JP7618199B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

There is known a pachinko machine that has a first start hole that can always accept balls and a second start hole that is normally configured as an electric device and that makes it easier for balls to enter when opened (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a pachinko machine, a priority consumption may be performed in which the second reserved memory generated by the ball entering the second start hole is consumed in preference to the first reserved memory generated by the ball entering the first start hole.
In addition, in such pachinko machines, after a jackpot game is played due to a jackpot or small jackpot in the jackpot lottery, it is known that the machine transitions to a game state in which the frequency of jackpot lotteries based on balls entering the second starting hole increases. Hereinafter, this game state is also referred to as a lottery-easy state or a ball-entry-easy state. Furthermore, in recent years, when a specific special chart is displayed in the variable display of the special chart that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, a winning event separate from the jackpot or small jackpot occurs, and the machine transitions to a ball-entry-easy state without playing a jackpot game is known. By providing such a winning event, a player can be given a special privilege in addition to the winning event in the jackpot lottery, and the interest of the game can be increased.

JP 2019-037567 A

In addition, there is known a pre-reading performance that suggests or notifies the result of the jackpot lottery before the jackpot lottery based on the reserved memory is performed. However, if the game moves to a ball-winning easy state without playing the jackpot during the pre-reading performance, there is a risk that the pre-reading performance being executed will be hindered.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an excellent predictive performance.

The invention of claim 1, which was made in consideration of the above problem, is a pinball game machine that extracts numerical data resulting from a ball entering a starting hole and stores it as reserved memory, and includes: a lottery means for performing a lottery based on the numerical data stored as reserved memory; a jackpot game means for playing a jackpot game based on the lottery; a transition means for transitioning to an advantageous state in which the frequency of lottery draws increases without playing a jackpot game based on the lottery; a determination means for performing a look-ahead to determine the numerical data before the lottery based on the numerical data is performed; and a performance means for performing a look-ahead performance that suggests or notifies the result of the lottery based on the numerical data before the lottery based on the numerical data is performed, and when the performance means performs a look-ahead performance for the lottery based on the numerical data extracted after the look-ahead, when the numerical data used in the lottery that will result in the transition to the advantageous state is read-ahead, the performance means does not perform a look-ahead performance for the lottery based on the numerical data extracted after the look-ahead.

With the above configuration, the pre-reading performance will not be performed for the reserved memory that is generated after the reserved memory that transitions to an advantageous state without playing a jackpot. This makes it possible to prevent the game state from being changed during the pre-reading performance, and the pre-reading performance can be performed smoothly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, there are disposed general winning holes 25 to 27. Further, below the second starting hole 12 (in other words, to the right of the first and second large winning holes 20, 21), there is disposed a general winning hole 28, which is configured to allow game balls to enter at all times.
A large number of game pegs are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described. In the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the jackpot winning hole 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds (for example, 4R or 10R). After the jackpot game ends, the bonus period begins, and the time-saving function, or the time-saving function and the probability-changing function, are activated until the jackpot lottery is performed a predetermined number of times.

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

On the other hand, the time-saving function is a function that increases the frequency of the second special symbol jackpot lottery. Specifically, when the time-saving function is activated, the variable display time of the special symbol on the special symbol display device is shortened. In this embodiment, when the time-saving function is activated, the electric support function is also activated, making it easier to enter the second starting hole 12. In other words, when the electric support function is activated, the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery increases, the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when the normal symbol lottery is won becomes longer, and the variable display time on the normal symbol display device 7 when the normal symbol lottery is performed becomes shorter. Of course, the electric support function may not be activated when the time-saving function is activated. Also, during the time-saving state, the electric support function may be activated without shortening the variable display time of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the game state in which the time-saving function is activated will be described as the time-saving state (in other words, the lottery easy state or the ball entry easy state). Additionally, the gaming state in which the special bonus function and time-saving function are not activated is also referred to as the normal state.

During the bonus period, the time-saving state is activated, making it easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, and the frequency of the second special chart jackpot lottery increases. For this reason, during the bonus period, players hit to the right and aim to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, when the time-saving state is not activated, it is difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, when the time-saving state is not activated, players hit to the left and aim to land the ball in the first starting hole 11.

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

A jackpot with a jackpot pattern of Special 1 jackpot pattern 2 or Special 2 jackpot pattern 2, 3 is configured as a special jackpot, and during the bonus period after the jackpot game caused by the special jackpot, the special jackpot function and the time-saving function are activated. On the other hand, a jackpot with a jackpot pattern of Special 1 jackpot pattern 1 or Special 2 jackpot pattern 1 is configured as a normal jackpot, and during the bonus period after the jackpot game caused by the normal jackpot, the special jackpot function is not activated but the time-saving function is activated. Note that if a jackpot occurs due to a specific jackpot pattern, the bonus period does not begin after the jackpot game ends, and the game state after the jackpot game may be the normal state.

In addition, if the jackpot symbol belongs to the special 1 jackpot symbol 2 and the special 2 jackpot symbol 2, 3, the number of times the special period will continue will be 100. On the other hand, if the jackpot symbol belongs to the special 1 jackpot symbol 1 and the special 2 jackpot symbol 1, the number of times the special period will continue will be set to 20, 50, or 100, depending on the jackpot symbol.
(3) Time-saving function In the pachinko machine 50 of the present embodiment, when the time-saving start condition set for the jackpot lottery is satisfied, the machine transitions to the time-saving state without playing the jackpot. Specifically, when the time-saving win occurs or the continuous time-saving function is activated, the time-saving start condition is satisfied.

That is, in this embodiment, a time-saving pattern is provided as the first special pattern, and when the time-saving pattern is displayed as a confirmed pattern in the variable display of the first special pattern during normal state, a time-saving win occurs and the game transitions to the time-saving state. As an example, the probability of winning the time-saving win is 1/150 (see FIG. 5(a)). However, this probability can be determined as appropriate. The number of continuations, which is the number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the time-saving state, is, as an example, 20 times. However, the number of continuations can be determined as appropriate. Also, multiple time-saving patterns may be provided, and the number of continuations may be determined according to the type of time-saving pattern that is displayed as a confirmed pattern.

In addition, the time-saving pattern may be provided not only for the first special chart but also for the second special chart, so that the time-saving winning may occur in the jackpot lottery for the second special chart. As a result, when the jackpot lottery is held based on the remaining reserves of the second special chart after the time-saving state ends, there is a chance to obtain the time-saving state in addition to the jackpot. Therefore, even if the time-saving state ends without a jackpot, there is still hope that the time-saving state will be restored. In addition, the remaining reserves refer to the reserved memories that exist after the time-saving state ends and that were generated during the time-saving state. Furthermore, the number of times that the time-saving winning of the second special chart continues may be greater than the number of times that the time-saving winning of the first special chart continues. Furthermore, the probability of the time-saving winning of the second special chart may be higher than the probability of the time-saving winning of the first special chart. As a result, the expectation of obtaining the time-saving state by consuming the remaining reserves can be increased.

In addition, when the number of consecutive jackpot draws that have produced a draw result other than a jackpot (in other words, jackpot draws that do not result in a jackpot game) during the low probability state continues, the pachinko machine 50 activates the continuous time-saving function and the time-saving function is activated. The upper limit number may be 800 times, for example. The upper limit number may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 750 to 900 times. In addition, when the time-saving state is entered by the continuous time-saving function, the number of times that the time-saving state continues is greater than the number of times that the time-saving state continues during the bonus period and the number of times that the time-saving state is entered when the time-saving state is entered. In this embodiment, the number of times that the time-saving state entered by the activation of the continuous time-saving function continues is, for example, 1140 times. However, the number of times that the time-saving state continues may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 1140 times or less.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In S220, if the second reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if the second reserved memory does not exist and only the first reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. In other words, in this embodiment, the second reserved memory is consumed preferentially.
In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: no), the process proceeds to S235.

In S230, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a jackpot will be won in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot determination related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing determination table (probability variable table) corresponding to the probability variable state, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.
On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 judges whether or not a jackpot will be obtained in the jackpot lottery based on the random number for jackpot judgment related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the case where the probability of winning is not increased, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: yes), the processing proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: no), the processing proceeds to S265 in FIG. 10.
In S245, the main control device 80 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol, each jackpot symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250, the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol, etc., based on the variation pattern determination random number related to the consumed reserved memory and the variation pattern table. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol is registered in the variation pattern table, and the variation time of the special symbol is determined by selecting one of the variation times registered in the variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random number. In this embodiment, there is provided a time-saving variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is activated, and a normal variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is not activated. The average value of the variation time registered in the time-saving variation pattern table is smaller than the average value of the variation time registered in the normal variation pattern table.

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

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

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

In S285, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change based on the random numbers for reaching the target and for determining the change pattern, the change pattern table, and the like, related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. In the following S290, the main control unit 80 sets the number of times the time-saving state will continue to be entered in order to activate the continuous time-saving function or the time-saving function due to a time-saving win, and then proceeds to S260 in FIG. 9.

On the other hand, in S295, the main control unit 80 judges whether or not a time-saving winning has occurred based on the random number for determining a jackpot related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. If the judgment is affirmative (S295: yes), the main control unit 80 decides to confirm and display the time-saving pattern (S300) and proceeds to S305. Note that if multiple types of time-saving patterns are provided, the type of time-saving pattern to be confirmed and displayed may be determined based on the random number for determining a jackpot, or the random number for determining a jackpot and the random number for determining a jackpot pattern. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S295: no), proceeds to S310.

In S305, the main control device 80 determines whether the game state is normal or not, and if a positive determination is obtained (S305: yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if a negative determination is obtained (S305: no), the process proceeds to S310.
In S310, the main control device 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change based on the random numbers for reaching the target and for determining the change pattern, the change pattern table, etc., related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. Then, in the following S315, the main control device 80 updates the counters indicating the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the high probability state (hereinafter, the remaining number of high probability states), and the counters indicating the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the time-saving state (hereinafter, the remaining number of time-saving states), and then proceeds to S260 in FIG.

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

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, in S380, which is performed when a negative judgment is obtained in S340, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag, and if the flag is set (S380: yes), refers to the remaining number of high probability flags (S385). Then, if the remaining number of high probability flags is 0 (S385: yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S390) and the process proceeds to S395.
In S395, the main control device 80 refers to the time-saving flag, and if the time-saving flag is set (S395: yes), refers to the remaining number of time-saving times (S400). Then, if the remaining number of time-saving times is 0 (S400: yes), the time-saving flag is cleared (S405), and the process proceeds to S410.

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

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

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

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

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

14, in S550, which is performed while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 has reached 10. If the judgment is affirmative (S550: yes), the process proceeds to S560, and if the judgment is negative (S550: no), the process proceeds to S555.
In S555, the main control unit 80 determines whether the opening time of the large prize opening 20, which is determined according to the opening pattern, has ended, and if the determination is positive (S555: yes), the processing proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S555: no), the processing ends.

In S560, the main control unit 80 executes a large prize opening closing process to close the large prize opening 20, and then transitions to S565.
In S565, the main control unit 80 executes a jackpot interval process to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and then ends this process.
Next, with regard to FIG. 15, in S600, which is entered during the interval between each round, the main control unit 80 judges whether or not the final round has been reached based on the opening counter and the opening pattern of the jackpot game, and if the judgment is positive (S600: yes), the processing proceeds to S605, and if the judgment is negative (S600: no), the processing proceeds to S615.

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

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

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

In S665, the main control device 80 sets the number of times the high probability state or the time-saving state will continue, which has been determined in advance according to the winning symbol, etc. Also, the high probability state flag and the time-saving state flag are set (S670), and the process proceeds to S695.
On the other hand, in S680, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time-saving state will be entered after the end of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S680: yes), the processing proceeds to S685, and if the determination is negative (S680: no), the processing proceeds to S695.

In S685, the main control device 80 sets the number of times the time-saving state will continue, which has been determined in advance according to the big win symbol, etc. Also, the main control device 80 sets a time-saving flag (S690), and the process proceeds to S695.
In S695 and S700, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the number of times the special state or time-saving state will continue, and then ends this processing.

(8) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance symbol control device 82 and the like based on a command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen 800 of the performance symbol display device 6 and the speaker 66. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a pattern performance 801 that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery on the performance screen 800 based on a variation start command from the main control device 80 (see FIG. 17(a)). In the pattern performance 801, as an example, a variation display of three performance symbols is performed, and after all of these performance symbols are displayed as stopped, the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by displaying them as fixed. In addition, as a mode of the pattern performance 801, a reach that suggests or notifies the winning of the jackpot lottery is provided. In addition, the reach is provided with a normal reach that has a low expectation (in other words, a probability) of winning the jackpot lottery, and a SP reach that has a high expectation. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a reserved performance 810 in which reserved symbols corresponding to the first and second reserved memories are displayed on the performance screen 800 based on a reserved number command or the like from the main control device 80. In addition, when the reserved memory is consumed, a changing performance is performed in which a changing symbol 805 is displayed in place of the reserved symbol corresponding to the reserved memory.

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

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

The pachinko machine 50 also has multiple types of presentation modes, and various presentations such as the above-mentioned pattern presentations are performed in presentation styles corresponding to the presentation modes. The presentation modes are determined, for example, according to the current game state. In this embodiment, as an example, there is a normal mode, which is a presentation mode to which the machine transitions during a normal state, and a bonus mode, which is a presentation mode to which the machine transitions when the machine is in a time-saving state and a low probability state, or a time-saving state and a high probability state.

(9) About the look-ahead performance In the look-ahead performance of this embodiment, as an example, a look-ahead reserved pattern is displayed on the performance screen 800 as a reserved pattern, and the type of the look-ahead reserved pattern indicates the expectation of a jackpot win or a time-saving win in the jackpot lottery. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 17(b), four types of look-ahead reserved patterns, 1st to 4th look-ahead reserved patterns, are provided as the look-ahead reserved patterns, and a different expectation is set for each type of look-ahead reserved pattern. Note that the expectation set for the look-ahead reserved pattern increases as the number of the look-ahead reserved pattern increases. Also, for example, the 4th look-ahead reserved pattern may indicate that a jackpot win or a time-saving win will always occur in the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory.

The look-ahead performance may start when the target reserved memory is generated, or may start a certain time after the reserved performance corresponding to the target reserved memory starts. When the look-ahead performance starts, one of the first to fourth look-ahead reserved patterns is displayed corresponding to the target reserved memory, and the type of look-ahead reserved pattern displayed indicates the likelihood of either a jackpot or a time-saving win occurring in the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory.

In addition, while the look-ahead performance is being performed, the type of look-ahead reserved pattern displayed in the look-ahead performance may be changed to a look-ahead reserved pattern with a higher expectation, or conversely, to a look-ahead reserved pattern with a lower expectation. Also, since a jackpot game is not played when the time-saving feature is won, look-ahead performances that target reserved memories that generate time-saving wins may be configured not to display look-ahead reserved patterns with a higher expectation (for example, the third and fourth look-ahead reserved patterns).

In addition, the look-ahead effect suggesting or notifying the occurrence of a jackpot (hereinafter, the first look-ahead effect) and the look-ahead effect suggesting or notifying the occurrence of a time-saving win (hereinafter, the second look-ahead effect) may be performed in different ways. Specifically, for example, the first look-ahead effect may be performed using the first to fourth look-ahead reserved patterns described above. On the other hand, in the second look-ahead effect, the time-saving look-ahead reserved pattern 812 suggesting or notifying the occurrence of a time-saving win may be displayed in correspondence with the target reserved memory (see FIG. 17(a)). Of course, multiple types of time-saving look-ahead reserved patterns with different degrees of expectation may be provided, and the type of time-saving look-ahead reserved pattern displayed in the second look-ahead effect may indicate the degree of expectation of a time-saving win.

In addition, the pre-reading performance may be configured as a continuous preview indicating the likelihood of a jackpot or a time-saving winning combination, for example, by displaying a predetermined character (e.g., Tatsukichi the bear) together with one or more pattern performances, or by displaying a cut-in image, without using a pre-reading reserved pattern.
(10) Stopping the look-ahead performance In this embodiment, when the main control device 80 performs a look-ahead for the first reserved memory (hereinafter, the time-saving reserved memory) that will result in a time-saving winning in the jackpot lottery by the start-gate winning confirmation process, the first reserved memory that occurs after the look-ahead is in a stopped state in which the look-ahead performance is not performed. In other words, the first reserved memory that occurs after the time-saving reserved memory is in a stopped state.

The pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is configured so that the second reserved memory is consumed with priority over the first reserved memory. Therefore, during a look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory, if a time-saving win causes a transition to a time-saving state and the second starting hole 12 is targeted, the pattern performance of the second special chart may interrupt the look-ahead performance, and the timing of the consumption of the first reserved memory may be significantly delayed. In contrast, according to this embodiment, a look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory that occurs after the time-saving reserved memory is not performed. Therefore, there is no transition to a time-saving state due to a time-saving win during a look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory, and for example, it is possible to prevent the look-ahead performance from being prolonged or interrupted midway.

Furthermore, even if the time-saving state is transitioned to due to a time-saving win when the pre-reading effect suggests that a jackpot will occur in the first reserved memory, the player may not aim at the second starting hole 12 in order to generate a jackpot in the first reserved memory that is the target of the pre-reading effect. This type of play is also called irregular play, and since there is a risk of unexpected problems occurring, game situations that lead to irregular play should be avoided as much as possible. In contrast, according to this embodiment, irregular play can be suppressed because a situation in which the time-saving state is transitioned to due to a time-saving win does not occur when the pre-reading effect suggests that a jackpot will occur in the first reserved memory.

Specifically, there are four first reserved memories, and the first to fourth reserved patterns 811 to 814 corresponding to these first reserved memories are displayed on the presentation screen 800 (see FIG. 17(a)). Note that the reserved patterns with lower numbers correspond to first reserved memories that were generated earlier, and the first reserved memories corresponding to the reserved patterns with lower numbers are consumed in order.

Then, suppose that the first reserved memory corresponding to the second reserved symbol 812 is found to be a time-saving reserved memory by the pre-reading in the start-port winning confirmation process. In this case, a pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory corresponding to the first and second reserved symbols 811 and 812 can be executed. In other words, when a time-saving winning is found by pre-reading, if a pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory corresponding to the first reserved symbol 811 is being performed, the pre-reading performance will continue. In addition, after a time-saving winning is found by pre-reading, a new pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory corresponding to the first and second reserved symbols 811 and 812 can be started. However, the first reserved memory corresponding to the third and fourth reserved symbols 803 and 804 will be stopped, and a pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory will not be executed.

In addition, in Figure 17 (a), as an example, the occurrence of a time-saving win is suggested or notified by the above-mentioned second pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory corresponding to the second reserved pattern 812, and the second reserved pattern 812 is configured as the above-mentioned time-saving pre-reading reserved pattern.
Also, in this embodiment, as an example, even after the first pending memory is in a stopped state, the main control unit 80 performs a start port winning confirmation process each time the first and second pending memories are generated, in the same manner as when the memory is not in a stopped state, and sends a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

Then, a time-saving winning lottery is drawn based on the time-saving reserved memory corresponding to the second reserved pattern 812, and a transition to the time-saving state occurs. After that, when the time-saving state ends and consumption of the first reserved memory resumes, the stopped state of the first reserved memory that occurred after the time-saving reserved memory is released. At this time, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether or not to perform a look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory based on the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command corresponding to the first reserved memory that was in the stopped state. Then, based on the result of this determination, a look-ahead performance is executed for the first reserved memory whose stopped state has been released. Of course, it goes without saying that a look-ahead performance is performed for the first reserved memory that was newly generated after the stopped state was released.

Figure 17 (c) shows the display screen 800 when the time-saving state entered by winning the time-saving reserved memory corresponding to the second reserved pattern 812 described above ends and the normal state is entered. In this display screen 800, a changing pattern 805 of the jackpot lottery based on the first reserved memory corresponding to the third reserved pattern 803 and a fourth reserved pattern 804 are displayed. In addition, after the time-saving state ends, a pre-reading display is executed for the first reserved memory corresponding to the third reserved pattern 803, and in the display screen 800 of Figure 17 (c), the changing pattern 805 is the same pattern as the third pre-reading reserved pattern displayed in the pre-reading display.

In this embodiment, the time-saving reserved memory is not stopped, and a look-ahead performance targeting the time-saving reserved memory can be executed. However, a configuration in which a look-ahead performance targeting the time-saving reserved memory is not executed may also be adopted. In this way, it is possible to prevent the look-ahead performance from being executed excessively while avoiding a transition to a time-saving state due to a time-saving winning during a look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory, and it is possible to prevent, for example, the look-ahead performance from being prolonged or interrupted midway. In addition, in this case, even if a look-ahead performance that suggests or notifies a time-saving winning is executed, all of the look-ahead performances become so-called false, and a time-saving winning does not occur in the first reserved memory that is the target of the look-ahead performance. For this reason, in this case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which no look-ahead performance that suggests or notifies a time-saving winning is executed at all.

(11) About the look-ahead performance judgment process 1 Next, the look-ahead performance judgment process 1 that decides whether to perform the look-ahead performance when the occurrence of the big win and the time-saving winning are suggested or notified by the look-ahead performance of the same mode will be described based on the flowchart of Figure 18. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S900, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it has received a read-ahead command corresponding to the first reserved memory from the main control device 80. If a positive judgment is obtained (S900: yes), the process proceeds to S905, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S900: no), the process ends.
In S905, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not a time-saving winning flag indicating that a time-saving winning will occur in a big win lottery based on any of the first reserved memories is set. If a positive judgment is obtained (S905: yes), the process proceeds to S910. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is obtained (S905: no), the process ends after saving the received look-ahead command.

In S910, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command is a jackpot or not. If a negative judgment is obtained (S910: no), the process proceeds to S915, and if a positive judgment is obtained (S910: yes), the process proceeds to S925.
In S915, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command is a time-saving winning. In other words, it judges whether the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command is a time-saving reserved memory. Then, if a positive judgment is obtained (S915: yes), the time-saving winning flag is set (S920) and the process proceeds to S925. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is obtained (S915: no), the process ends. The time-saving winning flag may be cleared, for example, at the end of the pattern presentation corresponding to the jackpot lottery based on the time-saving reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command, or when the time-saving state transitioned to by the time-saving winning in the jackpot lottery ends.

In S925, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether or not to perform a look-ahead performance for the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command, and ends this process. The sub-integrated control device 83 may determine to perform a look-ahead performance with a predetermined probability by lottery or the like, or may always determine to perform a look-ahead performance. In addition, in S925, even if the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command is a time-saving reserved memory, it is determined whether or not to perform a look-ahead performance that is performed when a jackpot or time-saving winning occurs. However, a configuration may be adopted in which a look-ahead performance targeting a time-saving reserved memory is not performed. In addition, the look-ahead performance may be started at the same time as the start of the reserved performance corresponding to the first reserved memory, or may be started after a predetermined time has passed since the start of the reserved performance.

If the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command indicates that neither a jackpot nor a time-saving win will occur, a negative judgment is made in S915, and this process ends. For this reason, if a negative judgment is obtained in S915, it may be determined whether or not to perform a false look-ahead performance for the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command. If a false look-ahead performance suggesting the occurrence of a time-saving win is performed, a time-saving win flag may be set. By doing so, when a false look-ahead performance suggesting the occurrence of a time-saving win is performed, a look-ahead performance targeting a first reserved memory that occurred after the first reserved memory that is the target of the look-ahead performance will not be performed, just as when a non-false look-ahead performance is performed. For this reason, it becomes difficult to determine that the look-ahead performance is false.

(12) About the pre-reading performance judgment process 2 Next, the pre-reading performance judgment process 2 that decides whether to perform the pre-reading performance when the occurrence of the jackpot and the occurrence of the time-saving winning are suggested or notified by the pre-reading performance of different modes will be described based on the flowchart of Figure 19. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S1000, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it has received a read-ahead command corresponding to the first reserved memory from the main control device 80. If a positive judgment is obtained (S1000: yes), the process proceeds to S1005, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S1000: no), the process ends.
In S1005, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the time-saving winning flag is set. If the judgment is affirmative (S1005: yes), the process proceeds to S1010. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S1005: no), the process ends after saving the received pre-read command.

In S1010, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command is a jackpot or not. If a positive judgment is obtained (S1010: yes), the process proceeds to S1030, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S1010: no), the process proceeds to S1015.
In S1015, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command is a time-saving winning. In other words, it judges whether the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command is a time-saving reserved memory. Then, if a positive judgment is obtained (S1015: yes), the time-saving winning flag is set (S1020), and then the process proceeds to S1025. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is obtained (S1015: no), this process is terminated. The time-saving winning flag can be cleared at the same timing as described in the look-ahead performance judgment process 1.

In S1025, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether or not to perform the second look-ahead performance (in other words, the look-ahead performance performed when the time-saving winning is won) for the time-saving reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command in the same manner as in S925, and ends this process. Note that the process of S1025 may be omitted, and a configuration may be adopted in which the look-ahead performance for the time-saving reserved memory is not performed.
On the other hand, in S1030, the sub-integrated control device 83, in the same manner as in S925, decides whether or not to perform the first look-ahead performance for the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command (in other words, the look-ahead performance performed at the time of a jackpot), and terminates this processing.

If the result of the look-ahead indicated by the received look-ahead command indicates that neither a jackpot nor a time-saving win will occur, a negative judgment is made in S1015, and this process ends. For this reason, if a negative judgment is obtained in S1015, it may be determined whether or not to perform a false look-ahead performance for the first reserved memory corresponding to the look-ahead command. Then, as explained in look-ahead performance judgment process 1, if a false look-ahead performance suggesting the occurrence of a time-saving win is to be performed, a time-saving win flag may be set. This makes it difficult to determine that the look-ahead performance is false.

[Modification]
In the modified example, the sub-integrated control device 83 specifies, as a time-saving reserved memory, not only the first reserved memory in which a time-saving winning occurs, but also the first reserved memory in which the continuous time-saving function is activated in response to a big win lottery and the time-saving state is transitioned to. That is, while the low probability state continues, the sub-integrated control device 83 counts the continuous number of times based on a variable start command, etc., and each time a new first or second reserved memory occurs, calculates the continuous number of times when these reserved memories are consumed based on the results of the look-ahead command corresponding to them. Then, when a first reserved memory occurs in which the continuous number of times reaches the upper limit, the sub-integrated control device 83 sets the first reserved memory as a time-saving reserved memory.

As a result, even when a transition to the time-saving state is made by the continuous time-saving function, the transition to the time-saving state will not occur during the look-ahead performance targeting the first reserved memory that is generated after the time-saving reserved memory, and, for example, it is possible to prevent the look-ahead performance from being prolonged or being interrupted midway.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may not treat the first reserved memory in which the time-saving winning occurs as a time-saving reserved memory, but may treat the first reserved memory that activates the continuous time-saving function as a time-saving reserved memory. Similarly, the first reserved memory that occurs after the time-saving reserved memory may be stopped, and the pre-reading performance targeting the first reserved memory may not be performed.

[Other embodiments]
(1) In the above embodiment, even after the time-saving reserved memory is generated, the main control device 80 reads ahead the newly generated first reserved memory and transmits a read-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 83. Then, the sub-integrated control device 83 is configured to control so that the read-ahead performance of the newly generated first reserved memory is not performed until the time-saving state entered by the time-saving reserved memory ends.

However, this is not limited to the above, and when a time-saving hold memory occurs, the main control device 80 may wait for the sub-integrated control device 83 to send a look-ahead command for a first hold memory that is newly created after the time-saving hold memory. Then, the main control device 80 may send the waiting look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 83 after the time-saving state entered by the time-saving hold memory ends. By doing this, the sub-integrated control device 83 will not be able to perform a look-ahead performance for the first hold memory that is created after the time-saving hold memory occurs, as in the above embodiment, and it will be possible to stop these first hold memories.

(2) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment may be configured not to have the continuous time-saving function, or may be configured not to generate a time-saving winning. In other words, it may be configured to transition to the time-saving state by either the occurrence of a time-saving winning or the activation of the continuous time-saving function. Even in such a configuration, the same effect can be obtained.
(3) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment is configured to transition to a bonus period after a jackpot game, and transition to a normal state when a predetermined number of jackpot games are played during the bonus period. However, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko machine of the above configuration, and can be applied to various types of pachinko machines, such as pachinko machines configured as so-called one-type two-type mixed machines. When the present invention is applied to a one-type two-type mixed machine, it is preferable that the pre-reading performance suggests a win in a small win in addition to a jackpot, and that the first pre-reading performance suggests a win in a jackpot or a small win. In this case, it is preferable that the pre-reading performance that suggests or notifies the win in a jackpot or a small win is not performed for the first reserved memory that has been stopped.

(4) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment is configured to consume the second reserved memory first. However, this is not limited to the above, and may be configured to consume the first of the first and second reserved memories. In this case, from both or either of the first and second reserved memories, the one that activates the time-saving winning and/or continuous time-saving function may be identified as the time-saving reserved memory. Then, the first and/or second reserved memory that is generated after the time-saving reserved memory may be stopped, and the pre-reading performance based on the reserved memory may not be performed.

When the game state changes during a performance, it may become necessary to change the performance content accordingly. In response to this, with the above configuration, the game state will not transition to a time-saving state due to a time-saving win or the activation of the continuous time-saving function during a pre-reading performance. This prevents the game state from changing during a series of performances across multiple pattern performances due to the pre-reading performance, which would cause problems with the pre-reading performance.

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

Furthermore, the time-saving state corresponds to an example of an advantageous state.
Additionally, steps S110 and S125 of the start port winning confirmation process correspond to an example of a judgment process.
In addition, S230 and S235 of the winning/losing determination process correspond to an example of a lottery means, and S415 and S420 correspond to an example of a transition means.
In addition, S530, S560, and S620 of the jackpot game processing correspond to an example of a jackpot game means.

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

Claims (1)

The starting port includes at least a first starting port and a second starting port,
a first reserved memory for storing, as a reserved memory, up to a predetermined upper limit number of pieces of numerical data extracted due to a ball entering the first starting hole;
A second reserve memory that stores up to a predetermined upper limit number of numerical data extracted due to the ball entering the second starting hole,
A lottery means for performing a lottery based on the numerical data stored as the reserved memory;
A jackpot game means for playing a jackpot game based on the lottery;
A transition means for transitioning to an advantageous state in which the frequency of the lottery at the second starting port is increased without performing the big win game based on the lottery;
a look-ahead determination means for determining the numerical data before the lottery is performed by the lottery means;
and a performance means for performing a pre-reading performance that suggests or notifies the result of the lottery based on the determination result by the pre-reading determination means,
The lottery means is configured to perform the lottery by giving priority to the second reserved memory,
the performance means, when starting the look-ahead performance for the numerical data in the first reserved memory that is determined by the look-ahead determination means to transition to the advantageous state, does not perform the look-ahead performance for the numerical data stored in the first reserved memory later, at least until the transition to the advantageous state;
A pinball game machine characterized by:

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