81 detects the passage of the gaming ball, the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 81 becomes "ON" in the switch reading process of the main processing. If this flag is "OFF", it is determined that the gaming ball has not passed through the specific area 1192 (S201: NO), the value of the R counter is cleared to "0" (S205), and the processing returns to the main processing.

If the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 81 is "ON", it is determined that the game ball has passed through the specific area 291A (S201: YES), and the big win game status flag becomes "ON" (S202). That is, when the game ball passes through the specific area 291A during a small win game, the condition device is activated, and the consecutive operation device of the special device is operated. Next, "1" is subtracted from the value of the R counter (S203). That is, with the activation of the consecutive operation device of the special device, the small win game is treated as the first big win round, and therefore, the number of rounds is calculated as if one big win round had been played. After that, the process returns to the main process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 21, on the other hand, if the jackpot game state flag is "ON", it is determined that the jackpot game state is in progress (S151: YES), and it is determined whether all jackpot rounds have ended, i.e., whether the value of the R counter is "0" (S152). The value of the R counter is decremented by "1" each time a jackpot round ends, in the processes of S169 and S203 described below. In other words, if the value of the R counter is "0", the final round in the jackpot game has ended.

If the value of the R counter is not "0" (S152: NO), it is determined whether the second large prize opening 17 is in an open state (S153). This determination is made based on the state of the open flag. If "2" is stored in the open flag, it is determined that the second large prize opening 17 is in an open state (S152: YES), and the process proceeds to S171. If "2" is not stored in the open flag, it is determined that the second large prize opening 17 is not in an open state (S153: NO), and a second opening command for opening the second large prize opening 17 is generated and set in the command buffer (S155). The set second opening command is sequentially transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The second large prize opening solenoid 71, which receives the second opening command via the relay board 47, opens the opening/closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17. In addition, the special symbol determination table (see FIG. 13) is referenced, and the second opening time (28.0 seconds in this embodiment), which is the opening time of the second large prize opening 17 in the big win game, is stored in the second opening time counter of the RAM 52 (S156). In addition, in response to the second large prize opening 17 being opened based on the second opening command, "2" is stored in the open flag (S158). The process proceeds to the judgment of S161.

Next, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second large prize opening 17 (S161). If the flag corresponding to the second large prize opening switch 78 is "OFF", it is determined that a game ball has not entered the second large prize opening 17 (S161: NO), and processing proceeds to the determination of S163. If the flag corresponding to the second large prize opening switch 78 is "ON", it is determined that a game ball has entered the second large prize opening 17 (S161: YES), and "1" is added to the winning ball counter in RAM 52, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 17 (S162). Processing proceeds to the determination of S163.

Next, it is determined whether the number of winning balls in the second large winning opening 17 is "10" or more (S163). If the value of the winning ball counter is less than "10" (S163: NO), it is determined whether the second opening time has elapsed based on the value of the second opening time counter (S165). If the second opening time has not elapsed (S165: NO), the process returns to the main process. In the special electric device process that is performed thereafter, if the game is in a big win state (S151: YES) and the value of the R counter is not "0" (S152: NO), the determinations of S163 and S165 are repeatedly executed until 10 or more game balls enter the second large winning opening 17 or the second opening time has elapsed.

If 10 or more game balls enter the second large prize opening 17 (S163: YES) or the second open time has elapsed (S165: YES), a second close command is generated and set in the command buffer (S166). The second close command is a command for closing the opening/closing member 171 of the open second large prize opening 17. The set second close command is sequentially transmitted to the relay board 47 and the sub-control board 58. The second large prize opening solenoid 71, which receives the second close command via the relay board 47, closes the opening/closing member 171 of the second large prize opening 17. Next, "0" is stored in the open flag and it becomes "OFF" (S168), and the value of the R counter is decremented by "1" (S169). The process then returns to the main process.

On the other hand, if the value of the R counter is "0" (S152: YES), the big win game ends, and the big win game status flag becomes "OFF" (S171). The small win pattern stored in the RAM 52 is referenced (S172), and it is determined whether the stored small win pattern is "Special 1 Small Win D" (S173). If the small win pattern is "Special 1 Small Win D" (S173: YES), the process proceeds to S178. If the small win pattern is not "Special 1 Small Win D" (S173: NO), the time-saving flag becomes "ON" (S175). Next, the value of the small win count counter in the RAM 52 is cleared to "0" (S178), and the process returns to the main process.

The sub-control board processing executed by the sub-control board 58 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. In the sub-control board processing, processing is carried out to control various effects in accordance with commands sent from the main board 41. The sub-control board 58 is equipped with a clock circuit (not shown) that outputs a clock signal at a predetermined cycle, and an interrupt signal generating circuit (not shown). The interrupt signal generating circuit generates an interrupt signal each time a clock signal is input from the clock circuit. The CPU 581 executes the sub-control board processing each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generating circuit, in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 583.

When the sub-control board processing starts, it is determined whether a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main board 41 (S301). If a variation pattern designation command has not been received (S301: NO), processing proceeds to the determination of S303. If a variation pattern designation command has been received (S301: YES), the performance pattern display unit 38 starts changing the performance pattern, thereby starting the execution of the notification performance (S302). Processing proceeds to the determination of S303.

Next, it is determined whether a special pattern stop command has been received from the main board 41 (S303). If the special pattern stop command has not been received (S303: NO), processing proceeds to the determination of S306. If the special pattern stop command has been received (S303: YES), the performance patterns in the performance pattern display unit 38 are stopped (determined display) in a combination that indicates the result of the small win determination, thereby ending the execution of the notification performance (S305). Processing proceeds to the determination of S306.

Next, it is determined whether a first opening command has been received from the main board 41 (S306). If the first opening command has not been received (S306: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S311. If the first opening command has been received (S306: YES), the execution of a small win game presentation is started (S308). The small win game presentation is performed by illuminating the electric lighting member provided in the lower center ornament 22, outputting sound from the speaker 48, etc. In particular, the pachinko machine 1 displays the required durability time on the presentation display unit 39 as a small win game presentation.

With reference to Figure 24, the manner in which the required endurance time is displayed on the performance display unit 39 will be described. When a small win game is started, the performance display unit 39 starts to display a variable two-digit number. The arrow Y30 indicates that each of the two-digit numbers on the performance display unit 39 changes. Because the pachinko machine 1 displays a variable number on the performance display unit 39 during the period before the required endurance time is displayed, the player's attention can be drawn to the performance display unit 39 to see which required endurance time is displayed.

In the pachinko machine 1, the timing at which the first large winning opening 16 starts to open multiple times over time TB varies depending on the small winning opening pattern (see FIG. 14). The CPU 581 ends the variable display of the two-digit number on the performance display unit 39 a little before the first large winning opening 16 starts to open multiple times over time TB according to the small winning opening pattern, and displays the required endurance time corresponding to each small winning opening pattern. This allows the pachinko machine 1 to suggest to the player how likely it is that a small winning game will develop into a large winning game before the small winning game begins, thereby increasing the player's expectations for the small winning game.

Specifically, when the small win opening pattern is pattern A, the CPU 581 displays "0" corresponding to the required durability time of 0 seconds on the performance display unit 39 before time t5 (see FIG. 14). When the small win opening pattern is pattern E, the CPU 581 displays "0" indicating the required durability time on the performance display unit 39 before time t21. When the small win opening pattern is pattern B, the CPU 581 displays "60" corresponding to the required durability time of 60 seconds on the performance display unit 39 before time t10. When the small win opening pattern is pattern C, the CPU 581 displays "40" corresponding to the required durability time of 40 seconds on the performance display unit 39 before time t15. When the small win opening pattern is pattern D, the CPU 581 displays "20" corresponding to the required durability time of 20 seconds on the performance display unit 39 before time t18.

The CPU 581 performs a countdown display that counts down the required durability time displayed on the performance display unit 39 as time passes, in order to indicate the remaining time of the required durability time as the required durability time passes. When the small win opening pattern is pattern B, the CPU 581 starts the countdown display from time t14 when the game ball is discharged from the storage unit 25 to the rotation area 282. When the small win opening pattern is pattern C, the CPU 581 starts the countdown display from time t17 when the game ball is discharged from the storage unit 25 to the rotation area 282. When the small win opening pattern is pattern D, the CPU 581 starts the countdown display from time t20 when the game ball is discharged from the storage unit 25 to the rotation area 282. The countdown display is performed so that the display on the performance display unit 39 becomes "0" at time t27 when the distribution operation ends.

By displaying the countdown, the pachinko machine 1 can clearly show the player how many times the game ball must endure the distribution operation before it can pass through the winning hole 283. The shorter the remaining time of the required durability, the higher the player's sense of expectation. The performance display unit 39 is provided in the lower center ornament that includes the distribution area 281 where the distribution operation is performed. This makes it easy for the pachinko machine 1 to allow the player to simultaneously check both the movement of the game ball in the rotation area 282 in response to the distribution operation and the remaining time of the required durability. Note that if the game ball in the distribution area 281 passes through the non-specific area 292A, 293A by passing through the losing holes 286A, 286B before time t27, the countdown display of the required durability time stops. Also, when the small prize opening pattern is pattern F (when the small prize symbol is "Special 1 Small Prize D"), as a rule, the game ball that entered the first large prize opening 16 is not guided to the rotation area 282, so the required endurance time is not displayed.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 23, a determination is made as to whether a first close command has been received from the main board 41 (S311). If the first close command has not been received (S311: NO), processing proceeds to the determination of S313. If the first close command has been received (S311: YES), the small win game ends, and the execution of the small win game presentation is terminated (S312). Processing proceeds to the determination of S313.

Next, it is determined whether a second open command has been received from the main board 41 (S313). If the second open command has not been received (S313: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S316. If the second open command has been received (S313: YES), a jackpot game presentation, which is a presentation during a jackpot game, is started (S315). The jackpot game presentation is performed by illuminating the electric lighting member provided on the upper center decoration 21, outputting sound from the speaker 48, etc.

Next, it is determined whether a second close command has been received from the main board 41 (S316). If the second close command has been received (S316: YES), the big win game ends, and the execution of the big win game presentation is terminated (S318). If the second close command has not been received (S316: NO), the sub-control board processing is terminated.

As described above, when the first large winning opening 16 of the lower center ornament 22 is in an open state, a game ball can enter the first large winning opening 16. When the small winning opening pattern is any of patterns B, C, and D, one of the game balls that entered the first large winning opening 16 is guided to the rotation area 282 of the distribution area 281 via the storage unit 25 during the distribution operation period. By performing a distribution operation, the distribution unit 26 prevents the game balls in the distribution area 281 from entering the winning hole 283, and distributes the game balls in the distribution area 281 to either the losing holes 286A and 286B or to remain in the rotation area 282 in the distribution area 281. On the other hand, a game ball that survives the distribution operation and can remain in the rotation area 282 after the distribution operation period ends can enter the winning hole 283. When the game ball that entered the winning hole 283 passes through the specific area 291A, a jackpot game is played following the small jackpot game. Therefore, when the game ball is guided into the rotation area 282, the pachinko machine 1 can attract a lot of attention from the player as to whether the game ball can withstand the sorting operation and remain within the rotation area 282. The pachinko machine 1 provides an opportunity for a new type of role selection based on novel gameplay in which a jackpot game is played if the game ball can withstand the sorting operation, and can attract the player's attention to the movement of the game ball and increase the player's sense of expectation.

The distribution area 281 is an area in which the game balls can roll, provided on the upper surface in the center of the lower center stage 28. The rotation area 282 is provided in the center of the distribution area 281. The discharge area 286 is an area surrounding the outer periphery of the rotation area 282 except for the front part. A hit hole 283 is provided in the center of the rotation area 282. The distribution section 26 has an axis portion 263 that protrudes upward from the center of the hit hole 283 and a protruding portion 265 having five protrusions that extend in a direction intersecting the axis portion 263. The game balls guided to the rotation area 282 through the storage section 25 rotate within the rotation area 282 so as to orbit the hit hole 283 and the distribution section 26. The game balls that flow down toward the hit hole 283 during the execution of the distribution operation hit the rotating protruding portion 265 and are bounced toward the outside of the rotation area 282. When the game ball that has been bounced is guided to the discharge area 286 through any of the ball ejection sections 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D, the game ball will enter one of the miss holes 286A and 286B. On the other hand, when the distribution operation is completed with the game ball bounced by the distribution operation remaining in the rotation area 282 without heading toward the discharge area 286, the game ball can enter the winning hole 283 after the distribution operation is completed. By configuring the distribution area 281 and the distribution section 26 in this way, the pachinko machine 1 can attract the player's attention to the distribution operation and the movement of the game ball in the distribution area 281. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 can greatly entertain the player with a new gameplay in which a jackpot game can be executed if the player can withstand the distribution operation.

The distribution operation continues by rotating the distribution unit 26 at a first speed, then rotates it at a second speed slower than the first speed, and then the rotation operation is stopped and terminated. By reducing the rotation speed of the distribution unit 26 from the first speed to the second speed, the pachinko machine 1 allows the distribution operation to be performed slowly, making the player feel that it is easier for the game balls in the turning area 282 to enter the winning holes 283. By changing the rotation speed in this way at the end of the distribution operation, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the player's expectations that the game balls will survive the distribution operation.

The pachinko machine 1 sets the distribution operation period to a specific period in the small win game state. When the small win opening pattern is any of patterns A to E, the game ball that entered the first large winning port 16 is stored in the storage section 25, and the stored game ball is discharged toward the rotation area 282. In the case of pattern B, the game ball is discharged to the rotation area 282 at time t14 after time t12, which is the start time of the distribution operation period. In the case of pattern C, the game ball is discharged to the rotation area 282 at time t17, which is later than time t14. In the case of pattern E, the game ball is discharged to the rotation area 282 at time t20, which is later than time t17. Therefore, the required endurance time, which is the time from when the game ball is discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 to when the distribution operation period ends, is 60 seconds in pattern B, 40 seconds in pattern C, and 20 seconds in pattern E, and there are multiple ways. The shorter the required durability time, the higher the chance that the game ball guided into the rotation area 282 will land in the winning hole 283. By providing multiple required durability times, the pachinko machine 1 can vary the player's expectations.

When the small winning opening pattern is pattern A, the game ball is discharged into the swirling area 282 at time t9, which is before time t12, when the distribution operation period starts. When the small winning opening pattern is pattern E, the game ball is discharged into the swirling area 282 at time t24, which is the end of the distribution operation period. In these cases, since the distribution operation is not performed after the game ball is guided to the swirling area 282, the game ball in the swirling area 282 can enter the winning hole 283 without having to endure the distribution operation, just as if it had endured the distribution operation. A pattern with a required endurance time of 0 seconds is more likely to result in a big winning game, and is more advantageous for the player than patterns B, C, and D, in which the required endurance time is set to a predetermined time, and pattern F, in which the game ball that entered the first large winning port 16 is not guided into the swirling area 282. Pachinko machine 1 provides two patterns that maximize the player's sense of expectation, one before and one after the allocation operation period, so that the player's sense of expectation can be sustained until the end of the small win game.

The pachinko machine 1 can prevent a game ball that has entered the first large prize opening 16, which opens in the small prize opening pattern of pattern A, from heading toward the ball sections 285A and 285D by performing a preventive operation of rotating the distribution section 26 180 degrees from the origin position at a first speed. By performing a preventive operation when the required endurance time is 0 seconds, the pachinko machine 1 can ensure that a large prize game is played, giving the player a sense of security.

In the above embodiment, the lower center ornament 22 corresponds to the "ball entry means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41, which sets the first opening command in the command buffer at S185 in FIG. 22, functions as the "specific game execution means" of the present invention. The winning hole 283 corresponds to the "first area" of the present invention. The losing holes 286A, 286B correspond to the "second area" of the present invention. The allocation area 281 corresponds to the "allocation area" of the present invention. The allocation section 26 corresponds to the "allocation means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41, which sets the jackpot game state flag to "ON" at S202 in FIG. 22, functions as the "granting means" of the present invention. The rotation area 282 corresponds to the "rotation area" of the present invention. The axis portion 263 corresponds to the "axis" of the present invention. The protrusion portion 265 corresponds to the "protrusion portion" of the present invention. The CPU 51 of the main board 41, which generates the first opening command according to the small win opening pattern based on the small win pattern in FIG. 22, functions as the "ball entry control means" of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above in detail, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the allocation operation may be started when the small win game starts, as in the above embodiment, or the allocation operation may be started before the small win game starts, such as by having the allocation unit 26 continue to operate in a predetermined operating pattern after the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

A case may be provided in which the game balls remaining in the rotation area 282 after the sorting operation is completed do not pass through the winning hole 283 (they pass through the losing holes 286A and 286B). In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can attract a great deal of attention from the player to the subsequent movement of the game balls that survived the sorting operation and remained in the rotation area 282.

In the above embodiment, even if multiple game balls enter the first large winning opening 16, only one game ball is guided to the swirling area 282, but the configuration may be such that some or all of the multiple game balls that enter the first large winning opening 16 are guided to the swirling area 282.

During the distribution operation period, the operation of the distribution unit 26 may be switched between the first speed and the second speed multiple times. There may also be cases where the distribution unit 26 operates at a third speed that is faster than the first speed or slower than the second speed. This diversifies the distribution operation, and therefore the pachinko machine 1 can also diversify the player's expectations regarding the distribution operation.

The pattern with a required durability time of "0 seconds" does not need to be provided both before and after the distribution operation period, and may be provided only before or after the distribution operation period. Also, a pattern with a required durability time of "0 seconds" may not be provided, and the game ball guided to the rotation area 282 may be configured to endure the required durability time even if it is for a short period of time, thereby giving the game ball a chance to pass through the winning hole 283.

Regarding the small prize opening pattern, it is not necessary to provide pattern F in which a game ball that has won the first large prize opening 16 is not guided into the rotation area 282 in principle. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the opportunities for a game ball that has won the first large prize opening 16 to be guided into the rotation area 282, thereby increasing the opportunities for the player to feel a sense of anticipation.

The required endurance time in the above embodiment is merely an example, and a required endurance time different from that in the above embodiment may be set, or the required endurance time may be subdivided more than in the above embodiment. Even if the required endurance time is the same, it is possible to provide the player with new gameplay such as a jackpot game being executed if the player survives the allocation operation.

The configuration of the distribution area 281 in the above embodiment is an example, and is not limited to this. Therefore, an area corresponding to the discharge area 286 may be provided in the center of the distribution area 281, and an area corresponding to the turning area 282 may be provided outside of it. An area corresponding to the discharge area 286 may be provided on the left side of the distribution area 281, and an area corresponding to the turning area 282 may be provided on the right side of the distribution area 281. The position where the distribution unit 26 is provided is not limited to the center of the turning area 282, and may be provided, for example, on the boundary between the turning area 282 and the discharge area 286. The distribution unit 26 may be provided outside the winning hole 283, rather than inside the winning hole 283. In addition, multiple distribution units 26 and winning holes 283 may be provided inside the large prize opening.

The small win opening pattern and the timing pattern for discharging the game balls into the rotation area 282, which are determined according to the small win opening pattern, may be more or less than those in the above embodiment. In other words, the required durability time may be set in multiple ways, or only one way. The distribution operation by the distribution unit 26 is not limited to a rotational operation, and may be configured by the distribution unit 26 moving back and forth between the first position and the second position, etc. The distribution operation may be performed by changing the size of the entrance of the winning hole 283, the size of the entrance of the losing holes 286A and 286B, the size of the ball-splitting parts 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D provided on the wall part 285, etc.

In the small win game presentation, the time when the required endurance time is first displayed may be changed in various ways, such as the timing when the game ball is discharged from the storage section 25 to the rotation area 282 after the first large winning opening 16 has started to open multiple times over the time TB, in addition to the example of the above embodiment. Also, the displayed required endurance time does not need to be displayed as a countdown. In this case, the required endurance time according to the small win opening pattern continues to be displayed as is, making it easy for the pachinko machine 1 to allow the player to recognize the required endurance time.

In the above embodiment, the allocation area 281, the allocation section 26, the winning hole 283, the losing holes 286A and 286B, etc. are provided inside the first large winning opening 16, which is a special electric device that opens during a small winning game. In addition, the allocation area 281, the allocation section 26, the winning hole 283, the losing holes 286A and 286B, etc. may be provided inside a normal electric device.

A ball entry means having a ball inlet that operates in a predetermined operation pattern between a state where the game ball cannot enter and a state where the game ball can enter may be used. That is, the ball entry means is not limited to a winning hole. This ball entry means may be, for example, a means that operates in a constant operation pattern at all times, so that a state where the game ball can enter may be reached at a predetermined opportunity. Inside such a ball entry means, a configuration corresponding to the distribution area 281, the distribution section 26, the winning hole 283, the losing holes 286A, 286B, etc. may be provided, and a predetermined game profit may be awarded to the player when the game ball that has survived the distribution operation passes through the winning hole 283. For example, the winning hole 283 may function as a starting hole for a special pattern, or as an operating hole or operating gate for a normal pattern. That is, the game profit is not limited to the award of prize balls brought about by winning games such as small winning games, big winning games, and normal winning games, but may also be the award of an opportunity for the change of the pattern. In addition, the gaming profit may be a so-called probability of winning, in which the probability of winning is changed by the jackpot judgment or the normal winning judgment. In other words, the probability of winning may be granted on the condition that the gaming ball passes through the winning hole 283.

The preventive action for preventing the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 16, which opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern A, from heading toward the ball volley parts 285A and 285D may be performed by a half rotation of the distribution part 26, or by a short rotation action similar to the distribution action. Also, when the first large winning opening 16 opens in the small winning opening pattern of pattern E, the preventive action may be performed after the distribution action period. The preventive action does not have to be performed every time a small winning game is played, and whether or not the preventive action is performed may be determined by a predetermined lottery. The preventive action is not limited to being performed by the action of the distribution part 26, and may be performed, for example, by blocking the entrances of the losing holes 286A and 286B, or by blocking the ball volley parts 285A, 285B, 285C, and 285D provided in the wall part 285.

Even in patterns C, D, and E (patterns in which the required durability time is 40 seconds, 20 seconds, and 0 seconds after the end of the distribution period), the pachinko machine 1 may start a 60-second countdown display at time t14 when the required durability time is displayed in pattern B. The countdown display that has started may continue until time t24 when the distribution operation period ends. In other words, the countdown display of the required durability time may start at a time before the game balls are discharged from the storage section 25 into the rotation area 282.

In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, the time-saving end condition may be when a jackpot game is repeated a predetermined number of times, or when the number of jackpot determinations performed in the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number.

In the above embodiment, the result of the judgment of a small win or a miss is derived by the judgment of a big win, but there may be a case where the judgment result of a big win is derived. The present invention is not limited to so-called type 2 type gaming machines, but can be applied to gaming machines of various game specifications such as type 1 type, type 1 and type 2 mixed type, general electric type, etc.

All elements (e.g., display means, etc.) described in the claims, specifications, and drawings may be physically single or multiple, and may be appropriately rearranged, unless there is a clear description that consciously limits the number. Furthermore, the names (element names) given to the elements are merely given for the convenience of the description of this case, and are not intended to have any special meaning. Therefore, the element name alone does not limit what the element is. For example, the "allocation means" may be a single piece of hardware or may include software. Furthermore, whether to appropriately configure multiple elements among all of the above elements as an integrated unit, or to configure one element by dividing it into multiple elements, is a matter that a person skilled in the art can easily think of, and it is clear that all patterns are within the expected range even if all patterns are not described in the specifications, etc., so it goes without saying that all of them are included in the scope of the rights of the present invention unless there is a description in the claims, etc. that they are clearly excluded. Therefore, merely adopting a structural difference within that range in an amusement machine because it is not described in this embodiment does not constitute an evasion of the rights of this invention. The same applies to other differences in the configuration and shape of each element that are within the obvious range that a person skilled in the art would easily think of based on this embodiment.

1 Pachinko machine 16 First major winning slot 22 Lower center decoration 26 Distribution unit 41 Main board 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
161 Opening and closing member 263 Shaft portion 265 Projection portion 281 Distribution area 282 Swivel area 283 Hitting holes 286A, 286B Displacement hole 291A Specific area 292A, 293A Non-specific area

Claims (7)

A ball entry means configured to be operable between a first state in which the game ball cannot be entered and a second state in which the game ball can be entered more easily than in the first state;
a specific game execution means for executing a specific game by operating the ball entry means from the first state to the second state when a predetermined opportunity occurs;
A first area and a second area in which the game ball that has entered the ball entry means can enter;
A distribution area into which at least a part of the game balls that have entered the ball entry means enters, and which distributes the game balls to the first area or the second area;
A distribution means is provided in the distribution area, and performs a distribution operation to prevent game balls in the distribution area from entering the first area and to distribute game balls to either enter the second area or remain in the distribution area during at least the execution of the specific game.
and a granting means for granting a predetermined gaming profit when the gaming ball enters the first area,
The distribution means allows the game balls in the distribution area to enter the first area when the distribution operation is not performed ,
and,
The distribution area includes a rotation area in which the game ball can rotate,
The first region is provided in a central portion of the turning region,
The second region is provided outside the turning region,
The sorting means includes an axis extending in a direction protruding from a center portion of the first region and a protruding portion protruding in a direction intersecting the axis, and the sorting operation is performed by rotating the protruding portion around the axis.
A gaming machine characterized by: 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that the allocation action is performed at a first speed, and then at a second speed slower than the first speed, and then ends. The allocation means executes the allocation operation during a specific period during which the specific game is being played,
A ball entry control means is provided for controlling a ball entry timing, which is a timing at which a game ball that has entered the ball entry means enters the distribution area,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the ball entry control means sets a plurality of timings in the specific period as the ball entry timings. A ball entry means configured to be operable between a first state in which the game ball cannot be entered and a second state in which the game ball can be entered more easily than in the first state;
a specific game execution means for executing a specific game by operating the ball entry means from the first state to the second state when a predetermined opportunity occurs;
A first area and a second area which are areas into which the game ball that has entered the ball entry means can enter;
A distribution area into which at least a part of the game balls that have entered the ball entry means enters, and which distributes the game balls to the first area or the second area;
A distribution means is provided in the distribution area, and performs a distribution operation to prevent game balls in the distribution area from entering the first area and to distribute game balls to either enter the second area or remain in the distribution area during at least the execution of the specific game.
an awarding means for awarding a predetermined gaming profit when the gaming ball enters the first area;
Equipped with
The distribution means allows the game balls in the distribution area to enter the first area when the distribution operation is not performed,
and,
The allocation means executes the allocation operation during a specific period during which the specific game is being played,
A ball entry control means is provided for controlling a ball entry timing, which is a timing at which a game ball that has entered the ball entry means enters the distribution area,
The goal control means sets a plurality of timings in the specific period as the goal goal timings.
A gaming machine characterized by: The sorting operation is performed at a first speed and then at a second speed slower than the first speed, and then the sorting operation is terminated.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 3 to 5 , characterized in that the ball entry control means sets the ball entry timing before the start of the specific period and after the end of the specific period during the execution of the specific game. A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the distribution means performs a preventive operation to prevent game balls in the distribution area from heading toward the second area during a period other than the specific period during which the specific game is being played.

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