JP7616689B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, among pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. In addition, among pachinko gaming machines, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the favorability of the gaming ball entering the starting hole is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2015-97881 A

Nowadays, there is a demand for gaming machines that offer greater entertainment value.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance entertainment value.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem comprises a specific start port through which a gaming ball can enter, operation means that can take an operating state in which a gaming ball can enter the specific start port, and a non-operating state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port, game execution means that executes a special game, big win game awarding means that awards a big win game, game state control means that can control the special game state to a specific game state in which a specific special game can be executed among the special games, and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state, or in which the specific special game cannot be executed, counting means that counts the number of times a specific condition is established, a first performance execution unit that executes a performance, and a second performance execution unit that executes a performance, The fixed condition can be established by the execution of the special game, and the specific special game is a special game triggered by the entry of a game ball into the specific starting hole, and the specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled by the end of the jackpot game and a second specific game state that can be controlled by the counting means counting a specific number of times, and the game can be controlled to the non-specific game state by the execution of a special number of times of the special game after being controlled to the second specific game state, and the effects include a variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game, and a special effect that can be executed in the second specific game state before being controlled to the non-specific game state. and a specific effect capable of recognizing the remaining number of games, the first effect execution unit is capable of executing the variable effect triggered by execution of the special game, the second effect execution unit is capable of executing the specific effect in a situation where the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific game state becomes a predetermined number, and in a situation where the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is capable of controlling to the second specific game state, and in a situation where the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is capable of controlling to the second specific game state. The gist of the invention is that when a technique is granted, the second specific game state is uncontrollable, and when power supply is cut off in the second specific game state and power supply is then started again, the same presentation mode can be maintained when the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is met is not initialized, and the first presentation execution unit can execute a predetermined presentation different from the variable presentation depending on the presentation mode, and when power supply is cut off in the first specific game state and power supply is then started again, the different presentation modes can be maintained when the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is met is not initialized.
The gaming machine that solves the above problem includes a specific start port through which a gaming ball can enter, an operating means that can take an operating state in which a gaming ball can enter the specific start port, and a non-operating state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port, a game execution means that executes a special game that variably displays special symbols , a big win game awarding means that awards a big win game, a gaming state control means that can control to a specific gaming state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed, and a non-specific gaming state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific gaming state, or in which the specific special game cannot be executed, and a counter that counts the number of times a specific condition is established. a game execution unit that executes a special game, a first game execution unit that executes a special game, and a second game execution unit that executes a special game, the specific condition can be established by the execution of the special game, the specific special game is a special game that is executed by a game ball entering the specific starting hole, the specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled by the end of the big win game, and a second specific game state that can be controlled by the counting means counting a specific number of times, and the game state can be controlled to the non-specific game state by the execution of a special number of times of the special game after being controlled to the second specific game state. The effects include a variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game, and a specific effect that can recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed in the second specific game state before being controlled to the non-specific game state, the first effect execution unit can execute the variable effect in response to the execution of the special game, the second effect execution unit can execute the specific effect in a situation where the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific game state becomes a predetermined number, and in a situation where the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number is ended, The gist of the invention is that when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of a special game, the game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in a situation where the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, the game cannot be controlled to the second specific game state, the variable presentation is a presentation in which a plurality of presentation patterns are displayed in a variable manner and then the plurality of presentation patterns are displayed stationary, and the specific presentation includes a first specific presentation that is executed when a first predetermined number of times is reached, and a second specific presentation that is executed when a second predetermined number of times is reached.

The present invention can increase interest.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical pachinko gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. An explanatory diagram explaining the types of jackpots. 13 is a flowchart showing special chart change processing. An explanatory diagram for explaining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game. An explanatory diagram for explaining the main fluctuation pattern of the second special game. 13 is a flowchart showing the goal state transition process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transition of presentation modes. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the display mode in each presentation mode. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a specific example of an output mode of an external signal.

First Embodiment
An embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described below with reference to Figs.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pachinko game machine 10 as a game machine is provided with a game board YB. A game area YBa having a substantially circular shape in a front view is defined on the surface of the game board YB. A game ball shot out by a player operating a launch handle HD arranged on the front of the pachinko game machine 10 is guided downward in the game area YBa. An image display device 11 having an image display area GH for displaying an image is provided in the approximate center of the game area YBa. The image display area GH of the image display device 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display unit. The image display device 11 displays various display effects using images, such as a pattern change game using three rows of performance patterns (decorative patterns) consisting of a left row, a middle row, and a right row. In the following description, a pattern change game using a performance pattern may be referred to as a performance game. In this embodiment, the performance game corresponds to a change performance.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a 7-segment display device SG that performs effects. The 7-segment display device SG is a display device in which seven light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged in the shape of a figure of [8 (number)] as a whole to form seven segments (parts). The 7-segment display device SG is provided below the image display device 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a decorative lamp La that performs light-emitting effects. The decorative lamp La is arranged on the frame (e.g., the front frame) and the game board YB that constitute the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a speaker (sound output unit) Sp that outputs various types of sound effects such as sound effects and music, and performs audio effects. In this embodiment, the image display device 11, the 7-segment display device SG, the speaker Sp, and the decorative lamp La are each a performance device capable of performing a performance, and these constitute a performance device group that performs the performance. The performance device group corresponds to a performance execution means that performs the performance. Additionally, the image display device 11 corresponds to the first performance execution unit, and the seven-segment display device SG corresponds to the second performance execution unit.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of winning holes (ball winning holes) through which game balls can enter are arranged in the game area YBa of the game board YB. The winning holes include a first starting hole 12, a second starting hole 13, and a big winning hole 14.

The first starting hole 12 is a ball entry hole where the entry of a game ball can establish the conditions for starting a pattern change game using a special pattern. The first starting hole 12 is also a ball entry hole where the entry of a game ball establishes the conditions for paying out prize balls. In this embodiment, the first starting hole 12 is located below the image display device 11 and is open at all times so that game balls can be entered. A ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the first starting hole 12, and a means for detecting the game ball that has entered the first starting hole 12 (a start sensor (switch) SE1 shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage.

The second starting hole 13 is an entry hole where the entry of a game ball can establish the start condition of a pattern change game using a special pattern. The second starting hole 13 is also an entry hole where the entry of a game ball establishes the payout condition of a prize ball. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is located at the lower right of the image display device 11. The second starting hole 13 is closed so that the game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (a normal pattern is won) is not established. The second starting hole 13 is opened so that the game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a predetermined condition (a normal pattern is won) is established. The second starting hole 13 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second starting hole 13 is the actuator AC1 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the second starting hole 13 is connected to a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB, and a means for detecting the game ball that entered the second starting hole 13 (starting sensor (switch) SE2 shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is a starting hole that has an opening and closing member that opens and closes the ball entry hole of the second starting hole 13 and is operated by an actuator. The second starting hole 13 corresponds to a specific starting hole through which the game ball can enter. The state in which the second starting hole 13 is open corresponds to an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13, and the state in which the second starting hole 13 is closed corresponds to an inoperative state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. The actuator AC1 corresponds to an operating means that can take an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13 and an inoperative state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. In the following description, the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is met when a game ball enters the first starting hole 12 may be referred to as the first special game, and the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is met when a game ball enters the second starting hole 13 may be referred to as the second special game. Also, the first special game and the second special game may be collectively referred to simply as the special game.

The large prize opening 14 is an entrance where the prize ball payout condition is met by the entrance of a game ball. In this embodiment, the large prize opening 14 is located to the right of the first starting opening 12. The large prize opening 14 is closed so that game balls cannot enter it when a predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is not met. Then, the large prize opening 14 is opened so that game balls can enter it when a predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is met. The large prize opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the large prize opening 14 is the actuator AC2 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the large prize opening 14, and a means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large prize opening 14 (a count sensor (switch) CS shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage.

In addition, an operating gate 18 is arranged in the game area YBa. In this embodiment, the operating gate 18 is located in the area to the right of the game area YBa, above the second start gate 13 and the big prize gate 14. The operating gate 18 has a gate opening 18a that is always open so that game balls can enter. A means (gate sensor (switch) GS shown in FIG. 3) for detecting game balls that enter and pass through is arranged in the gate opening 18a. The gate opening 18a of the operating gate 18 is a ball entrance opening through which the start conditions for the normal pattern variable game using the normal pattern can be established by the game ball entering the gate. The second starting opening 13 operates from a closed state to an open state after a normal winning is won in the normal pattern winning lottery that is performed by the game ball entering the operating gate 18, and the winning normal pattern is derived in the normal pattern variable game.

In this embodiment, the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, and the large prize opening 14 are ball entry devices that pay out prize balls when a game ball enters them, and the conditions for the prize ball to be paid out are met when a game ball enters them. On the other hand, the operating gate 18 is not a ball entry device that pays out prize balls when a game ball enters it, and the conditions for the prize ball to be paid out are not met even if a game ball enters it.

In this embodiment, the player can adjust the strength of the launch handle HD to hit the game ball to the left or right area, and make the game ball enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, or the operating gate 18. Specifically, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be strong (so-called right hit), the game ball is likely to flow down to the right area and may enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, or the operating gate 18. Note that, since the game ball needs to be launched with force to reach the right area, the launch strength is adjusted to be maximum or slightly weaker than maximum. On the other hand, when the game ball is launched with the launch strength adjusted to be weak (so-called left hit), the game ball is likely to flow down to the left area and may enter the first starting hole 12. In addition, when hitting from the left, the game ball does not need to be launched as vigorously as when hitting from the right, so the strength is adjusted so that the launched game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, when hitting from the right, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting hole 12. In addition, when hitting from the left, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, and the operating gate 18.

In this embodiment, the "left area" refers to the area located to the left of the center line C that bisects the game area YBa into left and right when the game board YB is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the "right area" refers to the area located to the right of the center line C when the game board YB is viewed from the front. In the pachinko game machine 10, a game ball launched by operating the launch handle HD is guided by the shot passage 19 located on the left side when the game board YB is viewed from the front, passes through the backflow prevention valve 20 located at the most downstream of the shot passage 19, and reaches the game area YBa. Therefore, the "left area" is also the area closer to the shot passage 19, and conversely, the "right area" is also the area farther away from the shot passage 19. The game ball guided down the left area passes to the left of the image display device 11 located in the game area YBa, and heads toward the outlet 21 located at the bottom of the game area YBa. Additionally, the game ball guided down the right-hand area passes to the right of the image display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads toward the outlet 21.

The game board YB is also provided with special symbol display devices 23a, 23b, reserved display devices 24a, 24b, and normal symbol display device 25, as shown in FIG. 3. These display devices are located on the game board YB in areas that are visible to the player when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed from the front. For example, these display devices are provided on decorative members provided in the play area of the game board YB or on decorative members in the corners of the game board YB.

The special pattern display devices 23a and 23b play a special game, and a special pattern corresponding to the result of the winning lottery in the special game is derived. The special pattern display device 23a is a display device that plays the first special game, and the special pattern display device 23b is a display device that plays the second special game. In the first special game and the second special game, a winning lottery is held when the starting condition is met, and the probability of winning a jackpot in the winning lottery is the same. In the first special game and the second special game, the type of jackpot determined when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery and the determination ratio of the same type of jackpot may be made different from each other to make the degree of advantage when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery (for example, the number of prize balls, the period during which the rate of game balls entering the second starting hole 13 is improved, etc.) different. When the start condition is met, a special game is played on the special symbol display device 23a or the special symbol display device 23b to derive the result of the winning lottery, and an effect game that derives a result according to the special symbol derived in the special game is also played on the image display device 11 using the effect symbol. In other words, the effect game is executed in response to the special game.

The special symbol display devices 23a and 23b are display devices equipped with light-emitting bodies. In the special game, any combination of the light-emitting bodies is derived as a special symbol. The special symbols include a jackpot symbol that is derived when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, and a miss symbol that is derived when a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbols include a time-saving winning symbol and a probability-changing winning symbol. The time-saving winning symbols include a first time-saving winning symbol and a second time-saving winning symbol. The probability-changing winning symbols include a first probability-changing winning symbol and a second probability-changing winning symbol. The first time-saving winning symbol and the second time-saving winning symbol correspond to a specific jackpot symbol. The probability-changing winning symbol corresponds to a special jackpot symbol. In this embodiment, after a jackpot is won in a winning lottery and a jackpot pattern is derived in a special game, a jackpot game is generated according to the type of jackpot pattern derived. In a jackpot game, a round game that allows a game ball to enter the big prize opening 14 is played multiple times up to a predetermined specified number of rounds. When a jackpot game is generated, an opening time is set before the first round game starts, and an opening performance indicating the start of the jackpot game is performed during the opening time. Also, when a jackpot game is generated, an ending time is set when the final round game ends, and an ending performance indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed during the ending time.

The pending display device 24a is a display device that displays the number of first special games (start pending number) that are pending for execution, and the pending display device 24b is a display device that displays the number of second special games (start pending number) that are pending for execution. The normal pattern display device 25 plays a normal pattern variation game using normal patterns, and in the normal pattern variation game, a normal pattern is derived according to the result of a lottery for a winning normal pattern.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment has a probability fluctuation function. In this embodiment, when the probability fluctuation function is activated, the probability of winning a jackpot in a winning lottery changes from a low probability (normal probability) to a high probability. That is, the probability fluctuation function is a function that changes the probability state from a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (normal probability) (hereinafter referred to as a low probability state) to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (hereinafter referred to as a high probability state). The high probability state is a game state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in a winning lottery compared to the low probability state, and is advantageous for the player. The high probability state is granted until the next jackpot game is granted or the special game with the maximum number of chance games is executed. That is, the high probability state is controlled to an upper limit of the number of chance games, and is controlled to a low probability state when the special game with the maximum number of chance games is executed in the high probability state.

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment also has a ball entry rate improvement function. The ball entry rate improvement function is a function that can impart a state in which the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as a specified ball entry hole is improved (hereinafter referred to as a "time-saving state"). The time-saving state is the so-called "electric support state" or "high base state". In the time-saving state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is improved, so it is recommended to play with a right-handed shot so that game balls can easily enter the second starting hole 13. On the other hand, in a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is lower than in the time-saving state, so it is recommended to play with a left-handed shot. In the following description, a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted may be referred to as a "non-time-saving state". The non-time-saving state is the so-called "non-electric support state" or "low base state". In this way, the ball entry rate improvement function is a function that changes the ball entry state from a non-time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is low, to a time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is high.

The time-saving state can be realized, for example, by executing one control arbitrarily selected from the following four controls, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal pattern fluctuation game compared to the non-time-saving state. The second control is a normal pattern probability fluctuation control that changes the probability of winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery (normal win probability) to a higher probability than in the non-time-saving state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the second starting hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery longer than in the non-time-saving state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of the following: control to increase the number of times the second start port 13 is opened based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to when the time is not reduced; and control to lengthen the time for which the second start port 13 is opened each time based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to when the time is not reduced. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time reduction control that makes the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) easier to become shorter than when the time is not reduced. When the special symbol fluctuation time reduction control is executed, the time reduction state becomes the so-called "fluctuation time reduction state."

The time-saving state is granted, for example, until the next big win game is granted or until the special game is executed the specified maximum number of times after the time-saving state is granted. That is, the time-saving state is controlled to have the execution of the special game the specified maximum number of times as the upper limit, and is controlled to the non-time-saving state when the special game is executed the specified maximum number of times in the time-saving state. The specified maximum number of times in this embodiment includes a first specified maximum number of times, a second specified maximum number of times that is greater than the first specified maximum number of times, a third specified maximum number of times that is greater than the second specified maximum number of times, and a fourth specified maximum number of times that is greater than the third specified maximum number of times. In this embodiment, the first specified maximum number of times is 100 times. Also, the second specified maximum number of times is 899 times. Also, the third specified maximum number of times is 999 times. That is, in this embodiment, the third specified maximum number of times is the same as the sum of the first specified maximum number of times and the second specified maximum number of times. Also, in this embodiment, the fourth specified maximum number of times is 1000 times. In addition, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 that can execute a first special game and a second special game, the specified upper limit number of times is the combined number of times of the first special game and the second special game. The first specified upper limit number of times corresponds to the first special number of times, and the third specified upper limit number of times corresponds to the second special number of times.

In this embodiment, the time-saving state includes a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state. The first time-saving state is controlled when a jackpot game ends. On the other hand, the second time-saving state is controlled when the cumulative number of games, which is the number of times that a special game has been played in a low probability state, reaches a specific number. The cumulative number of games corresponds to the number of times that a specific condition has been met. In other words, the specific condition can be met when a special game is played. The time-saving state corresponds to a specific ball-scoring state, and the non-time-saving state corresponds to a non-specific ball-scoring state. Also, the first time-saving state corresponds to a first specific ball-scoring state, and the second time-saving state corresponds to a second specific ball-scoring state.

In this embodiment, the second time-saving state has a longer total opening time of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery than the first time-saving state. In this embodiment, the second time-saving state is a state in which the ball entry rate into the second start hole 13 is slightly higher than the first time-saving state. For example, when a normal win is won in the normal pattern winning lottery in the first time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5 seconds, while when a normal win is won in the normal pattern winning lottery in the second time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5.2 seconds. In addition, when a normal win is won in the normal pattern winning lottery, the second start hole 13 may be opened multiple times. In this case, when the total opening time of the second start hole 13 is the same, the ball entry rate into the second start hole 13 is higher when the second start hole 13 is opened fewer times.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a game state that is a low probability state and a non-time-saving state (hereinafter referred to as a low-probability non-time-saving state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a low probability state and a first time-saving state (hereinafter referred to as a first low-probability time-saving state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a low probability state and a second time-saving state (hereinafter referred to as a second low-probability time-saving state) as a controllable game state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a game state that is a high probability state and a first time-saving state (hereinafter referred to as a high-probability time-saving state) as a controllable game state. On the other hand, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not have a game state that is a high probability state and a non-time-saving state and a game state that is a high probability state and a second time-saving state. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the degree of advantage for the player increases in the following order: low-probability non-time-saving state < first low-probability time-saving state < second low-probability time-saving state < high-probability time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the pachinko game machine 10, after the end of a jackpot game, a probability state and a ball-entering state according to the type of jackpot pattern are given. Specifically, after the end of a jackpot game based on a first time-saving winning pattern (hereinafter referred to as a first time-saving winning game), the first time-saving state is given until the first specified maximum number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, after the end of the first time-saving winning game, a high probability state is not given. In other words, after the end of the first time-saving winning game, the machine is controlled to a first low-probability time-saving state until the first specified maximum number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded.

Furthermore, after the end of a jackpot game based on the second time-saving winning pattern (hereinafter referred to as the second time-saving winning game), the first time-saving state is granted until the second specified maximum number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, after the end of the second time-saving winning game, the high probability state is not granted. In other words, after the end of the second time-saving winning game, the first low probability time-saving state is granted until the second specified maximum number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded.

In addition, after the end of a jackpot game based on the first probability variation symbol (hereinafter referred to as the first probability variation game), the first time-saving state is granted until the first specified maximum number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. In addition, after the end of the first probability variation game, a high probability state is granted until the special game with a predetermined probability variation maximum number ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. In this embodiment, the probability variation maximum number is the same as the first specified maximum number. In other words, after the end of the first probability variation game, the high probability time-saving state is controlled until the special game with the first specified maximum number of special games (probability variation maximum number) ends or the next jackpot game is awarded.

In addition, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second probability variation pattern (hereinafter referred to as the second probability variation game), the first time-saving state is granted until the end of the third specified upper limit number of special games or the next jackpot game is awarded. In addition, after the end of the second probability variation game, a high probability state is granted until the end of the special game with the probability variation upper limit number of times or the next jackpot game is awarded. In other words, after the end of the second probability variation game, the high probability time-saving state is controlled until the end of the first specified upper limit number of special games (probability variation upper limit number of times) or the next jackpot game is awarded. After that, the first low probability time-saving state is controlled until the end of the first specified upper limit number of special games (probability variation upper limit number of times) or the end of the special game with the number of times obtained by subtracting the first specified upper limit number of times (probability variation upper limit number of times) from the third specified upper limit number of times or the next jackpot game is awarded. As described above, the third prescribed upper limit number is the same as the sum of the first prescribed upper limit number and the second prescribed upper limit number. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the next jackpot game is not awarded by the end of the first prescribed upper limit number of special games after the end of the second probability hit game, it can be said that the game is controlled to the first low probability time-saving state from the end of the first prescribed upper limit number of special games to the end of the second prescribed upper limit number of special games or the award of the next jackpot game. In other words, if the next jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the second probability hit game, the game is controlled to the high probability time-saving state until the end of the first prescribed upper limit number of special games, and then it is controlled to the first low probability time-saving state until the end of the second prescribed upper limit number of special games.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the second time-saving state is controlled when a specific transition condition is met. The specific transition condition is met when a specific number of special games are played in advance in a situation controlled to a low probability state. For example, the specific number is 900 times. That is, in this embodiment, the specific number is greater than the first specified upper limit number, the second specified upper limit number, and the third specified upper limit number. On the other hand, the specific number is less than the fourth specified upper limit number. Also, in this embodiment, the specific number is greater than the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the probability variable upper limit number. The second time-saving state is controlled when a specific number of special games are played, and continues until the fourth specified upper limit number of special games ends or the next jackpot game is awarded. In addition, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 that can play the first special game and the second special game, the specific number is the total number of the first special game and the second special game.

In this way, after the end of the jackpot game, there are times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the first specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the second specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, and times when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the third specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit. As described above, when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state with the specified upper limit number of special games being played as the upper limit, the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state in response to the execution of the specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state. Then, in the non-time-saving state, if a specific transition condition is established, the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. In the following description, when the first probability hit game and the second probability hit game are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as probability hit games. Also, when the first time-saving hit game and the second time-saving hit game are not distinguished, they may simply be referred to as time-saving hit games. Probability hit games correspond to special jackpot games. The time-saving hit game corresponds to the specific jackpot game. Also, the first time-saving hit game corresponds to the first specific jackpot game, and the second time-saving hit game corresponds to the second specific jackpot game.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also equipped with various boards including a main control board 30, a sub-control board 31, and an external terminal board 32, as shown in FIG.
The main control board 30 has a main control CPU 30a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined sequence, a main control ROM 30b for storing the control program of the main control CPU 30a, and a main control RAM 30c for writing and reading necessary data. The main control board 30 also has a random number generating circuit 30d. The main control CPU 30a is adapted to input detection signals from various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, and GS. The main control CPU 30a also controls the display contents of various display devices (such as the special symbol display devices 23a and 23b, the reserved display devices 24a and 24b, and the normal symbol display device 25) and controls the operation of each actuator AC1 and AC2.

The information stored in the main control ROM 30b includes a main control program for executing processing related to the game, information for identifying the variation pattern (main variation pattern) of the special game, and various judgment values. The main variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time (performance time) from when the special pattern starts to vary until the special pattern is derived. In other words, the main variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time of the special game. In this embodiment, the main variation pattern can be classified into a main variation pattern for jackpot variation and a main variation pattern for miss variation. The jackpot variation is a performance that is performed when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, and the jackpot pattern is ultimately derived in the special game. The miss variation is a performance that is performed when a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery, and the miss pattern is ultimately derived in the special game. In addition, the various judgment values include a winning judgment value used in the winning lottery, a normal winning judgment value used in the winning lottery for normal patterns, and the like. Additionally, the main control RAM 30c stores various information (random numbers, timer values, flags, start hold numbers, etc.) that can be rewritten as needed during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The main control CPU 30a executes a random number update process (software random number generation process) that updates the values of various software random numbers at a predetermined control period (interrupt period) and stores them in the main control RAM 30c. The software random numbers include a jackpot pattern random number used to determine the jackpot pattern of a special pattern, and a main fluctuation pattern allocation random number used to allocate the main fluctuation pattern. The random number generation circuit 30d generates hardware random numbers by updating the value by 1 at each period of the internal system clock (e.g., 10 MHz) supplied from a clock circuit (not shown) mounted on the microprocessor. The hardware random numbers include a winning random number used in the lottery for winning special patterns, and a normal winning random number used in the lottery for winning normal patterns (normal winning lottery).

The sub-control board 31 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that control commands are output in one direction from the main control board 30. The sub-control board 31 has a sub-control CPU 31a that can execute control operations in a predetermined sequence, a sub-control ROM 31b that stores the control program of the sub-control CPU 31a, and a sub-control RAM 31c that can write and read necessary data.

The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 can input control commands output from the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30, and performs control according to the input control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a control command to start a presentation game, it controls the display content so that the presentation game is played on the image display device 11. The sub-control CPU 31a also executes various presentations by controlling the display content of the image display device 11, the display content of the 7-segment display device SG, the lighting/non-lighting of the decorative lamp La, and the audio output of the speaker Sp. Various presentations by the image display device 11, the 7-segment display device SG, the decorative lamp La, and the speaker Sp are performed in a presentation mode according to the presentation game, or when controlled to a standby state.

The external terminal board 32 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that control information (control signal) is transmitted from the main control board 30 in one direction. The external terminal board 32 has a predetermined number of output terminals that output external signals instructed by the main control CPU 30a to the outside of the machine. In this embodiment, the external terminal board 32 has a first output terminal 32a and a second output terminal 32b. In this embodiment, the external signal can be output to the outside of the machine by wiring the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 and the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 to the input terminal of an external device. For example, the external device is a hall computer, a card unit, etc. In the following description, the external signal output from the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 to the outside of the machine is referred to as the first external signal, and the external signal output from the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 to the outside of the machine is referred to as the second external signal. The first external signal corresponds to specific information, and the second external signal corresponds to special information.

Next, the process (normal process) performed by the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 to control the game will be described.
First, the process (input process (reception process)) for inputting detection signals of the game ball from the various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, and GS will be described.

When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE1 due to a ball entering the first start hole 12, it determines whether the number of start reservations for the first special game is less than the upper reservation limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the number of start reservations for the first special symbol is less than the upper reservation limit number, the main control CPU 30a newly reserves the execution of the first special game. After that, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the start reservation number for the first special game by adding 1, and controls the reservation display device 24a to display the start reservation number after the increment. In this embodiment, the reservation condition for the first special game is met when a game ball is detected by the start sensor SE1 when the number of start reservations for the first special game is less than the upper reservation limit number. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to the reservation means for reserving the execution of the special game.

In addition, when the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE2 due to a ball entering the second start hole 13, it determines whether the start reservation number of the second special game is less than the reservation upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the start reservation number of the second special game is less than the reservation upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a newly reserves the execution of the second special game. After that, the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the start reservation number of the second special game and rewrites it, and controls the reservation display device 24b to display the start reservation number after the addition. In this embodiment, the reservation condition of the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the start sensor SE2 when the start reservation number of the second special pattern is less than the reservation upper limit number. Note that the main control CPU 30a does not add the start reservation number when the start reservation number has reached the reservation upper limit number. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a adds the start reservation number, it outputs a control command (such as a reservation designation command) that can specify the start reservation number after the addition to the sub-control CPU 31a. The sub-control CPU 31a, which has received a control command that can identify the start hold number, causes the image display device 11 to display an image that corresponds to the start hold number that can be identified from the information.

In addition, when a game ball enters the game ball when the number of start reserves is less than the upper limit of the reserved number, the main control CPU 30a uses the ball's entry as a trigger to acquire the values of various random numbers, and stores random number information that can identify the acquired values of various random numbers in the main control RAM 30c. The random number information may be composed of random number values, or may be composed of information in which the random number values are converted into other information that can identify the values. In addition, when storing random number information, the main control CPU 30a stores the random number information so that it can identify whether the information is random number information for the first special game or random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In addition, when acquiring random number values, the main control CPU 30a acquires the value of the winning random number from the random number generation circuit, and acquires the value of the jackpot pattern random number and the value of the main fluctuation pattern allocation random number from the main control RAM 30c.

When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor GS, the main control CPU 30a outputs a gate passing command to the sub control CPU 31a, which can identify that the game ball has passed through the operating gate 18. When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor GS, the main control CPU 30a performs a process to store the normal reserved number (the number of normal games) and a process to obtain various random numbers used for normal winning lotteries. The normal reserved number has a reserved upper limit (4 in this embodiment) set, just like the start reserved numbers of the first special game and the second special game. Therefore, when the normal reserved number is less than the reserved upper limit, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the normal reserved number by adding 1, and controls the normal reserved display device (not shown) to display the normal reserved number after the addition.

When the main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from the start sensors SE1, SE2 and the count sensor CS, it performs prize ball processing to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. In the prize ball processing, it generates and outputs a payout designation command (payout signal) to be output to a payout control board (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout control board that receives the payout designation command operates a ball payout device (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls.

Next, we will explain the process (special chart change process) for executing the special game to derive the lottery result of the winning lottery. The main control CPU 30a executes the special chart change process every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms).

As shown in FIG. 6, in the special chart change processing, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the conditions for executing the special game have been met (step S01). In the processing of step S01, the main control CPU 30a determines that the conditions for executing the special game have been met if the special game is not being executed and a jackpot game is not being played. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a determines that the conditions for executing the special game have not been met if the special game is being executed or a jackpot game is being played. If the conditions for executing the special game have not been met (step S01: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart change processing.

If the execution condition of the special game is met (step S01: YES), the main control CPU 30a reads the start pending number of the second special game and determines whether the read start pending number is greater than zero (step S02). If the start pending number of the second special game is zero (step S02: NO), the main control CPU 30a reads the start pending number of the first special game and determines whether the read start pending number is greater than zero (step S03). If the start pending number of the first special game is zero (step S03: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart change process. If the start pending number of the first special game is greater than zero (step S03: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the start pending number of the first special game (step S04). In addition, in the process of step S04, the main control CPU 30a outputs a reserve designation command to the sub control CPU 31a that can specify the start pending number of the first special game after subtraction.

Next, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S05). The number of chances of a chance change is the difference between the upper limit number of chances of a chance change and the number of special games that have been played since the game was controlled to the high probability state. In other words, the number of chances of a chance change is information that can identify the remaining number of special games that can be played before the game is controlled from the high probability state to the low probability state. If the number of chances of a chance change is greater than zero (step S05: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the number of chances of a chance change (step S06). When the processing of step S06 is completed, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the number of chances of a chance change after the subtraction in the processing of step S06 is zero (step S07). If the number of chances of a chance change after the subtraction in the processing of step S06 is zero (step S07: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls the game to the low probability state (step S08). If the number of chance changes is greater than zero (step S05: NO), if the number of chance changes after subtraction in the processing of step S06 is not zero (step S07: NO), and if the processing of step S08 is completed, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state (step S09). For example, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state based on the probability information stored in the main control RAM 30c. The probability information is information that can determine whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state. If the current probability state is a low probability state (step S09: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S10). At this time, the main control CPU 30a outputs a cumulative number of games command that can determine the cumulative number of games after the addition to the sub-control CPU 31a.

If the current probability state is a high probability state (step S09: NO), and if the processing of step S10 is terminated, the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information stored among the random number information for the first special game (step S11). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the processing of step S11, it erases the first random number information stored from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S12). In the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information with the jackpot determination value, and determines whether or not a jackpot has been won in the winning lottery. At this time, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not a jackpot has been won with a winning probability according to the current probability state. For example, the winning probability is 218/65536 (approximately 1/300) in a low probability state. For example, the winning probability is 1010/65536 (about 1/65) in a high probability state. If the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S12 that a jackpot has been won, it determines the jackpot pattern of the special pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S12 that a jackpot has not been won, it determines the losing pattern of the special pattern. The jackpot pattern or the losing pattern determined in the process of step S12 becomes the fixed stop pattern derived in the special game. The main control CPU 30a also outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a pattern command) capable of specifying the special pattern determined in the process of step S12 to the sub control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number identified from the random number information acquired in the processing of step S11 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the processing of step S12 (step S13).

As shown in FIG. 7, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern according to the current ball entry state. When determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, when the current ball entry state is a non-time-saving state, the main control CPU 30a determines one of the fluctuation patterns HP1-01, HP1-02, HP1-03, HP1-04, and HP1-05 as the main fluctuation pattern. In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP1-01, HP1-02, and HP1-04 are main fluctuation patterns for loss fluctuation that can be determined when a jackpot is not won (in the case of a loss) in the winning lottery of the first special game. In addition, the fluctuation patterns HP1-03 and HP1-05 are main fluctuation patterns for jackpot fluctuation that can be determined when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery of the first special game. In this embodiment, the variation pattern HP1-01 is a main variation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. The variation pattern HP1-02 and the variation pattern HP1-03 are main variation patterns in which "normal reach performance" is set as the performance content. The variation pattern HP1-04 and the variation pattern HP1-05 are main variation patterns in which "super reach performance" is set as the performance content. The normal reach performance and the super reach performance are performances in which a reach is formed by deriving (stop displaying) the same performance pattern in the reach formation column (for example, the left column and the right column) in the image display device 11, and the remaining column (for example, the middle column) is derived (stop display). The variation pattern HP1-01 is a main variation pattern in which 12 seconds is set as the variation time. The variation pattern HP1-02 is a main variation pattern in which 20 seconds is set as the variation time. Fluctuation pattern HP1-03 is a main fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 25 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-04 is a main fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 40 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-05 is a main fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 45 seconds.

When determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines one of the fluctuation patterns HP1-11, HP1-12, HP1-13, HP1-14, and HP1-15 as the main fluctuation pattern when the current ball entry state is a time-saving state. In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP1-11, HP1-12, and HP1-14 are main fluctuation patterns for miss fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is not won (miss) in the winning lottery of the first special game. Also, the fluctuation patterns HP1-13 and HP1-15 are main fluctuation patterns for big win fluctuation that can be determined when the big win is won in the winning lottery of the first special game. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP1-11 is a main fluctuation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP1-12 and fluctuation pattern HP1-13 are main fluctuation patterns in which "normal reach performance" is defined as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP1-14 and fluctuation pattern HP1-15 are main fluctuation patterns in which "super reach performance" is defined as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP1-11 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 8 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-12 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-13 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-14 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP1-15 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 35 seconds.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines a main fluctuation pattern that differs between when the current ball-entering state is a non-time-saving state and when the current ball-entering state is a time-saving state. In other words, in this embodiment, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, the main control CPU 30a determines a main fluctuation pattern that differs from the low-probability non-time-saving state when the state is any of the first low-probability time-saving state, the second low-probability time-saving state, and the high-probability time-saving state. In this embodiment, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the first special game, it can also be said that the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern according to the current game state.

Returning to the explanation of the special chart variation process, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as variation pattern command) capable of identifying the main variation pattern determined in the process of step S13 to the sub-control CPU 31a. The symbol command and variation pattern command are commands that instruct the start of the performance game. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart variation process.

If the start pending number of the second special game is greater than zero (step S02: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the start pending number of the second special game (step S14). In addition, in the process of step S14, the main control CPU 30a outputs a pending designation command capable of identifying the start pending number of the second special game after subtraction to the sub-control CPU 31a. Next, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the number of chance wins is greater than zero (step S15). If the number of chance wins is greater than zero (step S15: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the chance wins (step S16). When the process of step S16 is completed, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the number of chance wins after subtraction in the process of step S16 is zero (step S17). If the number of chance wins after subtraction in step S16 is zero (step S17: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls the state to a low probability state (step S18).

If the number of chance bonuses is greater than zero (step S15: NO), if the number of chance bonuses after subtraction in the processing of step S16 is not zero (step S17: NO), and if the processing of step S18 is completed, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the current probability state is a low probability state (step S19). If the current probability state is a low probability state (step S19: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S20). At this time, the main control CPU 30a outputs a cumulative number of games command that can specify the cumulative number of games after the addition to the sub-control CPU 31a.

If the current probability state is a high probability state (step S19: NO), and if the processing of step S20 is terminated, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random number information for the second special game that was stored first (step S21). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the processing of step S21, it erases the first random number information stored from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S22). If the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has been won in the processing of step S22, it determines the jackpot pattern of the special pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has not been won in the processing of step S22, it determines the losing pattern of the special pattern. The winning symbol or losing symbol determined in the process of step S22 becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game. The winning symbol of the special symbol is associated with the type of winning. Therefore, determining the winning symbol determines the type of winning. The main control CPU 30a outputs a symbol command capable of identifying the special symbol determined in the process of step S22 to the sub-control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a determines the main variation pattern based on the variation pattern determination random number identified from the random number information acquired in the process of step S21 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the process of step S22 (step S23).

As shown in FIG. 8, when determining the main fluctuation pattern of the second special game, the main control CPU 30a determines any one of the fluctuation patterns HP2-01, HP2-02, HP2-03, HP2-04, and HP2-05 as the main fluctuation pattern, regardless of the current game state (ball-entered state). In this embodiment, the fluctuation patterns HP2-01, HP2-02, and HP2-04 are main fluctuation patterns for miss fluctuation that can be determined when the jackpot is not won (miss) in the winning lottery of the second special game. Also, the fluctuation patterns HP2-03 and HP2-05 are main fluctuation patterns for jackpot fluctuation that can be determined when the jackpot is won in the winning lottery of the second special game. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP2-01 is a main fluctuation pattern in which "no reach" is set as the performance content. Fluctuation pattern HP2-02 and fluctuation pattern HP2-03 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "normal reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP2-04 and fluctuation pattern HP2-05 are main fluctuation patterns in which the performance content is set to "super reach performance." Fluctuation pattern HP2-01 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 4 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-02 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-03 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-04 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds. Fluctuation pattern HP2-05 is a main fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 35 seconds.

Returning to the explanation of the special chart variation process, the main control CPU 30a outputs a variation pattern command capable of identifying the main variation pattern determined in the process of step S23 to the sub control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart variation process. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a lottery means that executes a winning lottery when a game ball enters the second starting hole 13 (and the first starting hole 12). The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a counting means that counts the cumulative number of games (the number of times the special game is executed in a low probability state). The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a variation time determination means that determines the variation time of the special game. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a probability state control means that can control between a low probability state and a high probability state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in a winning lottery compared to the low probability state.

When the special symbol variation process is completed, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for executing a special game. Specifically, when the start condition of the first special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a to start the first special game. Also, when the start condition of the second special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23b to start the second special game. Also, the main control CPU 30a measures the variation time set in the main variation pattern of the special game to be started. After that, when the elapsed time from the start of the special game reaches a predetermined variation time (the time set in the main variation pattern), the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a or the special symbol display device 23b to end the corresponding special game. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a game execution means that executes a special game based on the result of a winning lottery.

When the main control CPU 30a ends the special game, it starts measuring the interval time. In this embodiment, the interval time is set to 0.1 seconds. After that, when the main control CPU 30a ends measuring the interval time, it executes the ball-entering state transition process to transition the ball-entering state. In this embodiment, if the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the end of the interval time measurement triggers the start of the jackpot game. In other words, if the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the game is controlled to a low-probability non-time-saving state with the start of the jackpot game. For this reason, in this embodiment, when the ended special game is a jackpot special game, the main control CPU 30a does not execute the ball-entering state transition process.

9, in the ball-entering state transition process, the main control CPU 30a determines whether a specific transition condition is satisfied (step S31). If the specific transition condition is satisfied (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls the game to the second time-saving state (step S32). That is, the main control CPU 30a controls the game to the second time-saving state when the cumulative number of games is a specific number. In addition, the main control CPU 30a updates the ball-entering rate information so that it is possible to identify that the game is controlled to the second time-saving state in the process of step S32. The ball-entering rate information is information that is possible to identify whether the current ball-entering state is a non-time-saving state, a first time-saving state, or a second time-saving state. As described above, the cumulative number of games is added when the current probability state is a low probability state. For this reason, the process of step S32 is executed when the current probability state is a low probability state. That is, the game state when the game state is controlled to the second time-saving state in the process of step S32 is a second low-probability time-saving state.

In addition, in the process of step S32, the main control CPU 30a executes control to output the first external signal and the second external signal. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a outputs the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 during the period from when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state until the second time-shortening state ends. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a outputs the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 during the period from when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state until a predetermined specific time has elapsed. For example, the specific time of the second external signal is 0.1 seconds. The specific time of the second external signal corresponds to the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted. In this embodiment, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the first time-shortening game and when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-shortening state after the end of the second time-shortening game. As described above, when the first output terminal 32a and the second output terminal 32b are respectively wired and connected to the input terminals of an external device, the first external signal and the second external signal are output to the outside of the machine. Therefore, the control to output the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a corresponds to the control to output the first external signal to the outside of the machine. Also, the control to output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b corresponds to the control to output the second external signal to the outside of the machine. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to the output control means that executes the control to output the specified information to the outside of the machine.

If the specific transition condition is not met (step S31: NO), the main control CPU 30a judges whether the normal transition condition is met (step S33). Specifically, the main control CPU 30a judges that the normal transition condition is met when the specified upper limit number of special games is ended while controlling the time-saving state. That is, the normal transition condition is a condition for transitioning from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state. If the normal transition condition is not met (step S33: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the ball-entering state transition process. If the normal transition condition is met (step S33: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the non-time-saving state (step S34). In addition, the main control CPU 30a updates the ball-entering rate information in the process of step S34 so that it can be identified that the control is in the non-time-saving state. Thus, in this embodiment, if the specific transition condition is met, the second time-saving state is transitioned to. Then, if the specific transition condition is not met and the normal transition condition is met, the non-time-saving state is transitioned to. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a corresponds to a ball entry state control means that can control between a time-saving state and a non-time-saving state.

Next, the process related to the progress of the jackpot game that is performed when the winning lottery is won will be explained. When a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a executes the process related to the progress of the jackpot game and awards the jackpot game, triggered by the measurement of the interval time after the special game that derived the result of the winning lottery ends. When the jackpot game starts, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to a low probability non-time-saving state. In addition, when the jackpot game starts, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 during the period until the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not output a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 during the period during which the jackpot game is awarded.

The jackpot game in this embodiment is composed of an opening associated with the start of the jackpot game, a round game that opens the jackpot opening 14, and an ending associated with the end of the jackpot game. In other words, the jackpot game progresses in stages, from opening to round game to ending. The main control CPU 30a performs a jackpot information generation process that generates a control command that instructs the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 to control the game presentation, and a jackpot game control process that opens and closes the jackpot opening 14, as processes related to the progress of the jackpot game. In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command that can identify the start of the opening when the opening starts, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command so that it is possible to identify whether the opening of the first time-saving hit game has started, the opening of the second time-saving hit game has started, the opening of the first special probability hit game has started, or the opening of the second special probability hit game has started.

In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command that can specify the start of each round game with the start of each round game, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command so that it can specify which round game the newly started round game is since the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command that can specify the start of the ending with the start of the ending, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command so that it can specify whether the ending of the first time-saving hit game has started, the ending of the second time-saving hit game has started, the ending of the first probability hit game has started, or the ending of the second probability hit game has started. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a jackpot game granting means that grants a jackpot game.

When the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 30a initializes the cumulative number of games. After that, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state according to the type of jackpot game. That is, after the first time-saving hit game ends and after the second time-saving hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the first low-probability time-saving state. On the other hand, after the first probability variable hit game ends and after the second probability variable hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the high-probability time-saving state.

Next, processing related to the game state will be described.
In this process, the main control CPU 30a generates a control command capable of identifying the game status as a control command, and outputs it to the sub control CPU 31a.

When the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 1 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state. When the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 2 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 3 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 4 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state.

In this embodiment, the state designation command is generated when power supply is started (at initialization and when power is restored) and when the game state changes. The generated state designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, if the game state after the end of a jackpot game is to be a high-probability time-shortening state, the game state is controlled to the high-probability time-shortening state upon the end of the jackpot game, and a state 4 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, if the game state is controlled to the second low-probability time-shortening state in the processing of step S32, the game state is controlled to the second low-probability time-shortening state, and a state 3 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. Note that the state designation command is not limited to the control command exemplified above, and may be set for each game state that needs to be recognized by the sub-control CPU 31a.

Next, a process (regular symbol variation process) for executing a regular symbol variation game that derives the lottery result of a regular winning lottery will be described.
In the normal symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established. In this judgment, the main control CPU 30a judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established when the normal symbol variation game is not being executed and the normal symbol winning game is not being played, while the main control CPU 30a judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has not been established when the normal symbol variation game is being executed or the normal symbol winning game is being played. If the start condition of the normal symbol variation game is not established, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

When the conditions for starting the normal symbol variation game are met, the main control CPU 30a reads the normal reserved number and determines whether the read normal reserved number is greater than zero. If the normal reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 30a performs a predetermined process to start the normal symbol variation game. On the other hand, if the normal reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

When starting a normal pattern variable game, the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the normal reserved number and rewrites it. Then, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random number information (normal winning random number) stored first in the random number information (normal winning random number) stored in the main control RAM 30c. Then, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the normal winning random number specified from the acquired random number information with the normal winning judgment value and performs a normal winning lottery. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a winning rate improvement function. Therefore, when configured to execute the probability variation control of the normal pattern in a state in which the winning rate improvement function is activated (time-saving state), the main control CPU 30a performs a normal winning lottery with a winning probability that differs depending on whether the time-saving state or the non-time-saving state is in the normal winning lottery. In this embodiment, the winning probability in the non-time-saving state is set to zero (no normal winning), and the winning probability in the time-saving state is set to 100% (no losing). The probability of winning a normal win in a normal win lottery can be determined by the ratio of the number of values that result in a normal win (normal win judgment value) to the possible values of the normal win random number. Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal win in the first time-saving state is the same as the probability of winning a normal win in the second time-saving state.

Returning to the explanation of the normal pattern variation process, in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the value of the normal winning random number acquired from the main control RAM 30c matches the normal winning judgment value. If the value of the normal winning random number matches the normal winning judgment value, the main control CPU 30a judges that a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery. If a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a performs normal winning processing. In the normal winning processing, the main control CPU 30a determines the winning pattern of the normal pattern and determines the variation pattern of the normal pattern that can specify the variation time of the normal pattern variation game. This determined winning pattern of the normal pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the normal pattern variation game. On the other hand, if the normal winning lottery does not win a normal winning (in the case of a loss), the main control CPU 30a performs normal loss processing. In the normal loss process, the main control CPU 30a determines the losing pattern of the normal pattern and determines the variation pattern of the normal pattern. The determined losing pattern of the normal pattern becomes the determined stop pattern derived in the normal pattern variation game.

Then, the main control CPU 30a executes a normal pattern variation game on the normal pattern display device 25 according to the result of the normal winning process or normal losing process, which is performed based on the result of the normal winning lottery, and derives a winning normal pattern or a losing normal pattern after the variation time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the normal winning lottery is won, the main control CPU 30a generates a normal winning game after the normal pattern variation game ends. In the normal winning game, the second starting hole 13 is opened in a predetermined opening manner, thereby controlling it to be in an allowable state that allows the game ball to enter.

In this way, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it can be in an open state by the power of the actuator AC1 in the time-saving state. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it does not take an open state in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it continues to be in a closed state (non-open state) in the non-time-saving state. Note that the main control CPU 30a may also control the second start port 13 so that it can be in an open state in the non-time-saving state with a lower probability than in the time-saving state. In other words, the main control CPU 30a may make it so that in the non-time-saving state, a normal win is won in the normal win lottery with a lower probability than the winning probability in the time-saving state.

Next, we will explain the various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 based on the performance control program. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a control command from the main control CPU 30a, it executes various processes according to the control command.

First, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described.
In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 31a receives a symbol command, it determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbols specified by the symbol command. In this embodiment, deriving a combination of effect symbols means stopping and displaying the combination of effect symbols.

The combination of performance patterns will be explained.
As described above, in this embodiment, the combination of three columns of effect symbols consisting of the left column, the middle column, and the right column is derived as the result of the effect game. In this embodiment, the identification information of each column constituting the combination of effect symbols is configured with a design imitating Arabic numerals. To give a specific example, the identification information of each column is Arabic numerals from [1] to [9]. As a result, the combination of effect symbols is, for example, a combination such as [111] in which the identification information of all columns is the same, or a combination such as [479], [337], [121] in which the identification information of all columns is not the same.

Returning to the explanation of the performance pattern variation process, when a special jackpot pattern is specified by the pattern command, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the jackpot pattern combination according to the type of the special jackpot pattern. Specifically, when the first time-saving pattern or the second time-saving pattern is specified as the special jackpot pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the time-saving pattern combination. On the other hand, when the first probability-changing pattern or the second probability-changing pattern is specified as the special jackpot pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a determines the probability-changing pattern combination. For example, the time-saving pattern combination is a combination such as [2], [2], [2], where the identification information of all columns is the same even number. Also, for example, the probability-changing pattern combination is a combination such as [3], [3], [3], where the identification information of all columns is the same odd number. In other words, when a special jackpot pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a pattern combination in which the identification information for all columns is the same.

In addition, when a losing symbol of a special symbol is specified by the symbol command, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination to be derived in the variation game of the performance symbol based on the main variation pattern specified by the variation start command. Specifically, when a main variation pattern in which "normal reach performance" or "super reach performance" is specified as the performance content, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination including a reach formation symbol. In addition, when a main variation pattern in which "no reach" is specified as the performance content, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach formation symbol. For example, in this embodiment, a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which at least one column of the identification information of each column is not the same. For this reason, a losing symbol combination that includes a reach formation symbol is, for example, a combination such as [6], [7], and [6]. In addition, a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach formation symbol is a combination such as [8], [3], and [6].

When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a fluctuation start command, it determines a sub-fluctuation pattern for controlling the display contents of the image display device 11, etc., based on the type of main fluctuation pattern that can be identified from the command. The sub-fluctuation pattern can identify the fluctuation contents (presentation contents) of the presentation game.

The sub-control CPU 31a, which has determined the sub-variation pattern, controls the display content of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is executed with the variation content specified by the sub-variation pattern. The sub-control CPU 31a then controls the display content of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is ended and a symbol combination is derived (stopped display) when the variation time specified from the main variation pattern has elapsed. In this embodiment, the presentation game is ended when a variation stop command is received, but the presentation game may also be ended by timing the variation time specified from the main variation pattern under the control of the sub-control CPU 31a. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to control the end of the presentation game without transmitting a variation stop command from the main control board 30.

In addition, in controlling the image display device 11, the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 selects an image to be executed and reads out data required for the selected image from ROM. The sub-control board 31 may also be provided with a character ROM that pre-stores character image data to be displayed on the image display device 11, specifically people, characters, figures or symbols (including decorative designs), and read out required data from the character ROM. The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 then outputs the read out data to a VDP (video display processor). The VDP executes display control based on the input data, and displays the image in the image display area GH of the image display device 11.

In addition, when the sub control CPU 31a receives a control command sent from the main control CPU 30a, it executes control according to the control command.
For example, during a jackpot game, the sub-control CPU 31a is sent a control command capable of identifying that the game is a jackpot game. For example, such control commands include an opening command capable of identifying the start of an opening, a round command capable of identifying the start of each round of play, and an ending command capable of identifying the start of an ending. The sub-control CPU 31a, which receives these commands, executes the opening performance, the performance of each round, and the ending performance in the image display area GH of the image display device 11, for example.

Next, the presentation mode will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the presentation modes include a normal presentation mode, a first chance presentation mode, a second chance presentation mode, and a probability variation presentation mode. In this embodiment, when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is started, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode. Even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, after the first time-saving winning game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the first chance presentation mode. After that, when the normal transition condition is established, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode as it is controlled to a low probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the first time-saving winning game ends, the normal transition condition is established when the first specified upper limit number of special games is executed. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the first specified upper limit number of special games (100 times) is executed in the first chance presentation mode.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the second chance presentation mode after the second time-saving hit game ends, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode. After that, when the normal transition condition is met, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode as it is controlled to a low-probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the second time-saving hit game ends, the normal transition condition is met when the special game is played the second specified upper limit number of times. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the special game is played the second specified upper limit number of times (899 times) in the second chance presentation mode.

In addition, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, it stays in the high probability presentation mode after the first high probability hit game ends. After that, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-time-saving state when the normal transition condition is established. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the low probability state when the special game with the high probability hit limit number of times is executed. As described above, after the first high probability hit game ends, the normal transition condition is established when the special game with the first specified maximum number of times is executed. In addition, the first specified maximum number of times is the same as the high probability hit limit number of times. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state when the special game with the first specified maximum number of times is executed after the first high probability hit game ends. Then, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode as a result of being controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when a special game is played the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times of the special variation) in the special variation presentation mode.

In addition, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode, it will stay in the special probability presentation mode after the second special probability hit game ends. After that, when the special game with the special probability hit upper limit number is executed in the special probability presentation mode, the pachinko gaming machine 10 will stay in the second chance presentation mode by being controlled to the first low probability time-saving state. In addition, when the normal transition condition is established in the second chance presentation mode, the pachinko gaming machine 10 will stay in the normal presentation mode by being controlled to the low probability non-time-saving state. As described above, after the second special probability hit game ends, the normal transition condition is established by the execution of the special game with the third specified upper limit number. In addition, in this embodiment, the third specified upper limit number is the same as the sum of the second specified upper limit number and the special probability hit upper limit number. That is, when the pachinko game machine 10 goes through the probability variation presentation mode and stays in the second chance presentation mode after the end of the second probability variation hit game, it stays in the normal presentation mode when the special game is executed the second specified upper limit number of times (899 times) in the second chance presentation mode.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 also stays in the second chance presentation mode when the specific transition condition is met and the machine is controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state. As described above, the specific transition condition is met by a specific number of special games being played in the low-probability state. In this embodiment, the specific transition condition is met when the machine is in the normal presentation mode (low-probability non-time-saving state). This will be explained in detail below.

When power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is started, the specific transition condition is established by executing a specific number of special games (900 times) from when power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is started until a jackpot is hit in the normal presentation mode. After the first time-saving hit game ends, the machine stays in the first chance presentation mode, but the first specified upper limit number of special games (100 times) are executed before a jackpot is hit in the first chance presentation mode, triggering a transition to the normal presentation mode. Therefore, after the transition to the normal presentation mode, the specific transition condition is established when the number of special games (800 times), which is the difference between the specific number and the first specified upper limit number of times, is executed before a jackpot is hit, after the transition to the normal presentation mode. After the second time-saving hit game ends, the machine stays in the second chance presentation mode, but the second specified upper limit number of special games (899 times) are executed before a jackpot is hit in the second chance presentation mode, triggering a transition to the normal presentation mode. Therefore, after the transition to the normal presentation mode, if the special game is executed a number of times (one time) that is the difference between the specific number of times and the second specified upper limit number of times before the big win occurs, the specific transition condition is established. That is, when the first time-saving state is controlled to the upper limit of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number, the number of special games that can be executed from the end of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number until the specific number is counted by the main control CPU 30a is less than the reserved upper limit number of special games that can be reserved. Note that, when the first time-saving state is controlled to the upper limit of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number, the number of special games that can be executed from the end of the execution of the special game of the second specified upper limit number until the specific number is counted by the main control CPU 30a may be less than or equal to the reserved upper limit number of special games that can be reserved. That is, the sum of the special game upper limit number of times and the specific number of times may be less than or equal to the sum of the third specified upper limit number of times and the reserved upper limit number.

After the first probability hit game ends, the game stays in the probability hit mode, but transitions to the normal presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games (maximum number of probability hits) in the probability hit mode before a jackpot is hit. As described above, the specific transition condition is established by the execution of a specific number of special games in a low probability state. Therefore, after the first probability hit game ends, transitions to the normal presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games, and then transitions to the normal presentation mode when a specific number of special games are executed before a jackpot is hit. After the second probability hit game ends, transitions to the second chance presentation mode triggered by the execution of a first specified upper limit number of special games (maximum number of probability hits) before a jackpot is hit in the probability hit presentation mode. Furthermore, transitions to the normal presentation mode occurs when a special game is executed the number of times (899 times) that is the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the first specified upper limit number before a jackpot is hit in the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, after transitioning to the normal presentation mode, if the special game is played a number of times (899 times) that is the difference between the third specified upper limit number and the first specified upper limit number, and a specific number of times (1 time) before a jackpot is hit, the specific transition condition is met.

In this way, when the game state is in a low-probability non-time-saving state, the player can stay in the normal presentation mode. Also, when the game state is in a first low-probability time-saving state, the player can stay in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode. When the game state is in the first low-probability time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the first time-saving hit game, the player can stay in the first chance presentation mode. Also, when the game state is in the first low-probability time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, and when the game state is in the first low-probability time-saving state that is controlled by the execution of a special game with the maximum number of times for the probability bonus after the end of the second time-saving hit game, the player can stay in the second chance presentation mode. Also, when the game state is in a high-probability time-saving state, the player can stay in the probability bonus presentation mode.

In this embodiment, a mode image of a type corresponding to the current presentation mode and a background image are displayed in the image display area GH of the image display device 11 .
As shown in FIG. 11, when the player is in the normal presentation mode, in principle, a normal mode name image Gm1 corresponding to the normal presentation mode and a normal background image Gh1 are displayed. For example, the normal mode name image Gm1 is an image imitating the character string "normal presentation mode". For example, the normal background image Gh1 is an image imitating the "sea". When the player is in the first chance presentation mode, a first chance mode name image Gm2 and a first chance background image Gh2 are displayed. For example, the first chance mode name image Gm2 is an image imitating the character string "first chance presentation mode". For example, the first chance background image Gh2 is an image imitating the "mountain". When the player is in the second chance presentation mode, a second chance mode name image Gm3 and a second chance background image Gh3 are displayed. For example, the second chance mode name image Gm3 is an image imitating the character string "second chance presentation mode". For example, the second chance background image Gh3 is an image imitating a "river". In this embodiment, the second chance background image Gh3 may be displayed even when staying in the normal presentation mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode, the second chance background image Gh3 is continuously displayed in the normal presentation mode. At this time, in the normal presentation mode, the display of the normal mode name image Gm1 is restricted. Also, when staying in the probability variation presentation mode, the probability variation mode name image Gm4 and the probability variation background image Gh4 are displayed. For example, the probability variation mode name image Gm4 is an image imitating the character string "probability variation presentation mode". Also, for example, the probability variation background image Gh4 is an image imitating "space". The image display device 11 corresponds to a display means for displaying a background image. Also, the second chance background image Gh3 corresponds to a specific background image.

In addition, various effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
First, the remaining game count display effect will be described.
In this embodiment, while in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode, a remaining game count display presentation can be executed on the seven-segment display device SG. The remaining game count display presentation is a presentation that notifies the number of special games that can be executed before a specified maximum number of special games are executed. In other words, the remaining game count display presentation is a presentation that notifies the remaining number of special games that will be executed before being controlled to a non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the remaining game count display presentation is a presentation that displays information that can identify the remaining number of special games that will be executed before being controlled to a non-time-saving state on the seven-segment display device SG.

In this embodiment, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when the difference between the number of special games executed after being controlled to the time-saving state and the specified upper limit number of times reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a predetermined number. In this embodiment, the remaining number of games display effect includes a remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a first predetermined number, and a remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a second predetermined number. In the following description, the remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a first predetermined number may be referred to as a special remaining number of games display effect. Also, the remaining number of games display effect executed when the remaining number of special games executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a second predetermined number may be referred to as a specific remaining number of games display effect.

In this embodiment, the first predetermined number of times is greater than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses). Also, the first predetermined number of times is less than the second specified upper limit number of times. On the other hand, the second predetermined number of times is the same as the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses), or is less than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses). For example, the first predetermined number of times is 500 times. Also, for example, the second predetermined number of times is 100 times. In this embodiment, since the first predetermined number of times is greater than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of chance bonuses), the special remaining game count display effect is not executed in the first chance effect mode (first low probability time bonus state) that is controlled after the end of the first time bonus hit game. On the other hand, since the second predetermined number of times is the same as the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times for special probability), or is less than the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times for special probability), a specific remaining number of games display effect is executed in the first chance effect mode (first low probability time-saving state) that is controlled after the end of the first time-saving hit game. In particular, when the second predetermined number of times is the same as the first specified upper limit number of times (maximum number of times for special probability), it can be said that the end of the first time-saving hit game triggers the execution of a specific remaining number of games display effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first predetermined number of times is less than the second predetermined upper limit number of times. As described above, in the second chance presentation mode, there are cases where the second predetermined upper limit number of times of special games are played and cases where the fourth predetermined upper limit number of times (second predetermined upper limit number < fourth predetermined upper limit number of times) of special games are played. That is, in this embodiment, in the second chance presentation mode, regardless of the trigger for staying in the second chance presentation mode, a situation may occur in which the remaining number of times of special games to be played before being controlled to the non-time-saving state is the first predetermined number, and a situation in which the remaining number of times of special games to be played before being controlled to the non-time-saving state is the second predetermined number. On the other hand, in the second chance presentation mode in which the first low-probability time-saving state is stayed, the special remaining game number display presentation and the specific remaining game number display presentation are not executed. That is, in the second chance presentation mode in which the first low-probability time-saving state is reached, the special remaining game count display effect and the specific remaining game count display effect are not executed, whereas in the second chance presentation mode in which the second low-probability time-saving state is reached, the special remaining game count display effect and the specific remaining game count display effect are executed.

In this manner, in this embodiment, in the second chance presentation mode, a special remaining number of games display presentation and a specific remaining number of games display presentation may be executed. On the other hand, depending on the type of second chance presentation mode, the special remaining number of games display presentation and the specific remaining number of games display presentation are not executed. In this embodiment, the special remaining number of games display presentation can be said to be a presentation that is executed after a specific transition condition is met.

In addition, in this embodiment, the specific remaining number of games displayed is executed until the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches zero. In other words, during the period from when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a second predetermined number until the remaining number reaches zero, the "remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state, displayed on the seven-segment display device SG" is updated each time a special game is executed. In other words, in this embodiment, the specific remaining number of games displayed is an effect that is executed from when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a predetermined number (second predetermined number) until being controlled to the non-time-saving state.

In this embodiment, the remaining number of games displayed when controlled to the first low-probability time-saving state and the remaining number of games displayed when controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state have different display modes. For example, the remaining number of games displayed when controlled to the first low-probability time-saving state notifies information that can identify the remaining number of special games to be played before being controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state by causing a specific LED in the seven-segment display device SG to emit white light. On the other hand, the remaining number of games displayed when controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state notifies information that can identify the remaining number of special games to be played before being controlled to the low-probability non-time-saving state by causing a specific LED in the seven-segment display device SG to emit red light.

As described above, when controlled to the first low probability time-saving state, the remaining number of games display effect is executed when in the first chance presentation mode, whereas the remaining number of games display effect is not executed when in the second chance presentation mode. For this reason, in this embodiment, the presentation manner of the remaining number of games display effect differs between when in the first chance presentation mode and when in the second chance presentation mode. In the following description, the specific remaining number of games display effect executed when in the first chance presentation mode may be referred to as the first specific remaining number of games display effect, and the specific remaining number of games display effect executed when in the second chance presentation mode may be referred to as the second specific remaining number of games display effect. The second specific remaining number of games display effect corresponds to the specific effect.

Next, the special transition effect that notifies the transition to the second chance effect mode will be described.
The special transition effect is, for example, an effect in which a transition image imitating a character string "entering the second chance effect mode" is displayed on the image display device 11. The special transition effect is an effect that can be executed by transitioning to the second chance effect mode. Specifically, the special transition effect is executed when transitioning from the probability change effect mode to the second chance effect mode. In addition, the special transition effect is executed when transitioning from the first chance effect mode to the normal effect mode and then transitioning from the normal effect mode to the second chance effect mode. On the other hand, the special transition effect is not executed when transitioning from the second chance effect mode to the normal effect mode and then transitioning from the normal effect mode to the second chance effect mode. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect may be set to a time shorter than the shortest variation time among the variation times that can be determined in the second low probability time-saving state. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect is set to a time shorter than any of the variation times. For example, the performance time of the special transition effect is 3 seconds. In this embodiment, the performance time of the special transition effect is constant regardless of the variation time of the predetermined special game. The special transition effect corresponds to a special effect.

Next, we will explain the special right-hit notification effect.
In this embodiment, there is a special right-hit notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area. In this embodiment, the special right-hit notification effect is a notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by making the decorative lamp La emit light in a predetermined manner. For example, the special right-hit notification effect suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by making the decorative lamp La arranged in the left area emit light and then making the decorative lamp La arranged in the right area emit light. Also, for example, the special right-hit notification effect suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the right area by outputting the sound "Please hit right" from the speaker Sp.

In this embodiment, the special right hit notification effect is executed when the reel is controlled to the second time-saving state. That is, the special right hit notification effect is executed when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times. The special right hit notification effect is also executed during the period until a predetermined number of special games have been executed. For example, the special right hit notification effect is executed during the period from when the notification effect starts until three special games have been executed. That is, the special right hit notification effect is executed over multiple special games. For this reason, in this embodiment, the presentation time of the special right hit notification effect is longer than the presentation time of the special transition effect.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the various effects described above will be described.
First, the process executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the remaining game count display effect will be described.

After the first time-saving game ends, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the seven-segment display device SG to execute a first specific remaining number of games display effect. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the seven-segment display device SG to execute a special remaining number of games display effect when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a first predetermined number in the second time-saving state. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the seven-segment display device SG to execute a second specific remaining number of games display effect when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state reaches a second predetermined number in the second time-saving state. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the seven-segment display device SG to specify the number of games that matches the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the non-time-saving state when a new effect game is executed during the execution of the specific remaining number of games display effect. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the 7-segment display device SG to end the remaining game count display presentation when a jackpot is awarded during the execution of the remaining game count display presentation. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the 7-segment display device SG to end the specific remaining game count display presentation when it is controlled to a non-time-saving state.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the special transition performance will be described.
The sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to start a special transition effect when the device is controlled to the second time-saving state. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a measures the effect time of the special transition effect. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to end the special transition effect when the effect time of the special transition effect has elapsed.

Next, we will explain the processing performed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the special right-hit notification performance.
When the sub-control CPU 31a is controlled to the second time-saving state, it controls the decorative lamp La to execute a special right-hit notification effect. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the decorative lamp La to start the special right-hit notification effect when a state 3 designation command is input. After that, it controls the decorative lamp La to end the special right-hit notification effect when a predetermined number of special games are executed.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to control the presentation mode will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a state designation command, it controls the presentation mode based on the game state that can be specified from the state designation command. When the low probability non-time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when the state 1 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the normal presentation mode. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display a background image corresponding to the type of background image that was displayed until just before. Specifically, when the second chance background image Gh3 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to continue to display the second chance background image Gh3. Also, when the second chance background image Gh3 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a restricts the display of the normal mode name image Gm1. On the other hand, when the first chance background image Gh2 or the probability change background image Gh4 was displayed until just before, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display the normal background image Gh1 and the normal mode name image Gm1.

Here, in this embodiment, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the second chance background image Gh3 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game and the second specified upper limit number of special games are played in the first time-saving state. Also, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the second chance background image Gh3 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled after the end of the second probability hit game and the third specified upper limit number of special games are played in the first time-saving state. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled, the situation where the background image displayed immediately before is the first chance background image Gh2 or the probability hit background image Gh4 is when the low probability non-time-saving state is controlled after the end of the first time-saving hit game or the first probability hit game and the first specified upper limit number of special games are played in the first time-saving state. That is, when the second time-saving winning game is ended, the second time-saving winning state is controlled to a non-time-saving state triggered by the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state, and the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to continue to be displayed. Also, when the second time-saving winning game is ended, the third specified upper limit number of special games is executed in the first time-saving state, and the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to continue to be displayed. On the other hand, when the first time-saving winning game or the first time-saving winning game is ended, the first time-saving winning state is controlled to a non-time-saving state triggered by the execution of the first specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state, the normal background image Gh1 will be displayed regardless of the type of background image displayed immediately before.

When the first low-probability time-saving state is identified from the state designation command, that is, when the state 2 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to a different presentation mode based on the type of the immediately preceding jackpot. Specifically, if the immediately preceding jackpot is a first time-saving hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the first chance presentation mode. Also, if the immediately preceding jackpot is a second time-saving hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode. Also, if the immediately preceding jackpot is a second probability hit game, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode.

When the second low-probability time-saving state is specified from the state specification command, that is, when the state 3 specification command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the second chance presentation mode. That is, the type of presentation mode that can be stayed in the second time-saving state is the same regardless of whether it is controlled to the second time-saving state after the end of the first time-saving hit game, the second time-saving state after the end of the second time-saving hit game, the second time-saving state after the end of the first probability hit game, or the second time-saving state after the end of the second probability hit game. Also, when the high-probability time-saving state is specified from the state specification command, that is, when the state 4 specification command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the probability hit presentation mode. The sub-control CPU 31a corresponds to a mode control means that controls the transition of presentation modes.

Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 shows a state in which the second chance presentation mode is switched to the normal presentation mode, and then the normal presentation mode is switched to the second chance presentation mode.

As shown in FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b), after the end of the second time-saving game, the second chance presentation mode is controlled to the normal presentation mode when the second specified upper limit number of special games is executed. At this time, since the background image displayed until just before is the second chance background image Gh3, the sub-control CPU 31a continues to display the second chance background image Gh3 even in the normal presentation mode. Therefore, the player cannot recognize that the presentation mode has changed from the type of background image. In addition, when the second chance presentation mode is controlled to the normal presentation mode, since the background image displayed until just before is the second chance background image Gh3, the sub-control CPU 31a restricts the display of the normal mode name image Gm1 in the normal presentation mode. Therefore, even in a situation where the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed in the normal presentation mode, it is possible to suppress the player from feeling uncomfortable. In addition, when the second chance presentation mode (first time-saving state) is in effect until just before, it is assumed that the second special game is executed in the normal presentation mode. As described above, the second special game has the same variation pattern that can be selected regardless of the current ball entry state (game state). Therefore, in the non-time-saving state, the main control CPU 30a can determine the same variation time for the special game that can be determined when controlled to the second time-saving state.

12(c) and 12(d), when the first variable game ends after the control from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode, the normal presentation mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode with the end of the variable game as a trigger. At this time, the image display device 11 continues to display the second chance background image Gh3 that was continuously displayed in the normal presentation mode in the second chance presentation mode after the transition from the normal presentation mode. That is, when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-saving state with the counting of a specific number of times as a trigger, and when the second chance background image Gh3 is displayed, the second chance background image Gh3 is allowed to be continuously displayed. Therefore, the player cannot recognize that the presentation mode has changed again from the type of background image. Also, when the normal presentation mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, the image display device 11 displays the second chance mode name image Gm3 corresponding to the second chance presentation mode. On the other hand, the special transition presentation is not executed in the image display device 11. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to recognize that the presentation mode has shifted from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. In this way, when the first time-shortening state is controlled to a non-time-shortening state triggered by the execution of a special game the second specified upper limit number of times, the non-time-shortening state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in place when controlled to the first time-shortening state. After that, when the second time-shortening state is controlled to a second time-shortening state triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times in the non-time-shortening state, the second time-shortening state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode that was in place when controlled to the first time-shortening state.

FIG. 13 shows a situation in which the variable game is executed a specific number of times after being controlled to the low probability state.
Time t00 shows a situation where a variation game is not being executed. Based on the premise, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a at this time is one less than the specific number. Time t01 shows a situation where a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is the variation game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, time t01 shows a situation where a variation game for the specific number of times is started after being controlled to a low probability state.

At time t02, it is assumed that the specific number of variable games has ended since being controlled to the low probability state. At this time, the main control CPU 30a controls the game to the second time-shortening state in response to the establishment of a specific transition condition. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 in response to control to the second time-shortening state. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 in response to control to the second time-shortening state.

After that, at time t03, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. The main control CPU 30a ends the output of the second external signal when the specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. Meanwhile, at time t03, the main control CPU 30a continues to control the second time-saving state, so continues to output the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the output of the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32 when the main control CPU 30a changes control from the second time-saving state to the non-time-saving state.

FIG. 14 shows a situation in which a big win is awarded after a predetermined variable game ends.
Time t10 shows a situation where a variation game is not being executed. At this time, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a is two or more games less than the specific number. Time t11 shows a situation where a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is a variation game that does not trigger the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, time t01 shows a situation where a variation game that is not the specific number of times is started after being controlled to a low probability state.

At time t12, after a non-specific number of variable games has ended, a jackpot game is awarded. The main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 as a trigger for awarding a jackpot game. Meanwhile, the main control CPU 30a does not output the first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32. Then, at time t13, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has elapsed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. While a specific time has elapsed since the main control CPU 30a output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32, the main control CPU 30a continues to award the jackpot game, and therefore continues to output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. Thereafter, the main control CPU 30a ends output of the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 upon ending the jackpot game.

FIG. 15 shows a situation in which a jackpot game is awarded after a specific number of variable games have ended since the game was controlled to a low probability state.
Time t20 shows a situation where a variation game is not being executed. As a premise, the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a at this time is one less than the specific number. Time t21 shows a situation where a new variation game is started. The newly started variation game here is the variation game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number. In other words, time t21 shows a situation where a variation game for the specific number of times is started after being controlled to a low probability state.

At time t22, assume that the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state. At this time, the main control CPU 30a awards a jackpot game because the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state, but the specific number of variation games was a jackpot variation game. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not control to the second time-saving state because the specific number of variation games has ended since the control to the low probability state, but the specific number of variation games was a jackpot variation game. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 in response to awarding a jackpot game. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a does not output a first external signal to the first output terminal 32a of the external terminal board 32.

After that, at time t23, a specific time (0.1 seconds) has passed since the second external signal was output to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32. While the specific time has passed since the main control CPU 30a output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32, the main control CPU 30a continues to output the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 by continuing to grant the jackpot game. After that, the main control CPU 30a stops outputting the second external signal to the second output terminal 32b of the external terminal board 32 upon ending the jackpot game.

In this way, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output the second external signal when the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-saving state, and can execute control to output the second external signal when a jackpot game is awarded. Furthermore, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output the second external signal when a special game that triggers counting the specific number of times ends, regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. On the other hand, when a special game that triggers counting the specific number of times ends, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted differs depending on whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. In addition, when a jackpot is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is indefinite, whereas when a jackpot is not awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is fixed.

As described above in detail, this embodiment has the following advantages.
(1-1) According to this embodiment, even if a jackpot game is not awarded, the player can expect the time-saving state to be awarded, thereby improving the interest. Also, the player can predict the game balls to be used before the second time-saving state is entered, thereby improving the player's motivation to play.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving play has a smaller number of special games executed between being controlled to the non-time-saving state and being controlled to the second time-saving state, compared to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving play. Therefore, when being controlled to the non-time-saving state and then to the second time-saving state, when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving play, the game state changes in a shorter period of time than when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving play.

Here, in this embodiment, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the first time-saving play, is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed, making it easier for the player to recognize that the state has been controlled to the non-time-saving state. On the other hand, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving play, is controlled to the non-time-saving state and then controlled to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in a short period of time, but by continuing to display the second chance background image Gh3, confusion among the player can be suppressed.

(1-2) In particular, in this embodiment, when the game state is controlled from the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving game, to the non-time-saving state, and then controlled to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in an extremely short period of time during which a number of special games (one special game) fewer than the upper limit of the number of reserved games for starting the second special game are played. In such a situation, by continuously displaying the second chance background image Gh3, confusion among the player can be suppressed.

(1-3) In this embodiment, after the end of the second time-saving game, when the special game is executed the second specified maximum number of times and the game is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the non-time-saving state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state. Then, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state and the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, the second time-saving state is controlled to the same presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state. That is, the presentation mode changes from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. Even in such a situation where the presentation mode changes in a short period of time, by continuing to display the same second chance background image Gh3, it is possible to further suppress confusion among the player.

(1-4) In this embodiment, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times, whether after the first time-saving game ends or after the second time-saving game ends, the mode is controlled to the second chance presentation mode. In other words, after being controlled to the second time-saving state, the mode is controlled to the same presentation mode in two different situations leading up to being controlled to the second time-saving state. This makes it possible to further reduce player confusion when being controlled to the second time-saving state.

(1-5) In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a can determine the same variable time when controlled to the non-time-shortening state and when controlled to the second time-shortening state. This makes it possible to further reduce player confusion even when the non-time-shortening state is triggered by the execution of a special game the second specified upper limit number of times in the first time-shortening state, and then the second time-shortening state is triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times.

(1-6) In this embodiment, the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second probability hit game has a smaller number of special games executed between being controlled to the non-time-saving state and being controlled to the second time-saving state, compared to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first probability hit game. Therefore, when being controlled to the non-time-saving state and then to the second time-saving state, when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second probability hit game, the game state changes in a shorter period of time than when being controlled to the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first probability hit game.

Here, in this embodiment, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the first probability hit game, is controlled to the non-time-saving state, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed, making it easier for the player to recognize that the state has been controlled to the non-time-saving state. On the other hand, when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second probability hit game, is controlled to the non-time-saving state and then controlled to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in a short period of time, but by continuing to display the second chance background image Gh3, confusion of the player can be suppressed. Also, in this embodiment, when the second probability hit game ends, the game is controlled to the high probability state and the first time-saving state, which has an upper limit of the third specified upper limit number of times that the special game is executed, so that the expectation of the next big win game being granted can be increased.

(1-7) In this embodiment, when the game state is controlled from the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the game with the second probability of winning, to the non-time-saving state and then to the second time-saving state, the game state changes in an extremely short period of time during which a number of special games (one special game) fewer than the upper limit of the number of reserved games for starting the second special game are played. In such a situation, by continuously displaying the second chance background image Gh3, confusion among the player can be suppressed.

(1-8) In this embodiment, after the end of the second chance winning game, when the third specified upper limit number of special games is played and the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state in the non-time-saving state. Then, when the game is controlled to a second time-saving state after the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to a presentation mode that is the same as the presentation mode that was in the first time-saving state in the second time-saving state. That is, the presentation mode changes from the second chance presentation mode to the normal presentation mode to the second chance presentation mode in a short period of time. Even in such a situation where the presentation mode changes in a short period of time, by continuing to display the same second chance background image Gh3, it is possible to further suppress confusion among the player.

(1-9) In this embodiment, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times, whether after the first probability variation game ends or after the second probability variation game ends, the game is controlled to the second chance presentation mode. In other words, after being controlled to the second time-saving state, the game is controlled to the same presentation mode in two different situations before being controlled to the second time-saving state. This makes it possible to further reduce player confusion when being controlled to the second time-saving state.

(1-10) In this embodiment, the presentation time of the special transition presentation that is executed when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times is constant regardless of the variable time of the special game being executed. Therefore, the special transition presentation can be executed regardless of the variable time of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count a specific number of times. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state in a specific situation.

(1-11) In general, some hall computers do not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game. In such hall computers, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times and the game state is controlled to the second time-saving state, there is a risk that the game state will not be recognized as having changed to the time-saving state. If the hall computer cannot recognize that it has been controlled to the time-saving state, it may determine that "game balls frequently enter the second starting hole 13 even though it is not in the time-saving state" and may report an error. In this embodiment, when the game state is controlled to the second time-saving state, a second external signal is output, which is also output when a jackpot game is awarded. Therefore, even in hall computers that do not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game, the second external signal can be used to cause the hall computer to mistakenly believe that a jackpot game has been awarded, thereby making the hall computer recognize that it has been controlled to the time-saving state. This makes it possible to prevent the hall computer from operating normally in the second time-saving state.

(1-12) In this embodiment, when the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, if a jackpot game is not awarded after the special game ends, the main control CPU 30a is controlled to the second time-saving state. On the other hand, when the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, if a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends, the main control CPU 30a is not controlled to the second time-saving state. Here, when the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output a second external signal regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hall computer from malfunctioning regardless of whether a jackpot game is awarded after the special game that triggers control to the second time-saving state ends.

(1-13) In this embodiment, when the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times ends, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted differs depending on whether or not a jackpot game is awarded after the special game ends. Therefore, it is possible to specify whether the machine has been controlled to the second time-saving state or a jackpot game has been awarded, depending on the length of time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted. This makes it possible to prevent the hall computer from malfunctioning even if the second external signal is output both when the machine is controlled to the second time-saving state and when a jackpot game has been awarded.

(1-14) In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is indefinite. On the other hand, when a jackpot game is not awarded after the end of a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is fixed. By configuring in this manner, it is possible to prevent the hall computer from malfunctioning even if the second external signal is output both when the machine is controlled to the second time-saving state and when a jackpot game is awarded.

(1-15) In this embodiment, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same when the game is controlled to the second time-shortened state after the end of the first time-shortened game, and when the game is controlled to the second time-shortened state after the end of the second time-shortened game. This makes it possible to prevent the control from becoming complicated by making the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted the same in two situations in which the process of being controlled to the second time-shortened state is different after being controlled to the second time-shortened state.

(1-16) In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output the first external signal when the second time-saving state is entered. Then, when a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the second time-saving state was entered, the main control CPU 30a can terminate the control to output the second external signal, while continuing to execute the control to output the first external signal. As described above, the second external signal is information for making the hall computer, which does not assume that the game state will change without a jackpot game, recognize that a jackpot game has been awarded. In other words, during the period when the second external signal is being output, the hall computer recognizes that a jackpot game is being played. In such a case, there is a risk that the hall computer will not be able to detect an abnormality even if game balls are illegally paid out by cheating or the like during the period when the second external signal is being output. Therefore, in this embodiment, by ending the output of the second external signal when a predetermined specific time has elapsed, the period during which the hall computer cannot detect an abnormality is limited, but the output of the first external signal continues, allowing the hall computer to recognize that it is being controlled to the second time-saving state.

(1-17) In this embodiment, when a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game that triggers counting of the specific number of times, the main control CPU 30a can execute control to output a second external signal, but cannot execute control to output a first external signal. This allows the hall computer to determine whether or not the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state based on the combination of the first and second external signals.

(1-18) In this embodiment, when a jackpot is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is the same as the interval time of the special game. In other words, when a jackpot is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the second external signal is permitted is extremely short. This makes it possible to further prevent game balls from being dishonestly paid out through cheating or the like during the period during which the second external signal is being output.

Second Embodiment
Next, a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components and controls as those in the previously described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted or simplified.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, after the end of the second time-saving hit game, when the second specified upper limit number of special games is played in the first time-saving state and the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state, the game is controlled to the second chance presentation mode in the non-time-saving state. Similarly, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, after the end of the second chance-hit game, when the game is controlled to a non-time-saving state and the third specified upper limit number of special games is played in the first time-saving state and the game is controlled to the second chance presentation mode in the non-time-saving state.

In the process for controlling the presentation mode in this embodiment, when a low probability non-time-saving state is identified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 1 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the presentation mode according to the type of presentation mode in which it was currently in. Specifically, if the sub-control CPU 31a was in the first chance presentation mode or the probability variation presentation mode until recently, it controls the presentation mode to the normal presentation mode. On the other hand, if the sub-control CPU 31a was in the second chance presentation mode until recently, it continues to control the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is controlled to the normal presentation mode, the normal background image Gh1 is displayed regardless of the type of background image that was displayed until recently. Also, when it is controlled to the normal presentation mode, the normal mode name image Gm1 is displayed regardless of the type of background image that was displayed until recently.

In the second embodiment configured in this manner, when the non-time-saving state is triggered by the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games after the end of the second time-saving hit game, the non-time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in which the first time-saving state was controlled. Then, when the non-time-saving state is triggered by the main control CPU 30a counting a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state, the second time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in which the first time-saving state was controlled. Similarly, when the non-time-saving state is triggered by the execution of the third specified upper limit number of special games after the end of the second probability hit game, the non-time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in which the first time-saving state was controlled. Then, when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times in the non-time-saving state and is controlled to the second time-saving state, the second time-saving state is controlled to the second chance presentation mode, which is the same presentation mode as the one in which the first time-saving state was held.

As described above in detail, this embodiment has the following advantages.
(2-1) According to this embodiment, even in a situation in which the game is controlled to a non-time-shortened state when a special game is executed the second specified maximum number of times after the end of a game involving a second time-shortened period, and then the game is controlled to a second time-shortened state when the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times, by controlling the game to the same presentation mode, confusion among the player can be further reduced.

(2-2) According to this embodiment, even in a situation where the non-time-saving state is triggered by the execution of a third specified upper limit number of special games after the end of the second probability variation game, and then the main control CPU 30a counts a specific number of times to control to the second time-saving state, by controlling to the same presentation mode, confusion among players can be further suppressed.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows. The above embodiments and the following modified examples can be combined together to the extent that no technical contradiction exists.

- In the above embodiment, in the special game of the specific number of times, the main control CPU 30a may determine an interval time that is different from that in the special game other than the specific number of times. In this case, when the special game of the specific number of times is a jackpot special game, the main control CPU 30a may determine the normal interval time as the interval time. In other words, a different interval time may be determined depending on whether or not the specific transition condition is met, and when the jackpot special game ends, the normal interval time may be determined regardless of whether or not the specific transition condition is met.

- In the above embodiment, the main control CPU 30a may control to the second time-shortened state in response to the start of a specific number of special games. In this case, when the processing of step S05 and step S12 of the special chart change processing is completed, the main control CPU 30a may determine whether or not a specific transition condition is satisfied, and if the specific transition condition is satisfied, execute processing for controlling to the second time-shortened state. Note that, when the control to the second time-shortened state is in response to the start of a specific number of special games, the control to the second time-shortened state will be performed immediately after being controlled from the first time-shortened state to the non-time-shortened state.

- In the above embodiment, the presentation modes may include other presentation modes in addition to or instead of the normal presentation mode, the first chance presentation mode, the second chance presentation mode, and the special chance presentation mode. In other words, the presentation modes available in each game state may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving play may be different from the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving play.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state (first time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state (first time-saving state) may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- For example, the presentation modes that can be maintained in the non-time-saving state or the first time-saving state may include a special presentation mode that can be maintained when it is determined that there will be a transition to the second time-saving state. In this case, the special presentation mode can be said to be a presentation mode that suggests or notifies that there will be a transition to the second time-saving state. The situation in which it is determined that there will be a transition to the second time-saving state is, for example, from when a specific number of special games have started until control is exercised to the second time-saving state.

- For example, when the configuration is such that the second time-saving state is controlled with the start of a specific number of special games, the situation in which it is confirmed that the transition to the second time-saving state will occur is from the execution of a special non-jackpot special game that is one less than the specific number of times until the execution of the specific number of special games. In other words, the special presentation mode may be controlled during one or more of the following periods: while the special game is being executed the special number of times, during the interval period from the end of the special game of the special number of times until the start of the specific number of special games, and during the standby state (waiting for customers) that is controlled when the special game of the special number of times is not on hold at the end of the special game of the special number of times.

- In the above embodiment, the first chance presentation mode may be selected during the period from the end of the second time-saving game until the first specified maximum number of special games are played. In this case, the second chance presentation mode may be selected in response to the first specified maximum number of special games being played after the end of the second time-saving game, or the first chance presentation mode may be selected to continue until the second specified maximum number of special games are played.

- In the above embodiment, after the second probability hit game ends, the second chance presentation mode may be entered. In other words, when the second probability hit game ends, the second chance presentation mode may be entered with the upper limit being that the third specified upper limit number of special games are executed.

- In the above embodiment, information related to game control stored in the main control RAM 30c of the main control board 30 (hereinafter referred to as backup information) may be retained for a predetermined period of time, and may be restored based on the backup information when power supply is started. In this case, the backup information may include information related to the special game, information related to the jackpot game, and information related to the game status. The information related to the special game may be, for example, information that can identify the result of a winning lottery, information that can identify the fluctuation pattern of the special game, and information that can identify the special symbol derived in the special game. The information related to the jackpot game may be information that can identify the progress of the jackpot game. The information related to the game status may be probability information, ball entry rate information, and the total number of games played. In this case, it is preferable that a predetermined operating means is provided, and that the backup information can be initialized by operating the operating means.

Furthermore, if backup information is included, when power supply is started, it may suggest or notify whether the cumulative number of games played has been initialized.
In addition, when backup information is included, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state (low-probability non-time-saving state), and the cumulative number of games is initialized when the power supply is started thereafter, the cumulative number of games may be initialized when the power supply is started, and the cumulative number of games is not initialized when the power supply is started. In this case, whether the same presentation mode or different presentation modes can be maintained when the cumulative number of games is initialized and when it is not initialized may be changed depending on the type of background image that was displayed immediately before the non-time-saving state was entered.

- In addition, if backup information is included, the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state), and then when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is initialized, the game may be able to remain in the same presentation mode, or in different presentation modes, when the power supply is started again and the cumulative number of games played is not initialized.

- In addition, if backup information is included, the power supply is cut off in the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state), and the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started, and the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started. The same presentation mode may be possible, or different presentation modes may be possible.

- In addition, if backup information is included, when the power supply is cut off during a high probability time-saving state, and the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started again, the game may be able to remain in the same presentation mode or in different presentation modes when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started again.

- In addition, if backup information is available, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) and then power supply is started again, it may be possible to stay in a different presentation mode depending on the type of previous jackpot game, or it may be possible to stay in the same presentation mode.

- In the above embodiment, the cumulative number of games may be suggested or notified. For example, when backup information is included, the sub-control CPU 31a notifies the number of times the special game has been played during the period from when the power supply is started to when the first jackpot game is started, regardless of whether the cumulative number of games has been initialized when the power supply is started. After the first jackpot game, the number of times the special game has been played may be notified during the period from when the jackpot game ends to when the next jackpot game is started. In this case, the number of times the special game has been played during each period may be displayed on the image display device 11 or the 7-segment display device SG, or may be notified by a device other than the image display device 11 and the 7-segment display device SG.

- In the above embodiment, when the difference between the cumulative number of games played and the specific number of games reaches a predetermined number, a pre-effect may be executed to suggest or notify in advance that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state. That is, when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, a pre-effect may be executed, whereas when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state, a pre-effect may not be executed. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that suggests or notifies the difference between the cumulative number of games played and the specific number of games. Furthermore, when the pre-effect is configured to be executable, the pre-effect may be executed over multiple effect games. In this case, the pre-effect may continuously suggest or notify the predetermined number of games, or may suggest or notify the difference between the cumulative number of games played after the change and the specific number of games.

- In addition, when a pre-effect is configured to be executable, the pre-effect may be prevented from being executed in the first time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, and in the non-time-saving state that is controlled in response to the execution of the second specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state. Similarly, the pre-effect may be prevented from being executed in the first time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the second special hit game, and in the non-time-saving state that is controlled in response to the execution of the third specified upper limit number of special games in the first time-saving state.

In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have the same opening manner of the second starting hole 13 based on winning a normal prize.
In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have different probabilities of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol. For example, the first time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the second time-saving state. Also, for example, the second time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal win in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the first time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the non-time-saving state and the first time-saving state may have the same probability of winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols. In this case, in the first time-saving state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 is selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to the non-time-saving state. Also, for example, the non-time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have the same probability of winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols. In this case, in the second time-saving state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 is selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to the non-time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the second starting hole 13 as a specific ball entry hole may be provided in any area of the game area YBa. For example, the second starting hole 13 may be provided in the area to the left of the game area YBa. In this case, the special right-hit notification effect may be a notification that encourages the player to launch the game ball toward the area to the left.

- In the above embodiment, the specific number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the specific number of times may differ depending on the type of jackpot game that was awarded immediately before. In this case, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when power supply is started, the device may be controlled to the second time-saving state in response to the execution of the maximum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers. Also, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when power supply is started, the device may be controlled to the second time-saving state in response to the execution of the minimum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers.

- In the above embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth specified upper limits may be changed as desired. For example, the first specified upper limit may be the same as the specific number of times, or may be greater than the specific number. The second specified upper limit may be the same as the specific number of times, or may be greater than the specific number. The third specified upper limit may be less than the specific number of times, or may be the same as the specific number. The fourth specified upper limit may be less than the specific number of times, or may be the same as the specific number. The fourth specified upper limit may be less than the first specified upper limit, less than the second specified upper limit number of strokes, or less than the third specified upper limit.

- In the above embodiment, the high probability limit number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the high probability limit number of times may be less than the first specified limit number of times, or more than the first specified limit number of times. For another example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the second specified limit number of times, or more than the second specified limit number of times. For another example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the third specified limit number of times, or more than the third specified limit number of times. For another example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the fourth specified limit number of times, or more than the fourth specified limit number of times. For another example, the high probability limit number of times may be the same as the specific number of times, or more than the specific number of times.

In the above embodiment, each symbol combination may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the symbol combination for the probability hit and the symbol combination for the time-saving hit may be partly or entirely the same.
In the above embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may be capable of executing a left-hit notification effect that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the left region. For example, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a situation in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the right region changes to a situation in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the left region. Specifically, when the game machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a special game is executed a specified upper limit number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded. At this time, if the special game that is executed the specified upper limit number of times is a jackpot special game, the jackpot game is awarded after the special game that is executed the specified upper limit number of times, so that the left-hit notification effect may not be executed. That is, when the game machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the left-hit notification effect may be executed when a special game is executed the specified upper limit number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded, and the special game that is executed the specified upper limit number of times is not a jackpot special game.

- In addition, if the left-hit notification display is configured to be executable, the left-hit notification display may be prevented from being executed when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, is controlled to a non-time-saving state. Similarly, the left-hit notification display may be prevented from being executed when the first time-saving state, which is controlled after the end of the second time-saving hit game, is controlled to a non-time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the conditions for the specific condition to be met may be changed as desired. For example, the specific condition may be met simply when a special game is executed, or when a special game is executed in a high probability state. The specific condition may be met when one of the first and second special games is executed, but not when the other special game is executed. The specific condition may also be met when a specific result is obtained in a specific lottery, such as a winning lottery.

In the above embodiment, the type of big win game may be changed arbitrarily.
In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, the cumulative number of games played (the number of times a specific condition is met) may not be counted until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times a specific condition is met) is initialized.

- In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, the fact that the specific transition condition has been met may be notified during the period until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized. For example, after a specific transition condition is met, an external signal may be output until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized.

- In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, if the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) has not been initialized, a notification that the specific transition condition has been met may be sent when power supply starts. In this case, the notification may be sent until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized.

The game components may be arranged to restrict balls from entering the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made, or to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made than when a left hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low). The game components may also be arranged to restrict balls from entering the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made, or to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made than when a right hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low).

- In addition to the sub-control board 31, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps La, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speakers Sp, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the image display device may be provided. Furthermore, the sub-control board may include such a sub-sub-control board and boards that control other effects and notifications.

-Furthermore, the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 and the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 may be mounted on a single board. Furthermore, in the above alternative example, the light emission control board, the sound control board, and the display control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or multiple boards.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball passes through a specific area (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine).
The pachinko game machine 10 equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state until the next big win is won, a specification that provides a probability variation state until the player wins a fall lottery (fall machine), or a specification that provides a probability variation state until a predetermined number of variation games are completed (ST machine). In addition, the pachinko game machine equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state when the game ball passes through a specific area (V probability variation machine). The pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko game machine of any of these specifications. In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 may be a pachinko game machine of a specification that combines the above-mentioned fall machine and V probability variation machine.

- It may be configured to be possible to generate a state that utilizes a small win lottery or a small win game (e.g., a small win rush). For example, a state that utilizes a small win lottery or a small win game may be a more advantageous state than a high base state. In this case, when the special big win game ends, the big win game may be started by a game ball entering a specified ball entrance (e.g., gate entrance 18a). When configured in this way, the second external signal may be output when a game ball enters a specified ball entrance and the big win game is started.

The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(a) A gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means capable of taking an operation state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port and an inoperation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means for executing the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; game execution means for executing the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; jackpot game awarding means for awarding the jackpot game; probability state control means capable of controlling between a low probability state and a high probability state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in the winning lottery compared to the low probability state; specific ball entry states in which the operation means can take the operation states, and a non-operation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port. the specific ball winning state includes a ball winning state control means capable of controlling the operation means to a non-specific ball winning state in which the rate at which the operation means is in the operation state is lower than that of the specific ball winning state or the operation means is continuously in the non-operation state, a counting means for counting the number of times a special game is executed in the low probability state, and a display means for displaying a background image, the specific ball winning state includes a first specific ball winning state and a second specific ball winning state, the first specific ball winning state is controlled upon the end of the jackpot game, the second specific ball winning state is controlled upon the counting means having counted a specific number, the high probability state is controlled with a special number of times of execution of the special game as an upper limit, and the low probability state is controlled upon the special game being executed a special number of times in the high probability state. The first specific ball-entering state is controlled to have a special number of times of the special game as an upper limit, and the non-specific ball-entering state is controlled when the special game is executed a special number of times in the first specific ball-entering state, and the special number of times includes a first special number and a second special number that is greater than the first special number, and the sum of the special number and the specific number is greater than the second special number. When a special jackpot game of the jackpot game ends, the high probability state is controlled, and the first specific ball-entering state is controlled to have a special number of times of the special game as an upper limit, and the background image includes at least a normal background image and a specific background image different from the normal background image, and in the first specific ball-entering state, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the non-specific ball-entering state is controlled upon the execution of the special game a special number of times, the normal background image is displayed regardless of the type of the background image that was displayed immediately before, and when the non-specific ball-entering state is controlled upon the execution of the special game a second special number of times in the first specific ball-entering state after the special jackpot game is completed, and when the specific background image is displayed, the specific background image is allowed to continue to be displayed, and thereafter, when the counting means counts the specific number of times and the specific background image is displayed, the specific background image is allowed to continue to be displayed.

(b) A hold means is provided for holding the execution of the special game, and the sum of the special number of times and the specific number of times is preferably equal to or less than the sum of the second special number of times and the maximum number of times that can be held for the special game by the hold means.

(c) A mode control means is provided for controlling the presentation mode, and when the first specific ball scoring state is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state as a result of the special game being played the second special number of times, the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the state was controlled to the first specific ball scoring state, and thereafter, when the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state as a result of the counting means counting the specific number of times, the second specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the state was controlled to the first specific ball scoring state.

(ii) A mode control means for controlling the presentation mode is provided, and when the first specific ball scoring state is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state as a result of the special game being executed the second special number of times, the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode in which the state was controlled to the first specific ball scoring state, and thereafter, when the non-specific ball scoring state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state as a result of the counting means counting the specific number of times, the second specific ball scoring state is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode in which the state was controlled to the first specific ball scoring state.

(e) A mode control means is provided for controlling the presentation mode, and when the first specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state upon the execution of the special game the first special number of times, and then the counting means counts the specific number of times to control the second specific scoring state, the type of presentation mode available in the second specific scoring state is preferably the same as the type of presentation mode available in the second specific scoring state when the first specific scoring state is controlled to the non-specific scoring state upon the execution of the special game the second special number of times, and then the counting means counts the specific number of times to control the second specific scoring state.

(F) A variable time determination means is provided for determining the variable time of the special game, and when the first specific ball scoring state is controlled to the non-specific ball scoring state upon the second special number of times of the special game being executed and then the counting means counts the specific number of times and the state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state, the variable time determination means may determine, in the non-specific ball scoring state, the same variable time as the variable time of the special game that can be determined when the state is controlled to the second specific ball scoring state.

(g) The special number of times may be the same as the first special number of times.
(h) A reservation means is provided for reserving the execution of the special game, and the special number of times is less than the first special number of times, and the difference between the special number of times and the first special number of times is less than the maximum number of times that can be reserved for the special game by the reservation means.

(R) In a gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine has a specific start port into which a game ball can enter, an operating state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port, and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port, a lottery means for executing the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port, a game execution means for executing the special game based on the result of the winning lottery, a jackpot game awarding means for awarding the jackpot game, a ball entry state control means for controlling the operating means to a specific ball entry state in which the operating means can take the operating state, and a non-specific ball entry state in which the rate at which the operating means takes the operating state is lower than that of the specific ball entry state or in which the operating means continues to take the non-operating state, a counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is established, a performance execution means for executing a performance, and a predetermined information external to the machine. and an output control means for executing control to output the special information to the player, the specific condition being established when the special game is executed, the specific winning state includes a first specific winning state controlled when the specific jackpot game among the jackpot games ends, and a second specific winning state controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, the effects include a special effect that can be executed when the counting means counts the specific number of times during the execution of a specific special game, the effect time of the special effect is constant regardless of the variable time of the specific special game, the specific information includes special information, and the output control means is capable of executing control to output the special information when the second specific winning state is entered, and is also capable of executing control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded.

(Ju) When the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, if the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is controlled to the second specific ball entry state, whereas when the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, if the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the counting means is not controlled to the second specific ball entry state, and the output control means may be capable of executing control to output the special information when the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, regardless of whether the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game.

(k) When the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times is ended, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted may differ depending on whether or not the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game.

(L) When the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted is indefinite, whereas when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted is fixed.

(W) The first specific scoring state is controlled with the execution of the special game a specified maximum number of times as an upper limit, and is controlled to the non-specific scoring state when the special game is executed in the first specific scoring state a specified maximum number of times, the specified maximum number of times being a first specified maximum number and a second specified maximum number of times, and the time during which the output of the special information is permitted is preferably the same when the non-specific scoring state is controlled to the first specific scoring state when the special game is executed in the first specific scoring state a specified maximum number of times and then the second specific scoring state is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means counts the specified number, and when the non-specific scoring state is controlled to the first specific scoring state when the special game is executed in the second specified maximum number of times and then the second specific scoring state is controlled to the second specific scoring state when the counting means counts the specified number.

(F) The output control means may be capable of executing control to output specific information different from the special information when the state is controlled to the second specific ball entry state, and when a predetermined specific time has elapsed since the state is controlled to the second specific ball entry state, the output control means may be capable of terminating control to output the special information while continuing to execute control to output the specific information.

(Y) The output control means may execute control to output specific information different from the special information when the second specific ball entry state is entered, and the output control means may execute control to output the specific information and control to output the special information when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, and the output control means may execute control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, but may not execute control to output the specific information.

(T) When the jackpot is not awarded after the end of the special game that triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times, the time during which the output of the special information is permitted may be the same as or shorter than the interval time of the special game.

(R) In a gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means that can take an operation state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port, and an inoperation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means that executes the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; game execution means that executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; jackpot game awarding means that awards the jackpot game; The game machine includes a ball entry state control means capable of controlling a specific ball entry state in which the operating means can be in the operating state, and a non-specific ball entry state in which the rate at which the operating means is in the operating state is lower than that of the specific ball entry state or the operating means continues to be in the non-operating state, a counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is established, a first performance execution unit for executing a performance, a second performance execution unit for executing a performance, and an output control means for executing control to output predetermined information to the outside of the machine, and the specific condition can be established in response to the execution of the special game, and the specific ball entry state includes a ball entry state control means capable of controlling a specific ball entry state in which the operating means can be in the operating state, and a non-specific ball entry state in which the rate at which the operating means is in the operating state is lower than that of the specific ball entry state or the operating means continues to be in the non-operating state, a counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is established, a first performance execution unit for executing a performance, a second performance execution unit for executing a performance, and an output control means for executing control to output predetermined information to the outside of the machine, A gaming machine that includes a first specific winning state that is controlled when a specific jackpot game ends and a second specific winning state that is controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times, and is controlled to the non-specific winning state when a special game is played a specific number of times after being controlled to the second specific winning state, and the effects include a variable effect that is executed in response to the special game and a specific effect that can specify the remaining number of special games to be played in the second specific winning state before being controlled to the non-specific winning state, and the first effect execution unit executes the variable effect when the special game is played, and the second effect execution unit executes the specific effect when the remaining number of special games to be played before being controlled to the non-specific winning state reaches a predetermined number, and the specified information includes special information, and the output control means is capable of executing control to output the special information when the second specific winning state is controlled, and is capable of executing control to output the special information when the jackpot game is awarded.

10... Pachinko game machine 11... Image display device 12... First start port 13... Second start port 14... Big prize port 18... Activation gate 18a... Gate port 19... Shoot-out passage 20... Prevention valve 21... Out port 23a, 23b... Special symbol display device 24a, 24b... Hold display device 25... Ordinary symbol display device 30... Main control board 30a... Main control CPU 30b... Main control ROM 30c... Main control RAM 30d... Random number generation circuit 31... Sub-control board 31a... Sub-control CPU 31b... Sub-control ROM 31c... Sub-control RAM 32... External terminal board 32a... First output terminal 32b... Second output terminal AC1, AC2... Actuator C... Center line CS... Count sensor GH... Image display area Gh1 to Gh4...Background image Gm1 to Gm4...Mode name image GS...Gate sensor HD...Launch handle HP1-01 to HP1-05, HP1-11 to HP1-15, HP2-01 to HP2-05...Fluctuating pattern La...Decorative lamp SE1, SE2...Start sensor SG...7-segment display device Sp...Speaker YB...Game board YBa...Game area

Claims (2)

A specific starting hole into which the game ball can enter;
An operating means that can take an operating state in which a game ball can enter the specific starting hole and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific starting hole;
a game execution means for executing a special game;
A jackpot game awarding means for awarding a jackpot game;
a game state control means for controlling a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state or in which the specific special game cannot be executed;
A counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is satisfied;
A first performance execution unit that executes a performance;
A second performance execution unit that executes a performance,
the specific condition may be satisfied when the special game is executed;
the specific special game is a special game that is triggered by a game ball entering the specific starting hole,
The specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled when the big win game ends, and a second specific game state that can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times.
The game machine may be controlled to the non-specific game state when a special number of special games have been played since the game machine was controlled to the second specific game state.
The above performance includes:
A variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game;
a specific effect that allows the player to recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state in the second specific gaming state;
The first effect execution unit is capable of executing the variable effect in response to execution of the special game,
The second effect execution unit is capable of executing the specific effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state becomes a predetermined number of times,
In a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and in a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the game cannot be controlled to the second specific game state,
When the power supply is cut off in the second specific game state and the power supply is started thereafter, the game can stay in the same presentation mode when the number of times the specific condition is satisfied is initialized and when the number of times the specific condition is satisfied is not initialized;
The first performance execution unit is capable of executing a predetermined performance different from the variable performance according to the performance mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that when power supply is cut off in the first specific gaming state and then power supply is started again, the gaming machine can remain in different presentation modes depending on whether the number of times the specific condition is met is initialized or not. A specific starting hole into which the game ball can enter;
An operating means that can take an operating state in which a game ball can enter the specific starting hole and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific starting hole;
a game execution means for executing a special game in which special symbols are variably displayed ;
A jackpot game awarding means for awarding a jackpot game;
a game state control means for controlling a specific game state in which a specific special game among the special games can be executed and a non-specific game state in which the specific special game is more difficult to execute than the specific game state or in which the specific special game cannot be executed;
A counting means for counting the number of times a specific condition is satisfied;
A first performance execution unit that executes a performance;
A second performance execution unit that executes a performance,
the specific condition may be satisfied when the special game is executed;
the specific special game is a special game that is triggered by a game ball entering the specific starting hole,
The specific game state includes a first specific game state that can be controlled when the big win game ends, and a second specific game state that can be controlled when the counting means counts a specific number of times.
The game machine may be controlled to the non-specific game state when a special number of special games have been played since the game machine was controlled to the second specific game state.
The above performance includes:
A variable effect that can be executed in response to the special game;
a specific effect that allows the player to recognize the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state in the second specific gaming state;
The first effect execution unit is capable of executing the variable effect in response to execution of the special game,
The second effect execution unit is capable of executing the specific effect when the remaining number of times of the special game that can be executed before being controlled to the non-specific gaming state becomes a predetermined number of times,
In a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is not awarded after the end of the special game, the game can be controlled to the second specific game state, and in a situation where the special game which triggers the counting means to count the specific number of times ends, when the jackpot game is awarded after the end of the special game, the game cannot be controlled to the second specific game state,
The variable performance is a performance in which a plurality of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then the plurality of performance symbols are displayed in a stopped manner,
The specific effects include a first specific effect that is executed when a first predetermined number of times is reached, and a second specific effect that is executed when a second predetermined number of times is reached.