JP7618210B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

A pinball game machine typically has a pattern display device, a big prize opening, and one or more start openings, including a variable start opening, in the game area, and executes a "win/lose judgment on the special pattern" based on the game ball flowing down the game area winning (entering) the start opening. Then, when this win/lose judgment is executed, the pattern display device executes a variable display of the special pattern for a certain period of time, and then displays a fixed stopped pattern indicating the result of the win/lose judgment. Furthermore, if the fixed stopped pattern is a big prize pattern indicating that the result of the "win/lose judgment on the special pattern" is a big prize, a big prize game is executed in which the big prize opening is opened in a predetermined opening and closing pattern.

Some pinball gaming machines of this type offer a specific bonus in addition to the jackpot game when a specific trigger is met. For example, there are pinball gaming machines that offer a bonus that increases the probability that the result of the hit/miss determination will be a jackpot (a bonus called probability fluctuation), as well as a bonus that shortens the time that the special pattern changes or extends the opening time of the opening/closing start hole (a bonus called time-saving mode) (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-137462 A

Incidentally, in conventional pinball game machines, winning a jackpot is a prerequisite for the time-saving mode (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "jackpot time-saving"). This has been considered to be a problem that makes the game less interesting.
In order to solve this problem, it is also possible to execute the time-saving mode (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "ceiling time-saving") according to the number of times the special symbol misses (also called the number of times the lottery misses). Also, if the special symbol that indicates a miss when the result is not a jackpot is a predetermined symbol (a specific symbol (also called a "time-saving symbol")), it is also possible to execute the time-saving mode (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "specific time-saving").
These time-saving games, especially the specific time-saving games, are expected to increase interest in the games, and it is desirable to further increase interest in the games through these specific time-saving games.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms.
A pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a win, a lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port 1 or the starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the lottery is won, a winning pattern is displayed to notify the player of the win, and then a winning game is executed,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1, and for ending the time-saving game when the ending symbol is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2;
The game machine is characterized by including an end pattern selection means in which the probability of selecting the end pattern differs between during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific pattern 1 and during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific pattern 2 (first feature).

The time-saving game execution means may be a means for shifting the open state of the variable ball entrance to an extended open state longer than normal, and may simultaneously shorten the time for which the normal symbols fluctuate, or may shorten the time for which the special symbols that notify the results of a big win lottery or the like fluctuate, or may increase the probability that the result of a win/loss judgment regarding the normal symbols will be a win. The variable ball entrance may be in an open state where it is easier to enter the ball than in a closed state, and may be in a closed state where it is either impossible to enter the ball or possible to enter the ball.
The extended opening state refers to the time from when the result of the win/loss judgment regarding the normal pattern is a win to when the variable ball entrance is opened, the opening time or opening pattern of the variable ball entrance, etc., and may also be referred to as the extended opening mode.
The time-saving number of times may correspond to the number of jackpot lotteries during the time-saving game by the time-saving game execution means. Since it may correspond to the number of jackpot lotteries, the time-saving number of times may be the number of jackpot lotteries during the time-saving game itself, the number of openings of the variable ball entrance during the time-saving game, the number of hit/miss judgments regarding the normal pattern during the time-saving game, or the number of changes in the normal pattern. Therefore, if the time-saving number of times 1 is the number of jackpot lotteries, the time-saving game ends when the number of hit/miss judgments regarding the normal pattern reaches number 1 during the time-saving game, if the time-saving number of times 1 is the number of openings of the variable ball entrance, the time-saving game ends when the number of openings of the variable ball entrance reaches number 1 during the time-saving game, and if the time-saving number of times 1 is the number of hit/miss judgments regarding the normal pattern during the time-saving game, the time-saving game ends when the number of hit/miss judgments regarding the normal pattern reaches number 1. In addition, if the opening pattern of the variable ball inlet involves multiple opening operations with short closures in between, it is preferable to count this as one opening operation.
The time-saving game ends when the predetermined time-saving count 1 or time-saving count 2 is reached, or when a jackpot is won during the time-saving game. The game may also be forcibly terminated when a predetermined specific symbol (forced termination symbol) other than the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 is selected.
In addition, the winning of the lottery based on the game ball entering the starting hole 1 or the starting hole 2 may include winning of a small prize in addition to winning of a big prize. The winning game of a small prize may be configured to open the large prize opening etc. a smaller number of times (for example, 1 to 2 times) than the winning game of a big prize. The winning game of a small prize may be configured to play the same winning game as the winning game of a big prize if the game ball passes through a specific area in the large prize opening during this opening period. This is also true for pinball game machines with other characteristics described below.

The specific symbol selection means may be a means for making the probability of selecting specific symbol 1 higher than the probability of selecting specific symbol 2 when the ball enters starting hole 1, making the probability of selecting specific symbol 1 lower when the ball enters starting hole 2 than when the ball enters starting hole 1, and making the probability of selecting specific symbol 2 higher than when the ball enters starting hole 1. Therefore, it is acceptable for the probability of selecting specific symbol 2 to be extremely low when the ball enters starting hole 1.
The probability (selection rate) of specific symbol 1 or specific symbol 2 being selected may be determined in advance, and a configuration in which the lottery is drawn when a game ball enters starting hole 1 or starting hole 2 can be considered.
The starting hole 1 is a normal ball entrance hole that does not open, and the starting hole 2 is a variable ball entrance hole, and each may be one, or one or both may be multiple. However, it is preferable that the starting holes 1 and 2 are arranged in different positions.

The time-saving game ending means is a means forcibly ending the time-saving game if an ending pattern is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific pattern 1, and forcibly ending the time-saving game if an ending pattern is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific pattern 2, and the ending pattern is selected under a predetermined probability when the jackpot lottery is not won. This ending pattern is the aforementioned forced ending pattern.

The end pattern selection means may have a different probability of selecting the end pattern during execution of a time-saving game by selecting specific pattern 1 and during execution of a time-saving game by selecting specific pattern 2, and an example is one in which the probability of selecting the end pattern is increased during execution of a time-saving game by selecting specific pattern 1.
In addition, it is preferable to increase the probability of selecting the end symbol as the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 increases when the ball enters the starting hole 1 or as the number of time-saving times 1 increases. Furthermore, it is preferable to lower the probability of selecting the end symbol when the number of time-saving times 2 is small and to increase the probability when the number of time-saving times 2 is large.
In addition, there may be a plurality of end symbols, and the end symbols selected during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1 may be different from those selected during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of common end symbols selected during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1 and during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2. For example, there may be two types of end symbols, end symbol 1 and end symbol 2, and during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1, the probability of selecting end symbol 1 may be high and the probability of selecting end symbol 2 may be low, and during the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2, the probability of selecting end symbol 1 may be low and the probability of selecting end symbol 2 may be high.

In the pinball game machine of the first feature, the specific symbol selection means makes the probability that specific symbol 1 is selected higher than the probability that specific symbol 2 is selected when the ball enters starting hole 1, and makes the probability that specific symbol 1 is selected lower than when the ball enters starting hole 1 and makes the probability that specific symbol 2 is selected higher than when the ball enters starting hole 1 when the ball enters starting hole 2. Thus, the time-saving game execution means executes a time-saving game with fewer time-saving times with a higher probability than a time-saving game with more time-saving times when the ball enters starting hole 1, and executes a time-saving game with more time-saving times with a higher probability than when the ball enters starting hole 1 when the ball enters starting hole 2.
This makes it possible to frequently generate time-saving games with fewer time-saving times by targeting starting hole 1 during normal play, and if a game is played aiming at starting hole 2 during this time-saving game with fewer time-saving times, it becomes possible to generate time-saving games with more time-saving times with a higher probability than when targeting starting hole 1. If a time-saving game with many time-saving times occurs, the number of jackpot lotteries can be increased during this time-saving game, and the probability of winning the jackpot lottery increases.
Since the time-saving game that occurs by targeting the starting hole 1 has a small number of time-saving times, the time-saving game that targets the starting hole 2 ends early. Therefore, the number of balls dispensed during this time-saving game can be reduced, so that the number of winning balls is not excessively increased even if the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is increased. As a result, a game in which the game targeting the starting hole 1 and the game targeting the starting hole 2 are repeated can be provided.

In addition, the pinball game machine of the first feature forcibly terminates the time-saving game if an end symbol is selected during execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1, and forcibly terminates the time-saving game if an end symbol is selected during execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2, but the probability of selecting the end symbol differs between execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1 and execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2. As a result, the rate at which the time-saving game is forcibly terminated by selecting the end symbol differs between execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 1 and execution of the time-saving game by selecting specific symbol 2, which is expected to enrich diversity and increase the interest of the specific time-saving game.
For example, if the probability of selecting the end symbol during time-saving play due to selection of specific symbol 1 is made higher than during time-saving play due to selection of specific symbol 2, the number of time-saving games caused by a ball landing in the starting hole 1 can be substantially reduced. In detail, if the probability of selecting the end symbol is made higher the higher the probability of selecting specific symbol 1 or the greater the number of time-saving plays 1, the number of time-saving games caused by a ball landing in the starting hole 1 can be substantially reduced. Also, the number of time-saving games caused by a ball landing in the starting hole 2 can be maintained high.

A second feature of the pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a win, a lottery is held based on the game ball entering starting port 1 or starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the lottery is displayed in a variable pattern selected from a variable pattern group, and when the lottery is won, a winning pattern is displayed to notify the player of the win, and then a winning game is executed,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended longer than usual on the condition that a specific symbol is selected when the lottery is not won, a time-saving game being executed a predetermined number of times;
A time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game on the condition that an ending symbol is selected when the lottery is not won;
The ball is characterized by being provided with a symbol selection means which has different probabilities of selecting the specific symbol and the end symbol when the ball enters the starting hole 1 and when the ball enters the starting hole 2.

In the pinball game machine of the second feature, when the lottery is not won, the time-saving game execution means executes a time-saving game in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended longer than usual on condition that a specific symbol is selected, a predetermined number of times, and when the lottery is not won, the time-saving game ending means ends the time-saving game on condition that an ending symbol is selected, but the symbol selection means makes the probability of selecting the specific symbol and the ending symbol different when the ball enters the start hole 1 and when the ball enters the start hole 2. The selection rate of the specific symbol, which is a condition for generating the specific time-saving, differs between the start hole 1 and the start hole 2, and the selection rate of the ending symbol, which is a condition for forcibly ending the specific time-saving, differs between the start hole 1 and the start hole 2, so that it is expected to be rich in diversity and to increase the interest of the specific time-saving.
The pinball game machine according to the second aspect is made even more distinctive by the pinball game machine according to the third aspect.

A third feature of the pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a win, a lottery is held based on the game ball entering starting port 1 or starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the lottery is displayed in a variable pattern selected from a variable pattern group, and when the lottery is won, a winning pattern is displayed to notify the player of the win, and then a winning game is executed,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the time-saving game performed by selecting the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2;
The game machine is characterized by comprising an end symbol selection means which has a different probability of selecting the end symbol when the ball enters the start hole 1 and when the ball enters the start hole 2.

In the pinball game machine having the third feature, the probability of selecting an ending symbol that forcibly ends the time-saving game differs between when the ball enters the start hole 1 and when the ball enters the start hole 2.
Generally, during time-saving play, the game ball is shot aiming at the starting hole 2, so that it rarely lands in the starting hole 1, but if the starting hole 1 is arranged close to the starting hole 2, the ball may land in the starting hole 1 even during time-saving play. Even if the ball may land in the starting hole 1, the ball rarely land in the starting hole 2, so that the time-saving play is rarely forced to end even if the probability of selecting the ending symbol when the ball landed in the starting hole 1 is made higher than when the ball landed in the starting hole 2. On the other hand, if the probability of selecting the ending symbol when the ball landed in the starting hole 2 is made lower than when the ball landed in the starting hole 1, the number of time-saving play can be maintained high, but there is a possibility that the time-saving play will end midway, which has the effect of increasing the interest in the game.
Also, even if the starting hole 1 is not arranged close to the starting hole 2, it is possible to force the time-saving game to end by aiming at the first starting hole, which has a high probability of selecting the ending symbol, during the time-saving game aiming at the second starting hole. At this time, if there is a residual reserved memory in the second starting hole, there is a possibility that a new time-saving game with a large number of time-saving times will occur due to the residual reserved memory. In this configuration, a configuration that prioritizes the hit/miss judgment based on the ball entering the first starting hole is preferable.

In the pinball game machine of the first or third feature, when the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 is selected during a time-saving game, a new time-saving game may be played or may be invalidated. In order not to play a new time-saving game, another losing symbol may be displayed instead of the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2, or the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 may be displayed and a message may be displayed indicating that a new time-saving game will not be played because a time-saving game is being played.
The pinball game machine according to the first to third features has been described above. The following describes related inventions of the present invention.

[Fourth characteristic of the pinball game machine]
When the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 is selected during a time-saving game, a new time-saving game is played in this pinball game machine according to the fourth feature.

A pinball gaming machine of a fourth characteristic is characterized in that, in the pinball gaming machine of the first or third characteristic, it is provided with a time-saving game adding means for newly playing a time-saving game of time-saving number 1 or time-saving number 2 when specific pattern 1 or specific pattern 2 is selected during a time-saving game by a time-saving game execution means.
A pinball game machine having a second feature is such that, when specific pattern 1 or specific pattern 2 is selected before the time-saving game by the time-saving game execution means reaches a predetermined number of time-saving games, an additional new time-saving game of time-saving number 1 or time-saving number 2 is played after displaying specific pattern 1 or specific pattern 2.
A configuration may be adopted in which a new time-shortening game is executed unconditionally when a specific symbol 1 or a specific symbol 2 is selected during a time-shortening game, or a configuration may be adopted in which a new time-shortening game is executed only when the number of time-shortening times of the new time-shortening game is greater than the number of time-shortening times remaining when the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 was selected.

In the pinball game machine of the fourth feature, when a ball enters the starting hole 1 and a specific symbol 1 is selected, a time-saving game is executed for one time-saving number of times, and when a specific symbol 2 is selected during this time-saving game, a new time-saving game for two time-saving number of times is started after the specific symbol 2 is displayed. When a ball enters the starting hole 2 during this new time-saving game, a time-saving game for two more time-saving number of times is executed after the time-saving symbol 2 is displayed.
This makes it possible for the pinball gaming machine with the third feature to extend the time-saving game.
In addition, when the time-saving game due to the ball entering the starting hole 1 and the selection of the specific symbol 1 reaches the time-saving count 1 (when it is exhausted), and the reserved memory due to the last opening extension of the variable ball entrance port remains (remaining reserved memory), the variable display of the symbol showing the result of the jackpot lottery due to this reserved memory is generally set to the normal variable time in which the variable time is not shortened. Therefore, when the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 is selected due to this remaining reserved memory, it is a time-saving game executed by the time-saving game execution means, and is not a time-saving game executed by the time-saving game addition means. The reserved memory refers to data caused by the ball entering the starting hole when the symbol showing the result of the jackpot lottery is displayed in a variable manner. The number of reserved memories is predetermined.

[Fifth characteristic of the pinball game machine]
A pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port 1 or the starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the jackpot lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot pattern is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game for a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game for a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
The game machine is characterized by being provided with a time-saving game ending means which ends the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1, and does not end the time-saving game during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2, except when the big win lottery is won.

The time-saving game ending means may be a means which ends the time-saving game if an ending pattern is selected during the execution of the time-saving game caused by selecting specific pattern 1, and which does not end the time-saving game during the execution of the time-saving game caused by selecting specific pattern 2 unless a jackpot lottery is won. Possible means include a configuration which does not select the ending pattern, which is a forced ending pattern, a configuration which replaces the ending pattern with another general missing pattern even if it is selected, a configuration which displays the ending pattern but notifies the player that the time-saving game will continue because it is caused by specific pattern 2, etc.
The pinball gaming machine according to the fourth aspect exerts an effect of further enhancing the effect of the pinball gaming machine according to the first aspect.

[Sixth characteristic of the pinball game machine]
A pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port 1 or the starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the jackpot lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot pattern is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game for a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game for a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the time-saving game performed by selecting the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2;
The game machine is characterized by being provided with an end symbol selection means for making the probability of selecting the end symbol during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1 higher than the probability of selecting the end symbol during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2.

The pinball gaming machine with the sixth characteristic makes the probability of selecting the end symbol during time-saving play by selecting specific symbol 1 higher than the probability of selecting the end symbol during time-saving play by selecting specific symbol 2, making the effect of the pinball gaming machine with the first characteristic even more pronounced.

[Seventh characteristic of the pinball game machine]
A seventh feature of the pinball game machine is that in the pinball game machines of the first feature and the second to sixth features, the time-saving number 1 is one time of time-saving game.

In the pinball game machine having the seventh characteristic, the opening of the variable ball entrance is extended once to play a time-saving game with one time-saving play, but if there is reserved memory remaining when one time-saving game ends (residual reserved memory), there is a possibility that a time-saving game will be played by the time-saving game execution means using this remaining reserved memory.
In the case where the number of time-saving times 1 is set as the number of big win lotteries during the time-saving game, if two or more game balls enter the open variable ball entrance when the opening extension of the variable ball entrance is performed, the variable display of the pattern showing the result of the big win lottery is shortened once, and the variable display due to the remaining balls entering (variable display due to reserved memory) is not shortened. Therefore, there is a possibility that the time-saving game is performed by the time-saving game execution means due to the remaining reserved memory.
In addition, if the time-saving number 1 is the number of times the variable ball entrance is opened during the time-saving game, the time-saving game ends when the opening extension of the variable ball entrance is performed once. Therefore, if a game ball enters the opened variable ball entrance, there is a possibility that the time-saving game will be performed by the time-saving game execution means by selecting the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 due to the ball entering.
Furthermore, if the time-saving number 1 is the number of times of winning or losing judgments regarding the normal symbol during the time-saving game, the time-saving game ends when the shortened normal symbol variable display is performed once. If the opening of the variable ball entrance is extended due to the shortened normal symbol variable display being performed once, there is a possibility that the time-saving game will be performed by the time-saving game execution means at this time as well.

1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine connected to a card unit. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. 4 is a flowchart showing a "main routine" executed by the main control device. This is a flowchart showing the "start winning processing" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing correctness determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing correctness determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing correctness determination process" executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the "special drawing correctness determination process" executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "special game processing" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "prize winning confirmation process" executed by the main control unit. 4 is a flowchart showing "each output process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "ball management process" executed by the frame control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "information output process" executed by the frame control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "ball holding display process" executed by the sub-integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a flowchart showing a "frame side error notification process" executed by the sub integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a flowchart showing a "card notification process" executed by the sub integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing a screen showing an example of a display in a performance pattern display device. 13 is a chart showing the operation details such as the number of time-saving times. 13 is a chart showing the pattern selection rate. 13 is a chart showing the pattern change time and operation time, etc. 13 is a flowchart showing the "off fluctuation number HN count process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "miss variation count time reduction set process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing "specific time-saving set process 1" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the "specific time-saving set process 2" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing "forced termination process 1" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a "forced termination process 2" executed by the main control device. 13 is a table showing a symbol selection rate in a modified example of the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
[Overall Overview]
1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine 10 connected to a card unit 80. The pachinko machine 10 is an enclosed pinball game machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside and is used for play. The pachinko machine 10 is configured to be able to realize a game using game balls by cooperating with the card unit 80. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a firing strength fixing function (handle lock function) that fixes the firing strength of the game balls.

The card unit 80 is a lending unit that controls the lending of game balls. The card unit 80 is configured to be able to lend game balls that can be used for playing on the pachinko machine 10 based on the bills received from the player or information read from a recording card, which is a recording medium. When the player ends the game while there are still game balls that can be used for playing, the card unit 80 returns to the player the recording card that records information indicating the number of balls that the player has.

The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a card insertion slot 820, and a bill insertion slot 830. The user interface 810 exchanges information with the player regarding the loan of game balls. The card insertion slot 820 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving and returning record cards from the player. The bill insertion slot 830 of the card unit 80 is configured to be capable of receiving bills from the player.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the card unit 80. In this embodiment, the user interface 810 is a touch panel. In the example shown in Figure 2, the user interface 810 includes a balance display unit 811, a ball loan button 812, a return button 813, and a handle lock display unit 816. The balance display unit 811 displays the balance of game balls that can be loaned to a player based on bills and a record card. The ball loan button 812 accepts an operation instruction from a player to loan game balls. The return button 813 accepts an operation instruction from a player to return to the player a record card that records the balance of game balls. The handle lock display unit 816 displays the operating status of the handle lock function. In the example of Figure 2, the handle lock display unit 816 displays a status in which the handle lock function is operating.

Figure 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. Figure 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 140, and a handle 150.

The outer frame 110 of the pachinko machine 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 has a pair of hinges 115 that support the inner frame 120 so that it can be opened and closed.

The inner frame 120 of the pachinko machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds the various parts of the pachinko machine 10, including the game board 200. The inner frame 120 has a pair of hinges 145 that support the front frame 140 so that it can be opened and closed.

A counting switch 162 and a ball count display device 164 are provided below the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. The counting switch 162 accepts operational input from the player to transfer information about the balls held that is managed by the pachinko machine 10 to the recording card of the card unit 80. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held that is managed by the pachinko machine 10.

The front frame 140 of the pachinko machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 200. The front frame 140 has a transparent plate 143 located in front of the game board 200. This allows the player to see the game board 200 through the transparent plate 143. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 143 is glass, and the front frame 140 is also called a glass frame. In this embodiment, the front frame 140 has a speaker 142 that outputs sound in accordance with the progress of the game, a light-emitting unit 144 that emits light in accordance with the progress of the game, and a performance button 146 that accepts the player's operational input for the simulated performance.

The handle 150 of the pachinko machine 10 is a firing operation unit that accepts operation input from the player to fire the game ball. The handle 150 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 140 in front of the inner frame 120. In this embodiment, the handle 150 includes a rotating unit 152 and a fixed button 154.

The rotating part 152 of the handle 150 is a launching strength adjustment means that adjusts the launch strength of the game ball by the launching device 310 from the initial strength to a desired strength based on the operation by the player. The rotating part 152 accepts an operation input from the player by a rotational operation to adjust the launch strength of the game ball. In this embodiment, the rotating part 152 is pressed in a direction returning to the initial position by a well-known spring structure. As a result, when the player releases the rotating part 152 without operating the locking button 154, the rotating part 152 returns to the initial position. In this embodiment, when the rotating part 152 is in the initial position, the launch strength (initial strength) of the game ball is a strength at which the game ball is not launched to the game board 200. In this embodiment, the spring structure (not shown) of the rotating part 152 functions as an initial setting means that sets the launch strength to the initial strength in response to the release of the launch strength by the locking release means. The firing intensity adjustment means may be configured to allow the strength of the firing to be adjusted by the player's operation, and the strength may be adjusted by the amount of operation, time of operation, and direction of operation of the device that adjusts the firing intensity. For example, the strength may be adjusted according to the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the handle, the number of times a button is pressed, the amount of rotation (direction of rotation) of the dial, the time of operation (direction of operation) of the lever, or the amount of sliding (direction of sliding) of a sliding switch.

The fixing button 154 of the handle 150 accepts an operation input from the player to fix the firing intensity adjusted by the rotating unit 152. In this embodiment, when the fixing button 154 is pressed, the fixing button 154 engages with the rotating unit 152 inside the handle 150, thereby fixing the rotating unit 152 to the rotation position at the time the fixing button 154 was pressed. When the fixing button 154 is pressed again in a state in which the rotating unit 152 is fixed by the fixing button 154, the engagement between the rotating unit 152 and the fixing button 154 is released, and the rotating unit 152 returns to its initial position. The fixing button 154 functions as a firing intensity fixing means that fixes the firing intensity adjusted by the firing intensity adjustment means, and also functions as a fixing release means that releases the fixing of the firing intensity by the firing intensity fixing means. The firing intensity fixing means is not limited to a configuration that mechanically fixes the firing intensity, and may be a configuration that electrically fixes the firing intensity.

The handle 150 is equipped with a touch switch 186 (FIG. 7) described below. The touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player on the handle 150. While the touch switch 186 detects the touch of the player, the launching device 310 executes the launching operation of the game ball with the launch strength adjusted in the handle 150. If the touch switch 186 does not detect the touch of the player, the launching device 310 does not execute the launching operation even if the launch strength is adjusted in the handle 150. If the touch switch 186 does not detect the touch of the player, the launching device 310 does not execute the launching operation even if the launch strength is fixed by the launch strength fixing means in the handle 150.

[Game board]
5 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 200. The game board 200 forms a game area 210 where a game is played using game balls. The game area 210 is substantially circular. The game area 210 is provided with a plurality of game nails (not shown). The game board 200 includes an inlet 214 for introducing game balls launched from the launching device 310 into the game area 210, and a recovery port 218 for recovering the game balls from the game area 210. In this embodiment, the inlet 214 is located on the upper left side of the game area 210, and the recovery port 218 is located on the lower center side of the game area 210.

The game board 200 is provided with the following structures in the game area 210: a center case 220, a performance symbol display device 230, a first start opening 241, a second start opening 242, a normal symbol activation gate 243, a normal electric role device 245, a normal winning opening 246, and a large winning opening 248. The game board 200 is provided with the following display units for displaying information about the game: a first special symbol display device 251, a second special symbol display device 252, a normal symbol display device 253, a first special symbol reserved number display device 261, a second special symbol reserved number display device 262, a normal symbol reserved number display device 263, and a prize ball number display device 286.

The center case 220 is located in the center of the game area 210 and forms a passage for the game balls. The effect pattern display device 230 is located in the center of the center case 220 and displays pseudo effects according to the progress of the game, including effect patterns. The effect pattern display device 230 is a user interface that provides information to the player using letters and figures.

The first starting hole 241 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, a variable display using a first special pattern is implemented on the first special pattern display device 251. Based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241, the number of balls held by the player is added up.

The second starting hole 242 is configured to be able to receive game balls. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, a variable display using a second special pattern is performed on the second special pattern display device 252. Based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242, the number of balls held by the player is added up. The rate of balls entering the second starting hole 242 changes depending on the operating state of the normal electric device 245.

The normal symbol activation gate 243 is configured to allow the game ball to pass through, and based on the game ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate 243, a variable display of the normal symbol is performed on the normal symbol display device 253.

The normal electric device 245 is equipped with an opening/closing member configured to open and close the passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. The normal electric device 245 opens for a predetermined time only when the lottery based on the normal symbol is a winning combination, and forms a passage of the game ball leading to the second starting hole 242. In this embodiment, the normal electric device 245 is a so-called tulip-type normal electric device.

The normal winning openings 246 are winning openings configured to receive game balls. The number of balls held by the player is added based on the balls that enter the normal winning openings 246. In this embodiment, the game area 210 is provided with four normal winning openings 246.

The big prize opening 248 is an opening configured to be able to receive game balls in a big prize game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The number of balls held by the player is added up based on the balls that enter the big prize opening 248. The big prize opening 248 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by a plate-shaped member. The big prize opening 248 opens in a predetermined operating pattern when a big prize is won in the lottery based on the first special symbol, and when a big prize is won in the lottery based on the second special symbol.

The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol. The regular symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to regular symbols. The prize ball number display device 286 displays the number of prize balls that are added to the number of balls held depending on the win.

In this embodiment, the game area 210 includes a first game area 211 and a second game area 212. The first game area 211 is where game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll. The second game area 212 is different from the first game area 211 in that game balls launched at a predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll. The first game area 211 occupies the left side of the game area 210 including the inside of the center case 220, and the second game area 212 occupies the right side of the game area 210 mainly including the right side of the center case 220. In this embodiment, the first game area 211 is where the first start opening 241 and the normal winning opening 246 are located, and the second game area 212 is where the second start opening 242, the normal pattern activation gate 243, and the large winning opening 248 are located.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a launching device 310, a grinding device 320, and a lifting device 330, which are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 10. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on the operation by the player. The launching device 310 launches game balls into the play area 210 based on a signal from the handle 150. The grinding device 320 grinds the game balls collected from the play area 210. The lifting device 330 transports the game balls ground by the grinding device 320 to the launching device 310.

[Electrical configuration]
The pachinko machine 10 includes, as control devices for controlling each section, a main control device 510, a sub integrated control device 520, a performance symbol control device 530, and a frame control device 560. These control devices are provided on the back of the pachinko machine 10. These control devices are computers equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and execute various control processes based on computer programs.

The main control device 510 controls the progress of the game using game balls. The sub integrated control device 520 controls each performance device according to the progress of the game. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns on the performance pattern display device 230. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls that the player has in his possession, which are game balls that can be used for the game, based on information about the game transmitted from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls, the frame control device 560 controls the handle 150, the launching device 310, the grinding device 320, and the lifting device 330.
In this embodiment, the launching device 310 is provided at the top, and the lifting device 330 transports the game balls to the launching device 310, but the launching device 310 may be provided at the bottom as in the past. In this case, the game balls launched by the launching device 310 at the bottom reach the game area 210 along the guide rail, flow down, and are collected by the collection port 218, etc., so the lifting device 330 is not necessary.

Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an inner frame opening switch 121 and a front frame opening switch 141. The inner frame opening switch 121 detects the open state of the inner frame 120 and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510. The front frame opening switch 141 detects the open state of the front frame 140 and outputs a detection signal to the main control device 510.

The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a symbol display device relay terminal board 250 and a game board relay terminal board 270 as circuit boards relaying between the main control device 510 and the game board 200. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a first start port switch 271, a second start port switch 272, a normal symbol activation switch 273, a left winning port switch 274, a count switch 276, a magnet sensor 277, and a radio wave sensor 278 as electrical components that output signals to the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a large winning port solenoid 282, a normal electric device solenoid 284, and a prize ball number display device 286 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the main control device 510 via the game board relay terminal board 270. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an electrical configuration that operates based on a signal from the main control device 510 via the pattern display device relay terminal board 250, including a first special pattern display device 251, a second special pattern display device 252, a first special pattern reserved number display device 261, a second special pattern reserved number display device 262, a normal pattern display device 253, and a normal pattern reserved number display device 263.

The first start gate switch 271 detects a ball entering the first start gate 241 and outputs a detection signal. The second start gate switch 272 detects a ball entering the second start gate 242 and outputs a detection signal. The normal symbol activation switch 273 detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 243 and outputs a detection signal. The left prize gate switch 274 detects a ball entering the normal prize gate 246 and outputs a detection signal. The count switch 276 detects a ball entering the large prize gate 248 and outputs a detection signal. The magnet sensor 277 detects fraudulent acts using magnets against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal. The radio wave sensor 278 detects fraudulent acts using radio waves against the pachinko machine 10 and outputs a detection signal.

The large prize opening solenoid 282 opens and closes the large prize opening 248 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal electric device solenoid 284 opens and closes the normal electric device 245 based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The prize ball count display device 286 displays the number of prize balls to be added to the number of balls held based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

The first special symbol display device 251 displays the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol display device 252 displays the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The first special symbol reserved number display device 261 displays the number of reserved memories related to the first special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The second special symbol reserved number display device 262 displays the number of reserved memories related to the second special symbol based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol display device 253 displays normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The normal symbol reserved number display device 263 displays the number of reserved memories related to normal symbols based on a control signal from the main control device 510.

The sub-integrated control device 520 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 in one direction from the main control device 510. The sub-integrated control device 520 controls various presentation devices according to the progress of the game based on a control signal from the main control device 510. The speaker 142 is a user interface that outputs sound based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. In this embodiment, the sub-integrated control device 520 is equipped with a volume adjustment switch 522 configured to adjust the volume output from the speaker 142. The light-emitting unit 144 is a user interface that emits light based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The presentation button 146 is a user interface that detects the player's operation input for the pseudo presentation, and outputs the detection signal to the sub-integrated control device 520. The sub-integrated control device 520 is a user interface control device that controls the user interface (speaker 142, light-emitting unit 144, presentation button 146, and presentation pattern display device 230) based on information related to the game received from the main control device 510. The sub-integrated control device 520 is further configured to be able to communicate with the frame control device 560 in one direction from the frame control device 560, and controls the user interface (speaker 142, light emitting unit 144, performance button 146, and performance pattern display device 230) based on the information received from the frame control device 560.

The performance pattern control device 530 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern control device 530 controls the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns, on the performance pattern display device 230 based on a control signal from the sub-integrated control device 520. The performance pattern display device 230 executes the display of pseudo performances, including the display of changing performance patterns, based on data and commands received from the performance pattern control device 530.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 7, the frame control device 560 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 510 in one direction from the main control device 510. The frame control device 560 manages the number of balls that a player has in his possession, which are game balls that can be used for playing, based on information about the game sent from the main control device 510. In addition to managing the balls in his possession, the frame control device 560 also manages the processes related to the firing, collection, and circulation of game balls. Note that the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560 may be configured to be able to communicate in two directions.

The card unit 80 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560. The card unit 80 includes a user interface 810, a game ball lending device 850, and a CR unit 860. The game ball lending device 850 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the frame control device 560 and the CR unit 860. The game ball lending device 850 works in cooperation with the frame control device 560 to process the lending of game balls to players based on the information on the balls held recorded on the memory card in the card insertion port 820 and the information on the lending of game balls from the CR unit 860. The CR unit 860 controls the lending of game balls based on the bills inserted into the bill insertion port 830. The CR unit 860 is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the hall computer 90 that manages the pachinko machine 10. The hall computer 90 is configured to receive information about games played on the pachinko machine 10 from the main control device 510 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80.

The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an operation unit relay terminal board 160, a firing operation unit relay terminal board 180, a firing unit relay terminal board 312, a grinding unit relay terminal board 322, a lifting relay terminal board 332, and an inner frame relay terminal board 342 as circuit boards that relay between the frame control device 560 and the inner frame 120. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a counting switch 162 and a ball count display device 164 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the operation unit relay terminal board 160.

The pachinko machine 10 includes an unlocking solenoid 182, a firing intensity fixing switch 184, a handle volume 185, a touch switch 186, and a firing stop switch 187 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing operation unit relay terminal board 180. The pachinko machine 10 includes a ball sending sensor 314, a firing entrance sensor 315, a firing motor 316, and a ball sending solenoid 317 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the firing device relay terminal board 312.

The pachinko machine 10 includes a cassette switch 324, a grinding motor sensor 325, a cassette motor 326, and a grinding motor 327 as electrical components that exchange signals via the grinding device relay terminal board 322. The pachinko machine 10 includes a lifting motor 334, a lifting inlet sensor 336, and a lifting motor monitoring sensor 338 as electrical components that exchange signals with the frame control device 560 via the lifting relay terminal board 332.

The pachinko machine 10 includes an winning ball sensor 344, an out ball sensor 345, an appropriate amount sensor 346, a full tank sensor 347, and a nighttime monitoring device 352 as electrical components that output signals to the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342. The pachinko machine 10 includes an alarm speaker 354 as electrical components that operate based on signals from the frame control device 560 via the inner frame relay terminal board 342.

The counting switch 162 detects the player's operation input to transfer information about the balls held managed by the pachinko machine 10 to the recording card of the card unit 80, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The ball count display device 164 displays the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The release solenoid 182 is configured to be able to release the fixation of the rotating part 152 by the fixing button 154 on the handle 150 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. In this embodiment, the release solenoid 182 is configured to be able to release the engagement of the fixing button 154 with the rotating part 152 by pressing an engagement portion of the fixing button 154 that engages with the rotating part 152. The release solenoid 182 functions as a release means for releasing the fixation of the emission intensity by the emission intensity fixing means.

The launch intensity fixation switch 184 detects the fixation of the rotating part 152 by the fixation button 154 on the handle 150, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The handle volume 185 detects the rotational position of the rotating part 152 on the handle 150 as the launch intensity, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The touch switch 186 detects contact with the handle 150 by the player, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch stop switch 187 detects the player's operation input to stop the launch of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

The ball sending sensor 314 detects the game ball being sent to the launching device 310 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch entrance sensor 315 detects the game ball being launched from the launching device 310 and passing through the inlet 214 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The launch motor 316 launches the game ball based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The ball sending solenoid 317 sends the game ball to a position where it can be launched based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The cassette switch 324 detects that a polishing cloth cassette (not shown) that contains polishing cloth for polishing game balls is installed in the polishing device 320, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The polishing motor sensor 325 detects the operation of the polishing motor 327, and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The cassette motor 326 winds up the polishing cloth in the polishing cloth cassette (not shown) based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The polishing motor 327 polishes the game ball by pressing the game ball against the polishing cloth based on a control signal from the frame control device 560.

The lifting motor 334 sends game balls from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. The lifting inlet sensor 336 detects game balls being sent from the grinding device 320 to the lifting device 330 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560. The lifting motor monitoring sensor 338 detects the operation of the lifting motor 334 and outputs the detection signal to the frame control device 560.

The winning ball sensor 344 detects a game ball that wins a prize on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The out ball sensor 345 detects a game ball that passes through the collection port 218 on the game board 200 and is then collected from the game board 200 to the grinding device 320, and outputs a detection signal. The appropriate amount sensor 346 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is appropriate, and outputs a detection signal. The full tank sensor 347 detects that the amount of game balls transferred from the lifting device 330 to the launching device 310 is excessive, and outputs a detection signal. The nighttime monitoring device 352 is configured to be operable by a backup power source outside the operating hours (nighttime) of the pachinko machine 10, detects the opening of the inner frame 120, and outputs a detection signal. Nighttime monitoring switch The nighttime monitoring device 352 may detect the opening of the inner frame 120 based on the output signals from the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141, or may detect the opening of the inner frame 120 based on a signal from a switch other than the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141. In this embodiment, the frame control device 560 is configured to be able to output information indicating the number of times the inner frame 120 has been opened based on the detection signal from the nighttime monitoring device 352 to the hall computer 90 when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on. The alarm speaker 354 outputs sound based on a control signal from the frame control device 560. In this embodiment, the frame control device 560 executes a control process to output an alarm from the alarm speaker 354 when the opening of the inner frame 120 is detected by the nighttime monitoring device 352.

The pachinko machine 10 judges whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol based on the ball entering the normal pattern activation gate 243. Based on the result of the judgment of whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol, the pachinko machine 10 displays a variable normal pattern on the normal pattern display device 253. If the result of the judgment of whether the normal pattern is a winning symbol is a winning symbol, the pachinko machine 10 confirms the display of the normal pattern, which is the winning symbol, on the normal pattern display device 253 and opens the normal electric device 245 for a predetermined period of time. This makes it possible to win at the second starting gate 242.

The pachinko machine 10 performs a hit/miss judgment regarding the first special pattern based on the ball entering the first starting hole 241. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 251 based on the hit/miss judgment result regarding the first special pattern. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the first special pattern on the first special pattern display device 251. If the hit/miss judgment result regarding the first special pattern is a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 displays the first special pattern, which is a jackpot pattern, on the first special pattern display device 251, and then transitions to a jackpot game state (special game state) in which the jackpot winning hole 248 is opened in a predetermined operation pattern. This makes it possible to win a prize in the jackpot winning hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a hit/miss determination means that determines whether or not a jackpot game state is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 241.

The pachinko machine 10 performs a hit/miss judgment regarding the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting hole 242. The pachinko machine 10 performs a variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252 based on the hit/miss judgment result regarding the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 10 performs a pseudo performance using a performance pattern on the performance pattern display device 230 in accordance with the variable display using the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 252. If the hit/miss judgment result regarding the second special symbol is a jackpot, the pachinko machine 10 displays the second special symbol, which is a jackpot symbol, on the second special symbol display device 252, and then transitions to a jackpot game state. This makes it possible to win a prize in the jackpot winning hole 248. The main control device 510 functions as a hit/miss judgment means for determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game state due to the game ball entering the second starting hole 242.

During the jackpot game, the pachinko machine 10 stops judging whether the first special symbol and the second special symbol are the winners. When there are reserved memories for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 10 prioritizes judging whether the reserved memories for the second special symbol are the winners. After the jackpot game state ends, the pachinko machine 10 transitions to one of the following states: a normal game state, a time-saving game state, or a time-saving game state with a special probability of winning, depending on a predetermined condition. The normal game state is a game state in which a win/loss judgment is made for the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol with a normal probability of winning. The time-saving game state is a game state in which the time for which the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol are displayed in a variable manner is shortened compared to the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric device 245 is extended compared to the normal game state. The time-saving special bonus game state is a game state in which, in addition to the operation of the time-saving game state, a win/loss judgment of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed with a higher probability of winning than in the normal game state. When a predetermined condition (for example, a win with a predetermined jackpot symbol) is satisfied, the main control device 510 operates as an opening extension execution means that executes an opening extension state (time-saving game state and time-saving special bonus game state) in which the opening time per one time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended more than in the normal game state after the jackpot game state ends.

In this embodiment, the variation time of the special symbol is 10 to 120 seconds during normal play when the time is not shortened, an average of 5 seconds during the time shortened, and an average of 30 seconds during the reach. The probability of winning the normal symbol is 1/6 during the time shortened and 5/6 during the time shortened. The variation time of the normal symbol is 5 seconds during the time shortened and 1 second during the time shortened. In addition, the opening time of the normal electric role 245 is 0.3 seconds during the time shortened and 1.5 seconds during the time shortened. These values are one example and can be changed as appropriate. The control of lengthening the opening time of the normal electric role 245 and shortening the variation time of the normal symbol is also simply called time shortening control.
The time-saving control is terminated when a jackpot game occurs as a result of a hit/miss judgment regarding the first or second special symbol during the time-saving game, or when the first or second special symbol changes a predetermined number of times during the time-saving game. This predetermined number of times is also called the time-saving number of times.

In the normal game state, since the first start hole 241 is located in the first game area 211, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the first game area 211 to play the game (so-called "left hit"). In the jackpot game state, since the big prize hole 248 is located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (so-called "right hit"). In the time-saving game state and the time-saving game state with a certain probability of winning, since the normal symbol activation gate 243 and the second start hole 242 are located in the second game area 212, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the second game area 212 to play the game (right hit).

The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a power supply board (not shown), and the power supply is switched ON or OFF by a power switch (not shown).
6, the main control device 510 is provided with an RWM clear switch 290 and a setting key switch 291. The RWM clear switch 290 is mainly operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM (RAM) built into the main control device 510. The RWM clear switch 290 may be provided in the frame control device 560 or the power supply board.
The setting key switch 291 is a key switch mechanism that is turned on by turning a key inserted into the keyhole in one direction. The pachinko machine 10 is a gaming machine with a setting function that allows the setting of the jackpot probability to be changed by the operation of a hall employee, etc., and the hall employee, etc. can change and check the setting of the jackpot probability by turning on the power with the setting key switch 291 turned on. The RWM clear switch 290 is also operated when changing the setting of the jackpot probability.
The power supply board is also equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor and the like, and stores power in the backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply. As a result, during a power outage, power is supplied to the main control device 510 and the like (for example, the RAM of the main control device 510, etc.), and data in the RAM of the main control device 510 is retained for a certain period of time even after the power supply from the AC power supply is stopped. The backup power supply may be provided in the main control device 510, or in a device other than the power supply board. In this case, the power supply board outputs a supply signal to a device equipped with a backup power supply while power is being supplied from the AC power supply, and outputs a power outage signal to the device equipped with a backup power supply while the power supply is stopped.

The pachinko machine 10 sets six stage setting values 1 to 6 according to the probability of winning in the hit/miss judgment in the stage setting value storage area of the RWM of the main control device 510. Then, the main control device 510 determines a hit/miss judgment table to be used in the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stage setting value stored in the stage setting value storage area.
In this embodiment, when the stage setting value stored in the stage setting value storage area is "1", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/300, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/30. When the stage setting value in the stage setting value storage area is "2", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/290, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/29. When the stage setting value in the stage setting value storage area is "3", the jackpot probability in the normal state is set to 1/280, and the jackpot probability in the high probability state is set to 1/28.
Similarly, when the stage setting value is set to "4", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/270, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/27; when the stage setting value is set to "5", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/260, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/26; and when the stage setting value is set to "6", the probability of a jackpot in the normal state is set to 1/250, and the probability of a jackpot in the special probability state is set to 1/25.

In this embodiment, the stage setting value is linked to the jackpot probability in the normal state and the jackpot probability in the special state, but is not limited to this. For example, the pachinko machine 10 may keep either the jackpot probability in the normal state or the jackpot probability in the special state constant regardless of the stage setting value, while only the other one is changed according to the stage setting value. Furthermore, when the stage setting value is changed, the pachinko machine 10 may increase either the jackpot probability in the normal state or the jackpot probability in the special state while decreasing the other one.

[Main routine]
Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a "main routine" executed by main control unit 510. Main control unit 510 starts the main routine of Fig. 8 based on an interrupt signal with a period of 2 ms (milliseconds). The period of the interrupt signal may be 4 ms or another period.

After starting the main routine, the main control unit 510 determines whether the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100). If the current interrupt signal is not a normal interrupt (step S100: NO), the main control unit 510 executes an initial setting process (step S115) to set various control variables to initial values. Thereafter, the main control unit 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until the next interrupt signal is received (step S111).

If the current interrupt signal is a normal interrupt signal (step S100: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers (step S101). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the first special symbol and the second special symbol are a winner (step S102). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the first special symbol and the second special symbol are a winner (step S103). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining a win, which is a random number used to determine whether or not the normal symbol is a winner (step S104). After that, the main control unit 510 updates the random number for determining the reach, which is a random number used to determine the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and the random number for determining the variation pattern, which are random numbers used to determine the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (steps S105, S106).

After updating the random number (steps S101 to S106), the main control device 510 executes a winning confirmation process (step S107) to confirm the detection of a game ball by each switch connected to the main control device 510. The main control device 510 then executes a winning/losing determination process (step S108) to determine whether or not a winning/losing result is obtained with respect to the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and the second special symbol. In the winning/losing determination process (step S108), the main control device 510 operates as a winning/losing determination means for determining whether or not a jackpot game state is to be executed due to the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 241 and the second start hole 242.

After executing the win/loss determination process (step S108), the main control device 510 executes each output process (step S109) to output signals to each part of the pachinko machine 10. In each output process (step S109), the main control device 510 outputs various signals to the sub-integrated control device 520, the frame control device 560, the large prize opening solenoid 282, etc., and to the hall computer 90 via the frame control device 560 and the card unit 80, depending on the progress of the game, the detection state of fraudulent activity based on the magnet sensor 277 and the radio wave sensor 278, and the opening state based on the inner frame opening switch 121 and the front frame opening switch 141. After that, the main control device 510 executes a fraud monitoring process (step S110) to monitor fraudulent activity against the pachinko machine 10. After that, the main control device 510 repeatedly executes an initial value random number update process to update various random numbers until it receives the next interrupt signal (step S111).

[Start-up winning process]
9 is a flow chart showing the "start winning process" executed by the main control device 510. The start winning process in FIG. 9 is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) in FIG.

After starting the start winning process, the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the first start hole 241 based on the detection signal from the first start hole switch 271 (step S200). If a ball has entered the first start hole 241 (step S200: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S201). If the reserved memory for the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for determining a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern, which are extracted in response to the ball entering the first start hole 241, are stored as reserved memories for the first special symbol, and the first reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is incremented (step S202). After that, the main control unit 510 executes a read-ahead judgment process (step S203) to read ahead the contents of the reserved memory for the first special symbol. Then, the main control device 510 transmits a first pre-reading judgment command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment process (step S203) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S204). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a first reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the first reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S205). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-effect displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first pre-reading judgment command and the first reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the first reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the first special pattern displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the first reserved number instruction command, and changes the first reserved pattern to a state according to the expectation of a jackpot based on the first pre-reading judgment command.

After completing the process for the first starting hole 241 (step S200: "NO", step S201: "NO", step S205), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the second starting hole 242 based on the detection signal from the second starting hole switch 272 (step S206). If a ball has entered the second starting hole 242 (step S206: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S207). If the reserved memory for the second special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for determining a jackpot, the random number for determining a jackpot symbol, the random number for reaching a reach, and the random number for determining a variation pattern extracted in response to the ball entering the second starting hole 242 are stored as reserved memory for the second special symbol, and the second reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol is incremented (step S208). Then, the main control device 510 executes a pre-reading judgment process (step S209) that pre-reads the contents of the reserved memory related to the second special pattern. Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second pre-reading judgment command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment process (step S209) to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S210). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a second reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the second reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S211). The sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second pre-reading judgment command and the second reserved number instruction command. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 520 increases the display number of the second reserved pattern indicating the number of reserved memories related to the second special pattern displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the second reserved number instruction command, and changes the second reserved pattern to a state according to the jackpot expectation based on the second pre-reading judgment command. The main control device 510 may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the first look-ahead judgment command and the first reserved number instruction command, or may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the second look-ahead judgment command and the second reserved number instruction command. The main control device 510 may send to the sub-integrated control device 520 a single command that combines the first look-ahead judgment command, the second look-ahead judgment command, the first reserved number instruction command, and the second reserved number instruction command.

In the pre-reading judgment process (steps S203, S209), the main control unit 510 checks whether the value of the random number for determining a jackpot for the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a value that causes a jackpot (jackpot value), and if it is a jackpot value, checks the type of jackpot symbol. If the value of the random number for determining a jackpot is a miss value different from the jackpot value, the main control unit 510 checks whether the fluctuation pattern associated with the miss value is a fluctuation pattern that makes the player expect a jackpot. The pre-reading judgment process may be a process of directly reading out the random number value stored in the reserved memory area and making a judgment, or a process of reading out the random number value stored in a memory area for pre-reading judgment that is different from the reserved memory area and making a judgment. The pre-reading judgment process may be executed in parallel with the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area after obtaining the random number for determining a jackpot, or may be executed prior to the process of storing the random number for determining a jackpot in the reserved memory area. Regardless of the method used for the pre-reading judgment process, the contents of the reserved memory can be ascertained prior to the correct/incorrect judgment process (step S108).

After completing the process for the second starting hole 242 (step S206: "NO", step S207: "NO", step S211), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 based on the detection signal from the normal symbol operation switch 273 (step S212). If a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 243 (step S212: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number (four in this embodiment) (step S213). If the reserved memory for the normal symbol is less than the upper limit number, the random number for winning determination extracted in response to the ball entering the normal symbol operation gate 243 is stored as a normal symbol reserved memory, and the normal symbol reserved memory counter indicating the number of reserved memories for the normal symbol is incremented (step S214). Then, the main control device 510 transmits a regular reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the regular reserved memory counter to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S211). The main control device 510 then returns. The sub-integrated control device 520 may control the pseudo-effect displayed on the effect pattern display device 230 based on the regular reserved number instruction command.

[Special drawing validity determination process]
10, 11, 12, and 13 are flowcharts showing the "special drawing hit/miss judgment process" executed by the main control device 510. This special drawing hit/miss judgment process is a subroutine corresponding to the hit/miss judgment process (step S107) in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, after starting the special symbol hit/miss judgment process, the main control unit 510 judges whether the condition device is not yet activated based on the jackpot flag (step S300). The jackpot flag is a flag that is activated when the hit/miss judgment regarding the first special symbol and the second special symbol is a jackpot, and when the jackpot flag is activated, the condition device is activated. If the condition device is activated (step S300: "NO"), the main control unit 510 moves to the special game process that controls the jackpot game state. If the condition device is not activated (step S300: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether it is a special symbol fluctuation stop period in which the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is stopped (step S301). If it is a special symbol fluctuation stop period (step S301: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether it is a fixed symbol non-display period in which the fixed symbols of the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed (step S302).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 11, if it is the confirmed symbol non-display period (step S302 in FIG. 10: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310). If there is no reserved memory for the second special symbol (step S310: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory for the first special symbol (step S311).

If there is a reserved memory for the first or second special symbol (step S310: "YES", step S311: "YES"), the main control unit 510 reads the oldest reserved memory from the reserved memory for the target special symbol to be processed among the first and second special symbols, and decrements the reserved memory counter for the target special symbol (step S312). The main control unit 510 then sends a reserved number command indicating the value of the reserved memory counter for the target special symbol to the sub-integrated control unit 520 (step S313).

Then, the main control device 510 compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as reserved memory for the target special symbol with the judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314). In this embodiment, the judgment table for determining a jackpot includes a normal probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a low probability (for example, 1/300 when the stage setting value is "1"), and a high probability table in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability (for example, 1/30 when the stage setting value is "1"). The main control device 510 uses the normal probability table in the normal game state and the time-saving game state, and uses the high probability table in the time-saving game state with a certain probability change. The main control device 510 judges whether the target special symbol is a jackpot or not based on the comparison of the random number for determining a jackpot with the judgment table for determining a jackpot (step S314) (step S315).

If the target special symbol is a jackpot (step S315: "YES"), the main control device 510 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S316). After that, the main control device 510 sets various conditions for the jackpot game state (performance time, performance pattern, etc.) (step S317). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number for determining the variation pattern read as a reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the jackpot symbol and the variation pattern to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, in conjunction with sending a change instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special chart display device 251 or the second special chart display device 252 to instruct the display to change.

If the target special symbol is a miss (step S315: NO), the main control device 510 determines the miss symbol based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S319). After that, the main control device 510 selects a variation pattern based on the random number read as the reserved memory for the target special symbol (step S318). After that, the main control device 510 transmits a variation instruction command indicating the miss symbol and the variation pattern to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320). As a result, the sub-integrated control device 520 controls the pseudo-performance displayed on the performance pattern display device 230 based on the variation instruction command. In addition, the main control device 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display device 251 or the second special symbol display device 252 to instruct the variation display in accordance with the transmission of the variation instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520.
In this embodiment, a process of counting the number of deviation fluctuations HN is executed in the process of step 319. This process will be described later.

If there is no reserved memory for the first special symbol and the second special symbol (step S310: "NO", step S311: "NO"), and after sending a change instruction command to the sub-integrated control device 520 (step S320), the main control device 510 transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 12, if it is not the special symbol change stop period (step S301 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing, the main control unit 510 judges whether the change time set based on the change pattern for the target special symbol that is changing has elapsed (step S330). If the change time has not elapsed (step S330: "NO"), the main control unit 510 moves to the special game processing that controls the jackpot game state. If the change time has elapsed (step S330: "YES"), the main control unit 510 outputs a control signal to the first special symbol display unit 251 or the second special symbol display unit 252 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol, and transmits a symbol stop command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to display the jackpot symbol or the losing symbol (step S331).

When the jackpot pattern is to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S332: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the time for the jackpot pattern to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S333), and activates the condition device by setting the jackpot flag to a valid value (step S334). After that, the main control unit 510 resets the probability change flag and the time-saving flag to invalid values, and resets the probability change counter and the time-saving counter to invalid values (step S335). The probability change flag is a flag that sets whether or not a winning judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a winning probability higher than that of the normal game state. The time-saving flag is a flag that sets whether or not a time-saving game state is performed. The probability change counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a winning judgment of the first special pattern and the second special pattern is performed with a winning probability higher than that of the normal game state. The time-saving counter is a counter that sets the number of times that a time-saving game state is performed. After resetting various counters (step S335), the main control device 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the determined symbol display to the sub integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560, and then transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

When the losing symbol is to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S332: "NO"), the main control unit 510 sets the time for the losing symbol to be displayed as a confirmed winning symbol (step S337). After that, if the probability win flag is a valid value "1" (step S338: "YES"), the main control unit 510 decrements the probability win counter (step S339). After that, if the probability win counter is "0" (step S340: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the probability win flag to an invalid value "0" (step S341).

After completing the processing related to the probability change flag and probability change counter (step S338: "NO", step S340: "NO", step S341), if the time-saving flag is a valid value "1" (step S342: "YES"), the main control unit 510 decrements the time-saving counter (step S343). After that, if the time-saving counter is "0" (step S344: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to an invalid value "0" (step S345). After completing the processing related to the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter (step S342: "NO", step S344: "NO", step S345), the main control unit 510 transmits a state designation command indicating the game state after the pattern confirmation display to the sub-integrated control unit 520 and the frame control unit 560, and then transitions to special game processing that controls the jackpot game state.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 13, if it is not the fixed pattern non-display period in which the fixed patterns of the first special pattern and the second special pattern are not displayed (step S302 in FIG. 10: "NO"), in other words, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed as fixed, the main control unit 510 judges whether the fixed display time set based on the variable pattern related to the target special pattern displayed as fixed has elapsed (step S350). If the fixed display time has not elapsed (step S350: "NO"), the main control unit 510 transitions to special game processing for controlling the jackpot game state. If the fixed display time has elapsed (step S350: "YES"), the main control unit 510 outputs a control signal for ending the fixed display to the first special pattern display device 251 or the second special pattern display device 252, and transmits a command for ending the fixed display by the performance pattern to the sub-integrated control unit 520 (step S351). After that, the main control unit 510 transitions to special game processing for controlling the jackpot game state.

[Special Game Processing]
14, 15 and 16 are flow charts showing the "special game process" executed by the main control unit 510. This special game process is a subroutine that controls the big win game state. As shown in FIG. 14, after starting the special game process, the main control unit 510 judges whether the condition device is operating based on the big win flag (step S400). If the condition device is not operating (step S400: "NO"), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the condition device is operating (step S400: "YES"), the main control unit 510 determines whether the large prize opening 248 is closed (step S401). If the large prize opening 248 is closed (step S401: "YES"), the main control unit 510 determines whether the large prize opening is being performed prior to the large prize game state (step S402). If the large prize opening is being performed (step S402: "YES"), the main control unit 510 determines whether it is time to end the large prize opening (step S403). If it is time to end the large prize opening (step S403: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes the large prize opening opening opening process (step S404) to open the large prize opening 248. If it is not time to end the jackpot start performance (step S403: "NO"), and after executing the jackpot opening process (step S404), the main control device 510 returns to the main routine.

If the big win start performance is not being performed (step S402: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not it is during an interval, which is a period during which the big win opening 248 is temporarily closed between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S405). If it is during an interval (step S405: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not it is time to end the interval (step S406). If it is time to end the interval (step S406: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a big win opening opening process (step S408) that opens the big win opening 248. If it is not time to end the interval (step S406: "NO"), and after executing the big win opening opening process (step S408), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If it is not during an interval (step S405: "NO"), the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a jackpot end presentation is in progress (step S411). If it is not during a jackpot end presentation (step S411: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a jackpot start presentation process (step S412) that sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to instruct the jackpot start presentation. If it is during a jackpot end presentation (step S411: "NO") and after executing the jackpot start presentation process (step S412), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 15, if the large prize opening 248 is not closed (step S401: "NO" in FIG. 14), in other words, if the large prize opening 248 is open, the main control unit 510 judges whether the number of prizes won through the open large prize opening 248 is less than a specified number (e.g., 9 prizes) (step S430). If the number of prizes won through the open large prize opening 248 is less than the specified number (step S430: "YES"), the main control unit 510 judges whether the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431). If the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has not elapsed (step S431: "NO"), the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the number of winnings in the open large prize opening 248 exceeds the specified number (step S430: "NO"), or if the opening time for opening the large prize opening 248 has elapsed (step S431: "YES"), the main control unit 510 executes a large prize opening closing process (step S432) to close the large prize opening 248. After that, the main control unit 510 judges whether the round of the large prize game that ended in the previous large prize opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (e.g., the 13th round) (step S433). If it is not the final round (step S433: "NO"), the main control unit 510 executes an interval to temporarily close the large prize opening 248 between the previous opening period and the next opening period (step S438). After that, the main control unit 510 returns to the main routine.

If the round of the jackpot game that ended in the previous jackpot opening closing process (step S432) is the final round (step S433: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 520 to instruct a jackpot end presentation indicating the end of the jackpot game state (step S436). After that, the main control unit 510 executes a condition device stop process (step S437) to stop the condition device.

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 16, after executing the condition device stop process (step S437 in FIG. 15), the main control unit 510 judges whether the bonus flag is a valid value of "1" or not (step S440). In this embodiment, the main control unit 510 sets the bonus flag to a valid value of "1" depending on the type of jackpot pattern. In other embodiments, if a game ball enters a special bonus hole (not shown) provided inside the big prize hole 248 in the final round of a jackpot game, the main control unit 510 may set the bonus flag to a valid value of "1".

If the bonus flag is a valid value of "1" (step S440: "YES"), the main control unit 510 sets the special bonus flag to a valid value of "1" (step S441) and sets the special bonus counter to a value of "160" (step S442). After that, the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value of "1" (step S443) and sets the time-saving counter to a value of "160" (step S444). Note that the special bonus counter value and the time-saving counter value in this case may be different.

If the bonus flag is not a valid value of "1" (step S440: "NO"), in other words, if the bonus flag is an invalid value of "0", the main control unit 510 sets the high probability flag to an invalid value of "0" (step S451) and sets the high probability counter to a value of "0" (step S452). After that, the main control unit 510 sets the time-saving flag to a valid value of "1" (step S453) and sets the time-saving counter to a value of "100" (step S454).

After setting the time-saving counter (steps S444, S454), the main control device 510 resets the bonus flag to an invalid value of "0" (step S445). The main control device 510 then transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 to notify the game state after the jackpot game, which is set based on the high probability flag and the time-saving flag (step S446). The main control device 510 then transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 520 and the frame control device 560 to indicate the game state after the jackpot game, which is set based on the high probability flag and the time-saving flag (step S447). The main control device 510 then returns to the main routine.

[Winning confirmation process]
Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing the "winning confirmation process" executed by the main control unit 510. This winning confirmation process is a subroutine included in the winning confirmation process (step S107) of Fig. 8. After starting the winning confirmation process, the main control unit 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected (step S512). The main control unit 510 judges whether or not a winning has been detected based on detection signals from the first start port switch 271, the second start port switch 272, the left winning port switch 274, and the count switch 276.

When a winning is detected (step S512: "YES"), the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be added to the player's balls (step S514). When the detection signal is from the left winning port switch 274 that detects a winning in the normal winning port 246, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 10. When the detection signal is from the first start port switch 271 that detects a winning in the first start port 241, and when the detection signal is from the second start port switch 272 that detects a winning in the second start port 242, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 3. When the detection signal is from the count switch 276 that detects a winning in the large winning port 248, the main control device 510 judges the number of prize balls to be 13. The number of prize balls for each winning port can be set appropriately.

After determining the number of prize balls (step S514), and if no winning is detected (step S512: "NO"), the main control unit 510 instructs the prize ball number display device 286 to display the number of prize balls (step S516). This causes the prize ball number display device 286 to display the number of prize balls for each winning slot. If no winning is detected, the prize ball number display device 286 displays the number "0" indicating that no winning has occurred. After instructing the display of the number of prize balls (step S516), the main control unit 510 completes the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 and returns to the main routine.

[Each output process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing each output process executed by the main control device 510. Each output process is a subroutine corresponding to each output process (step S109) of FIG. 8. In each output process, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the frame control device 560 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S522). After that, the main control device 510 transmits prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls based on the winning confirmation process of FIG. 17 to the main control device 510 by one-way communication from the main control device 510 (step S524). In each output process, the main control device 510 outputs various information to the frame control device 560 and the main control device 510 in addition to the prize ball information. After outputting various information, the main control device 510 ends each output process of FIG. 18 and returns to the main routine.

The main control device 510 transmits the following information as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10 from the frame control device 560 to the hall computer 90 via the card unit 80. <Name of information: Content of information>
Information A1: Jackpot Information A2 to A8: Reserve Information A9: Jackpot and time-saving Information A10: Chance bonus Information A11: Time-saving Information A12: Pattern changing Information A13: Detection of fraudulent activity by radio wave sensor (error)
Information A14: Detection of fraudulent activity by magnet sensor (error)
Information A15: Detection of fraudulent winning (error)

The main control device 510 transmits the following information to the frame control device 560 as game status information indicating the game status of the pachinko machine 10. These pieces of information are not transmitted to the hall computer 90. <Name of information: Content of information>
Information B1: Start of jackpot game Information B2: Interval between rounds in jackpot game Information B3: End of jackpot game Information B4: Number of rounds in jackpot game Information B5: Pattern variation pattern Information B6 to B10: Reserve Information B11: With probability change (with time reduction)
Information B12: There is a chance of winning (no time reduction)
Information B13: No special bonus (time-saving)
Information B14: No special rate (no time reduction)
Information B15: Start of standby mode (power saving mode) Information B16: End of standby mode Information B17: Number of wins at the large prize slot Information B18: Number of wins at the regular electric device Information B19: Number of wins in the first reserve memory Information B20: Number of wins in the second reserve memory Information B21: Number of wins in the regular reserve memory Information B22: Wins at the regular prize slot

Regarding the start of the standby mode of information B15, the main control unit 510 starts the standby mode when a predetermined time has passed since all patterns have finished changing, in a state where there is no reserved memory for the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern. Regarding the end of the standby mode of information B16, the main control unit 510 ends the standby mode when a reserved memory for any of the normal pattern, the first special pattern, or the second special pattern is stored while the standby mode is being executed.

[Ball management processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the "balls in hand management process" executed by the frame control device 560. This balls in hand management process is a process for managing the number of balls in hand. The frame control device 560 repeatedly executes the balls in hand management process at a predetermined timing. After starting the balls in hand management process, the frame control device 560 judges whether or not it has received loan information from the card unit 80 (step S612). The loan information from the card unit 80 indicates the number of game balls to be loaned to the player based on the bill received from the player or the information read from the recording card, which is a recording medium. If the loan information is received (step S612: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds the number of game balls based on the loan information to the number of balls in hand managed by the frame control device 560 (step S614).

After adding the number of balls held based on the rental information (step S614), or if rental information has not been received (step S612: "NO"), the frame control device 560 determines whether or not it has detected a launched ball, which is a game ball launched from the launch device 310 into the game area 210 (step S622). The frame control device 560 determines whether or not a launched ball has been detected based on a detection signal from the launch entrance sensor 315. If a launched ball is detected (step S622: "YES"), the frame control device 560 subtracts the number of launched balls from the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S624).

After subtracting the number of balls held based on the fired ball (step S624), and if the fired ball has not been detected (step S622: "NO"), the frame control device 560 determines whether or not it has received prize ball information indicating the number of prize balls from the main control device 510 (step S632). If it has received prize ball information (step S632: "YES"), the frame control device 560 adds the number of prize balls based on the prize ball information to the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S634).

After adding the number of balls held based on the prize ball information (step S634), or if no prize ball information has been received (step S632: "NO"), the frame control device 560 instructs the ball count display device 164 to display the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 (step S642). After that, the frame control device 560 ends the ball management process of FIG. 19.

[Information output processing]
20 is a flowchart showing the "information output process" executed by the frame control device 560. This information output process is a process for outputting various information to the sub-integrated control device 520. The frame control device 560 repeatedly executes the information output process at a predetermined timing. In the information output process, the frame control device 560 transmits ball information indicating the number of balls held based on the ball management process of FIG. 19 to the sub-integrated control device 520 by one-way communication from the frame control device 560 (step S644). In the information output process, the frame control device 560 transmits the following information to the sub-integrated control device 520 in addition to the ball information by one-way communication from the frame control device 560.
Information C1: winning ball detection information Information C2: out ball detection information Information C3: frame side error information Information C4: nighttime monitoring information Information C5: card notification information

The winning ball detection information (information C1) is information indicating the number of winning balls based on the detection signal from the winning ball sensor 344. The out ball detection information (information C2) is information indicating the number of out balls based on the detection signal from the out ball sensor 345. The frame side error information (information C3) is information indicating an abnormality in the equipment such as the launching device 310, the grinding device 320, and the lifting device 330 managed by the frame control device 560. The night monitoring information (information C4) is information indicating an abnormality based on the detection signal from the night monitoring device 352. The card notification information (information C5) is information indicating that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80. When the sub-integrated control device 520 receives an operation input to the counting switch 162, the sub-integrated control device 520 transmits the interval period until the next game state after the end of the big win game, and when the sub-integrated control device 520 receives an operation input to the return button 813, the sub-integrated control device 520 transmits the card notification information (information C5) to the sub-integrated control device 520.

[Ball display processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the "ball display process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This ball display process is a process for displaying the number of balls on the performance pattern display device 230. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the ball display process at a predetermined timing. After starting the ball display process, the sub-integrated control device 520 receives ball information indicating the number of balls based on the ball management process of FIG. 19 from the frame control device 560 by one-way communication from the frame control device 560 (step S712). After that, the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 to display the number of balls based on the ball information from the frame control device 560 via the performance pattern control device 530 (step S714). After that, the sub-integrated control device 520 ends the ball display process. The sub-integrated control device 520 may receive ball information indicating the number of balls held from the frame control device 560 each time the number of balls held managed in the frame control device 560 changes by a predetermined number (for example, 10), or may receive ball information indicating the number of balls held from the frame control device 560 each time the number of balls held managed in the frame control device 560 changes. The sub-integrated control device 520 may calculate the number of balls held based on information different from the ball information transmitted from the frame control device 560, and instruct the performance pattern display device 230 via the performance pattern control device 530 to display the calculated number of balls held.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 401 showing an example of a display in the performance pattern display device 230. The screen 401 includes performance pattern display areas 411, 412, and 413, a display area 422, and a display area 424. The performance pattern display area 411 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located on the left side. The performance pattern display area 412 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located in the center. The performance pattern display area 413 is an area for performing variable display and fixed display of the performance pattern located on the right side. The display area 422 is an area for displaying the number of prize balls based on the prize ball information from the main control device 510. The display area 424 is an area for displaying the number of balls held based on the ball information from the frame control device 560.
In addition, if the main control device 510 and the frame control device 560 are configured to be capable of two-way communication, data indicating the number of balls held managed by the frame control device 560 can be output to the main control device 510, and the main control device 510 can output data indicating the number of balls held to the sub-integrated control device 520, and the number of balls held can be displayed in the display area 424.

[Frame side error notification process]
23 is a flowchart showing the "frame side error notification process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This frame side error notification process is a process for notifying the effect pattern display device 230 of an abnormality of the device managed by the frame control device 560. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the frame side error notification process at a predetermined timing. After starting the frame side error notification process, the sub-integrated control device 520 judges whether or not it has received frame side error information (information C3) from the frame control device 560 (step S732). If frame side error information (information C3) is received (step S732: "YES (abnormal)"), the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 to notify the frame side error information (information C3) via the performance pattern control device 530 (step S734). When notifying the frame side error information (information C3), the sub-integrated control device 520 may instruct notifying by the speaker 142 emitting light and the light emitting unit 144 outputting sound, in addition to notifying by the performance pattern display device 230. After instructing notifying the frame side error information (information C3) (step S734), and if frame side error information (information C3) has not been received (step S732: "NO (normal)"), the sub-integrated control device 520 terminates the frame side error notification process.

When reporting frame side error information (information C3) (step S734), sound output from the alarm speaker 354 may be performed under the control of the frame control device 560. When reporting frame side error information (information C3), the frame control device 560 may control the launching device 310 to stop launching game balls, making game play impossible. In this case, the frame control device 560 may notify the sub-integrated control device 520 of the halt in launching game balls, and the sub-integrated control device 520 may instruct the performance pattern display device 230 to report the same.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 403, which shows an example of a display on the effect pattern display device 230. Screen 403 is an example of a screen that is displayed when the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the notification of frame-side error information (information C3). Like screen 401 in Figure 22, screen 403 has effect pattern display areas 411, 412, 413, display area 422, and display area 424. Screen 403 further has a display area 432. Display area 432 is an area that displays the contents of the frame-side error information (information C3). In the example of Figure 26, display area 432 displays the characters "Ball Circulation Error", which indicates an abnormality in the circulation system of the game balls.

[Card Notification Processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the "card notification process" executed by the sub-integrated control device 520. This card notification process is a process in which the performance pattern display device 230 notifies the user that the recording card is to be returned in the card unit 80. The sub-integrated control device 520 repeatedly executes the card notification process at a predetermined timing. After starting the card notification process, the sub-integrated control device 520 judges whether or not it has received card notification information (information C5) from the frame control device 560 (step S752). In a situation where an operation input is made to the return button 813, a jackpot game is ended, or an operation input is made to the counting switch 162, the frame control device 560 transmits card notification information (information C5) to the sub-integrated control device 520. If card notification information (information C5) is received (step S752: "YES"), the sub-integrated control device 520 instructs the performance pattern display device 230 via the performance pattern control device 530 to notify the card unit 80 that the recording card will be returned (step S754). After instructing the card unit 80 to notify the card unit 80 that the recording card will be returned (step S754), and if card notification information (information C5) has not been received (step S752: "NO"), the sub-integrated control device 520 terminates the card notification process.

When notifying that the record card will be returned after the end of a jackpot, the sub-integrated control board 520 can notify that the record card will be returned based on information from the main control board 510, so it may notify that the record card will be returned without receiving card notification information from the frame control board 560. Also, when notifying that the record card will be returned after each jackpot, it may notify that the record card will be returned after the end of a jackpot only when the jackpot game state ends from the normal game state, in order to avoid multiple notifications even if the record card has been removed. The same applies when the frame control device 560 sends card notification information.

Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen 405, which is an example of a display on the performance pattern display device 230. The screen 405 is an example of a screen that is displayed when an instruction is given from the sub-integrated control device 520 to notify the user that the recording card will be returned in the card unit 80. The screen 405 has a display area 452. The display area 452 is an area that displays the user that the recording card will be returned in the card unit 80. In the example of Figure 26, the display area 442 displays text indicating that the recording card will be returned in the card unit 80.

[Other time-saving controls]
In the process shown in Fig. 16, when the bonus flag is a valid value "1", the values of the high probability flag and the time-saving flag are set to "1" (hereinafter, also referred to as "setting the flag") (steps S441, S443), and the high probability flag and the time-saving counter are set to the value "160" (steps S442, S444), and when the bonus flag is a value "0", only the time-saving flag is set and the time-saving counter is set to the value "100" (steps S451 to S454). The time-saving control executed by this process is executed after the big win game ends (hereinafter, also referred to as "big win time-saving").
In this embodiment, in addition to the big win time reduction executed after the big win game ends, the time reduction control is also executed when a specific losing symbol is selected in the process of step S319 shown in FIG. 11 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "specific time reduction"). Details will be described later.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the time-saving control is also executed when the number of times of the miss fluctuation executed after the miss is determined in step S315 shown in FIG. 11 reaches a predetermined number of times (hereinafter, this may be referred to as "ceiling time-saving"). This will also be described in detail later.
Here, first, the relationship between the number of times each of the jackpot time reduction, the specific time reduction and the ceiling time reduction will be explained with reference to Figs. 27 to 29.

As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the probability of a jackpot from the first special design and the second special design is 1/300 when the stage setting value is 1 (the number in parentheses is the probability of a jackpot in the high probability state).
When the first special chart is hit, the number of rounds is 4R and the number of rounds is 20%. When the special flag is not set, the time-saving game with 100 times the number of rounds is selected, and when the special flag is set, the time-saving game with 160 times the number of rounds is selected (FIG. 16).
When the jackpot is hit on the second special chart, a jackpot game with 6 rounds is selected at a rate of 20% and a jackpot game with 10 rounds is selected at a rate of 80%. When the special flag is not set, a time-saving game with 100 rounds is selected, and when the special flag is set, a time-saving game with 160 rounds is selected.
In this embodiment, the number of time-saving periods awarded after a jackpot game is the same regardless of the difference between the first special chart and the second special chart, but it is also possible to configure the number of time-saving periods to be different depending on the difference between the first special chart and the second special chart.

There are two types of specific losing symbols for generating a specific time-saving effect, which in this embodiment are the time-saving symbol A and the time-saving symbol B. The probability (selection rate) that the time-saving symbol A and the time-saving symbol B are selected differs between the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
In the first special chart, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A is 1/10, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B is 1/1000. When the time-saving pattern A is selected, the time-saving game is executed 6 times, and when the time-saving pattern B is selected, the time-saving game is executed 50 times. Note that when the general losing pattern of the first special chart is selected, the time-saving game is not executed.
In the second special chart, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A is 1/20, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B is 1/100. When the time-saving pattern A is selected, the time-saving game is executed 6 times, and when the time-saving pattern B is selected, the time-saving game is executed 50 times. Note that when the general losing pattern of the second special chart is selected, the time-saving game is not executed.

On the other hand, the ceiling time reduction is performed when the number of misses of the first special chart reaches 500, or the number of misses of the second special chart reaches 400, or the total number of misses of the first special chart and the second special chart reaches 600. When the ceiling time reduction is performed, the time reduction flag is set and the time reduction counter is set to 150, as in the case of the jackpot time reduction described above. In this embodiment, the time reduction control is performed when the number of misses of the first special chart reaches 500, or the number of misses of the second special chart reaches 400, or the total number of misses of the first special chart and the second special chart reaches 600, but it is also possible to configure the time reduction control to be performed simply when the total number of misses reaches a predetermined number, and it is also possible to configure the time reduction control to be performed when the number of misses of the first special chart or the second special chart alone reaches a predetermined number.
The probability of winning the first and second special patterns in the specific time-saving and ceiling time-saving is 1/300. The time-saving flags set when the jackpot time-saving, specific time-saving, and ceiling time-saving are executed may be the same flag because different types of time-saving controls are not executed simultaneously, but it is preferable to set them to different flags in order to determine which type of time-saving the number of times of time-saving belongs to.

As mentioned above, the time for the special symbols to change during the jackpot time-saving is 10 to 120 seconds during normal play, which is not time-saving, and is 5 seconds on average during time-saving and 30 seconds on average during reach. The probability of winning a normal symbol is 1/6 during time-saving and 5/6 during time-saving. The time for the normal symbols to change is 5 seconds during time-saving and 1 second during time-saving. The opening time of the normal electric device 245 is 0.3 seconds during time-saving and 1.5 seconds during time-saving. The probability of winning a normal symbol may be set to a high probability of 5/6 only during the jackpot time-saving, and may be configured to maintain a low probability during ceiling time-saving or specific time-saving.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, except for the opening time of the normal electric device 245 during time-saving play, the fluctuation time and winning probability are the same regardless of whether the time-saving play is for a jackpot, a specific time-saving play, or a ceiling time-saving play.
On the other hand, the opening time of the normal electric device 245 during time-saving play is set to 1.5 seconds for the big win time-saving, 1.2 seconds for the specific time-saving, and 1.7 seconds for the ceiling time-saving. Of course, the variable time or winning probability may be different depending on the type of time-saving. In addition, the time until the normal electric device is released after the winning is notified by the normal pattern may be different depending on the type of time-saving, or it may be the same.

[Ceiling time reduction]
[Counting the number of deviations HN]
Here, the process of counting the number of miss variations (also called the number of miss lotteries) HN in step 319 of FIG. 11 in the special drawing win/loss determination process described above will be described with reference to FIG.
The number of times of loss fluctuation HN indicates the number of times the random number for determining a big win read as a reserved memory for the special symbol in the step 314 is compared with the judgment table for determining a big win, and the comparison result is notified by the special symbol. Therefore, in other words, the number of times of loss lottery indicates the number of times the lottery result is notified by the special symbol, and does not include the lottery when a big win notice is given, etc.
In the "miss variation count HN count process" shown in Fig. 30, first, it is determined whether the current pachinko machine 10 is in a high probability state of winning, that is, in a state where the machine is not in a high probability game (step S1000). If the determination in step S1000 is affirmative, a process of incrementing the miss variation count HN is performed (step S1001). After the process in step S1001 is performed, or if the determination in step S1000 is negative, the process is returned to the process in step S319 in Fig. 11.
In this embodiment, when the probability of winning is high, the miss variation count HN is not incremented, so that the miss variation count HN is not incremented in the probability variable time-saving game state. However, in the normal time-saving game state, the miss variation count HN is incremented.

The process shown in FIG. 30 shows the number of miss variations HN when the result of the first hit/miss judgment, which compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as a reserved memory for the first special symbol in steps S314-S315 with the judgment table for determining a jackpot, and the second hit/miss judgment, which compares the random number for determining a jackpot read as a reserved memory for the second special symbol with the judgment table for determining a jackpot, is not a jackpot. The number of miss variations HN shows the sum of the number of miss variations HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment and the number of miss variations HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment. That is, when the number of miss variations HN is incremented, either the number of miss variations HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment or the number of miss variations HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment is incremented.
The miss variation count HN, the miss variation count HN1, and the miss variation count HN2 are initialized when a positive determination is made in step S315 of Fig. 11, that is, when a big win occurs. They can also be initialized when the RAM clear switch 290 or the like is operated to initialize the stored data, when the setting key switch 291 or the like is operated to change the value of the step setting value, etc.

In this embodiment, when the probability of winning a jackpot is in a high probability state, the miss variation count HN is not incremented, but it may be configured to be incremented. For example, in the case of a configuration in which the large prize winning port 14 is not opened continuously and the state transitions to a high probability state without winning many prize balls due to small wins, etc. (so-called sudden probability function), the miss variation count HN may be incremented even in the high probability state. This is because when the state transitions to a high probability state due to the sudden probability function, the player does not gain any profit from the jackpot game.
If the number of miss variations HN is incremented when the probability of a sudden change to a high probability state is reached, the player can be rescued by time-saving control when no big win occurs in the high probability state. On the other hand, if the probability of a sudden change to a high probability state is reached and a big win occurs, the number of miss variations HN is initialized, so that the player is not given an excessive advantage.

[Time-saving control based on the number of deviations (ceiling time-saving)]
In the "miss fluctuation count time-saving set process" shown in Fig. 31, first, it is determined whether the miss fluctuation count HN has reached a predetermined upper limit count MHN (step S1005). If a negative determination is made that the miss fluctuation count HN has not reached the upper limit count MHN, the process returns.
In this embodiment, it is judged whether the miss count N has reached the upper limit count MHN, but it is also possible to simultaneously judge whether the miss fluctuation count HN1 in the first hit/miss judgment has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN1, whether the miss fluctuation count HN2 in the second hit/miss judgment has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN2, whether the number of small hits has reached the upper limit count, etc. In this case, if any one of the judgments is judged to be positive, the process proceeds to S1006, and if all judgments have not reached the upper limit count, the process returns.

When it is determined that the miss fluctuation count HN has reached the predetermined upper limit count MHN (step S1005), a time-saving flag is set (set) and the miss fluctuation count HN is initialized (step S1006). Note that in this step S1006, the process of initializing the miss fluctuation count HN may be omitted.
After performing the processing of step S1006, the time-saving counter (also called the number of time-saving times STN) is set to 150 (step S1007), a process is performed to instruct notification of the game status (step S1008), and a process is performed to send a command instructing the game status (step S1009), after which the processing "returns."
The process of setting the time-saving flag (step S1006), the process of setting the time-saving count (step S1007), the process of instructing notification of the game status (step S1008), and the process of sending a command instructing the game status (step S1009) are similar to the processing steps S443, S444, S446, and S447 described in Figure 16.
The time-saving control is executed by setting the time-saving flag. As described above, the time-saving game state by the time-saving control is a game state in which the time for variably displaying the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol is shortened from the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended from the normal game state. Note that it is also possible to configure the time for variably displaying the first special symbol or the second special symbol not to be shortened.
When the deviation fluctuation count HN is initialized, the deviation fluctuation count HN1 and the deviation fluctuation count HN2 are also initialized.

The upper limit number of times MHN, etc. is determined in advance based on the performance of the gaming machine, such as the probability of a big win.
For example, if the probability of a big win during low probability is 1/LP, it can be considered that 2.0 x LP ≦ MHN ≦ 4.0 x LP. In this embodiment, the probability of a big win during low probability when the stage setting value is "1" is 1/300, so 600 ≦ MHN ≦ 1200.
Similarly, the time-saving counter (time-saving count STN) is also determined in advance based on the performance of the gaming machine, such as the probability of a jackpot. For example, if the probability of a jackpot at a low probability is 1/LP, it can be considered that 0.2 x LP ≦ STN ≦ 5.0 x LP. If the probability of a jackpot is 1/300, then 60 ≦ STN ≦ 1500. These values can be changed as appropriate.
In this embodiment, the value of the upper limit number of times MHN is set to the minimum value within the range. This is to increase the frequency of time-saving games due to the number of times of deviation by setting it to the minimum value within the range. In this embodiment, the value of the number of times of time-saving games STN is set to 150 times, but it may be set to a number close to the maximum value within the range. The upper limit number of times MHN can be set to a small number that belongs to the smallest division when the range is divided into a plurality of equal parts (for example, 5 equal parts). Similarly, the number of times of time-saving games STN can be set to a large number that belongs to the largest division when the range is divided into a plurality of equal parts (for example, 10 equal parts). These numbers do not necessarily mean that they are actually divided equally, but mean that they are set to a small number within the range in order to increase the frequency of time-saving games due to the number of times of deviation, and that they are set to a large number within the range in order to increase the number of times of time-saving games as much as possible.
In the configuration where the deviation fluctuation count HN is not initialized in step S1006, the upper limit count MHN is updated to a larger count within the range (600≦MHN≦1200). In the configuration where the deviation fluctuation count HN is updated, if the upper limit count MHN is set to the maximum value within the range, it is sufficient to initialize the deviation fluctuation count HN when it reaches the maximum value, the upper limit count MHN.

[Display process of number of deviations HN]
The miss variation count HN is displayed on the screen 401 of the performance symbol display device 230 together with the upper limit count (also called the ceiling count) MHN. The display area 424 of the screen 401 displays the number of balls held based on the ball information from the frame control device 560 as described above, but the miss variation count HN is displayed in the display area 450, and the upper limit count MHN is displayed in the display area 451.
The difference between the upper limit number MHN and the miss variation number HN, i.e., the number of times the miss variation number HN needs to reach the upper limit number MHN, may be displayed in the display area 450. Of course, it is also possible to display the miss variation number HN together with the number of times the miss variation number HN needs to reach the upper limit number MHN in the display area 450. In short, the display mode is not important as long as the player knows the number of misses required for the time-saving control based on the miss variation number HN to be executed.
The number of times of miss fluctuations HN may be displayed at all times or at a fixed timing. After the start of a game, the number of times of miss fluctuations due to the game after the start of the game may be displayed, and the number of times of miss fluctuations added to the number of times of miss fluctuations due to the previous player (the cumulative number of times of miss fluctuations) may be displayed after a fixed time has elapsed.
In this embodiment, the number of times of the missing fluctuations HN is displayed when the cumulative number of times of the missing fluctuations HN is equal to or greater than a predetermined percentage (e.g., 50%) of the upper limit number of times MHN and when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the game. The number of times of the missing fluctuations due to the game after the player is changed is displayed separately immediately after the start of the game.
In this embodiment, the miss variation count HN displayed in the display area 450 is the cumulative miss variation count.

[Initialization process for number of deviations HN]
The miss variation count HN is initialized at least when a jackpot game occurs, but it may also be initialized when a condition other than the occurrence of a jackpot game is met. For example, it may be initialized in step S1006. Alternatively, it may be initialized after a certain period of time (for example, 1 to 2 hours) has passed after it is determined that the player has finished playing.
The miss variation count HN is stored for a certain period of time by the backup power supply even during a power outage, but it may be initialized under other conditions than those mentioned above. For example, it may be initialized when the RWM clear switch 290 or the like is operated to initialize the data stored in the RAM, or when the setting key switch 291 or the like is operated to change the setting of the jackpot probability.
In addition, when a jackpot game occurs, the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter of the ceiling time-saving are also initialized. In addition, when the value of the time-saving counter becomes zero, that is, when a jackpot game does not occur during the time-saving game, the time-saving flag is also initialized. The same applies to the specific time-saving.

[Specific shortened working hours]
The aforementioned jackpot time reduction is implemented by carrying out the processing shown in FIG. 16, while the specific time reduction is implemented by carrying out the processing shown in FIG.
In this process, first, it is determined that the big win lottery is not successful and the time-saving game is not being played (steps S1100 to S1101). Whether or not the time-saving game is being played is determined by whether the time-saving flag is not set. In the case where the number of times the first special symbol or the second special symbol changes is set as the time-saving number as in this embodiment, the time-saving flag is reset when the number of times the symbols change during the time-saving game reaches a predetermined number (is consumed). In the case where the number of times the time-saving number is set as the number of times the normal electric device 245 is opened during the time-saving game, the time-saving flag is reset when the number of times the normal electric device 245 is opened during the time-saving game reaches a predetermined number. In addition, in the case where the number of times the time-saving number is set as the number of times of winning/losing judgments regarding the normal symbol based on the ball entering the normal symbol activation gate 243, the time-saving flag is reset when the number of times of winning/losing judgments regarding the normal symbol during the time-saving game reaches a predetermined number.

When it is determined that the jackpot lottery is a miss and the game is not in a time-saving mode, it is determined whether the missing symbol selected in the processing of step S319 shown in FIG. 11 is time-saving symbol A or time-saving symbol B (steps S1102 to S1103).
If the time-saving symbol A is selected, the time-saving counter is set to 6, and if the time-saving symbol B is selected, the time-saving counter is set to 50, and then a process for setting a time-saving flag is performed (steps S1104 to S1106). After the time-saving flag is set, a process for instructing notification of the game status and a process for transmitting a command instructing the game status are performed (step S1107). This process is the same as the process steps S443, S444, S446, and S447 described in FIG. 16.
On the other hand, when the losing symbol is not the time-saving symbol or the time-saving symbol B, it means that a general losing symbol has been selected, and the time-saving flag and the time-saving counter are not set, and the process goes to "return." If the big win lottery is a winning one, or if the time-saving game is in progress, the process goes to "return."

Time-saving control is executed by setting the time-saving flag for the specific time-saving. As described above, the time-saving game state by the time-saving control is a game state in which the time for displaying the first special symbol, the second special symbol, and the normal symbol in a variable manner is shortened from the normal game state, and the average opening time of the normal electric device 245 is extended from the normal game state. It is also possible to configure the time for displaying the first special symbol or the second special symbol in a variable manner not to be shortened. In this embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are drawn at a low probability in the specific time-saving and ceiling time-saving. In the jackpot time-saving, when the special flag is set, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are drawn at a high probability, and when the special flag is not set, they are drawn at a low probability. When the special flag is set, the winning probability of the normal symbol may also be drawn at a high probability, or may be drawn at a low probability.

According to this embodiment, during normal play that is not a jackpot play, not a high probability play, and not a time-saving play, the player plays by aiming at the first start hole 241 of the first play area 211. A jackpot lottery is held by winning the first start hole 241, and the lottery result is notified by the first special symbol. Since the winning probability is 1/300, the miss symbol is displayed with a probability of 299/300 (step S319 in FIG. 11). However, since the selection rate of the time-saving symbol A is 1/10, time-saving play, which is a specific time-saving play with a time-saving number of 6, occurs frequently. In addition, since the selection rate of the time-saving symbol B is 1/1000, time-saving play with a time-saving number of 50 times by winning the first start hole 241 rarely occurs.
When the specific time reduction occurs, the player shoots the game ball toward the second game area 212. During the specific time reduction, the probability of winning by passing through the normal symbol activation gate 243 remains unchanged at 1/6, the normal symbol variation time is shortened from 5 seconds to 1 second, and the opening time of the normal electric role device 245 is extended from 0.3 seconds to 1.2 seconds. In addition, the variation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is shortened to an average of 5 seconds.
This increases the number of winnings into the second starting hole 242 per unit time, significantly increasing the number of big win lotteries.
For the second special chart, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A is 1/20, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B is 1/100. However, even if the time-saving pattern A or the time-saving pattern B is selected on the second special chart during time-saving play with the first special chart, the time-saving play with the second special chart is not executed (negative judgment of step S1101).
However, when the time-saving game with the first special symbol ends, if the reserved memory remains, if the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B can be selected by lottery based on this reserved memory, a new time-saving game can be played. Since the extended opening time of the normal electric device 245 is 1.2 seconds, and considering that one game ball can generally be released every 0.6 seconds, it is considered that one to three game balls will win a prize with one opening of the normal electric device 245, so when the time-saving number of times 6 with the time-saving symbol A of the first special symbol is consumed, there is a high possibility that the reserved memory remains. Note that the extended opening time of the normal electric device 245 of 1.2 seconds is just an example, and it goes without saying that it may be more than 1.2 seconds.
If the time-saving pattern A or time-saving pattern B is not selected by the second special pattern, the player again plays the game by aiming at the first starting hole 241 in the first game area 211.

As explained above in detail, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A by the first special pattern is 1/10, so the time-saving game with the time-saving number of times 6 occurs frequently, and the launch position of the game ball is changed from the game area 211 to the game area 212. During this time-saving game, if the jackpot lottery is not won and the time-saving pattern A or the time-saving pattern B is not selected, the game ball is launched again toward the game area 211. This has the effect of making it possible to provide a game in which the game areas 211 and 212 are frequently allocated to each other.
In addition, when a game ball is launched toward the game area 212, it is possible to select the time-saving pattern A or the time-saving pattern B by consuming the reserved memory immediately after consuming the six time-saving plays, which has the effect of making it possible to play a new time-saving game.

[Modifications]
A "specific time-saving set process 2," which is a modification of the "specific time-saving set process 1" shown in FIG. 32, will be described with reference to FIG.
In the specific time-saving set process 2, first, it is determined whether the jackpot lottery is a miss, just like in the specific time-saving set process 1 (step S1110).
If the jackpot lottery results in a loss, it is then determined whether the losing symbol selected is the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B (steps S1111 to S1112). If it is the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B, it is next determined whether or not the time-saving game is in progress (step S1113 or S1114).
If the time-saving pattern A is selected during a time-saving game, and the number of remaining time-saving times is less than 6, the time-saving counter is set to 6 (step S1117). On the other hand, if the time-saving pattern B is selected during a time-saving game, and the number of remaining time-saving times is less than 50, the time-saving counter is set to 50 (step S1118).
After the time-saving counter is set to 6 or 50, a time-saving flag is set (step S1119), and a process of instructing notification of the game status and a process of transmitting a command instructing the game status are performed (step S1120).
On the other hand, even if the time-saving symbol A is selected, if the remaining number of time-saving times is not less than 6, the process exits to "return." Similarly, even if the time-saving symbol B is selected, if the remaining number of time-saving times is not less than 50, the process exits to "return." At this time, although the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B has been selected, a process may be performed to inform the player that a new time-saving game will not be played because the remaining number of time-saving times in the currently-executed time-saving game is large.
If the selected losing symbol is not the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B but a general losing symbol (steps S1111 to S1112), the process skips to "return."

In the modified example, if the time-saving pattern A or the time-saving pattern B is selected even during a time-saving game, a new time-saving game with a time-saving number of 6 or 50 can be played. Moreover, the number of time-saving times for the newly generated time-saving game will never be less than the number of time-saving times remaining during the time-saving game, so that the effect is not to the disadvantage of the player.
In addition, the processing of steps S1115 and S1116 may be eliminated, and a new time-saving game may be generated unconditionally regardless of the remaining number of time-saving games.

In this embodiment, the specific time reduction is controlled not to occur even during the jackpot time reduction game (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "during the jackpot time reduction"). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the value of the time reduction counter for the jackpot time reduction is smaller than the value of the upper limit number MHN of the ceiling time reduction, and the miss fluctuation number HN is initialized due to the occurrence of the jackpot game, so that the ceiling time reduction does not occur during the jackpot time reduction game.
When the miss fluctuation count HN reaches the upper limit count MHN during a specific time-saving game, if the remaining number of times of time-saving in the specific time-saving is greater than the number of times of time-saving in the ceiling time-saving, the specific time-saving game continues, while if the remaining number of times of time-saving in the specific time-saving is less than the number of times of time-saving in the ceiling time-saving, a time-saving game with the number of times of time-saving in the ceiling time-saving is executed from that point on. When executing a time-saving game with the number of times of time-saving in the ceiling time-saving, the opening pattern of the normal electric device may be maintained as the opening pattern of the specific time-saving, or may be switched to the opening pattern of the ceiling time-saving.
In this embodiment, the configuration is capable of playing three types of time-saving games: jackpot time-saving, specific time-saving, and ceiling time-saving. However, the configuration may be such that only specific time-saving games can be played.

In this embodiment, the number of times of time-saving of the specific time-saving by selecting the time-saving pattern A is 6 times, the number of times of time-saving by selecting the time-saving pattern B is 50 times, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the first special pattern is 1/10, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B is 1/1000, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the second special pattern is 1/20, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B is 1/100, but it is not limited to these numerical values. It is sufficient that the number of times of time-saving by selecting the time-saving pattern A is less than the number of times of time-saving by selecting the time-saving pattern B. It is sufficient that the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the first special pattern is higher than the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B. Similarly, it is sufficient that the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the second special pattern is lower than the selection rate in the first special pattern, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B in the second special pattern is higher than the selection rate in the first special pattern.
For example, the number of time-saving times by selecting the time-saving pattern A may be any number between 1 and 3. Also, the number of time-saving times by selecting the time-saving pattern B may be any number between 100 and 200. Furthermore, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the first special pattern may be any number within the range of 1/2 to 1/5, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B may be any number within the range of 1/200 to 1/500, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the second special pattern may be any number within the range of 1/5 to 1/100, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B may be any number within the range of 1/30 to 1/200.

As a specific example, the number of times the time-saving pattern A is selected can be 1, the number of times the time-saving pattern B is selected can be 150, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A on the first special chart can be 1/5, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B can be 1/500, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A on the second special chart can be 1/100, and the selection rate of the time-saving pattern B on the second special chart can be 1/70.
In this example, the selection rate of the time-saving pattern A in the first special chart is 1/5, so the specific time-saving will occur more frequently, but since the number of time-saving times is 1, it is possible to prevent the so-called base (the number of prize balls relative to the number of shot balls during play other than during a jackpot game or a high probability game) from becoming too high. Moreover, since the number of time-saving times is 1, if the number of time-saving times is the number of jackpot lotteries or the number of times that the normal electric role, which is the second starting port, is opened, there is a very high possibility that the reserved memory remains when the number of time-saving times is consumed, and if the second special chart selects the time-saving pattern B by the jackpot lottery corresponding to this reserved memory, it is possible to play a time-saving game with 150 time-saving times. Since the selection rate of the specific time-saving pattern B in the second special chart is higher than the specific time-saving pattern A, the probability of playing a time-saving game with a large number of time-saving times is also high.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, the "forced termination process 1" shown in Fig. 34 is executed before executing the "specific time-saving set process 1" shown in Fig. 32 or the "specific time-saving set process 2" shown in Fig. 33. This process is executed regardless of whether it is due to a win at the first start port 241 or a win at the second start port 242. However, during time-saving play, it is common to play with the aim of hitting the second start port 242, and the possibility of this process being executed increases if a win is made at the second start port.
In this process, it is first determined that the big win lottery has been lost and that the time-saving game is being played (steps S1130 to S1131). This process is the same as steps S1100 to S1101 in the specific time-saving set process 1.
If the jackpot lottery is a miss (step S1130) and a specific time-saving game is being played (step S1301), it is determined whether the specific time-saving game is played using the time-saving symbol A or the time-saving symbol B (step S1132). As described above, the number of times of time-saving play using the time-saving symbol A is six, and the number of times of time-saving play using the time-saving symbol B is fifty.
If a specific time-saving game is being played using the time-saving symbol A, the forced termination symbol C is selected with a high probability (for example, 10%) from among the general failure symbols (special 1_general failure symbol or special 2_general failure symbol) shown in Fig. 28 (step S1133). If a specific time-saving game is being played using the time-saving symbol B, the forced termination symbol D is selected with a low probability (for example, 1%) (step S1134).
When a forced termination symbol is selected, the time-saving counter and the time-saving flag are reset (steps S1135 to S1136), and then a command to notify the game status is sent (step S1137), after which the process exits to "return."
By executing the process of step S1137, a message is displayed on the screen 401 of the performance symbol display device 230 indicating that the specific time reduction is to be forcibly terminated because the forcible termination symbol has been selected.

If the jackpot lottery is not a miss (negative judgment in step S1130), the process goes to "return" and then the "special game process" shown in Figs. 14 to 16 is executed. On the other hand, if a specific time-saving game is not being played (negative judgment in step S1301), the process goes to "return" and then the "specific time-saving set process 1" shown in Fig. 32 or the "specific time-saving set process 2" shown in Fig. 33 is executed. However, if the specific time-saving game is forcibly terminated by executing this process, the "specific time-saving set process 1" shown in Fig. 32 or the "specific time-saving set process 2" shown in Fig. 33 is not executed.

By executing the "forced termination process 1" shown in Fig. 34, the specific time-saving game is forced to terminate even if the jackpot lottery is not won or the predetermined number of time-saving times is not consumed. This forced termination occurs more frequently during the specific time-saving game with the time-saving pattern A than during the specific time-saving game with the time-saving pattern B. Also, the specific time-saving game with the time-saving pattern A has a low number of time-saving times (6 times), but the probability of it occurring due to winning the first start hole 241 is higher than that due to winning the second start hole 242. On the other hand, the specific time-saving game with the time-saving pattern B has a high number of time-saving times (50 times), and the probability of it occurring due to winning the second start hole 242 is higher than that due to winning the first start hole 241.
Therefore, the specific time-saving effect of the time-saving symbol A by winning the first start hole 241 occurs frequently, but at the same time, the rate of forced termination is high. Therefore, even if the occurrence of the specific time-saving effect of the time-saving symbol A by winning the first start hole 241 is increased, it will not give excessive benefits to the player.
On the other hand, the specific time-saving game with the time-saving pattern B due to winning the second start hole 242 is less likely to be forced to end, so the possibility of playing the time-saving game for a long time increases. Although the possibility of playing the time-saving game for a long time increases, the number of time-saving games with the time-saving pattern A is small, so the problem of excessive time-saving games with the time-saving pattern B occurring during this time-saving game can be prevented in advance. Note that the probability of a specific time-saving game occurring with the time-saving pattern B due to winning the first start hole 241 is 0.1%, which is extremely low. Also, since the second start hole 242 can be won when hitting the right side toward the play area 212, it is rare for the second start hole 242 to be won during normal play when hitting the left side toward the play area 211.
In addition, in this embodiment, when the time-saving game is forcibly terminated by the time-saving pattern A, the end pattern C is displayed, and when the time-saving game is forcibly terminated by the time-saving pattern B, the end pattern D is displayed, which also has the effect of making it possible to distinguish the type of specific time-saving game that is forcibly terminated by the end pattern.

In addition, the forced termination symbol may be the same symbol. For example, when the time-saving game is forced to end with the time-saving symbol B, the termination symbol C may be used.
Also, when it is determined in step S1132 that the time-saving game is the time-saving pattern B, the configuration may not be such that the game is forcibly terminated. Furthermore, the probabilities shown in steps S1133 and S1134 in Fig. 34 are one specific example, and it is sufficient that the rate (probability) of forcibly terminating the game is higher when the time-saving pattern A is used than when the time-saving pattern B is used, and the configuration may simply have a different rate.

[Modifications]
In the "forced termination process 1" shown in FIG. 34, the rate (probability) of forced termination is varied depending on the difference between the time-saving patterns A and B (steps S1132 to S1134), but the rate of forced termination may also be varied depending on the difference between winning at the first start port 241 and the second start port 242. This modified example will be explained with reference to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36. FIG. 35 shows the pattern selection rate for a specific time-saving, and is substituted for the pattern selection rate of the specific pattern shown in FIG. 28. The "forced termination process 2" shown in FIG. 36 is substituted for the "forced termination process 1" shown in FIG. 34. In the "forced termination process 2" shown in FIG. 36, only steps S1142 to S1144 differ from steps S1132 to S1134 of the "forced termination process 1" shown in FIG. 34, and steps S1140 to S1141 and steps S1145 to S1147 perform the same processing as steps S1130 to S1131 and steps S1135 to S1137 of the "forced termination process 1" shown in FIG.
In the modified example, if the jackpot lottery is a miss (step S1140) and the specific time-saving game is being played (step S1401), the specific time-saving game is forcibly ended on the condition that the ending symbol C is selected, but the rate at which the forcible ending occurs differs depending on whether the first starting hole 241 or the second starting hole 242 is won. Specifically, if the first starting hole 241 is won, the ending symbol C is selected with a 10% probability, and if the second starting hole 242 is won, the ending symbol C is selected with a 1% probability (see FIG. 35).
During the specific time-saving game, right-hand play toward the game area 212 is recommended, so that there are few winnings in the first start port during the specific time-saving game. Therefore, in this modified example, during the specific time-saving game, a priority process is performed in which a lottery process based on winnings in the first start port is prioritized over winnings in the second start port. As a result, if a specific time-saving game occurs and the reserved memory increases due to winnings in the second start port by playing right-hand (if residual memory occurs), it becomes possible to play left-hand to forcibly end the game. After the specific time-saving game ends due to the forced end, if a specific pattern B is selected based on the reserved memory (residual reserved memory) due to winnings in the second start port, a new specific time-saving game with a large number of time-saving times can be generated.
In step S1143, the rate at which the special drawing 1 is forcibly terminated may be in the range of 50% to 90%. In step S1144, the rate at which the special drawing 2 is forcibly terminated may be zero.

The type of the end symbol C may be different depending on whether the first start hole 241 or the second start hole 242 is won. Also, the end symbol may be a plurality of common symbols, and the ratio of the symbols selected may be different depending on whether the first start hole 241 or the second start hole 242 is won.
Furthermore, it is also conceivable to configure the first start hole as a normal electric device similar to the second start hole. In this configuration, it is possible to play a time-saving game even with the first start hole. It is conceivable to configure it so that if the time-saving symbol A is selected by winning the first or second start hole, a time-saving game is played aiming at the first start hole, and if the time-saving symbol B is selected by winning the first or second start hole, a time-saving game is played aiming at the second start hole.
When the first start port is also configured as a normal electric device, the first game area 211 is provided with a normal symbol activation gate, and as with the second start port, if a winning occurs due to the game ball passing through the normal symbol activation gate, the normal electric device as the first start port can be opened, but if a game ball enters the normal winning port, the normal electric device as the first start port can be opened immediately. In the time-saving game, the time for opening the normal electric device as the first start port is lengthened, and the time for the normal symbol to change and the time for the special symbol to change are shortened, similar to the time-saving game at the second start port.

Other Embodiments
The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, example, and modification, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, among the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiment, example, and modification, those corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the Summary of the Invention column can be appropriately replaced and combined in order to solve some or all of the above-mentioned problems or to achieve some or all of the above-mentioned effects. In addition, technical features that are not described as essential in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

The following describes inventions related to the present invention.
[Related invention 1]
A pinball game machine in which a starting port 1 is a normal ball entry port that does not open, an operation detection unit provided on the game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal pattern has been won, and a variable ball entry port 2 is a variable ball entry port that can change from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination being a hit, a jackpot lottery is held based on the game ball entering the starting port 1 or the starting port 2, and a pattern showing the result of the jackpot lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot pattern is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then a jackpot game is played,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game for a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game for a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when a specific symbol 3 is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1, and for ending the time-saving game when a specific symbol 4 is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2;
An end symbol selection means for setting a probability of selecting the specific symbol 3 higher than a probability of selecting the specific symbol 4;
A pinball game machine comprising:

The time-saving game may or may not be forcibly ended if the specific symbol 4 is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1. Similarly, the time-saving game may or may not be forcibly ended if the specific symbol 3 is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2.
The end symbol selection means may be a means for making the probability of selecting the specific symbol 3 higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 4, and it is preferable to make the probability of selecting the specific symbol 3 higher the higher the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 when the ball enters the starting hole 1 or the higher the number of time-saving times 1. It is preferable that the probability of selecting the specific symbol 4 is low when the number of time-saving times 2 is low and high when the number of time-saving times 2 is high, but is lower than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 3.
In addition, the end symbol selection means may be any means that makes the probability of selecting specific symbol 3 higher than the probability of selecting specific symbol 4, so the probability of selecting specific symbol 4 may be extremely low or may be zero.

[Related invention 2]
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been won or not, and when the result of the hit/miss determination indicates a win, the machine has two variable ball entry ports that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter than the closed state, the variable ball entry ports being designated as start port 1 and start port 2, and when the game ball enters start port 1 or start port 2, a jackpot lottery is held and a symbol showing the result of the jackpot lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then the jackpot game is played,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended longer than usual on condition that a specific symbol is selected when the jackpot lottery is not won, a time-saving game is executed a predetermined number of times;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game on the condition that an ending symbol is selected when the big win lottery is not won;
A symbol selection means for selecting the specific symbol and the end symbol at different probabilities when the ball enters the starting hole 1 and when the ball enters the starting hole 2;
A pinball game machine comprising:

[Related invention 3]
A pinball game machine in which an operation detection unit provided on a game board detects a game ball and determines whether a normal symbol has been won or not, and when the result of the hit/miss determination indicates a win, the machine has two variable ball entry ports that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter than the closed state, the variable ball entry ports being designated as start port 1 and start port 2, and when the game ball enters start port 1 or start port 2, a jackpot lottery is held and a symbol showing the result of the jackpot lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group, and when the jackpot lottery is won, a jackpot symbol is displayed to notify the player that a win has been won, and then the jackpot game is played,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game for a predetermined number of times, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal open state on condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game for a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the jackpot lottery is not won;
A specific symbol selection means, in which when a ball enters the starting hole 1, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is higher than the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2, and when a ball enters the starting hole 2, the probability of selecting the specific symbol 1 is lower than when the ball enters the starting hole 1, and the probability of selecting the specific symbol 2 is higher than when the ball enters the starting hole 1;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the time-saving game performed by selecting the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2;
An end symbol selection means for selecting the end symbol at a different probability when the ball enters the start hole 1 and when the ball enters the start hole 2;
A pinball game machine comprising:

[Related invention 4]
In the pinball game machine of related invention 3, a time-saving game that is executed on the condition that the specific pattern 1 is displayed is performed at the first start port, and a time-saving game that is executed on the condition that the specific pattern 2 is displayed is performed at the second start port.

[Correspondence to claims]
The correspondence between the terms used in the above description of each embodiment and the terms used in the claims will be described below.
The pachinko machine 10 corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine, the normal electric device 245 corresponds to a variable ball entrance, the "specific time-saving set processing 1" shown in Figure 32 corresponds to an example of a time-saving game execution means and a specific pattern selection means, the "forced termination processing 1" shown in Figure 34 corresponds to an example of a time-saving game termination means, and steps S1132 to S1134 of the "forced termination processing 1" shown in Figure 34 correspond to an example of an end pattern selection means.

10... Pachinko machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 115... Hinge 120... Inner frame 121... Inner frame opening switch 140... Front frame 141... Front frame opening switch 142... Speaker 143... Transparent plate 144... Illuminating section 145... Hinge 146... Performance button 150... Handle 152... Rotating section 154... Fixing button 160... Operation section relay terminal board 162... Counting switch 164... Holding ball count display device 180... Firing operation section relay terminal board 182... Fixing release solenoid 184... Firing intensity fixing switch 185... Handle volume 186... Touch switch 187... Firing stop switch 200... Game board 210... Playing area 211... First playing area 212... Second playing area 214...Inlet 218...Recovery port 220...Center case 230...Performance pattern display device 241...First start port 242...Second start port 243...Normal pattern activation gate 245...Normal electric role 246...Normal winning port 248...Large winning port 250...Pattern display device relay terminal board 251...First special pattern display device 252...Second special pattern display device 253...Normal pattern display device 261...First special pattern reserved number display device 262...Second special pattern reserved number display device 263...Normal pattern reserved number display device 270...Game board relay terminal board 271...First start port switch 272...Second start port switch 273...Normal pattern activation switch 274...Left winning port switch 276...Count switch 277...Magnetic sensor 278...Radio wave sensor 282...Large winning port solenoid 284...Normal power device solenoid 286...Number of winning balls display device 290...RWM clear switch 291...Setting key switch 310...Launching device 312...Launching device relay terminal board 314...Ball delivery sensor 315...Launching entrance sensor 316...Launching motor 317...Ball delivery solenoid 320...Polishing device 322...Polishing device relay terminal board 324...Cassette switch 325...Polishing motor sensor 326...Cassette motor 327...Polishing motor 330...Lifting device 332...Lifting relay terminal board 334...Lifting motor 336...Lifting entrance sensor 338...Lifting motor monitoring sensor 342...Inner frame relay terminal board 344...Winning ball sensor 345...Out ball sensor 346...Proper amount sensor 347...Full tank sensor 352...Nighttime monitoring device 354...Alarm speaker 510: Main control device 520: Sub integrated control device 522: Volume adjustment switch 530: Performance pattern control device 560: Frame control device 810: User interface 811: Balance display unit 812: Ball lending button 813: Return button 816: Handle lock display unit 820: Card insertion slot 830: Bill insertion slot 850: Game ball etc. lending device 860: CR unit

Claims (1)

The normal entry point is designated as starting point 1,
A start hole 2 is a variable ball entry hole that can be changed from a closed state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter to an open state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter based on the result of the hit/miss determination that the game ball has been entered being a hit by an operation detection unit provided on the game board surface detecting the game ball;
A reserve memory that acquires a random number based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole 1 or the starting hole 2 and stores the random number up to a predetermined upper limit;
A lottery is performed based on the random number value, and a pattern showing the result of the lottery is variably displayed according to one variation pattern selected from a variation pattern group;
A pinball game machine that displays a winning symbol to notify the player that the lottery has been won and then executes a winning game,
a time-saving game execution means for executing a time-saving game for a predetermined number of times 1, in which the open state of the variable ball entrance is extended from the normal game state on the condition that a specific symbol 1 is displayed when the lottery is not won, and for executing a time-saving game for a time-saving number 2, which is greater than the time-saving number 1, on the condition that a specific symbol 2 is displayed when the lottery is not won;
a time-saving game ending means for ending the time-saving game when an ending symbol is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 1, and for ending the time-saving game when the ending symbol is selected during the execution of the time-saving game by selecting the specific symbol 2;
A symbol selection means is provided for selecting the specific symbol 1 during the time-saving game and selecting the specific symbol 2 during the time-saving game, and the probability of selecting the end symbol is different between the time-saving game and the time-saving game.
The time-saving game execution means executes the time-saving game when the specific symbol 1 or the specific symbol 2 is selected by the lottery only during the normal game state.

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