JP7627670B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that executes games.

Patent document 1 describes how the time-saving feature ends when a specific small jackpot is won.

JP 2020-69307 A

In recent years, many similar gaming machines have been proposed, and there is a demand for innovative gaming machines.

Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide an innovative gaming machine.

The present invention employs the following solutions to solve the above-mentioned problems. Note that the solutions and the wording in parentheses below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be an invention that includes at least one of the invention-specific matters shown in the solutions below. Furthermore, each invention-specific matter shown in the solutions below can be made into a lower-level concept by adding an element that limits the invention-specific matter, and can also be made into a higher-level concept by removing an element that limits the invention-specific matter.

[First technical feature: New specifications for normal power abnormality entry error]
Solution A1: The gaming machine of this solution comprises a state transition means which, when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, can transition from a predetermined gaming state to a favorable gaming state in which favorable conditions are applied compared to the predetermined gaming state, while, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, can terminate the favorable gaming state and transition to the predetermined gaming state; and, when a predetermined operating condition is not satisfied, a difficult ball entry state is entered in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter a starting winning hole, while, when the predetermined operating condition is satisfied, a difficult ball entry state is entered in which it is easier for a gaming ball to enter the starting winning hole than in the difficult ball entry state. and an abnormal winning error determination means for determining that an abnormal winning error has occurred when a predetermined number of game balls enter the starting winning port in a situation other than the first case in which a game ball enters the starting winning port while the electric device is in the easy-to-enter ball state in the favorable game state, the second case in which a game ball enters the starting winning port while the electric device is in the easy-to-enter ball state in the favorable game state, and the third case in which a game ball enters the starting winning port between the end of the favorable game state and the elapse of a predetermined time.

The gaming machine of this solution has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, a transition can be made from a predetermined gaming state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous gaming state (time-shortened state, during time shortening) in which conditions more advantageous than the predetermined gaming state are applied, while a state transition means is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, terminates the advantageous gaming state and enables a transition to the predetermined gaming state.

The favorable conditions include at least one of the following conditions: the time it takes for the normal or special symbols to change is shortened, the probability of winning the normal or special symbol lottery is increased from a low probability to a high probability, the operation time of the electric device is extended, and the number of times the electric device is operated is increased (hereinafter the same).

(2) The machine is provided with an electric device (a normal electric device) that, when a predetermined operating condition is not met, causes a difficult-to-enter state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the starting winning hole, while, when a predetermined operating condition is met (when a normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner), causes a transition to an easy-to-enter state in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the starting winning hole than in the difficult-to-enter state.

(3) The device is provided with an abnormal winning error determination means that can determine that an abnormal winning error has occurred when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 1 to 5 balls) enter the starting winning hole in a situation other than the first case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole in a favorable game state, the second case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole while the electric device is in an easy-to-enter ball state in a favorable game state, and the third case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole between the end of the favorable game state and the elapse of a predetermined time (situations other than the three cases of the first to third cases).

According to this solution, the case where a game ball enters the starting winning hole between the end of the advantageous game state and the passage of a predetermined time is excluded from the judgment of an abnormal winning error, so the occurrence of unintended abnormal winning errors can be suppressed, and as a result, an innovative gaming machine can be provided.

Solution A2: The gaming machine of this solution is a gaming machine characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the predetermined time is longer than the operating time, including the time during which the electric device transitions to the easy-to-score state, plus the effective time during which the entry of a gaming ball into the starting winning hole is considered effective even if the electric device is in the difficult-to-score state.

In this solution, the specified time is longer (e.g., 4.0 seconds) than the operating time (e.g., 2.5 seconds; opening time + closing time), which includes the time during which the electric device transitions to an easy-to-score state, plus the effective time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) that validates the entry of a game ball into the starting winning hole even when the electric device is in a difficult-to-score state (e.g., 3.0 seconds).

According to this solution, since "operation time + effective time" is less than "predetermined time", the predetermined time can end after the time related to the electric device has ended, further reducing the occurrence of unintended abnormal winning errors.

[Second technical feature: method for controlling time-saving end conditions with small hits]
Solution B1: The gaming machine of this solution is equipped with a state transition means that, when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, can transition from a predetermined gaming state to an advantageous gaming state in which conditions more advantageous than the predetermined gaming state are applied, and, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, can terminate the advantageous gaming state and transition to the predetermined gaming state, and the state transition means, when it determines that a first win that terminates the advantageous gaming state by winning once, can terminate the advantageous gaming state as the predetermined termination condition is satisfied, and when it determines that a second win that includes terminating the advantageous gaming state by winning at least multiple times, can terminate the advantageous gaming state as the predetermined termination condition is satisfied.

The gaming machine of this solution has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, a transition can be made from a predetermined gaming state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous gaming state (time-shortened state, during time shortening) in which conditions more advantageous than the predetermined gaming state are applied, while a state transition means is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, terminates the advantageous gaming state and enables a transition to the predetermined gaming state.

(2) When the state transition means determines that a first win (small win pattern 1) has been won, which ends the advantageous gaming state when won once, it makes it possible to end the advantageous gaming state as a predetermined end condition has been met, and when it determines that a second win (small win pattern 2), which involves terminating the advantageous gaming state when won at least multiple times, it makes it possible to end the advantageous gaming state as a predetermined end condition has been met.

According to this solution, the advantageous gaming state can be ended by one win or multiple wins, which allows for more diverse gameplay than a system in which the advantageous gaming state is ended by only winning a specific small win, and as a result, an innovative gaming machine can be provided.

Solution B2: The gaming machine of this solution is any of the solutions described above, and is characterized in that, when it is determined that the second win has been won, the state transition means determines a counter value for determining whether the number of times the second win has been won has reached a number that ends the advantageous gaming state, the counter value being set at the end of the winning game, and when the counter value has reached a specified number, it is possible to end the advantageous gaming state.

In this solution, when the state transition means determines that a second win has occurred, it determines a counter value (number of small wins displayed) for determining whether the number of second wins has reached the number that ends the advantageous game state, and is set at the end of the game when a win occurs, and makes it possible to end the advantageous game state if the counter value has reached a specified number of times (1 → 0).

According to this solution, the end of the advantageous gaming state is controlled using the counter value, so that the program control of the end of the advantageous gaming state due to the second win can be performed efficiently.

Solution B3: The gaming machine of this solution is a gaming machine characterized in that, in any of the solutions described above, the second win includes ending the advantageous gaming state by winning once.

In this solution, the second win includes ending the advantageous gaming state by winning once. In other words, the second win may end the advantageous gaming state by winning once, or may end the advantageous gaming state by winning multiple times.

This solution allows the second win to have multiple roles, making gameplay more complex and diverse than if the second win had only one role.

[Third Technical Feature: Control of Special Variable Settings According to Time-saving Limiter]
Solution C1: The gaming machine of this solution is characterized by comprising: a state transition means which, when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, enables a transition from a predetermined gaming state to an advantageous gaming state in which favorable conditions are applied compared to the predetermined gaming state, while, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, enables the advantageous gaming state to be terminated and a transition to the predetermined gaming state; a transition number setting means which enables a setting of the number of transitions that can be consecutively transitioned to the advantageous gaming state; a variation pattern setting means which enables a setting of a pattern variation pattern based on the number of transitions; and a variation pattern definition means which defines, as variation patterns that can be set by the variation pattern setting means, a common variation pattern that can be set regardless of the number of transitions, and an individual variation pattern that can be set based on the number of transitions.

The gaming machine of this solution has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, a transition can be made from a predetermined gaming state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous gaming state (time-shortened state, during time shortening) in which conditions more advantageous than the predetermined gaming state are applied, while a state transition means is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, terminates the advantageous gaming state and enables a transition to the predetermined gaming state.

(2) It is provided with a transition number setting means that can set the number of transitions (time-saving limiter number) that can be made consecutively to a favorable gaming state.
(3) It is provided with a variation pattern setting means that enables the pattern of pattern variation to be set based on the number of transitions.

(4) The fluctuation pattern setting means is provided with a fluctuation pattern definition means that defines a common fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern table E) that can be set regardless of the number of transitions, and individual fluctuation patterns (fluctuation pattern tables B, C, D) that can be set based on the number of transitions, as fluctuation patterns that can be set by the fluctuation pattern setting means.

According to this solution, a common variation pattern is provided that can be set regardless of the number of transitions, so by providing a common variation pattern that can be selected in any situation, the special feeling of the common variation pattern can be enhanced, and as a result, an innovative gaming machine can be provided.

Solution C2: The gaming machine of this solution is any of the solutions described above, characterized in that the common variation pattern can be set for a longer period than the individual variation patterns.

In this solution, the common variation pattern can be set for a longer period than the individual variation patterns.

According to this solution, the common variation pattern can be set for a longer period than the individual variation patterns, so the common variation pattern can be enjoyed for a long period of time, further enhancing the special feeling of the common variation pattern.

The present invention makes it possible to provide an innovative gaming machine.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board unit alone. A diagram showing details of the second variable winning device 31. A diagram showing details of the second variable winning device 31. A diagram showing details of the variable start winning device 28. A diagram showing details of the variable start winning device 28. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in a pachinko machine. 13 is a flowchart (1/2) illustrating an example of a procedure for a reset start process. 13 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a procedure of a reset start process. 11 is a flowchart specifically illustrating an example of a procedure for a power interruption occurrence check process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for an interrupt management process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for switch input event processing. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a first special symbol memory update process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a second special symbol memory update process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for effect determination processing at the time of acquisition. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a special symbol game process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special pattern change pre-processing. A figure showing a winning stop pattern selection table (normal mode). A figure showing the table for selecting the symbols to stop when winning (during time reduction). A diagram showing the relationship between a fluctuation pattern table and a fluctuation pattern offset. This shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the first jackpot during normal play. This figure shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the second or third jackpot during the time-saving period. This figure shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the 4th to 9,999th jackpot during the time-saving period. This figure shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the 10,000th jackpot during the time-saving period. This figure shows the values of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 0 (when a normal win occurs). This figure shows the values of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 9998 or 9999 (when a win occurs during the time-saving period). This figure shows the values of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 2 to 9997 (when a win occurs during the time-saving period). This figure shows the values of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 1 (when a win is made during the time-saving period and the limiter is reached). A diagram showing the relationship between the variation pattern selection status flag, the variation pattern selection counter, and the variation pattern offset. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for special symbol memory area shifting processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing during a special symbol stop display. 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of a procedure of a time-saving end determination process. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of a procedure of the time-saving end determination process. The procedure will be described below. Note that the description of the same part as the first example of the procedure will be omitted. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a configuration of a display output management process. A flowchart showing an example of the configuration of a variable prize-winning device management process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a jackpot occurs. A figure showing an example of a table for setting opening patterns by symbols when a jackpot occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. A figure showing an example of an opening pattern setting table when a small hit occurs. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the second large prize opening opening and closing operation. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a specific area opening/closing operation process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. A figure showing an example of a setting table for opening patterns by symbols when passing through a specific area. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the first large prize opening opening and closing operation. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing the closing of the large prize opening. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a termination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for a time-saving limiter management process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for limiter clear confirmation flag ON setting process; 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for limiter clear confirmation flag OFF setting processing; 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether or not a time-saving limiter count is reset; 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for determining whether a normal power abnormality has occurred. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operating pattern of a normal electric device. A figure explaining the game flow of the first game specification. A diagram explaining the game flow of the second game specification. A series of diagrams (1/2) showing examples of presentation images corresponding to the varying and stopping display of special patterns. A series of diagrams (2/2) showing examples of presentation images corresponding to the varying and stopping display of special patterns. A continuous diagram (1/3) showing the flow of reach presentations executed at the time of a jackpot. A continuous diagram (2/3) showing the flow of reach presentations executed at the time of a jackpot. A continuous diagram (3/3) showing the flow of reach presentations executed at the time of a jackpot. A continuous diagram (1/3) partially showing an example of a big prize performance executed during a big prize game. A continuous diagram (2/3) partially showing an example of a big prize performance executed during a big prize game. A continuous diagram (3/3) partially showing an example of a big prize performance executed during a big prize game. A figure showing an example of an error presentation that is executed when a normal power abnormal winning error occurs. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for performance control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for operating memory performance management processing. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing performance pattern management. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for pre-processing of the performance pattern change. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for drum unit performance management processing.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as "pachinko machine") 1. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 uses game balls as a game medium, and a player borrows game balls from an amusement facility operator to play with the pachinko machine 1. In a game with the pachinko machine 1, each game ball is a medium having a game value, and the benefit (profit) enjoyed by the player as a result of the game can be converted into a game value based on, for example, the number of game balls acquired by the player. The overall configuration of the game machine will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[Overall configuration of the gaming machine]
The main body of the pachinko machine 1 mainly comprises an outer frame unit 2, an integrated door unit 4, and an inner frame assembly 7 (plastic frame, gaming machine frame). When viewed from the front facing the player, the integrated door unit 4 is located at the frontmost side. The inner frame assembly 7 is located on the back side (rear side) of the integrated door unit 4, and the outer frame unit 2 is arranged so as to surround the outside of the inner frame assembly 7.

The outer frame unit 2 is a structure made by combining wood and metal materials into a vertically long rectangle, and this outer frame unit 2 is fixed to an island facility (not shown) in the playground using fasteners such as screws. In the vertically long rectangular outer frame unit 2, wood is used for the sections corresponding to the top and bottom short sides, and metal is used for the sections corresponding to the left and right long sides.

The integrated door unit 4 has a structure in which the tray unit 6 is integrated at its lower position. The integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame unit 2, and each of them operates to open and close via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening and closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1.

When viewed from the front in Figure 1, a unified lock unit 9 is provided on the inside of the right edge of the inner frame assembly 7 (left edge in Figure 2). Correspondingly, locking devices (not shown) are also provided on the right edges (back sides) of the integrated door unit 4 and the outer frame unit 2. As shown in Figure 1, when the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7 are closed relative to the outer frame unit 2, the unified lock unit 9 on the back side, together with the locking device, disables the opening of the integrated door unit 4 and inner frame assembly 7.

A cylinder lock 6a with a keyhole is provided on the right edge of the tray unit 6. For example, when an arcade manager inserts a special key into the keyhole and turns the cylinder lock 6a clockwise, the unified lock unit 9 is activated, enabling the integrated door unit 4 to be opened together with the inner frame assembly 7. When the entire assembly is opened from the outer frame unit 2 to the front side (moved like a door), the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is exposed at the front side.

On the other hand, when the cylinder lock 6a is twisted counterclockwise, the inner frame assembly 7 remains locked and only the integrated door unit 4 is unlocked, allowing the integrated door unit 4 to be opened. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened to the front, the game board unit 8 is directly exposed, allowing the amusement center manager to remove any obstacles such as balls getting stuck on the board. Furthermore, when the integrated door unit 4 is opened, the receiving tray unit 6 is also opened to the front.

The pachinko machine 1 also includes the above-mentioned game board unit 8 as a game unit. The game board unit 8 is supported by the above-mentioned inner frame assembly 7 behind (inside) the integrated door unit 4. The game board unit 8 can be attached to and detached from the inner frame assembly 7, for example, with the integrated door unit 4 open to the front side. The integrated door unit 4 has a vertically oval window 4a formed in its center, and a glass unit (without reference number) is attached to this window 4a. The glass unit is, for example, a combination of two transparent plates (glass plates) cut to match the shape of the window 4a. The glass unit is attached to the back side of the integrated door unit 4 via a mounting tool (not shown). A game area 8a (board surface) is formed on the front side of the game board unit 8, and this game area 8a can be seen by a player from the front side through the window 4a. When the integrated door unit 4 is closed, a space is formed between the inner surface of the glass unit and the board surface through which game balls can flow down.

The receiving tray unit 6 is generally shaped to protrude from the integrated door unit 4 toward the front side, and an upper tray 6b is formed on its upper surface. This upper tray 6b can store game balls (loaned balls) loaned to the player and game balls (prize balls) acquired by winning. In addition, a lower tray 6c is formed in the receiving tray unit 6 at a lower position of the upper tray 6b. This lower tray 6c stores game balls that are paid out when the upper tray 6b is full. Note that the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called CR machine (a model that connects to a CR unit), and game balls borrowed by the player are paid out to the receiving tray unit 6 (upper tray 6b or lower tray 6c) from the payout device unit 172 on the back side separately from prize balls.

A loan operation unit 14 is provided on the top surface of the tray unit 6, and a ball loan button 10 and a return button 12 are arranged on the loan operation unit 14. When a player operates the ball loan button 10 with a valuable medium (e.g., a magnetic recording medium, a medium with a built-in memory IC, etc.) inserted into a CR unit (not shown), a number of game balls (e.g., 125 balls) corresponding to a predetermined degree unit (e.g., 5 degrees) are loaned. For this reason, a degree display unit (not shown) is arranged on the top surface of the loan operation unit 14, and the degree display unit displays the remaining degree of the valuable medium inserted into the CR unit. The player can receive the return of the valuable medium with remaining degree by operating the return button 12. Although a CR machine is given as an example in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 may be a cash machine separate from the CR machine (a model not connected to the CR unit).

In addition, an upper tray ball removal button 6d is installed on the top surface of the receiving tray unit 6 in front of the upper tray 6b, which is in the upper position, and a lower tray ball removal lever 6e is installed in the center in front of the lower tray 6c. By, for example, pressing the upper tray ball removal button 6d, the player can cause the game balls stored in the upper tray 6b to flow down to the lower tray 6c. In addition, by, for example, sliding the lower tray ball removal lever 6e to the left, the player can cause the game balls stored in the lower tray 6c to fall downward and be discharged. The discharged game balls are received, for example, in a ball receiving box (not shown).

A grip unit 16 is installed at the lower right of the tray unit 6. By operating this grip unit 16, the player can activate the launch control board set 174 and launch (throw) a game ball into the play area 8a (ball launching device). The launched game ball rises from the lower edge of the game board unit 8 along the left edge, and is guided by an outer band (not shown) and thrown into the play area 8a. Numerous obstacle pegs and windmills (no reference numbers in the figure) are arranged in the play area 8a, and the thrown game ball flows down the play area 8a while being guided and guided by the obstacle pegs and windmills. The configuration of the play area 8a (board surface) will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

[Frame front configuration]
The integrated door unit 4 is provided with a left top lens unit 47 and an upper right illumination unit 49 as components for the performance. The left top lens unit 47 incorporates a glass frame top lamp 46 and a left glass frame decorative lamp 48, and the upper right illumination unit 49 incorporates a right glass frame decorative lamp 50. In addition, the integrated door unit 4 is provided with left and right glass frame decorative lamps 52 that are connected to the lower parts of the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49, respectively, and these glass frame decorative lamps 52 extend from the left and right edges of the integrated door unit 4 to the front part of the receiving tray unit 6. In the integrated door unit 4, the glass frame top lamp 46 and the left and right glass frame decorative lamps 48, 50, 52, etc. are arranged to surround the glass unit (no reference number).

The various lamps 46, 48, 50, 52 described above perform effects, for example, by emitting light from built-in LEDs (lighting up, blinking, changing brightness gradations, changing color tones, etc.). In addition, at the top of the integrated door unit 4, glass frame speakers 54, 55 are respectively built into the left top lens unit 47 and the upper right illumination unit 49. Meanwhile, an outer frame speaker 56 is built into the lower left position of the outer frame unit 2. These speakers 54, 55, 56 perform effects by outputting sound effects, background music, voices, etc. (general sound).

In addition, a performance change button 45 (operation input receiving means) is provided in the center of the receiving tray unit 6, in front of the upper tray 6b. The performance change button 45 is, for example, a combination of a push-type circular button and a rotating jog ring (jog dial) around it. By pushing or rotating this performance change button 45, the player can change the performance content (for example, the background screen displayed on the LCD display 42), or generate some kind of performance (preview performance, guaranteed bonus promotion performance, promotion performance during a big win, etc.) while the patterns are changing or during a big win game.

[Back side configuration]
As shown in Fig. 2, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a power supply control unit 162, a main control board unit 170, a payout device unit 172, a flow path unit 173, a launch control board set 174, a payout control board unit 176, a back cover unit 178, etc. In addition, the back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with various electronic devices (including a control computer, not shown) that constitute the power supply system and control system of the pachinko machine 1, an external terminal board 160, a power cord (power plug) 164, a ground wire (ground terminal) 166, connection wiring, etc., not shown. The electronic devices will be described further below based on another block diagram (Fig. 9).

The payout device unit 172 has, for example, a prize ball tank 172a and a prize ball case (no reference number), of which the prize ball tank 172a is installed on the upper edge (back side) of the inner frame assembly 7 and can store game balls supplied from a supply path (not shown). The game balls stored in the prize ball tank 172a are guided to the prize ball case through an upper prize ball gutter (not shown). The flow path unit 173 guides the game balls sent out from the payout device unit 172 toward the receiving tray unit 6 on the front side.

The external terminal board 160 is for connecting the pachinko machine 1 to an external electronic device (such as a data display device, hall computer, etc.), and various external information signals (such as winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) that indicate the game progress status and maintenance status of the pachinko machine 1 are output from this external terminal board 160 to the external electronic device.

The power cord 164 is connected to a power supply (e.g., AC 24V) installed in the island equipment of the amusement arcade, for example, to ensure the power source (electricity) necessary for the operation of the pachinko machine 1. The earth wire 166 is connected to an earth terminal also installed in the island equipment, to ensure the earth (ground) of the pachinko machine 1.

[Board configuration]
3 is a front view showing the game board unit 8 alone. In the game area 8a, a relatively large performance unit 40 is arranged at the center, and the game area 8a is largely divided into a left part, a right part, and a lower part with this performance unit 40 as the center. In addition, in the game area 8a, a middle start winning hole 26, a start gate 20, normal winning holes 22, 25, a variable start winning device 28, a first variable winning device 30, a second variable winning device 31, etc. are distributed and installed around the performance unit 40. Of these, the middle start winning hole 26 is located in the center of the lower part of the game area 8a. In the right part (so-called right-hitting area) of the game area 8a, the start gate 20, the normal winning hole 25, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31 are arranged in this order from the top.

The game ball thrown into the game area 8a may pass through the start gate 20 during its flow, enter (win) the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning openings 22 and 25, or enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated, the first variable winning device 30 when opening, or the second variable winning device 31 when opening. Here, the game ball flowing down the left area of the game area 8a may enter the middle start winning opening 26 or the normal winning opening 22. The game ball flowing down the right area of the game area 8a may pass through the start gate 20, enter the normal winning opening 25, enter the variable start winning device 28 when activated, enter the first variable winning device 30 when opening, or enter the second variable winning device 31 when opening. Game balls that enter the intermediate start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 25, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31 are collected on the back side of the game board unit 8 through through holes formed in the game board (the plywood material, transparent board, etc. that constitutes the game board unit 8).

In this embodiment, the variable start winning device 28 operates when a predetermined operating condition is met (when the normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state as a winning symbol), thereby enabling the ball to enter the right start winning hole 28b (normal electric device). The variable start winning device 28 has, for example, one opening and closing member 28a, and is a device in which the opening and closing member 28a slides forward on the board surface (bridge-type electric device). The opening and closing member 28a reciprocates in the forward and backward directions relative to the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening and closing member 28a is in a non-operating position in a state where it is retracted inside the board surface, and at this time the game ball cannot roll on the upper surface of the opening and closing member 28a, making it difficult for the ball to enter the right start winning hole 28b. On the other hand, when the variable start winning device 28 is activated, the opening and closing member 28a protrudes from the board surface toward the player, and the opening and closing member 28a acts as a bridge, allowing the game ball to enter the right start winning hole 28b. During this time, the variable start winning device 28 is in a state where it is not difficult for the game ball to enter, and an event of the ball entering the right start winning hole 28b can occur. Note that although the variable start winning device 28 has been described as an example of a bridge-type device, it may also be a tulip-type device in which the opening and closing member opens and closes to the left and right, or a type of device in which a sliding member drops the game ball and causes it to enter the right start winning hole at the end of the drop. In the time-saving state, the variable start winning device 28 opens for a longer period of time or more times than in the non-time-saving state.

The first variable winning device 30 operates when a specified condition is met (when a special symbol is displayed in a stopped state in the form of a big win, or when a game ball passes through a specific area during a small win game), and allows a ball to enter the first large winning hole 30b (special electric device, special winning event generating means). The first variable winning device 30 has, for example, one opening and closing member 30a. This opening and closing member 30a is displaced from a closed position to an open position by the action of a link mechanism using, for example, a solenoid not shown. As shown in the figure, the opening and closing member 30a is in a closed position (closed state) with the tip facing up, and at this time it is difficult for a ball to enter the first large winning hole 30b (the first large winning hole 30b is blocked). When the first variable winning device 30 operates, the opening and closing member 30a is displaced by tilting to the right using its lower edge portion as a hinge, and opens the first large winning hole 30b (open state). During this time, the first variable winning device 30 is in a state where game balls can flow in, and an event of a ball entering the first large winning opening 30b can occur. At this time, the opening and closing member 30a also functions as a member that guides the flow of game balls into the first large winning opening 30b. The arrangement of the obstacle nails installed on the game board unit 8 is basically in a manner that does not excessively impede the flow of game balls toward the first variable winning device 30 (first large winning opening 30b when activated), but game balls do not necessarily enter the first variable winning device 30 when activated, and ball entries occur randomly.

The second variable winning device 31 operates when a special condition is met (when the special symbol is displayed as a small win) and allows the ball to enter the second large winning hole 31b (special electric device, second special winning event generating means). The second variable winning device 31 may also operate when the special symbol is displayed as a large win.

The second variable winning device 31 is a device arranged on the right side of the performance unit 40, and has, for example, one opening and closing member 31a. The first variable winning device 30 described above employs a device in which the opening and closing member 30a falls to the right (a one-winged tulip-type attacca), while the second variable winning device 31 employs a device in which the opening and closing member 31a slides inside the board (a sliding attacca). This opening and closing member 31a reciprocates back and forth relative to the board, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a solenoid (not shown). The opening and closing member 31a is in a closed position (closed state) protruding from the board toward the player, and at this time the game ball rolls on the top surface of the opening and closing member 31a, making it difficult for the ball to enter the second large winning hole 31b (the second large winning hole 31b is blocked). When the second variable winning device 31 is activated, the opening and closing member 31a is pulled into the inside of the board, opening the second large winning opening 31b (open state). During this time, the second variable winning device 31 is in a state where it is not difficult for game balls to flow in, and an event can occur in which a ball enters the second large winning opening 31b.

[Specific Areas]
In addition, a specific area 31x is provided inside the second variable winning device 31. The specific area 31x is an area through which the game ball has difficulty passing when the second variable winning device 31 is in a closed state, and is an area through which the game ball can pass when the second variable winning device 31 is in an open state and the specific area slide member 31c is retracted into the inside of the board. The second variable winning device 31 will be described in detail later.

Although not specifically shown, the second variable winning device 31 (opening/closing member 31a) may be formed with a game ball rolling speed reduction section that reduces the speed at which the game ball rolls. The game ball rolling speed reduction section can be realized by making the inclination of the opening/closing member 31a gentler, or by forming alternating protrusions on the opening/closing member 31a at the position where the game ball passes through in order to make the game ball move in a zigzag pattern. This makes it possible to cause many game balls to enter the second variable winning device 31 during small win play.

In addition, an outlet 32 is formed in the play area 8a, and game balls that do not win are eventually collected through the outlet 32 to the back side of the game board unit 8. In addition, all game balls shot into the play area 8a, including game balls that have entered the middle start winning port 26, the normal winning ports 22, 25, the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28b), the first variable winning device 30 (first large winning port 30b), and the second variable winning device 31 (second large winning port 31b, specific area), are collected to the back side of the game board unit 8. The collected game balls are discharged outside the frame from the back side of the pachinko machine 1 through an out passage assembly (not shown), and further merge with the supply path of the island equipment (not shown).

4 and 5 are diagrams showing the details of the second variable winning device 31.
The second variable winning device 31 has a second large winning opening 31b disposed below a sliding opening/closing member 31a. The inside of the second large winning opening 31b slopes downward to the left, and a passageway extends downward from the left end. A second count switch 85 is disposed in the passageway extending downward, and the second count switch 85 counts the number of game balls that enter the second variable winning device 31.

The passage that extends downward then branches into two routes: a first passage 31d that continues downward, and a second passage 31e that branches off to the left.
A specific area slide member 31c is disposed in the first passage 31d, and a specific area 31x is disposed downstream of the first passage 31d. A specific area switch (not shown) is disposed inside the specific area 31x.
On the other hand, no special member is disposed in the second passage 31e, and a discharge hole 31y is disposed downstream of the second passage 31e.

The specific area slide member 31c is activated when a special condition is met (between the first time elapsed and the second time elapsed after the second variable winning device 31 is activated), allowing the game ball to pass through to the specific area 31x. The specific area slide member 31c slides along the front-to-back direction of the board surface, for example, by the action of a link mechanism using a specific area solenoid (not shown). For example, the first time elapsed can be 5.0 seconds after the second variable winning device 31 is activated, and the second time elapsed can be 10.0 seconds after the second variable winning device 31 is activated.

When the specific area solenoid is in the OFF state, the specific area slide member 31c blocks the first passage 31d, making it difficult for the game ball to pass through the specific area 31x. On the other hand, when the specific area solenoid is in the ON state, the specific area slide member 31c is pulled inward of the board surface, making it easier for the game ball to pass through the specific area 31x.

Next, the operation of the second variable winning device 31 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 4A, the sliding opening/closing member 31a is retracted to the inside of the board, and the game balls have entered the second large winning hole 31b. In the illustrated example, four game balls are moving toward the second large winning hole 31b. Here, the first game ball is about to be detected by the second count switch 85.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the first game ball has reached the specific area slide member 31c. The second and third game balls are moving toward the second count switch 85. The fourth game ball is about to enter the second large prize opening 31b.

As shown in FIG. 4C, at this point, the specific area slide member 31c has not been pulled inward (is not in operation), so the first game ball is redirected to the left by the specific area slide member 31c and travels through the second passage 31e. In this case, the first game ball is collected by the discharge hole 31y.

As shown in FIG. 5 (D), the specific area slide member 31c is assumed to have been pulled into the inside of the board surface at this point (in operation). In this case, the second game ball passes through the front side of the specific area slide member 31c and proceeds to the first passage 31d. The second game ball then passes through the specific area 31x and is detected by the specific area switch.

As shown in FIG. 5 (E), the third game ball also passes through the front side of the specific area slide member 31c and proceeds to the first passage 31d. In this case, the third game ball passes through the specific area 31x and is detected by the specific area switch.

As shown in FIG. 5 (F), at this point, the operation of the specific area slide member 31c is completed, and the specific area slide member 31c protrudes forward from the board surface. In this case, the fourth game ball is guided to the left by the specific area slide member 31c and proceeds to the second passage 31e. The fourth game ball is then collected by the discharge hole 31y.

6 and 7 are diagrams showing the variable start winning device 28 in greater detail.
The variable start winning device 28 is equipped with a sliding opening/closing member 28a and a right start winning port 28b located at the lower left of the opening/closing member 28a. An upstream passage 28c is located upstream of the opening/closing member 28a, and a downstream passage 28d is located downstream of the opening/closing member 28a, so that the opening/closing member 28a is generally inclined downward to the left. The right start winning port 28b is located at the left end of the downstream passage 28d. A right start winning port switch (not shown) is located inside the right start winning port 28b.

When the normal electric role solenoid is OFF, the opening and closing member 28a is pulled inside the board, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the right start winning hole 28b. On the other hand, when the normal electric role solenoid is ON, the opening and closing member 28a protrudes from the board toward the player, making it easy for the game ball to roll through the upstream passage 28c, the opening and closing member 28a, and the downstream passage 28d in that order and enter the right start winning hole 28b.

Next, the operation of the variable start winning device 28 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6(A), the gaming ball is rolling in the upstream passage 28c.
6B, at this point, the opening/closing member 28a is retracted inside the surface of the game board (not in operation). In this case, the game ball passes through the front side of the opening/closing member 28a and falls downward.
As shown in FIG. 6C, the game ball that passes through the front side of the opening/closing member 28a does not enter the right start winning hole 28b.

As shown in FIG. 7(D), the gaming ball is rolling in the upstream passage 28c.
7(E), at this point, the opening/closing member 28a protrudes from the surface of the board toward the player (is in operation). In this case, the gaming ball passes over the opening/closing member 28a and heads toward the downstream passage 28d.
As shown in FIG. 7(F), the gaming ball that reaches the downstream passage 28d then enters the right start winning hole 28b.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view showing a portion of the game board unit 8 (the lower left position within the window 4a).
The game board unit 8 is provided with, for example, a normal pattern display device 33 (normal pattern display means) and a normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a at the lower right position within the window 4a, as well as a first special pattern display device 34 (first pattern display means, pattern display means), a second special pattern display device 35 (second pattern display means, pattern display means), a first special pattern operation memory lamp 34a, a second special pattern operation memory lamp 35a and a game status display device 38.

The normal pattern display device 33, for example, alternately lights up two lamps (LEDs) to display the normal pattern in a variable manner, and displays the normal pattern in a stationary manner by turning the lamps on or off. The normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a displays the number of memories, from 0 to 4, for example, by turning off, turning on, or blinking the two lamps (LEDs). For example, a display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays the number of memories as 0, a display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 1, a display mode in which the same lamp is blinked displays the number of memories as 2, a display mode in which one lamp is blinked and another lamp is turned on displays the number of memories as 3, and a display mode in which both lamps are blinked displays the number of memories as 4. Note that although two lamps (LEDs) are used here, the normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a may be configured using four lamps (LEDs). In this case, the number of operation memories can be displayed by the number of lamps that are lit.

Whenever a game ball passes through the start gate 20, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) to remember that a pass has occurred that triggers an operation lottery, and decreases by one each time the normal symbol starts to change due to that pass. In this embodiment, if the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if the game ball passes through the start gate 20 when the normal symbol is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In other words, the number of memories (maximum of four) represented by the display mode of the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a represents the number of passes that have not yet started changing the normal symbol at that point in time.

The first special pattern display device 34 and the second special pattern display device 35 can display the changing and stopped states of the special pattern using, for example, a 7-segment LED (with dots) (pattern display means, first pattern display means, second pattern display means). In addition, the first special pattern display device 34 and the second special pattern display device 35 may be in the form of a geometric arrangement (for example, a circular shape) of multiple dot LEDs.

The first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a each display a memory number of 0 to 4, for example, by a display mode consisting of a combination of two lamps (LEDs) being turned off, turned on, or blinking (memory number display means). For example, a display mode in which both lamps are turned off displays a memory number of 0, a display mode in which one lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 1, a display mode in which the same lamp is blinking displays a memory number of 2, a display mode in which one lamp is blinking and the other lamp is turned on displays a memory number of 3, and a display mode in which both lamps are blinking displays a memory number of 4, and so on.

The first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) each time a game ball enters the middle start winning hole 26 to remember that a ball has entered, and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. The second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a increases by one (up to a maximum of four) each time a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning hole 28b) to remember that a ball has entered, and decreases by one each time the special symbol starts to change with the ball entering. In this embodiment, if the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display mode does not change even if a game ball enters the middle start winning hole 26 when the first special symbol (first symbol) is already in a state where it can start to change (when the stop display is displayed). In addition, when the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is not lit (the number of memories is 0), the display state does not change even if a game ball enters the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning hole 28b) when the second special symbol (second symbol) is already in a state where it can start changing (when the display is stopped). In other words, the number of memories (maximum 4) represented by the display state of each special symbol activation memory lamp 34a, 35a represents the number of balls that have entered the game before the first special symbol or second special symbol has started changing at that point in time.

The game status display device 38 also includes six LEDs corresponding to, for example, the jackpot type indicator lamps 38a and 38b, the time-saving status indicator lamp 38e, and the launch position designation indicator lamp 38f. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are mounted on a single integrated display board 89 and attached to the game board unit 8.

[Other configurations of the game board: see Figure 3]
The performance unit 40 has an upper edge 40a that functions as a guide member for changing the direction of the game ball flow, and is provided with various decorative parts 40b, 40c on the inside. The decorative parts 40b, 40c enhance the decorativeness of the game board unit 8 with their three-dimensional shape, and can perform a dramatic action by emitting transmitted light from a built-in light-emitting device (such as an LED). In addition, a liquid crystal display 42 (image display) is installed on the upper inside of the performance unit 40, and various performance images are displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, including a performance pattern (main pattern) corresponding to a special pattern, a fourth pattern, and a memory marker (reserved display). In this way, the game board unit 8 impresses the player with the characteristics of the pachinko machine 1 based on the configuration of the board surface (the design of the cell plate, not shown) and the decorativeness of the performance unit 40.

In addition, a drum unit 200 is installed at the lower inside of the performance unit 40.
Drum unit 200 includes left reel 201, center reel 202, and right reel 203, and each reel displays a pseudo-effect symbol (such as a 7 symbol, a panda symbol, or a cherry symbol). For example, when the same color 7 symbol is displayed on the middle line, which is the active line, it indicates that a jackpot has been obtained in the special symbol lottery. Each reel of drum unit 200 is a movable body that can move at multiple movable speeds.

In addition, a ball guide passage 40d is formed on the left edge of the performance unit 40. The ball guide passage 40d passes through the back side of the performance unit 40 and is connected to the rolling stage 40e below. The ball guide passage 40d opens diagonally upward to the left in the game area 8a, and when game balls flowing down in the game area 8a randomly flow into the ball guide passage 40d, they pass through the inside and are released onto the rolling stage 40e. The upper surface of the rolling stage 40e has a smoothly curved surface, and here the game balls can roll freely in the left and right directions. The game balls that roll on the rolling stage 40e eventually flow down into the game area 8a below. A ball discharge path 40k is formed in the center position of the rolling stage 40e, and the game balls guided from the rolling stage 40e to the ball discharge path 40k tend to flow into the middle start winning hole 26 located directly below it.

In addition, inside the upper center of the performance unit 40, a movable body 40f for performance (e.g., a heart-shaped ornament) and a driving source (e.g., a motor, solenoid, etc.) (not shown) are attached. The movable body 40f for performance can perform performances that involve the movement of tangible objects, in addition to performances using images on the LCD display 42 and performances using light emitters. Performances using such movable body 40f can exert a different appeal than performances using two-dimensional images.

[Control configuration]
Next, the configuration relating to the control of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing various electronic devices equipped in the pachinko machine 1. The pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 70 (main control computer, main control means, main control CPU) which is the center of control operations, and this main control device 70 mainly has the function of controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko machine 1. The main control device 70 is built into the main control board unit 170 described above.

The main control device 70 is also equipped with a circuit board (main control board) on which the main control CPU 72, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The main control CPU 72 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 74 and RAM (RWM) 76 together with a CPU core and registers (not shown). The main control device 70 is also equipped with a random number generator 75 and a sampling circuit 77. Of these, the random number generator 75 generates hardware random numbers (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery has been won and for determining whether or not a normal symbol lottery has been won, and the random numbers generated here are input to the main control CPU 72 through the sampling circuit 77. The main control device 70 is also equipped with an input/output (I/O) port 79 and peripheral ICs such as a clock generation circuit and a counter/timer circuit (CTC), which are mounted on the circuit board together with the main control CPU 72. Signal transmission paths, power supply paths, control buses, etc. are formed as wiring patterns on the circuit board (or on the inner layers).

The above-mentioned start gate 20 is integrally provided with a gate switch 78 for detecting the passage of game balls. In addition, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a middle start winning port switch 80, a right start winning port switch 82, a first count switch 84, and a second count switch 85 corresponding to the middle start winning port 26, the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, and the second variable winning device 31, respectively. Each start winning port switch 80, 82 is for detecting the winning of game balls into the start winning port 26 and the variable start winning device 28 (right start winning port 28b). In addition, the count switch 84 is for detecting the winning of game balls into the first variable winning device 30 (first large winning port 30b) and counting the number of winning balls. Furthermore, the second count switch 85 is for detecting the winning of game balls into the second variable winning device 31 (second large winning port 31b) and counting the number of winning balls.

In addition, a specific area switch 83 is provided in correspondence with the specific area 31x. A specific area switch 83 is provided in a position corresponding to the specific area 31x inside the second large prize opening 31b, and the specific area switch 83 detects that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x.

Similarly, the game board unit 8 is equipped with a prize opening switch 86 that detects the entry of game balls into the normal prize openings 22, 25. Note that, although a configuration in which a common prize opening switch 86 is used for all normal prize openings 22, 25 is given as an example here, for example, separate prize opening switches 86 may be provided on the left and right sides of the board, with the left prize opening switch 86 detecting the entry of game balls into the normal prize openings 22, 25 located on the left side of the board, and the right prize opening switch 86 detecting the entry of game balls into the normal prize opening 25 located on the right side of the board.

In any case, the winning detection signals and passing detection signals of these switches 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, and 86 are input to the main control CPU 72 via an input/output driver (not shown). In addition, due to the configuration of the game board unit 8, in this embodiment, the winning detection signals and passing detection signals from the gate switch 78, the specific area switch 83, the count switch 84, and the winning port switch 86 are transmitted via the panel relay terminal board 87, which is provided with wiring patterns and connection terminals for relaying each winning detection signal.

The display operations of the above-mentioned normal symbol display device 33, normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, first special symbol display device 34, second special symbol display device 35, first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, and game status display device 38 are controlled based on control signals from the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 outputs control signals to these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a according to the progress of the game, and controls the lighting state of each LED. In addition, these display devices 33, 34, 35, 38 and lamps 33a, 34a, 35a are installed in the game board unit 8 in a state where they are mounted on a single integrated display board 89 as described above, and a control signal is transmitted from the main control CPU 72 to this integrated display board 89 via the above-mentioned panel relay terminal board 87.

The game board unit 8 is also provided with a normal electric device solenoid 88, a first large prize opening solenoid 90, a second large prize opening solenoid 97, and a specific area solenoid 99, which correspond to the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the specific area 31x, respectively. These solenoids 88, 90, 97, and 99 operate (excite) based on control signals from the main control CPU 72, and respectively open and close the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, and the specific area 31x. Note that control signals are also sent from the main control CPU 72 to these solenoids 88, 90, 97, and 99 via the panel relay terminal board 87.

In addition, a glass frame opening switch 91 is installed on the integrated door unit 4, and a plastic frame opening switch 93 is installed on the inner frame assembly 7. When the integrated door unit 4 is opened alone, a contact signal from the glass frame opening switch 91 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72), and when the inner frame assembly 7 is opened from the outer frame unit 2, a contact signal from the plastic frame opening switch 93 is input to the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72). The main control CPU 72 can detect the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7 from these contact signals. When the main control CPU 72 detects the open state of the integrated door unit 4 and the inner frame assembly 7, it generates a door open information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal.

The back side of the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a payout control device 92 (special bonus granting means). This payout control device 92 (payout control computer) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 described above. The payout control device 92 is equipped with a circuit board (payout control board) on which a payout control CPU 94 is mounted, and this payout control CPU 94 is also configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 96 and RAM 98 together with a CPU core not shown. The payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) controls the operation of the payout device unit 172 based on the prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, and executes the payout operation of the requested number of game balls. The main control CPU 72 generates a prize ball information signal as the above-mentioned external information signal together with the prize ball instruction command.

In a prize ball case (not shown) of the payout device unit 172, a payout motor 102 (e.g., a stepping motor) and a payout device board 100 are installed, and a drive circuit for the payout motor 102 is provided on this payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 specifically controls the rotation angle of the payout motor 102 based on a payout number instruction signal from the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94), and causes the specified number of game balls to be paid out from the prize ball case. The paid-out game balls are sent to the receiving tray unit 6 through the payout flow path in the flow path unit 173.

For example, a payout path ball out switch 104 is installed upstream of the prize ball case, and a payout counting switch 106 is installed downstream of the payout motor 102. Each time a prize ball is actually paid out by driving the payout motor 102, a counting signal from the payout counting switch 106 is input to the payout device board 100. Also, when a ball runs out upstream of the prize ball case, a contact signal from the payout path ball out switch 104 is input to the payout device board 100. The payout device board 100 transmits the input counting signal and contact signal to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). The payout control CPU 94 can detect the actual number of payouts and the ball out state based on the signal received from the payout device board 100.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a full tank switch 161, for example, inside the lower tray 6c (at the rear position when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 1). The prize balls (game balls) that are actually paid out are released to the upper tray 6b through the flow path unit 173, but when the upper tray 6b is full of game balls, the game balls paid out beyond that flow into the lower tray 6c as described above. When the lower tray 6c is further filled with game balls, the full tank switch 161 is turned ON, and a full tank detection signal is input to the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94). In response to this, even if the payout control CPU 94 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control CPU 72, it temporarily suspends any further prize ball operations and stores the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out in the RAM 98. The memory in the RAM 98 can be backed up even when the power is turned off, so that the information on the number of remaining prize balls that have not been paid out will not be lost even if a power outage (including a momentary power outage) occurs during play.

The launch control board 108 and the launch solenoid 110 are installed on the back side of the pachinko machine 1. The tray unit 6 is provided with a ball feed solenoid 111. The launch control board 108, the launch solenoid 110, and the ball feed solenoid 111 constitute the launch control board set 174 described above, and the launch control board 108 is provided with drive circuits for the launch solenoid 110 and the ball feed solenoid 111. The ball feed solenoid 111 sends out the game balls stored in the tray unit 6 one by one to a predetermined launch position in the launcher case. The launch solenoid 110 strikes the game balls sent out to the launch position, and as described above, continuously (intermittently) shoots out the game balls one by one toward the game area 8a. The launch interval of the game balls is, for example, about 0.6 seconds (within 100 balls per minute).

The grip unit 16, located on the front side of the pachinko machine 1, is provided with a firing lever volume 112, a touch sensor 114, and a firing stop switch 116. Of these, the firing lever volume 112 generates an analog signal proportional to the amount of operation of the firing handle by the player (the so-called stroke). The touch sensor 114 detects that the player's body is touching the grip unit 16 (firing handle) from a change in capacitance, and outputs a detection signal. The firing stop switch 116 generates a firing stop signal (contact signal) in response to the player's operation.

The above-mentioned tray unit 6 is provided with a launch relay terminal board 118, and each signal from the launch lever volume 112, the touch sensor 114, and the launch stop switch 116 is sent to the launch control board 108 via the launch relay terminal board 118. In addition, the drive signal from the launch control board 108 is applied to the ball feed solenoid 111 via the launch relay terminal board 118. When the player operates the launch handle, an analog signal (which may be an encoded digital signal) is generated in the launch lever volume 112 according to the amount of operation, and the launch solenoid 110 is driven based on this signal. This adjusts the strength of the game ball to be shot according to the amount of operation by the player. The drive circuit of the launch control board 108 stops driving the launch solenoid 110 when the detection signal from the touch sensor 114 is off (low level) or when a launch stop signal is input from the launch stop switch 116. In addition, the launch relay terminal board 118 is connected to the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, and if the above-mentioned CR unit is not connected to this game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120, the drive circuit of the launch control board 108 also stops driving the launch solenoid 110.

The tray unit 6 also has a built-in degree display board 122 and a loan and return switch board 123. The degree display board 122 is provided with a display (three-digit seven-segment LED) for the degree display section. The loan and return switch board 123 is also equipped with a switch module that is connected to the ball loan button 10 and the return button 12, respectively. When the ball loan button 10 or the return button 12 is operated, the operation signal is transmitted from the loan and return switch board 123 to the CR unit via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. The CR unit also transmits a degree signal indicating the remaining degree of the valuable medium to the degree display board 122 via the game ball etc. loan device connection terminal board 120. A display circuit (not shown) on the degree display board 122 drives the display based on the degree signal and displays the remaining degree of the valuable medium numerically. In addition, if no valuable media has been inserted into the CR unit, or if the remaining points of the inserted valuable media reach zero, the display circuit of the point display board 122 can drive the display to display a demo (a display encouraging the insertion of valuable media).

The pachinko machine 1 also includes a performance control device 124 (performance control computer) as a control component. This performance control device 124 controls the performance that accompanies the progress of play in the pachinko machine 1. The performance control device 124 is also equipped with a circuit board (composite sub-control board) on which a performance control CPU 126, which is a central processing unit, is mounted. The performance control CPU 126 incorporates semiconductor memories such as ROM 128 and RAM 130 as main memory, along with a CPU core (not shown). The performance control device 124 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 1 in a position covered by the above-mentioned back cover unit 178.

The performance control device 124 is also equipped with input/output drivers and various peripheral ICs (not shown), as well as a lamp drive circuit 132 and an audio drive circuit 134. The performance control CPU 126 controls the performance based on performance commands sent from the main control CPU 72, and issues commands to the lamp drive circuit 132 and audio drive circuit 134 to light up the various lamps 46-52 and the panel lamp 53, and to actually output sound effects and voices from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

The performance control device 124 and the main control device 70 are connected to each other, for example, via a communication harness (not shown). However, communication between them is only one-way, from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, and communication in the opposite direction is not performed. Note that the communication harness may adopt a parallel format according to the bus width of the various commands sent from the main control device 70 to the performance control device 124, or a serial format may be used according to the hardware configuration of each driver IC (I/O).

The lamp driving circuit 132 includes switching elements such as PWM (pulse width modulation) ICs and MOSFETs (not shown), and the lamp driving circuit 132 switches (or switches the duty) the driving voltage applied to various lamps including LEDs to manage their light emission, blinking, and other operations. In addition to the above-mentioned glass frame top lamp 46 and glass frame decorative lamps 48, 50, and 52, the various lamps include a board lamp 53 for decoration and performance installed on the game board unit 8. The board lamp 53 corresponds to the LED built into the above-mentioned performance unit, or the LED built into the variable start winning device 28, the first variable winning device 30, the second variable winning device 31, etc. In this example, the glass frame decorative lamp 52 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, but a configuration in which a saucer illumination board is installed in the saucer unit 6 and the glass frame decorative lamp 52 is connected to the lamp driving circuit 132 via the saucer illumination board may also be used.

The acoustic drive circuit 134 is a sound generator that incorporates, for example, a sound ROM, an acoustic control IC, an amplifier, etc. (not shown), and this acoustic drive circuit 134 drives the glass frame speakers 54, 55 and the outer frame speaker 56 to output sound.

In this embodiment, a glass frame illumination board 136 is installed on the inner surface of the integrated door unit 4, and the drive signals from the lamp drive circuit 132 and the sound drive circuit 134 are applied to the various lamps 46-52 and speakers 54, 55, and 56 via the glass frame illumination board 136. The above-mentioned performance switching button 45 is also connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, and when the player operates the performance switching button 45, the contact signal is input to the performance control device 124 through the glass frame illumination board 136. Note that here, an example is given in which the performance switching button 45 is connected to the glass frame illumination board 136, but if the above-mentioned receiving plate illumination board is installed, the performance switching button 45 may be connected to the receiving plate illumination board. In addition, a panel illumination board 138 is installed on the game board unit 8, and in addition to the board lamp 53, a movable body motor 57 is connected to this panel illumination board 138. The movable body motor 57 drives the above-mentioned movable body 40f, for example, via a link mechanism not shown. The drive signal from the lamp drive circuit 132 is applied to the panel lamp 53 and the movable body motor 57 via the panel illumination board 138. The movable body motor 57 may be a solenoid.

[Drum unit]
In addition, a drum unit 200 is connected to the performance control device 124.
The drum unit 200 includes a left reel 201, a center reel 202, and a right reel 203 arranged coaxially.
The left reel 201, the center reel 202, and the right reel 203 are each formed in a circular shape, and a reel band on which a plurality of pseudo performance symbols are arranged at intervals is wound around the periphery. The left reel 201, the center reel 202, and the right reel 203 each have a rotation axis at their center, and can be rotated or reversed around the rotation axis.

The drum unit 200 is also provided with stepping motors (not shown) corresponding to each reel (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as motors), and position detection mechanisms (not shown) corresponding to each reel. The position detection mechanisms may be disposed inside the stepping motors or may be disposed outside the stepping motors. The position detection mechanisms may be configured, for example, with a light shield and a photosensor.

The stepping motor is driven by a drum unit control device (driver, IC) (not shown) that controls the drum unit 200. The drum unit control device drives each reel in response to movable body data transmitted from the performance control device 124. The drum unit control device also transmits a detection signal to the performance control device 124 in response to the detection of the position (e.g., origin position) of each reel detected by the position detection mechanism.

Then, based on the detection signal sent from the drum unit control device, the performance control device 124 generates movable body data to send to the stepping motor corresponding to each reel, and controls the operation of each reel.

A stepping motor is a motor that drives each reel (movable body) by alternating between one-phase excitation and two-phase excitation (1-2 phase excitation drive), and the stepping motor contains four coils (coil 1 to coil 4).

The liquid crystal display 42 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display screen can be seen through a substantially rectangular opening formed in the game board unit 8. In addition, an inverter board 158 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and this inverter board 158 generates AC power applied to the backlight (e.g., cold cathode fluorescent lamp) of the liquid crystal display 42. Furthermore, a performance display control device 144 is installed on the back side of the game board unit 8, and the display operation by the liquid crystal display 42 is controlled by the performance display control device 144. The performance display control device 144 is equipped with a circuit board (performance display control board) on which a display processor VDP 152 is mounted, together with a display control CPU 146, which is a general-purpose central processing unit. Of these, the display control CPU 146 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as ROM 148 and RAM 150 together with a CPU core (not shown). The VDP 152 is configured as an LSI that integrates semiconductor memories such as an image ROM 154 and a VRAM 156 together with a processor core (not shown). Note that part of the storage area of the VRAM 156 can be used as a frame buffer.

The ROM 128 of the performance control CPU 126 stores a basic program for controlling the performance, and the performance control CPU 126 executes control of the performance in accordance with this program. The control of the performance includes control of the performance using the various lamps 46-53 and speakers 54, 55, 56 as described above, as well as control of the performance by image display using the LCD display 42. The performance control CPU 126 sends basic information about the performance (for example, the performance number) to the display control CPU 146, and upon receiving this, the display control CPU 146 controls the display of specific images for the performance based on the basic information.

The display control CPU 146 outputs a more detailed control signal to the VDP 152. The VDP 152 receives this signal and accesses the image ROM 154 based on the control signal, reads out the necessary image data from there, and transfers it to the VRAM 156. The VDP 152 then expands the image data on the VRAM 156 into a frame buffer for each frame (still image per unit time), and individually drives each pixel (full-color pixel) of the liquid crystal display 42 based on the image data buffered here.

In addition, a power supply control unit 162 (power supply control means) is equipped on the back side of the inner frame assembly 7. This power supply control unit 162 has a built-in switching power supply circuit, and when it takes in external power (e.g., AC 24 V, etc.) from the island equipment through the power cord 164, it can generate the necessary power (e.g., DC +34 V, +12 V, etc.) from it. The power generated by the power supply control unit 162 is distributed to the main control device 70, the payout control device 92, the performance control device 124, and the inverter board 158. Furthermore, power is supplied to the launch control board 108 via the payout control device 92, and power is supplied to the CR unit via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 120. In addition, low-voltage power (e.g., DC +5 V) for logic is generated by a power supply IC (e.g., a three-terminal regulator, etc.) built into each device. In addition, as described above, the power supply control unit 162 is earthed (grounded) to the island equipment through the earth wire 166.

The external terminal board 160 is connected to the payout control device 92, and various external information signals generated by the main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) are output from the external terminal board 160 to the outside via the payout control device 92. The main control device 70 (main control CPU 72) and the payout control device 92 (payout control CPU 94) can output external information signals to the outside of the pachinko machine 1 through the external terminal board 160. The signals output from the external terminal board 160 are collected, for example, by a hall computer (not shown) in the game center. Note that, although a configuration in which the signals are output via the payout control device 92 is given here as an example, a configuration in which the external information signals are output directly from the main control device 70 to the external terminal board 160 may also be used.

The above is an example of the configuration related to the control of the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the control processing executed by the main control CPU 72 of the main control device 70.

[Reset start (main) processing]
When the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the main control CPU 72 starts the reset start process. The reset start process is a process for adjusting the initial state of the pachinko machine 1 by restoring the game state based on the backup information saved at the time of the previous power cut (so-called power recovery) or, conversely, clearing the backup information. The reset start process is also positioned as the main process (main control program) for ensuring stable game operation of the pachinko machine 1 after adjusting the initial state.

Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure for the reset start process. Below, each step of the process performed by the main control CPU 72 is explained in order.

Step S101: The main control CPU 72 first sets the top address of the stack area to the stack pointer.

Step S102: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the vector-based interrupt mode (mode 2) and modifies the default RST-based interrupt mode (mode 0). This allows the main control CPU 72 to subsequently reference any address (where the least significant bit is 0) as an interrupt vector and execute a specified interrupt handler.

Step S103: The main control CPU 72 executes standby processing at reset time. This processing secures a certain amount of standby time (e.g., several thousand ms) at the time of reset start (e.g., power-on) and checks the main power failure detection signal during that time. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a loop counter for the standby time, and performs a bit check of the input port for the main power failure detection signal while decrementing the loop counter value. The main power failure detection signal is input, for example, from a power supply monitoring IC, which is a peripheral device. Then, if the main control CPU 72 confirms the input of the main power failure detection signal before the loop counter reaches 0, it resumes processing from the beginning. This makes it possible to protect the system when, for example, the main power switch (not shown) is repeatedly turned on and off within a short period of time (about 1 to 2 seconds).

Step S104: Next, the main control CPU 72 permits access to the work area of the RAM 76. Specifically, it resets the RAM protection setting value of the work area (to 00H). This allows access to the work area of the RAM 76 from then on.

Step S105: The main control CPU 72 also initializes the mask register to set the interrupt mask. Specifically, it stores a value that enables the CTC interrupt in the mask register.

Step S106: The main control CPU 72 refers to the input signal from the RAM clear switch that was saved earlier, and checks whether the RAM clear switch has been operated (switched ON). If the RAM clear switch has not been operated (No), it then executes step S107.

Step S107: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether backup information is stored in the RAM 76, i.e., whether the backup validity determination flag is set. If the backup ended normally in the previous power-off process and the backup validity determination flag (e.g., "A55AH") is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S108.

Step S108: The main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on the backup information in RAM 76. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 performs a sum check on all areas of the work area of RAM 76 (user work area including the prohibited area and stack area) except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer. If the result of the sum check is normal (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S109.

Step S109: The main control CPU 72 resets the backup validity determination flag (e.g., to "0000H").
Step S110: The main control CPU 72 also clears any commands that were waiting to be sent immediately before the previous power outage occurred.

Step S111: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a presentation control return process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 transmits return commands (e.g., a machine type designation command, a special symbol probability state designation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a presentation command when the number of operation memories decreases, a number-off counter command, a special game state designation command, etc.) to the presentation control device 124. In response to this, the presentation control device 124 can return to the presentation state that was active at the time of the previous power outage (e.g., the internal probability state, the display mode of the presentation symbol, the presentation display mode of the number of operation memories, the sound output contents, the light emission state of various lamps, etc.).

Step S112: The main control CPU 72 executes a state restoration process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets various values in the work area of the RAM 76 based on the backup information, and restores the game state that was being executed at the time of the previous power outage (for example, the display mode of the special symbol, the internal probability state, the contents of the operation memory, the various flag states, the random number update state, etc.). The main control CPU 72 also restores the backed up values of the PC register.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch was operated when the power was turned on (step S106: Yes), if the backup validity determination flag was not set (step S107: No), or if the backup information was not normal (step S108: No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S113.

Step S113: The main control CPU 72 clears the contents stored in the RAM 76 other than the prohibited areas. This initializes all of the work areas and stack areas of the RAM 76, and erases the contents even if valid backup information is stored therein.
Step S114: The main control CPU 72 also performs initial settings for the RAM 76.

Step S115: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs commands (commands necessary for performance control) to be sent to the performance control device 124 after the initial setting.

Step S116: The main control CPU 72 executes a payout control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 outputs an instruction command to the payout control device 92 to start paying out prize balls.

Step S117: The main control CPU 72 executes a CTC initial setting process to initialize the CTC (counter/timer circuit), which is a peripheral device. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets an interrupt vector register and also sets an interrupt count value (e.g., 4 ms) in the CTC. This allows the main control CPU 72 to continue processing from the program address of the backed up PC register the next time a CTC interrupt occurs.

When the above steps are executed in the reset start process, the main control CPU 72 transitions to the main loop shown in FIG. 11 (connection symbol A→A).

Step S118, Step S119: The main control CPU 72 prohibits interrupts and then executes a power interruption check process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 performs a bit check on the input port of the main power interruption detection signal to monitor the occurrence of a power interruption (a drop in the drive voltage). When a power interruption occurs, the main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 90, etc., backs up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76 except for the backup validity determination flag and the sum check buffer, and saves the sum result value in the sum check buffer. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the above valid value (for example, "A55AH") in the backup validity determination flag area, prohibits access to the RAM 76, and stops the process (NOP). On the other hand, if a power interruption does not occur, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S120. Note that there is also a known programming example in which the CPU executes such a process at the time of a power interruption as a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) process.

Step S120: The main control CPU 72 executes an initial value update random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 increments random numbers for updating (changing) the initial values of various software random numbers. In this embodiment, various random numbers (e.g., jackpot pattern random numbers, reach judgment random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.) other than the jackpot determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) and the win determination random numbers (hardware random numbers) corresponding to normal patterns are generated in the program. These software random numbers are updated by a loop counter within a predetermined range in another interrupt process (step S201 in FIG. 13), but in this process, the initial value of the loop counter (not all random numbers are the target) is changed every time the random number value goes around once. The initial value update random numbers are used to randomly change these initial values, and in step S120, the initial value update random numbers are updated. The reason why step S120 is executed after interrupts are prohibited in step S118 is to prevent overlap (conflict) with another interrupt management process (step S202 in FIG. 13) that executes a similar process. As described above, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number are hardware random numbers generated by the random number generator 75, and the update period is even faster (e.g., several μs) than the timer interrupt period (e.g., several ms), so there is no need to update the initial values of the jackpot determination random number and the win determination random number.

Step S121, Step S122: The main control CPU 72 permits the interrupt and executes other random number update processing. The random numbers updated in this processing are software random numbers that are not related to the determination of the type of win (type of hit) (reach determination random numbers, fluctuation pattern determination random numbers, etc.). This processing is performed in the remaining time when a timer interrupt occurs during execution of the main loop and the main control CPU 72 executes another interrupt management processing (Figure 13). The contents of the interrupt management processing will be described later.

[Power interruption check process]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart specifically showing an example of the procedure of the power interruption occurrence check process.
Step S130: First, the main control CPU 72 sets a condition for checking whether a power interruption has occurred. This check condition can be set, for example, as an on-counter value for confirming that the main power interruption detection signal is being continuously output.

Step S132: Next, the main control CPU 72 reads the main power failure detection switch input port and checks whether or not a main power failure detection signal is being output (checks a specific bit). Although not specifically shown, the main power failure detection switch is implemented, for example, in the main control device 70, and this main power failure detection switch monitors the drive voltage supplied from the power supply control unit 162, and outputs a main power failure detection signal when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage. The main power failure detection switch may be built into the power supply control unit 162. When the main control CPU 72 checks that a main power failure detection signal is not currently being output (No), it exits this process and returns to the reset start process. On the other hand, when it checks that a main power failure detection signal is being output (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S134.

Step S134: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the above check conditions are met. Specifically, the on-counter value set in the previous step S130 is decremented by, for example, 1, and whether the result is 0 is checked. If the on-counter value is still not 0 at this point (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to step S132 and checks the main power interruption detection switch input port again. Then, when the check conditions are met by repeating the loop from step S134 to step S132 (step S134: Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S136.

Step S136: The main control CPU 72 clears the output port buffers corresponding to the test signal terminal and the command control signal in addition to the output ports corresponding to the normal electric role solenoid 88 and the large prize opening solenoid 90 as described above.

Steps S138 and S140: Next, the main control CPU 72 adds up the entire contents of the work area of the RAM 76, excluding the backup validity determination flag and the checksum buffer, in byte units, and repeats this process until the addition is completed for the entire area.
Step S142: When the calculation of the sum for all areas is completed (Step S140: Yes), the main control CPU 72 stores the sum result value in the sum check buffer.

Step S144: Next, the main control CPU 72 stores a valid value in the backup validity determination flag area as described above.
Step S146: The main control CPU 72 also stores "01H", which indicates that access is prohibited, in the protection value of RAM 76, and prohibits access to the work area of RAM 76 (including the prohibited area and stack area).
Step S148: The main control CPU 72 then enters a standby loop and stops all other processing in preparation for the main power being cut off. After the main power is cut off, backup power is supplied from a backup power circuit (e.g., a circuit including a capacitive element mounted on the main control device 70) (not shown), so the contents stored in the RAM 76 are retained even after the main power is cut off. The backup power circuit may be built into the power supply control unit 162, for example.

Through the above process, all information stored in the work area of RAM 76 that is to be backed up (subject to sum addition) will be retained as memory in RAM 76 even after the main power is turned off. In addition, the retained memory will be restored as backup information at the time of power outage after the checksum is confirmed to be normal in the previous reset start process (Figure 10).

[Interrupt management process (timer interrupt process)]
Next, the interrupt management process (timer interrupt process) will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the interrupt management process. The main control CPU 72 executes the interrupt management process at predetermined time intervals (e.g., several ms) based on an interrupt request signal from the counter/timer circuit. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S200: First, the main control CPU 72 saves the values of the registers (accumulator A and flag register F, and each pair of general-purpose registers B to L) that were used during execution of the main loop to a save area in the RAM 76. After the values have been saved, another value can be written to the registers (A to L) during the interrupt management process.

Step S201: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a lottery random number update process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 updates the values of the counters used to generate various random numbers for the lottery. The values of each counter are incremented in the counter area of the RAM 76, and each loops within a specified range. The various random numbers include, for example, jackpot symbol random numbers.

Step S202: The main control CPU 72 also executes the initial value update random number update process. The contents of the process are the same as those described above.

Step S203: The main control CPU 72 executes input processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 inputs various switch signals from the input/output (I/O) port 79. Specifically, it reads the input state (ON/OFF) of the passing detection signal from the gate switch 78, and the winning detection signals from the middle start winning port switch 80, the right start winning port switch 82, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, the winning port switch 86, and the specific area switch 83.

Step S204: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes switch input event processing. In this processing, among the switch signals input in the previous input processing, a determination is made as to an event that has occurred during play based on the passage detection signals from the gate switch 78, the center start winning port switch 80, the right start winning port switch 82, the first count switch 84, the second count switch 85, and the specific area switch 83, and further processing is executed according to each of the events that have occurred. The specific contents of the switch input event processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the center start winning port switch 80 or the right start winning port switch 82, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers an internal lottery (lottery trigger, first lottery trigger, second lottery trigger) corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern has occurred. In addition, when a passage detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch 78, the main control CPU 72 determines that an event that triggers a lottery corresponding to a normal pattern has occurred. When it is determined that any of the events has occurred, the main control CPU 72 executes processing according to the respective generated events. The processing executed when a winning detection signal is input from the center start winning port switch 80 or the right start winning port switch 82 will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S205, Step S206: The main control CPU 72 executes special symbol game processing and normal symbol game processing during the interrupt management processing. These processes are intended to specifically progress the game in the pachinko machine 1. Among these, in the special symbol game processing (step S205), the main control CPU 72 controls the execution of an internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, controls the variable display and the stationary display by the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, and controls the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 according to the display results. Details of the special symbol game processing will be described later using another flowchart.

In addition, in the normal symbol game process (step S206), the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device 33 described above, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device 28 according to the display result. For example, the main control CPU 72 stores a random number (normal symbol winning determination random number) obtained in the previous switch input event process (step S204) as a trigger of passing through the start gate 20, reads the random number value from the memory in this normal symbol game process, and judges whether it falls within a predetermined winning range (normal symbol lottery execution means). If the random number value falls within the winning range, the normal symbol is displayed by the normal symbol display device 33 in a variable manner, and the normal symbol is displayed in a stopped state in a predetermined winning manner, and then the main control CPU 72 excites the normal electric role solenoid 88 to operate the variable start winning device 28. On the other hand, if the random number value is outside the winning range, the main control CPU 72 displays the normal symbol in a losing manner after the variable display.

Step S207: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes the prize ball payout process. In this process, based on the winning detection signals input from the various switches 80, 82, 84, 85, and 86 in the previous input process (step S203), a prize ball instruction command is output to the payout control device 92 to instruct the number of prize balls.

In addition, in the prize ball payout process, the main control CPU 72 outputs a prize ball content command that communicates the content of the number of prize balls to the performance control device 124. For example, when a winning detection signal is input from the first count switch 84 or the second count switch 85 corresponding to the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31, a prize ball content command corresponding to the profit of the large winning port is generated. In addition, a prize ball content command corresponding to the profit of the start winning port or the normal winning port may be generated. The generated prize ball content command is sent to the performance control device 124.

[Number of winning balls and number of winning balls]
The number of prize balls in the starting hole of the first special symbol and the number of prize balls in the starting hole of the second special symbol are set to a prescribed number of 1 or more. The number of prize balls in the starting hole of the first special symbol and the starting hole of the second special symbol may be different. Furthermore, the minimum number of prize balls may be set based on the probability of winning the special symbol and the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired (the average number of balls acquired during a series of periods from the first win to the end of the time-shortening state). Furthermore, when the probability of winning the special symbol, the expected value of the total number of game balls acquired, the number of times the big prize hole is opened, the opening time of the big prize hole, the maximum number of winnings in the big prize hole, and the number of prize balls in the big prize hole satisfy predetermined conditions, a big prize may be set in which the number of game balls acquired by one big prize is less than 1/4 of the maximum number of game balls acquired.

Step S207a: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes an error management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining and managing the occurrence of various errors that occur in the gaming machine (e.g., a normal power abnormality winning error, etc.). In addition, if the main control CPU 72 determines that an error has occurred, it generates an error command corresponding to the error that has occurred. The generated error command is sent to the performance control device.

Step S208: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes external information processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 stores the above-mentioned external information signals (e.g., winning ball information, door opening information, number of pattern determination information, jackpot information, starting hole information, etc.) in the port output request buffer for the hall computer of the amusement facility via the external terminal board 160.

In addition, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to output a security signal (external information signal) through the external terminal board 160 when the normal power abnormal winning error flag is on. The normal power abnormal winning error flag is set to off a certain time after it is set to on or when power is cut off, so the security signal continues to be output for a certain time or until power is cut off. By executing such a process, the main control CPU 72 can send a signal indicating that an error has occurred to an external device when a normal power abnormal winning error has occurred.

In this embodiment, various kinds of jackpot information can be provided to external electronic devices (data display device and hall computer) connected to the pachinko machine 1 by outputting, for example, "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5" from among various external information signals (external information signal output means). In other words, by outputting the jackpot information divided into a plurality of "jackpot 1" to "jackpot 5", it is possible to count and manage the type of jackpot (winning type) from these combinations in a hall computer (not shown), recognize changes in the internal probability state (low probability state or high probability state) and the shortened state of the pattern change time, and count and manage the occurrence of small jackpots (hits in which the condition device does not operate) that are not classified as "jackpots" even if they are not non-wins. In addition, based on the jackpot information, for example, a data display device (not shown) can count and display the number of jackpots that have occurred within the past few business days for each machine of the pachinko machine 1, recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a jackpot, or recognize whether or not each machine is currently in a shortened state of the pattern change time. In this external information processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the detailed output state (set of ON or OFF) of each of "Jackpot 1" through "Jackpot 5."

Step S209: The main control CPU 72 also executes test signal processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 generates various test signals that indicate its own internal state (e.g., normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, jackpot in progress, probability fluctuation function in operation, time reduction function in operation) and stores these in the port output request buffer. These test signals make it possible to test the internal state of the main control CPU 72, for example, outside the main control device 70.

Step S210: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a display output management process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting state of the normal symbol display device 33, the normal symbol operation memory lamp 33a, the first special symbol display device 34, the second special symbol display device 35, the first special symbol operation memory lamp 34a, the second special symbol operation memory lamp 35a, the game status display device 38, and the like. Specifically, the drive signal stored in the port output request buffer in the previous special symbol game process (step S205) or normal symbol game process (step S206) is output to the port. The drive signal is stored in the port output request buffer as byte data to be applied to each LED. As a result, each LED is driven in a predetermined display mode (a mode that displays the changing or stopping of symbols, the number of operation memories, the game status, etc.).

Step S211: The main control CPU 72 also executes output management processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 outputs to the port the external information signal (byte data) stored in the port output request buffer in the previous external information processing (step S208). The main control CPU 72 also outputs to the port the drive signals, test signals, etc., of the normal electric role solenoid 88, the first large prize opening solenoid 90, the second large prize opening solenoid 97, and the specific area solenoid 99, all of which are stored in the port output request buffer.

Step S212: The main control CPU 72 executes a performance control output process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether there are any commands in the command buffer that it should send to the performance control device 124 (commands necessary for performance control), and if there are any unsent commands, it outputs the commands to be output to the port.

Step S213: The main control CPU 72 then clears the port output request buffer that was stored during this CTC interrupt.

In this embodiment, an example is given in which the processes (game control program module) from step S205 to step S212 are executed as timer interrupt processes, but there are also known programming examples in which these processes are incorporated into the main loop of the CPU and executed.

Step S214: After completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 stores a value (01H) specifying the end of the interrupt in the interrupt program counter and ends the CTC interrupt.

Step S215, Step S216: The main control CPU 72 then restores the saved values of the registers (A to L) and allows the next CTC interrupt. After this, the main control CPU 72 returns to the main loop (the program address indicated by the stack pointer).

[Switch input event processing]
14 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure for the switch input event process (step S204 in FIG. 13). Each step will be described below in order.

Step S10: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the middle start winning port switch 80 corresponding to the first special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S12 and executes the first special symbol memory update process. The specific contents of the process will be described further below using a separate flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S14.

Step S14: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input (a lottery trigger has occurred) from the right start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special symbol. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S16 and executes the second special symbol memory update process. Again, the specific process content will be described further below using a separate flowchart. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S18.

Step S18: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the first count switch 84 corresponding to the first large winning port 30b of the first variable winning device 30. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S19 and executes the first large winning port count process. In the first large winning port count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls into the first variable winning device 30 for each round during the jackpot game. On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S20.

Step S20: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a winning detection signal has been input from the second count switch 85 corresponding to the second large winning port 31b of the second variable winning device 31. If the input of this winning detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S21 and executes the second large winning port count process. In the second large winning port count process, the main control CPU 72 counts the number of winning balls into the second variable winning device 31 during the big win game (small win game). On the other hand, if there is no winning detection signal input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S22.

Step S22: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passing detection signal has been input from the gate switch 78 corresponding to the normal symbol. If the input of this passing detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S24 and executes the normal symbol memory update process. In the normal symbol memory update process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current number of normal symbol activation memories is less than the upper limit number (e.g., 4), and if the upper limit number has not been reached, acquires a random number per normal symbol. In addition, the main control CPU 72 increments the number of normal symbol activation memories by 1. Then, the main control CPU 72 stores the acquired random number value per normal symbol in the random number memory area of the RAM 76. On the other hand, if the passing detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S26.

Step S26: The main control CPU 72 checks whether a passing detection signal has been input from the specific area switch 83 corresponding to the specific area 31x in the second large prize opening 31b. If the input of this passing detection signal is confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S28 and executes the process of turning on the specific area reserve flag. On the other hand, if the passing detection signal has not been input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (Figure 13).

[First special symbol memory update process]
15 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first special symbol memory update process (step S12 in FIG. 14). The procedure of the first special symbol memory update process will be described below step by step.

Step S30: Here, first, the main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the first special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number is less than the maximum value (for example, 4). The activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Here, the random number storage area of the RAM 76 is divided into eight sections (for example, 2 bytes each) that are commonly used by the first special symbol and the second special symbol, and each section can store one set (set) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers. At this time, if the value of the activation memory number counter corresponding to the first special symbol has reached the maximum value (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (Figure 14). On the other hand, if the value of the activation memory number counter is less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S31.

Step S31: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the number of first special symbol activation memories. The first special symbol activation memory number counter is stored, for example, in the activation memory number area of the RAM 76, and the main control CPU 72 increments the value (+1). Based on the counter value added here, the lighting state of the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 13).

Step S32: Then, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot determining random number value corresponding to the first special symbol from the random number generator 75 through the sampling circuit 77 (acquisition of first lottery element, lottery element acquisition means). The random number value is acquired by specifying the pin address of the random number generator 75. If the main control CPU 72 is an 8-bit process, the address is specified in two parts, one byte at a time for the upper and lower bits. When the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot determining random number value from the specified address, it saves this in the destination address as the jackpot determining random number corresponding to the first special symbol.

Step S33: Next, the main control CPU 72 acquires the jackpot pattern random number value corresponding to the first special pattern from the jackpot pattern random number counter area of the RAM 76. This random number value is also acquired by specifying the address of the jackpot pattern random number counter area. After the main control CPU 72 reads the jackpot pattern random number value from the specified address, it saves this in the transfer destination address as the jackpot pattern random number corresponding to the first special pattern.

Step S34: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 as random number values related to the fluctuation conditions of the first special pattern (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random number values is also performed by specifying the address of the fluctuation random number counter area. Then, when the main control CPU 72 acquires the reach determination random number and the fluctuation pattern determination random number from the specified addresses, it saves them in the transfer destination address.

Step S35: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to a random number storage area corresponding to the first special pattern, and stores these random numbers as a set in empty sections within the area (first lottery element storage means). An order (e.g., 1st to 4th) is set for the multiple sections, and if all of the 1st to 4th sections are empty at the current stage, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 1st section. Alternatively, if the 1st section is already filled and the other sections 2nd to 4th are empty, the random numbers are stored in order starting from the 2nd section. The random number storage area is read out in a FIFO (First In First Out) format.

Step S36: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current special game management status (game state) is a jackpot. If it is not a jackpot (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S37 and S38. If it is a jackpot (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S37 and S38 and proceeds to step S38a. In this embodiment, this determination is made because no pre-reading effects are performed for balls that occur during a jackpot.

Step S37: If not in the middle of a jackpot (Step S36: No), the main control CPU 72 executes an acquisition time performance determination process for the first special symbol. This process is intended to determine the results of the special symbol lottery and the time of change in advance (before the change starts) based on the jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, and change pattern determination random number for the first special symbol acquired in the previous steps S32 to S34, respectively, and to determine the performance content (so-called "pre-reading"). In this process, the result of the advance determination of the first special symbol is set in the lower byte of the special symbol advance determination performance command.

Step S38: After executing the acquisition time performance determination process, the main control CPU 72 then sets the upper byte (e.g., "B8H") of the special chart destination determination performance command for the first special symbol. This upper byte data describes the command type as "for special chart destination determination performance for the first special symbol." Note that the lower byte of the special chart destination determination performance command (information on whether it's a win or lose and information on the change time) was set in the previous acquisition time performance determination process (step S37), so here, for example, a one-word command is generated by combining the lower byte with the upper byte.

Step S38a: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets the performance command for the first special symbol when the number of operation memories is increased. Specifically, a one-word performance command is generated by adding the increased number of operation memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte in response to the preceding value of the upper byte (for example, "BBH") that indicates the type of command. At this time, the lower byte has the second digit set to "0" by default, indicating that the value is the "result of an increase in the number of operation memories (change information)". In other words, if the lower byte is "01H", this indicates that the number of operation memories this time has become "01H" as a result of an increase of one from the previous number of operation memories "00H". Similarly, if the lower byte is "02H" to "04H", this indicates that the number of operation memories this time has become "02H" to "04H" as a result of an increase of one from the previous number of operation memories "01H" to "03H". The preceding value "BBH" indicates that the current effect command is an activation memory count command for the first special symbol.

Step S39: The main control CPU 72 then executes a process for setting the output of a special command for the first special symbol. In this process, the special symbol destination determination command generated in the previous step S38, the operation memory number increase time performance command generated in step S38a, and the start port winning sound control command are transmitted to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means).

When the above steps are completed, or the number of first special pattern activation memories reaches four (step S30: No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (Figure 14).

[Second special symbol memory update process]
Next, Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the second special symbol memory update process (step S16 in Fig. 14). The procedure of the second special symbol memory update process will be described below step by step.

Step S40: The main control CPU 72 refers to the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter and checks whether the activation memory number is less than the maximum value. As with the above, the second special symbol activation memory number counter represents the number (number of sets) of jackpot determination random numbers and jackpot pattern random numbers stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76. At this time, if the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter has reached the maximum value (e.g., 4) (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event processing (Figure 14). On the other hand, if the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter is still less than the maximum value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to the next step S41 and onwards.

Step S41: The main control CPU 72 adds one to the number of second special symbol activation memories (increments the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter). As in the previous step S31 (Figure 15), the illumination state of the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a is controlled in the display output management process (step S210 in Figure 13) based on the counter value added here.

Step S42: The main control CPU 72 then obtains a jackpot determination random number value corresponding to the second special symbol from the random number generator 75 via the sampling circuit 77 (obtaining the second lottery element, lottery element obtaining means). The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as that of step S32 (FIG. 15) described above.

Step S43: Next, the main control CPU 72 obtains the jackpot pattern random number value corresponding to the second special pattern from the jackpot pattern random number counter area of the RAM 76. The method of obtaining the random number value is the same as that of step S33 (FIG. 15) described above.

Step S44: The main control CPU 72 also sequentially acquires reach determination random numbers and fluctuation pattern determination random numbers related to the fluctuation conditions of the second special symbol from the fluctuation random number counter area of the RAM 76 (fluctuation pattern determination element acquisition means). The acquisition of these random number values is also performed in the same manner as in step S34 (Figure 15) described above.

Step S45: The main control CPU 72 transfers the saved jackpot determination random number, jackpot pattern random number, reach determination random number, and variation pattern determination random number to a random number storage area corresponding to the second special pattern, and stores these random numbers as a set in an empty section within the area (second lottery element storage means). The storage method is the same as that of step S35 (Figure 15) described above.

Step S45a: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current game management status (game state) is a jackpot or not. If it is not a jackpot (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the following steps S46 and S47. Conversely, if it is a jackpot (Yes), the main control CPU 72 skips steps S46 and S47 and proceeds to step S48. The reason this determination is made in this embodiment is that no pre-reading effects are performed for balls that occur during a jackpot.

Step S46: If not in the jackpot (Step S45a: No), the main control CPU 72 then executes an acquisition time performance determination process for the second special symbol. This process is for determining the result of the internal lottery in advance (before the fluctuation starts) based on the jackpot determination random number for the second special symbol and the jackpot pattern random number obtained in the previous steps S42 to S44, respectively, and for determining the performance content based on that. In this process, the result of the advance determination of the second special symbol is set in the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination performance command.

Step S47: After executing the acquisition time performance determination process, the main control CPU 72 then sets the upper byte of the special chart destination determination performance command (e.g., "B9H"). This upper byte data describes that the command type is "for special chart destination determination performance related to the second special pattern." Similarly, here, the lower byte of the special chart destination determination performance command is set in the previous acquisition time performance determination process (step S46), so here, for example, a one-word command is generated by combining the lower byte with the upper byte.

Step S48: Next, the main control CPU 72 sets a performance command for the second special symbol when the number of operating memories is increased. Here, a one-word performance command is generated by adding the increased number of operating memories (for example, "01H" to "04H") to the lower byte, in addition to a preceding value (for example, "BCH") in the upper byte that indicates the type of command. Similarly, for the second special symbol, the second digit of the lower byte can be set to "0" by default to indicate that this value is the "result of an increase in the number of operating memories (change information)." Note that the preceding value "BCH" is a value that indicates that the current performance command is an operating memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S49: The main control CPU 72 then executes a presentation command output setting process for the second special symbol. As a result, a special symbol destination determination presentation command, a presentation command when the number of operation memories increases, a start port winning sound control command, etc. are sent to the presentation control device 124 for the second special symbol (memory number notification means). Furthermore, when the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the switch input event process (Figure 14).

[Performance determination process at acquisition time]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the acquisition time performance determination process. The main control CPU 72 executes this acquisition time performance determination process in the previous first special symbol memory update process and second special symbol memory update process (step S37 in FIG. 15, step S46 in FIG. 16) (pre-determination means). As described above, this process is executed for each of the first special symbol (when the ball enters the middle start winning hole 26) and the second special symbol (when the ball enters the variable start winning device 28). Therefore, the following description may apply to the process related to the first special symbol or the process related to the second special symbol. Below, the contents of the process will be explained along each procedure.

Step S50: The main control CPU 72 sets the lower byte (e.g., "00H") of the special drawing first determination performance command (first determination information). Note that the byte data set here represents the standard value of the command (when it is a miss).

Step S52: Next, the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot determination random number as the random number value for the first determination. The random number loaded here is the one stored in the RAM 76 in the previous first special symbol storage update process (step S35 in FIG. 15) or second special symbol storage update process (step S45 in FIG. 16).

Step S54: The main control CPU 72 then judges whether the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (here, below the lower limit value) (lottery result determination means, advance judgment means). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a comparison value (lower limit value) in the A register and subtracts the loaded random number value from this comparison value. The comparison value (lower limit value) is predefined according to the probability of a winning special pattern lottery in the pachinko machine 1. Next, the main control CPU 72 judges whether the calculation result is 0 or a positive value, for example, from the value of the flag register. As a result, if the loaded random number is outside the range of the winning value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S80.

Step S80: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a pre-determination process for fluctuation pattern information at the time of failure (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation time at the time of failure. The fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects the pre-determination information on the fluctuation time (or fluctuation pattern number) at the time of operation of the "time-saving function", in particular. For example, if the current state is the operation of the "time-saving function", the main control CPU 72 determines whether the fluctuation time corresponds to "miss reach fluctuation (non-shortened fluctuation time)" based on the loaded reach determination random number. As a result, if the fluctuation time corresponds to "miss reach fluctuation (non-shortened fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to "non-shortened fluctuation time during time-saving". In addition, in the case of reach fluctuation, the "reach group (type of reach)" may also be determined from the reach mode random number, and a fluctuation pattern destination determination command may be generated from the result. On the other hand, if the fluctuation time does not correspond to the "miss reach fluctuation (non-reduced fluctuation time)", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "reduced fluctuation time during time reduction". Alternatively, if the current state is when the "time reduction function" is not activated (low probability state), the main control CPU 72 judges whether the fluctuation time corresponds to the "normal miss reach fluctuation" based on the loaded reach determination random number. As a result, if the fluctuation time corresponds to the "normal miss reach fluctuation", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "normal miss reach fluctuation time". On the other hand, if the fluctuation time does not correspond to the "normal miss reach fluctuation", the main control CPU 72 generates a fluctuation pattern destination determination command corresponding to the "normal miss fluctuation time". In addition, the fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the performance command output setting process (steps S39, S49). In addition, in this process, the main control CPU 72 may generate a fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation pattern at the time of a small win, similar to the above-mentioned process at the time of a miss.

After executing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 ends the acquisition time performance determination process and returns to the first special symbol memory update process (Figure 15) or the second special symbol memory update process (Figure 16) that was called. On the other hand, if the determination in the previous step S54 is that the loaded random number is not outside the range of the winning value but is within the range (step S54: No), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S74.

Step S74: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot symbol type determination process. This process is for determining the type of jackpot (winning type) at that time based on the jackpot symbol random number paired with the jackpot determination random number. For example, when the main control CPU 72 loads the jackpot symbol random number for each symbol stored in the previous first special symbol memory update process (step S35 in FIG. 15) or second special symbol memory update process (step S45 in FIG. 16), it executes a calculation using a comparison value as in step S54, and determines which winning symbol corresponds from the result. The main control CPU 72 stores the determination result at this time as the special symbol destination determination value, and proceeds to the next step S78.

Step S78: The main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol destination determination value stored in the previous step S74 as the lower byte of the special symbol destination determination performance command. For example, the special symbol destination determination value is set to "00H" if it corresponds to a "symbol that does not transition to a time-shortened state," and is set to "01H" if it corresponds to a "symbol that transitions to a time-shortened state." In either case, by setting the data for the lower byte here, the standard lower byte data "00H" set in the previous step S50 is overwritten.

Step S79: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for pre-determining fluctuation pattern information at the time of a jackpot (variation pattern destination determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates the above-mentioned fluctuation pattern destination determination command for the fluctuation time at the time of a jackpot. The fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here reflects, for example, pre-determined information regarding the reach fluctuation time (or fluctuation pattern number) at the time of a jackpot. In addition, the fluctuation pattern destination determination command generated here is set in the transmission buffer in the performance command output setting process (steps S39, S49).

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the first special symbol memory update process (Figure 15) or the second special symbol memory update process (Figure 16).

[Special symbol game processing]
Next, the details of the special symbol game process executed in the interruption management process (FIG. 13) will be described. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an example of the configuration of the special symbol game process. The special symbol game process includes a group of subroutines (program modules) of execution selection process (step S1000), special symbol pre-variation process (step S2000), special symbol variation process (step S3000), special symbol stop display process (step S4000), and variable winning device management process (step S5000). Here, the basic flow of the special symbol game process will be described along with each process.

Step S1000: In the execution selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the next process to be executed (any of steps S2000 to S5000) from the "jump table." For example, the main control CPU 72 sets the program address of the next process to be executed as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the special symbol game process in the stack pointer as the return address.

Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress status (special symbol game management status) of the process performed so far. For example, if the special symbol has not yet started to change (special symbol game management status: 00H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change pre-processing (step S2000) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the special symbol change pre-processing has already been completed (special symbol game management status: 01H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol change processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination, and if the special symbol change processing has been completed (special symbol game management status: 02H), the main control CPU 72 selects the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) as the next jump destination. In this embodiment, the jump destination address is specified in the "jump table" to select the process, but in addition to such a selection method, there are also known programming examples in which the CPU selects the process to be executed next using "process flags" and "process selection flags". In this programming example, the CPU calls each process and then references a flag at the first step to determine conditional branching (continue/return), but the selection method of this embodiment eliminates the need for the main control CPU 72 to go to the trouble of calling each process one by one.

Step S2000: In the special symbol change pre-processing, the main control CPU 72 prepares the conditions for starting the special symbol change display. The specific processing content will be described later using a separate flowchart.

Step S3000: In the special pattern variation process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 while counting the variation timer. Specifically, it outputs an ON or OFF drive signal (1 byte data) to each segment and dot (numbers 0 to 7) of the 7-segment LED. The pattern of the drive signal changes over time, thereby displaying the variation of the special pattern.

Step S4000: In the special symbol stop display process, the main control CPU 72 controls the drive of the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35. Here too, an ON or OFF drive signal is output to each segment and dot of the 7-segment LED, but the pattern of the drive signal is constant, which causes the special symbol to stop being displayed.

Step S5000: The variable winning device management process is selected when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win or small win mode (a mode other than a non-win mode) during the previous special symbol stop display process. Depending on the mode in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed, a big win game or a small win game is started.

[Jackpot Game]
For example, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a three-round jackpot, a jackpot game (special game advantageous to the player) is executed. During the jackpot game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the variable display of the special symbol is not performed. In the variable winning device management process, the first large winning port solenoid 90 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, 29 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of consecutive operations (for example, three times), and the first variable winning device 30 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (continuous operation of the special electric role). During this period, game balls are concentrated in the first variable winning device 30, giving the player an opportunity to win many prize balls at once (special game execution means). In addition, this opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 when a jackpot is hit is called a "round," and if there are a total of three consecutive operations, these are sometimes collectively referred to as "three rounds."

In addition, when the main control CPU 72 sets the large prize opening opening pattern (number of rounds, number of opening/closing operations per round, opening time, etc.) in the variable prize device management process, it increments the value of the round number counter by 1 each time it completes one round of opening/closing operations of the first variable prize device 30. The value of the round number counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example with an initial value of 0. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a round number command that indicates the value of the round number counter. The round number command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S212 in FIG. 13). When the value of the round number counter reaches the set number of consecutive operations, the main control CPU 72 ends the large prize game (big prize) at the end of that round.

When the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 72 changes the state after the jackpot game ends (transitions to the time-shortened state) based on the time-shortened function reserve flag (time-shortened state transition means, state transition means). In the "time-shortened state", the time-shortened function (variable time-shortened function) is activated, and at least the variable time of the normal symbols is shortened, and the opening time of the variable start winning device 28 is extended or the number of times it is opened is increased (so-called electric chute support is performed). Note that in the "time-shortened state", the lottery probability of the normal symbols may be set from the normal probability (low probability) to a high probability.

[Small hit]
In this embodiment, a small win is provided as a winning type other than a non-win. When a small win is won, a small win game is played separately from the big win game, and the second variable winning device 31 opens and closes (special game execution means). For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in the form of a small win, a small win game (a special game advantageous to the player) is played. During the small win game, the jump destination is set to the variable winning device management process in the previous execution selection process (step S1000), and the special symbol is not displayed. In the variable winning device management process, the second large winning port solenoid 97 is excited for a certain period of time (for example, 1.8 seconds or until 10 winnings are counted) for a preset number of times of operation (for example, once or multiple times), and the second variable winning device 31 opens and closes in a predetermined pattern (operation of a special electric device). During this time, the player is given an opportunity to win a certain number of prize balls by making game balls enter the second variable winning device 31 in a concentrated manner (special game execution means).

In addition, in the variable winning device management process during the small win game, the specific area solenoid 99 is excited for a certain period of time (e.g., 5.0 seconds) for a preset number of times (e.g., once), which causes the specific area slide member 31c to open and close in a set pattern. By passing the game ball through the specific area 31x during this time, the player is given the opportunity to start the big win game. In other words, whether or not the big win game will start in the variable winning device management process is determined by whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small win game. In this embodiment, multiple winning types (winning symbols) are provided for the small win, and when the game ball passes through the specific area 31x, the big win game corresponding to the winning type is started.

In addition, even if the game ends with a small win without the game ball passing through the specific area 31x, the "time-saving function" will not be activated, so the privilege of transitioning to the "time-saving state" will not be granted (this is not a prerequisite for this) (unless the upper limit of the number of times has been reached).

[Multiple winning types (winning designs)]
In this embodiment, multiple winning types (such as "first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1", "3R jackpot symbol 2", etc.) are provided. The jackpot game may start when the special symbol stops and displays in a jackpot mode, or when the special symbol stops and displays in a small jackpot mode and the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during the small jackpot game. A gaming machine that wins a small jackpot in an internal lottery, executes a jackpot game when the game ball passes through the specific area during the small jackpot game, and transitions to a time-shortened state according to the type of winning symbol after the jackpot game ends is a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed type gaming machine.

[Special pattern change pre-processing]
19 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for the special symbol variation pre-processing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S2100: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the first special symbol activation memory count or the second special symbol activation memory count remains (is greater than 0). This check can be made by referring to the value of the activation memory count counter stored in the RAM 76. If the activation memory count for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol is 0 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes the demo setting process of step S2500.

Step S2500: In this process, the main control CPU 72 generates a demo performance command. The demo performance command is output to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above (step S212 in FIG. 13). When the demo setting process is executed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game process. When returning, it returns to the end address as described above (similarly thereafter).

In contrast, if the value of the activation memory number counter for either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than 0 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2200.

Step S2200: The main control CPU 72 executes a special symbol storage area shift process (second lottery priority execution means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 preferentially reads out the random numbers for lottery (jackpot determination random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, etc.) stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 76 that correspond to the second special symbol (so-called priority consumption). At this time, if random numbers are stored in two or more sections (only the first special symbol applies), the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers in order from the first section and erases (consumes) them, and then moves (shifts) the remaining random numbers one by one to the previous section. The read random numbers are stored, for example, in another temporary storage area. If no random numbers corresponding to the second special symbol are stored, the main control CPU 72 reads out the random numbers corresponding to the first special symbol and stores them in the temporary storage area. Each random number stored in the temporary storage area is used for the internal lottery in the next jackpot determination process. As a result, in this embodiment, the variable display of the second special symbol is performed preferentially over the first special symbol. In addition, the program may simply read out random numbers in the order in which they were stored, without providing a priority for each special symbol. In this process, the main control CPU 72 subtracts one from the value of the activation memory counter (the first special symbol or the second special symbol, whichever has been shifted) stored in the RAM 76, and sets the subtracted value to the "activation memory number at the start of fluctuation." This causes the display mode of the memory number by the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a or the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a to change (decreased by one) in the above-mentioned display output management process (step S210 in FIG. 13). After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2300.

Step S2300: The main control CPU 72 executes a jackpot determination process (internal lottery). In this process, the main control CPU 72 first sets a range of jackpot values and determines whether the read random number value is included within this range (first lottery execution means, second lottery execution means, lottery execution means). If the read random number value is included within the range of jackpot values, the main control CPU 72 sets the jackpot flag (01H) and proceeds to step S2400.

If the jackpot flag is not set, the main control CPU 72 next sets a range of small jackpot values in the same jackpot determination process and judges whether the read random number value is included within this range (first lottery execution means, second lottery execution means, lottery execution means). The "small jackpot" here is something other than a non-win (miss), but is of a different nature to a "jackpot". In other words, a "jackpot" generates an opportunity (a turning point in the game) to transition to the above-mentioned "time-shortened state", but a "small jackpot" does not generate such an opportunity. A "small jackpot" is positioned as satisfying the conditions for activating only the second variable winning device 31 (it does not satisfy the conditions for activating the condition device). Furthermore, if the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during a "small jackpot", it is positioned as developing into a "jackpot" (satisfying the conditions for activating the condition device). In either case, if the read random number value is within the range of the small win value, the main control CPU 72 sets the small win flag and proceeds to step S2400. In this way, in this embodiment, the range of the big win value and the small win value is pre-defined in the program as the win range other than non-win, but it is also possible to write a big win determination table and a small win determination table for each state in advance in the ROM 74, read them out, and compare them with the random number value to determine the big win.

In this embodiment, the probability of winning a big win is set to 1 in 300, and the probability of winning a small win is set to 1 in 40. However, these winning probabilities can be changed as appropriate depending on the game specifications. In order to meet these winning probabilities of winning a big win and small win, the range of big win values and the range of small win values are set by the main control CPU 72 and compared with the read random number value.

Step S2400: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not the value (01H) was set to the jackpot flag in the previous jackpot determination process. If the value (01H) was not set to the jackpot flag (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S2402.

Step S2402: The main control CPU 72 determines whether or not a value (01H) was set to the small hit flag in the previous big hit determination process. If the value (01H) was not set to the small hit flag (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S2404. Note that the main control CPU 72 may determine whether a big hit (e.g., set 01H) or a small hit (e.g., set 0AH) is occurring based on the value of a common hit flag, without providing separate big hit and small hit flags.

Step S2404: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the stop pattern when a loss occurs. In this process, the main control CPU 72 sets the stop pattern number data when a loss occurs by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35. The main control CPU 72 also generates a stop pattern command and a lottery result command (when a loss occurs) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process (step S212 in FIG. 13).

In this embodiment, since 7-segment LEDs are used for the first special symbol display device 34 and the second special symbol display device 35, for example, the display mode of the stopping symbol when a miss occurs can always be set to only one segment (the central bar "-") being lit, and the stopping symbol number data can be fixed to one value (for example, 64H). In this case, the memory capacity used by the program can be reduced, the processing load on the main control CPU 72 can be reduced, and the processing speed can be improved.

Step S2405: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern at the time of failure (fluctuation pattern determination means) by referring to the fluctuation pattern selection table (fluctuation pattern definition means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern number at the time of failure for the special symbol (fluctuation pattern selection means). The fluctuation pattern number distinguishes the type (pattern) of the fluctuation display of the special symbol and corresponds to the fluctuation time required for the fluctuation display. The fluctuation patterns include various fluctuation patterns such as normal fluctuation (non-reach fluctuation), reach fluctuation, super reach fluctuation, etc. (same for jackpot and small win). Information on the fluctuation pattern of the selected special symbol, including information on whether it is a special fluctuation or not, is sent to the performance control device as a fluctuation pattern command (same for jackpot and small win).

Here, since the change time at the time of failure differs depending on whether or not the above-mentioned "time-shortened state" is in effect, in this process the main control CPU 72 loads the game state flag and checks whether or not the current state is in the "time-shortened state". Even if the state is not in the "time-shortened state", except when a change is made to execute a reach effect, the change time at the time of failure may be shortened based on the "number of operation memories at the start of the change display (0 to 3)" set in step S2200 (for example, 0 operation memories at the start of the change display → about 12.5 seconds, 1 operation memory at the start of the change display → about 8 seconds, 2 operation memories at the start of the change display → about 5 seconds, 3 operation memories at the start of the change display → about 2.5 seconds). The stop display time of the pattern at the time of failure is constant (for example, about 0.5 seconds) regardless of the change pattern. The main control CPU 72 then sets the determined value of the change time (at the time of failure) to the change timer, and sets the value of the stop display time at the time of failure to the stop pattern display timer.

The above steps S2404 and S2405 are the control procedures when the jackpot determination result is a miss (other than a non-win), but if the determination result is a jackpot (step S2400: Yes) or a minor jackpot (step S2402: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes the following procedure. First, the case of a jackpot will be explained.

Step S2410: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the symbol to be stopped at the time of a jackpot (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol (the symbol number to be stopped at the time of a jackpot) for each special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) based on the jackpot symbol random number. The relationship between the jackpot symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol is specified in advance in a special symbol determination data table (winning type determination means). For this reason, the main control CPU 72 can refer to the jackpot symbol selection table in the process for determining the symbol to be stopped at the time of a jackpot, and determine the type of winning symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number from the stored contents.

In this embodiment, multiple specifications can be realized. The first game specification is a specification for realizing a loop type of gameplay (a type in which the game can continuously transition to a time-shortened state until a small drop hit is won). The second game specification is a specification for realizing an ST type of gameplay (a type in which the game can transition to a time-shortened state again if a win is made within a predetermined number of times). Below, the two specifications will be explained in order.

[First game specification (loop type)]
In the case of the first game specification, the game content is controlled mainly using the tables in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, and also using the processes in FIG. 34, FIG. 35, etc.
FIG. 20 shows a winning stop symbol selection table (normal mode).
In the case of a win during normal play (when the time-saving function is not activated), the "time-saving count,""number of small win display counts A," and "number of small win display counts B" are set according to the "winning pattern."
If the "winning pattern" is the "1st special pattern_3R (round) jackpot pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10", the "number of small wins displayed A" is set to "1", and the "number of small wins displayed B" is set to "10".
If the "winning pattern" is the "1st special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "number of small win display times A" is set to "1", and the "number of small win display times B" is set to "1".

If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "small win display number of times A" is set to "1", and the "small win display number of times B" is set to "10,000".
If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "small win display number of times A" is set to "1", and the "small win display number of times B" is set to "1".
If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 2", the "time-saving count" is set to "0", the "small win display count A" is set to "0", and the "small win display count B" is set to "0".

FIG. 21 shows a table for selecting symbols to stop when winning (during time-saving mode).
In the case of a win during the time-saving period (when the time-saving function is activated), the "number of times the time-saving period is reached,""number of times a small win is displayed A," and "number of times a small win is displayed B" are set according to the "winning pattern."
If the "winning pattern" is the "1st special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "number of small win display times A" is set to "1", and the "number of small win display times B" is set to "1".
If the "winning pattern" is the "1st special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "number of small win display times A" is set to "1", and the "number of small win display times B" is set to "1".

If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "small win display number of times A" is set to "1", and the "small win display number of times B" is set to "10,000".
If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 1", the "time-saving number of times" is set to "10,000", the "small win display number of times A" is set to "1", and the "small win display number of times B" is set to "1".
If the "winning pattern" is the "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 2", the "time-saving count" is set to "0", the "small win display count A" is set to "0", and the "small win display count B" is set to "0".

(※1) “Number of times time-saving is performed” indicates the number of times the special symbols can be changed in the time-saving mode, and indicates the total number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol can be changed.
(※2) "Number of times small win is displayed A" indicates the number of times the pattern that will activate the special electric device by "3R small win pattern 1" is displayed.
(※3) “Number of times small win is displayed B” indicates the number of times the pattern that will activate the special electric device by “3R small win pattern 2” is displayed.

[Second game specification (ST type)]
In the case of the second game specification, the game content is controlled mainly using the tables in FIG. 22 to FIG.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the relationship between the fluctuation pattern table and the fluctuation pattern offset.
When the "variation pattern table" is the "variation pattern table A", the "variation pattern offset" is set to "0". The "variation pattern table A" is a table that is normally referenced.
When the "variation pattern table" is the "variation pattern table B", the "variation pattern offset" is set to "1". The "variation pattern table B" is a table that is referenced after the first big win.

When the "variation pattern table" is the "variation pattern table C", the "variation pattern offset" is set to "2". The "variation pattern table C" is a table that is referenced after the first to third jackpots.
When the "variation pattern table" is the "variation pattern table D", the "variation pattern offset" is "3". The "variation pattern table D" is a table that is referred to after the fourth jackpot.

If the "fluctuation pattern table" is "fluctuation pattern table E", the "fluctuation pattern offset" will be "4". "Fluctuation pattern table E" is the table that is referenced after the first jackpot.

Each table contains multiple fluctuation patterns, and one of the fluctuation patterns in the table is selected by lottery. The fluctuation times of each table are relatively (on average) as follows: "Fluctuation Pattern Table A" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table B" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table C" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table D" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table E". Note that the relationship between "Fluctuation Pattern Table B" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table C" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table D" > "Fluctuation Pattern Table E" is not limited to this, and the magnitude relationship may be reversed or may be the same.

The fluctuation patterns included in "Fluctuation Pattern Table A" are fluctuation patterns used in the non-time-shortened state. The fluctuation patterns included in "Fluctuation Pattern Table B", "Fluctuation Pattern Table C", and "Fluctuation Pattern Table D" are individual fluctuation patterns used in the time-shortened state. The fluctuation patterns included in "Fluctuation Pattern Table E" are common fluctuation patterns used in the time-shortened state.
The number of big wins in the figure is the number of big wins when the time-shortening state is continuously shifted to. This point is the same in Figures 23 to 26.

FIG. 23 shows a special variation pattern table after the first jackpot during normal play.
When the first jackpot during normal play is executed and the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving times" is set to "50," and the "number of special variations" is set to "50."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 50", "fluctuation pattern table B" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "51 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

When the first jackpot during normal play is executed and the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2,""second special pattern_3R small jackpot pattern 1," or "second special pattern_10R small jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving times" is set to "100," and the "number of special variations" is set to "100."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 100", "fluctuation pattern table C" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "101 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

When the first jackpot during normal play is executed and the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving times" is set to "10,000," and the "number of special variations" is set to "10,000."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 10,000", "fluctuation pattern table E" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "10,001 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

FIG. 24 shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the second or third jackpot during the time-saving period.
If the second or third jackpot is hit during the time-saving feature and the "winning symbol" is the "first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1,""first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 2,""second special symbol_3R small jackpot symbol 1," or "second special symbol_10R small jackpot symbol 1," the "number of times the time-saving feature is played" is set to "100," and the "number of times special fluctuations" is set to "100."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 100", "fluctuation pattern table C" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "101 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

If the second or third jackpot is achieved during the time-saving period and the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving times" is set to "10,000" and the "number of special variations" is set to "10,000."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 10,000", "fluctuation pattern table E" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "10,001 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

FIG. 25 shows a special variation pattern table after the 4th to 9999th jackpots during the time-saving period.
If the 4th to 9999th jackpot is executed during the time-saving period and the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1,""first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2,""second special pattern_3R small jackpot pattern 1," or "second special pattern_10R small jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving periods" is set to "100," and the "number of special variations" is set to "100."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 100", "fluctuation pattern table D" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "101 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

When the 4th to 9999th jackpot is hit during the time-saving period and the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1," the "number of time-saving times" is set to "10,000," and the "number of special variations" is set to "10,000."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1 to 10,000", "fluctuation pattern table E" is used, and when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "10,001 or more", "fluctuation pattern table A" is used.

FIG. 26 shows a special fluctuation pattern table after the 10,000th jackpot during the time-saving period.
When the 10,000th jackpot is hit during the time-saving period and the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1,""first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2,""second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1,""second special pattern_3R small jackpot pattern 1," or "second special pattern_10R small jackpot pattern 1," the "number of times the time-saving period has occurred" is set to "0," and the "number of times special fluctuations" is set to "0."
In this case, when the number of fluctuations after the end of the jackpot is "1~", "Fluctuation Pattern Table A" is used.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the values of the variation pattern selection status flag and the variation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 0 (when a normal win occurs).
When the "winning symbol" is the "first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1", the "variation pattern selection state flag" is set to "1", and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "50".
If the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R big win pattern 2", "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" or "second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection status flag" is set to "2" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "100".
If the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection state flag" is set to "4", and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "10000".

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the value of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 9998 or 9999 (when a win occurs during the time-saving period).
If the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R big win pattern 1", "first special pattern_3R big win pattern 2", "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" or "second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection status flag" is set to "2" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "100".
If the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection state flag" is set to "4", and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "10000".

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the value of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is between 2 and 9997 (when a win occurs during the time-saving period).
If the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R big win pattern 1", "first special pattern_3R big win pattern 2", "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" or "second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection status flag" is set to "3", and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "100".
If the "winning pattern" is the "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection state flag" is set to "4", and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "10000".

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing the values of the fluctuation pattern selection status flag and the fluctuation pattern selection counter that are set when the time-saving limiter count is 1 (when a win occurs during the time-saving period and the limiter is reached).
If the "winning pattern" is the "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", "first special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2", "second special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" or "second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1", the "variation pattern selection status flag" is set to "0" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is set to "0".

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the relationship between the variation pattern selection status flag, the variation pattern selection counter, and the variation pattern offset.
When the "variation pattern selection state flag" is "0" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is "0", the "variation pattern offset" is "0". When the "variation pattern offset" is "0", the "variation pattern table A" is used to select a variation pattern (see FIG. 22).

When the "variation pattern selection status flag" is "1" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is "1 to 50", the "variation pattern offset" is "1". When the "variation pattern offset" is "1", the "variation pattern table B" is used to select a variation pattern (see Figure 22).

When the "variation pattern selection status flag" is "2" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is "1 to 100", the "variation pattern offset" is "2". When the "variation pattern offset" is "2", the "variation pattern table C" is used to select a variation pattern (see Figure 22).

When the "variation pattern selection status flag" is "3" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is "1 to 100", the "variation pattern offset" is "3". When the "variation pattern offset" is "3", the "variation pattern table D" is used to select a variation pattern (see Figure 22).

When the "variation pattern selection status flag" is "4" and the "variation pattern selection counter" is "1 to 10000", the "variation pattern offset" is "4". When the "variation pattern offset" is "4", the "variation pattern table E" is used to select a variation pattern (see Figure 22).

In this embodiment, multiple types of winning symbols are prepared as the winning symbols that are selectively determined when a big win or a small win occurs. Also, in this embodiment, the selection ratio of the winning symbols selected when a big win or a small win occurs in the corresponding internal lottery is different for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

For example, if the result of this internal lottery corresponds to a jackpot, the main control CPU 72 performs a selection lottery based on the jackpot symbol random number, and selects one of the multiple winning symbols at a predetermined selection ratio. The predetermined selection ratio can be set arbitrarily according to the game specifications.

When the main control CPU 72 selects a winning symbol, it generates a stop symbol command for that symbol. The generated stop symbol command is sent to the performance control device 124, for example, in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 also determines the stop symbol number for the first special symbol at the time of a jackpot based on the selected winning symbol.

[See Figure 19: Special symbol variation pre-processing]
Step S2412: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining a fluctuation pattern at the time of a big win (fluctuation pattern determination means) by referring to the fluctuation pattern selection table (fluctuation pattern definition means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200. In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time to the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer. In general, in the case of a fluctuation of a reach for a big win, a longer fluctuation time is determined than in the case of a miss.

Step S2414: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a reserve area setting process at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the number of time-saving times, the number of special fluctuations, the fluctuation pattern selection state flag, the fluctuation pattern selection counter, the number of small wins displayed, etc., in the reserve area according to the winning symbol and the number of limiters, etc. In addition, if the winning symbol is one that transitions to a time-saving state after the end of a jackpot game, the main control CPU 72 sets the time-saving function reserve flag in the reserve area of RAM 76 to ON (01H).

Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (jackpot pattern) by the first special pattern display device 34 or the second special pattern display device 35 based on the stop pattern number at the time of the jackpot. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a lottery result command (at the time of the jackpot) along with the above-mentioned stop pattern command (at the time of the jackpot). These stop pattern command and lottery result command are also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2407: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the winning symbol to be stopped at the time of a small win (winning type determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the type of winning symbol at the time of a small win (small win stopping symbol number) based on the winning symbol random number. Here, too, the relationship between the winning symbol random number value and the type of winning symbol at the time of a small win is specified in advance by a winning symbol selection table or the like (winning type determination means). Note that in this embodiment, the winning symbol at the time of a small win is determined using the winning symbol random number to reduce the load on the main control CPU 72, but a separate dedicated random number may also be used.

Step S2408: Next, the main control CPU 72 refers to the fluctuation pattern selection table (fluctuation pattern definition means) and executes a process for determining the fluctuation pattern at the time of a small win (fluctuation pattern determination means). In this process, the main control CPU 72 determines the fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time and stop display time) of the second special symbol based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number shifted in the previous step S2200 (fluctuation pattern selection means). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets the determined value of the fluctuation time to the fluctuation timer, and sets the value of the stop display time to the stop symbol display timer.

Step S2409: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting a reserve area at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the number of time-saving times, the number of special fluctuations, the fluctuation pattern selection status flag, the fluctuation pattern selection counter, the number of small wins displayed, etc., in the reserve area according to the winning pattern and the number of limiters, etc. In addition, the main control CPU 72 determines the display mode of the stop pattern (small win pattern) by the second special pattern display device 35 based on the stop pattern number at the time of a small win. In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a stop pattern command and a lottery result command (at the time of a small win) to be sent to the performance control device 124. These stop pattern commands and lottery result commands are also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S2415: Next, the main control CPU 72 executes special pattern change start processing. In this processing, the main control CPU 72 selects change pattern data based on the change pattern number (miss/win). In addition, the main control CPU 72 sets a change start flag for the special pattern in the flag area of the RAM 76. The main control CPU 72 then generates a change start command to be sent to the performance control device 124. This change start command is also sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing described above. After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the special pattern change processing (step S3000) as the next jump destination and returns to the special pattern game processing.

[Figure 18: Processing during special symbol fluctuation, processing during special symbol stop display]
In the special symbol variation processing, the main control CPU 72 loads the value of the variation timer from the register to the timer counter as described above, and then decrements the timer counter value according to the passage of time (the number of clock pulse counts or the value of the interrupt counter).Then, while referring to the timer counter value, the main control CPU 72 controls the variable display of the special symbol as described above until the timer counter value becomes 0.When the timer counter value becomes 0, the main control CPU 72 sets the special symbol stop display processing (step S4000) as the next jump destination.

In addition, in the special pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 controls the stop display of the special pattern based on the stop pattern determined in the stop pattern determination processing (steps S2404, S2407, and S2410 in FIG. 19). In addition, the main control CPU 72 generates a pattern stop command to be sent to the performance control device 124. The pattern stop command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output processing described above. When the stopped pattern is displayed for a predetermined period of time in the special pattern stop display processing, the main control CPU 72 erases the pattern change in progress flag.

[Special pattern memory area shift processing]
Fig. 32 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the special symbol memory area shift process. In the previous special symbol variation pre-processing, if the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol is greater than "0" (step S2100 in Fig. 19: Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes this special symbol memory area shift process. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S2210: The main control CPU 72 checks whether or not an activation memory corresponding to the second special symbol remains. This check can be made by referring to the value of the second special symbol activation memory number counter stored in the RAM 76. If the value of the activation memory number counter corresponding to the second special symbol is 1 or greater (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S2212.

Step S2212: The main control CPU 72 designates the second special symbol as the special symbol to be shifted in the memory area. This designation is performed, for example, by setting "02H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2214: On the other hand, if the value of the activation memory number counter corresponding to the second special symbol is 0 (step S2210: No), the main control CPU 72 designates the first special symbol as the special symbol to shift the memory area. In this case, the designation is performed, for example, by setting "01H" as the target symbol designation value.

Step S2216: For the special symbol specified in either step S2212 or step S2214, the main control CPU 72 shifts the random number storage area of the RAM 76. Note that the specific processing content is as already described in the special symbol change pre-processing above.

Step S2218: Next, the main control CPU 72 subtracts the value of the operation memory counter for the target special symbol. For example, if the target for shifting the memory area this time is the second special symbol, the main control CPU 72 subtracts (-1) from the value of the operation memory counter corresponding to the second special symbol.

Step S2220: The main control CPU 72 then sets the "number of activation memories at the start of fluctuation" from the value of the activation memory counter after subtraction. Note that here, the "number of activation memories at the start of fluctuation" may be set by adding the values of the activation memory counter for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

Step S2222: The main control CPU 72 also checks whether the special pattern to be shifted this time in the memory area is the second special pattern.
Step S2224: If the target is the second special symbol (Step S2222: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the effect command when the number of operation memories is decreased for the second special symbol. The effect command set here is also generated as a command of one word length, but its configuration is in contrast to the above-mentioned "effect command when the number of operation memories is increased". That is, the effect command when the number of operation memories is decreased is obtained by adding the value of the lower byte (e.g., "00H" to "03H") representing the number of operation memories after the decrease to the preceding value of the upper byte (e.g., "BCH") representing the command type, and further adding (logical OR) an additional value (e.g., "10H") meaning "a decrease in the number of operation memories due to consumption". Therefore, by logical ORing the additional value "10H" with the lower byte, the second digit becomes "1", and this value represents "the result of a decrease in the number of operation memories (change information)". In other words, if the lower byte of the command is "13H", it indicates that the number of activation memories up to the previous time "4" (command notation "14H") has been reduced by one, resulting in the current number of activation memories being "3" (command notation "13H"). Similarly, if the lower byte is "12H" to "10H", it indicates that the number of activation memories up to the previous time "3" to "1" (command notation "13H" to "11H") has been reduced by one, resulting in the current number of activation memories being "2" to "0" (command notation "12H" to "10H"). The preceding value "BCH" above is a value indicating that the current performance command is an activation memory number command for the second special symbol.

Step S2226: If the current target is the first special symbol (step S2222: No), the main control CPU 72 sets an effect command for the first special symbol when the number of activation memories decreases. In this case, the command is the same as above, except that the preceding value is a value (e.g., "BBH") indicating that the number of activation memories is a command for the first special symbol.

Step S2228: Then, the main control CPU 72 executes a performance command output process. This process is for transmitting the performance command set in the previous step S2224 or step S2226 when the number of operation memories is reduced to the performance control device 124 (memory number notification means).
After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special pattern change pre-processing (FIG. 19).

[Special pattern stop display processing]
33 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for processing during the display of a stopped special symbol. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S4100a: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not the fluctuation has stopped (when the fluctuation has stopped, before the stop pattern display timer starts counting down).
As a result, when it is confirmed that the fluctuation has stopped (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S4100b and S4100c. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the fluctuation has stopped (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4100.

Step S4100b: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine whether or not to terminate the time-saving state based on the type of small win pattern, etc.

Step S4100c: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of decrementing the variation pattern selection counter. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of decrementing (-1) the variation pattern selection counter. Note that in this process, a process of decrementing (-1) the number of special variations may also be executed.

Step S4100: The main control CPU 72 decrements the value of the stopped pattern display timer (decrements by the interrupt period).

Step S4200: The main control CPU 72 then determines whether the stopped display time has ended based on the value of the stopped symbol display timer that has been subtracted this time. Specifically, if the value of the stopped symbol display timer is not equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stopped display time has not yet ended (No). In this case, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol game processing, and in the next interrupt cycle, it jumps from the execution selection processing (step S1000 in FIG. 18) and repeatedly executes the special symbol stopped display processing.

In contrast, if the value of the stopped symbol display timer is equal to or less than 0, the main control CPU 72 determines that the stopped display time has ended (Yes). In this case, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4250.

Step S4250: The main control CPU 72 generates a pattern stop command and a stopped display time end command. The pattern stop command and the stopped display time end command are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 also erases the pattern changing flag here. The "stop display time end command" is a command that indicates that the stopped display time of the special pattern has ended (elapsed).

Step S4300: Here, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4350.

[When elected]
Step S4350: The main control CPU 72 sets the jump destination of the jump table to "variable winning device management processing". In addition, the main control CPU 72 executes processing to set various functions to inactivation in this processing. Specifically, the time-saving function is deactivated. As a result, before the special game (big role) starts, the normal state (non-time-saving state) is entered.

When the above steps are completed upon a jackpot, the main control CPU 72 returns to special symbol game processing.

[When not elected]
In contrast, in cases other than a jackpot, the following procedure is executed.
That is, if the main control CPU 72 determines in step S4300 that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), it then executes step S4600.

Step S4600: The main control CPU 72 then checks whether the value of the small win flag (01H) is set. If the value of the small win flag (01H) is not set and it is simply a miss (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S4601.

Step S4601: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count.

Step S4602: The main control CPU 72 sets the address of the special pattern change pre-processing as the jump destination address in the jump table.

Step S4605: On the other hand, if the value of the small win flag (01H) is set (step S4600: Yes), the main control CPU 72 sets the address of the variable winning device management process as the jump destination address of the jump table. After completing the above steps, the process returns to the special symbol game process.

[Time-saving end determination process (first procedure example)]
34 is a flowchart showing a first example of a procedure for determining whether or not the time-saving feature has ended. The procedure will be described below.

Step S4661: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether or not the time-saving function is in operation (whether or not the time-saving function operation flag is on).
As a result, when it is confirmed that the time-saving operation is in progress (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4662. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the time-saving operation is in progress (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol stop display process (FIG. 33).

Step S4662: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether or not a small win has been achieved.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the small win is a win (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4663. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the small win is a win (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4666.

Step S4663: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether the winning pattern is small winning pattern 1 or not.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the winning symbol is the small winning symbol 1 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4668. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the winning symbol is the small winning symbol 1 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4664.

Step S4664: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the small hit display count B by subtracting 1.

Step S4665: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the small hit display count B has changed from "1" to "0".
As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the small hit display count B has changed from "1" to "0" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4668. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the value of the small hit display count B has changed from "1" to "0" (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4666.

Step S4666: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the number of time-saving times by subtracting 1.

Step S4667: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the time-saving count has changed from "1" to "0".
As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the time-saving count has changed from "1" to "0" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4668. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the value of the time-saving count has changed from "1" to "0" (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the special symbol stop display process (FIG. 33).

Step S4668: The main control CPU 72 executes processing to stop the operation of the time-saving function. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes processing to set the time-saving function operation flag to "0." This ends the time-saving state.

Step S4669: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the limiter clear confirmation flag to ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the limiter clear confirmation flag to ON (01H).
When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the special pattern stop display processing (Figure 33).

[Time-saving end determination process (second procedure example)]
FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing a second procedure example of the time-saving end determination process. The procedure will be described below. The difference between the first procedure example and the second procedure example is that the change in the value of the small hit display count A is confirmed. The other points are the same. Therefore, in the following explanation, the same parts as the first procedure example are assigned the same step numbers as the first procedure example, and overlapping explanations are omitted.

Step S4663: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether the winning pattern is small winning pattern 1 or not.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the winning symbol is the small winning symbol 1 (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4663a. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the winning symbol is the small winning symbol 1 (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4664.

Step S4663a: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to update the small hit display count A by subtracting 1.

Step S4663b: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether the value of the small hit display count A has changed from "1" to "0".
As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the small hit display count A has changed from "1" to "0" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4668. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the value of the small hit display count A has changed from "1" to "0" (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S4666.
The subsequent processing is substantially the same as that in the first procedure example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[Display output management process]
Next, Fig. 36 is a flow chart showing an example of the configuration of the display output management process (step S210 in Fig. 13) executed in the interrupt management process. The display output management process includes a subroutine group of a special symbol display setting process (step S1200), a normal symbol display setting process (step S1210), a status display setting process (step S1220), an operation memory display setting process (step S1230), and a continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240).

Of these, the special pattern display setting process (step S1200), normal pattern display setting process (step S1210), and operation memory display setting process (step S1230) are processes that generate and output drive signals to be applied to the LEDs of the first special pattern display device 34, the second special pattern display device 35, the normal pattern display device 33, the normal pattern operation memory lamp 33a, the first special pattern operation memory lamp 34a, and the second special pattern operation memory lamp 35a, as already described.

The status display setting process (step S1220) and the continuous operation count display setting process (step S1240) are processes for generating and outputting drive signals to be applied to each LED of the game status display device 38. First, in the status display setting process, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the time-saving state display lamp 38e according to the value of the time-saving function operation flag. For example, if the value (01H) is set in the time-saving function operation flag when the pachinko machine 1 is powered on, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the time-saving state display lamp 38e, regardless of whether the power is turned on or not. Furthermore, the main control CPU 72 controls the lighting of the launch position designation display lamp 38f according to the special game management status. For example, when the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31 is in an operation state due to a big win game or a small win game, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation display lamp 38f. Furthermore, if the time-saving function activation flag is set to a value (01H), the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the LED corresponding to the launch position designation indicator lamp 38f, in addition to the time-saving state indicator lamp 38e. When transitioning to the "time-saving state" after a jackpot game, the launch position designation indicator lamp 38f is lit from the start of the jackpot game until the end of the "time-saving state", and becomes unlit (OFF) when the "time-saving state" ends.

The main control CPU 72 also controls the lighting of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b in the continuous operation count display setting process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to one of the jackpot type display lamps 38a and 38b based on the value of the continuous operation count status. At this time, the target for outputting the lighting signal is one of the display lamps 38a and 38b corresponding to the jackpot pattern specified by the value of the continuous operation count status. For example, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "3 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38a representing "3 rounds (3R)". Also, if the value of the continuous operation count status specifies "10 rounds", the main control CPU 72 outputs a lighting signal to the lamp 38b representing "10 rounds (10R)".

[Variable prize device management process]
Next, the details of the variable winning device management process will be described. Fig. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the configuration of the variable winning device management process. The variable winning device management process includes a subroutine group of a game process selection process (step S5100), a large winning hole opening pattern setting process (step S5200), a large winning hole opening and closing operation process (step S5300), a large winning hole closing process (step S5400), and an end process (step S5500).

Step S5100: In the game process selection process, the main control CPU 72 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S5200 to S5500). That is, the main control CPU 72 selects the program address of the process to be executed next from the jump table as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the variable winning device management process to the stack pointer as the return address. Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the operation (opening and closing operation) of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 has not yet started, the main control CPU 72 selects the large winning opening pattern setting process (step S5200) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the large prize opening pattern setting process has already been completed, the main control CPU 72 selects the large prize opening opening/closing operation process (step S5300) as the next jump destination, and if the large prize opening opening/closing operation process has been completed, it selects the large prize opening closing process (step S5400) as the next jump destination. Also, when the large prize opening opening/closing operation process and the large prize opening closing process are repeatedly executed for the set number of consecutive operations (number of rounds), the main control CPU 72 selects the end process (step S5500) as the next jump destination. Each process will be explained in more detail below.

[Large prize opening pattern setting process]
38 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a pattern for opening the large prize opening. This procedure is for setting conditions such as the number of times the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31 are opened and closed when a large prize is won or a small prize is won, and the time for each opening. Each procedure will be explained below.

Step S5202: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set. If the result of this check is that the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5203. On the other hand, if the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is not set (No), i.e., if the value of the small jackpot flag (01H) is set, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5204.

Step S5203: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the opening pattern of the large prize opening corresponding to the winning symbol at the time of a jackpot is set based on a jackpot symbol-specific opening pattern setting table. The specific process content will be described further below with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5204: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting the large prize opening pattern when a small win occurs. In this process, the opening pattern of the large prize opening is set based on a table for setting opening patterns by symbol when a small win occurs. The specific content of this process will be described later with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5205.

Step S5205: After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening/closing operation processing and returns to the variable prize device management processing.

[Setting process for opening pattern of big prize hole at the time of big win]
39 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern when a big win occurs. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example.

Step S5210: The main control CPU 72 activates the condition device and the consecutive operation device of the accessory. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the operation of the consecutive operation device of the accessory, and the "consecutive operation device of the accessory" is a device that can continuously operate the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. The "condition device" and the "consecutive operation device of the accessory" can also be flags for control. Therefore, unless the condition device is operated, the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31 will not operate in the big win game. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5212. When the "condition device" is operated, the time-saving function operation flag can be set to "0" to end the time-saving state.

Step S5212: The main control CPU 72 sets "Big role start (jackpot game in progress)" as an internal state flag for control. The main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the continuous operation count status and values required to execute the jackpot game (for example, opening time, ending time, etc.) according to the type of jackpot pattern. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command indicating that a jackpot is in progress. The state command indicating that a jackpot is in progress is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5213.

Step S5213: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF (00H).

Step S5214: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern by symbol when a jackpot is hit. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to a setting table for an opening pattern by symbol when a jackpot is hit, and selects an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of winning symbol related to the special symbol. Here, the opening pattern represents the setting for operating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, and represents, for example, the setting of the number of rounds to be executed, the opening time, the interval time, etc. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5216.

[Table for setting patterns for different symbols when hitting the jackpot]
40 is a diagram showing an example of a table for setting opening patterns by symbols at the time of a big win. This table for setting opening patterns by symbols at the time of a big win defines the opening and closing operation patterns of the variable winning device (first variable winning device 30) for different winning symbols related to the special symbols. Specifically, the following opening patterns of the big winning port are defined for each winning symbol.

When the "1st special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1", "1st special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 2", or "2nd special pattern_3R jackpot pattern 1" is matched, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the first variable winning device 30. In addition, the number of rounds executed is 3 rounds, and the opening time for opening the first large winning port 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time between each round is 1.0 second. Therefore, when these winning patterns are matched, 3 rounds' worth of balls can be won.

As described above, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening pattern of the jackpot opening corresponding to the type of winning symbol by referring to the jackpot opening pattern setting table.

[See FIG. 39: Big Win Opening Pattern Setting Process]
Step S5216: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be operated for each round (1st round to final round) during the big win game, based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol, in the first variable winning device 30. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5218.

Step S5218: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the jackpot game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5220.

Step S5220: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for each time the large prize opening is opened for each round at the time of a jackpot. For example, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time will be sufficient to easily cause a ball to enter the first large prize opening 30b during one opening (for example, the time it takes for 10 or more game balls to be launched by the launch control board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5222.

Step S5222: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets a waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. For example, after the first large prize winning port 30b finishes opening between the first and second rounds and is temporarily closed, an interval timer of about 1.0 second is set. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5224.

Step S5224: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5218). For example, if the number of execution rounds of the jackpot is "3 rounds", a value corresponding to "3 rounds" is generated as the continuous operation count command. The generated continuous operation count command is transmitted to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above.

When the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 38).

[Setting the large prize opening pattern when a small prize is won]
41 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for setting a large prize opening pattern when a small prize is won. The following describes the procedure.

Step S5252: The main control CPU 72 sets "small win start (small win game in progress)" as an internal state flag for control. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command representing that a small win game is in progress. The state command representing that a small win game is in progress is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5254.

Step S5254: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern at the time of a small win. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to a small win opening pattern setting table and selects an opening pattern. Here, the opening pattern represents the settings for operating the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31, such as the number of times the device is opened, the opening time, the interval time, the opening time of the specific area 31x, etc. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5256.

[Small hit release pattern setting table]
42 is a diagram showing an example of a small win opening pattern setting table. This small win opening pattern setting table defines the opening and closing operation pattern of the variable winning device (second variable winning device 31) for different winning patterns related to the special pattern. Specifically, the following opening patterns of the large winning port are defined for each winning pattern.

When the "Second Special Pattern_3R Small Win Pattern 1" is matched, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the second variable winning device 31. The second variable winning device 31 is opened 10 times, and each opening takes 0.18 seconds. The interval time set between each opening is 1.0 second.

When the "Second special pattern_3R small win pattern 2" is matched, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the second variable winning device 31. In addition, the second variable winning device 31 is opened once, and the opening time for each time is 0.1 seconds.

When the "Second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1" is matched, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the second variable winning device 31. The second variable winning device 31 is opened 10 times, and each opening takes 0.18 seconds. The interval time set between each opening is 1.0 second.

Regardless of which small winning pattern is matched, the time when the specific area 31x starts to open (the timing when the specific area solenoid 99 is turned ON and the specific area slide member 31c is activated) is 5.0 seconds after the second variable winning device 31 starts to open.
In addition, the time when the opening of the specific area 31x ends (the timing when the specific area solenoid 99 is turned OFF and the specific area slide member 31c is deactivated) is 10.0 seconds after the opening of the second variable winning device 31 begins.

By setting the above, when the "second special pattern 3R small win pattern 1" or "second special pattern 10R small win pattern 1" is matched, it is possible to make it easier to pass through the specific area 31x, and when the "second special pattern 3R small win pattern 2" is matched, it is possible to make it more difficult to pass through the specific area 31x. In other words, the "second special pattern 3R small win pattern 2" is basically a small win (a small win for falling) for ending the time-shortening state.

The opening of the specific area may be performed simultaneously with the opening of the large prize opening, and may be controlled in a sequence such as "0.04 seconds open -> 5.0 seconds closed -> 10 seconds open." In addition, the opening after the closing may be performed without any time delay (without setting the opening time) in accordance with the end of the opening of the large prize opening.
In other words, if a specific area that activates a conditional device is provided within the large prize opening, it is necessary to open the specific area while the large prize opening is open (minimum 0.04 seconds), so in the small win (small win for falling) that ends the time-shortening state, the opening of the specific area may be performed simultaneously with the opening of the large prize opening.

[See Figure 41: Setting process for large prize opening pattern at the time of small hit]
Step S5256: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the second variable winning device 31. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of the variable winning device to be operated during the small win game in the second variable winning device 31 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5258.

Step S5258: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of openings. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of openings to be performed during small win play based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, the number of openings is set to 1 or 10 depending on the small win pattern. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5260.

Step S5260: The main control CPU 72 sets the small win opening timer. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for each large prize opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, the opening time is set to 0.18 seconds or 0.1 seconds depending on the small win pattern. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5262.

Step S5262: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer for a small win. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between openings of the large prize opening based on the opening pattern corresponding to a small win. In this embodiment, the interval timer is set to a predetermined time (e.g., 1.0 seconds). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5264.

Step S5264: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer for the specific area 31x (slide member 31c for the specific area). Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) for the specific area 31x during small win play based on the opening pattern corresponding to the small win. In this embodiment, the specific area 31x opens 5.0 seconds after the second variable winning device 31 starts to open, and the specific area 31x closes 10.0 seconds after the second variable winning device 31 starts to open.

When the above steps are completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the large prize opening pattern setting process (Figure 38).

[Big prize opening and closing process]
43 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening. This process is mainly for controlling the opening and closing operation of the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5302: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current internal state is "big role". Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer of the RAM 76 and checks whether the current internal state is "big role" based on whether the flag "big role (big win game)" is set as the internal state flag for control. The flag "big role (big win game)" is set by the main control CPU 72 during the previous process (during the process of setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a big win: step S5212) or during the process when passing through a specific area described later. If the result of this check is that the current internal state is "big role" (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5306. On the other hand, if the current internal state is not "big role" (No), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5304.

Step S5304: The main control CPU 72 executes the second large prize opening opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the second variable prize winning device 31 to open and close the second large prize winning opening 31b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the second large prize winning opening solenoid 97). The specific content of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart.

Step S5306: The main control CPU 72 executes the first large prize opening opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the first variable prize winning device 30 to open and close the first large prize winning opening 30b based on the set opening pattern (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the first large prize winning opening solenoid 90). The specific content of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize-winning device management process (Figure 37).

[Second big prize opening/closing process]
44 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure for the second large prize opening opening/closing operation process. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example.

Step S5310: The main control CPU 72 opens the second large prize opening 31b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the second large prize opening solenoid 97. This activates the second variable prize device 31, causing it to transition from a closed state to an open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5312.

Step S5312: The main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the opening timer set in the previous process (step S5260 or step S5264 of the process for setting the large prize opening opening pattern at the time of a small win (in FIG. 41)). Note that in this process, in addition to the opening timer related to the opening of the second large prize opening 31b, the opening timer related to the opening of the specific area 31x (opening start time, opening end time) is also counted down. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5314.

Step S5314: The main control CPU 72 executes a specific area opening/closing operation process. In this process, the main control CPU 72 operates the specific area slide member 31c (outputs a drive signal to be applied to the specific area solenoid 99) to open or close the specific area 31x based on the set opening pattern. The specific contents of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5316.

Step S5316: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the second large prize opening 31b has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the opening timer for the second large prize opening 31b during the countdown process is equal to or less than 0. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the second large prize opening 31b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5322. On the other hand, if the opening time of the second large prize opening 31b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5318.

Step S5318: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the second variable winning device 31 (the large winning port that is open) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the second count switch 85 during the opening time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5320.

Step S5320: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number, as described above, determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) permitted per opening during a small win. If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning port opening and closing operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5310 to S5320.

When the main control CPU 72 determines in step S5316 above that the release time has ended (Yes) or when it has confirmed in step S5320 that the count has reached a predetermined number (Yes), it then executes step S5322. Note that, since the release timer value for a small win is set to a short time (e.g., 1.8 seconds), the main control CPU 72 will usually determine in step S5316 that the release time has ended before it has confirmed in step S5310 that the count has reached the predetermined number.

Step S5322: The main control CPU 72 closes the second large prize opening 31b. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the second large prize opening solenoid 97. This causes the second variable prize device 31 to return from an open state to a closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5324.

Step S5324: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the specific area passing flag is ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and checks whether the specific area passing flag is ON based on whether the value of the specific area passing flag is 01H. If the result of this check is that the specific area passing flag is ON (Yes), that is, if the game ball passed through the specific area 31x while the second large winning opening 31b is open during the small win game, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5326. On the other hand, if the specific area passing flag is not ON (No), that is, if the game ball did not pass through the specific area 31x while the second large winning opening 31b is open during the small win game, the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5327a. Note that the specific area passing flag may be set to ON during the previous specific area opening and closing operation process (step S5314).

Step S5326: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for activating the condition device and the device for continuously operating the first variable winning device 30, that is, a process for starting a big win game, based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the specific area 31x while the second large winning port 31b is open during a small win game (special game via special game execution means). The specific contents of the process will be described further below with reference to another flowchart. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5327a.

Step S5327a: The main control CPU 72 executes interval waiting processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes countdown of the interval timer set in the previous processing (step S5265 of the processing for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (in FIG. 41)). Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5327b. Although not specifically shown here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the variable prize device management processing (FIG. 37) that was called from step S5327a at each interrupt until the interval time has elapsed (until the interval timer value becomes 0). Then, when the large prize opening/closing operation processing is executed at the next call, step S5327a is executed directly instead of starting from the first step S5310.

Step S5327b: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the second large prize opening count counter. Note that the value of the second large prize opening count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example with an initial value of 0.

Step S5327c: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the second large prize opening counter after increment has reached the number of times set in the current round. Here, the "number of times set in the current round" is determined in order to accommodate an opening pattern in which, for example, "the second variable prize opening device 31 is opened multiple times during one small win." Note that, if such an opening pattern is not adopted, the "number of times set in the current round" is set to one time per round, so that the counter value reaches the set number of times with one opening and closing operation (Yes), and the main control CPU 72 then proceeds to step S5328.

On the other hand, if an opening pattern is adopted in which "the second variable winning device 31 is opened multiple times during one small win", the counter value will not have reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning port opening and closing operation process, so the above steps S5310 to S5327b are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening count counter is incremented in step S5327b, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (step S5327c; Yes), the main control CPU 72 next executes step S5328.

Step S5328: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 43). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

[Specific area opening/closing operation processing]
45 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for specific area opening and closing operation processing. The contents will be described below along with the example procedure.

Step S5330: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the specific area 31x has started. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening timer value for the opening start time for the opening of the specific area 31x, which was counted down in the countdown process (step S5312), is 0, thereby checking whether the opening time of the specific area 31x has started. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the specific area 31x has started (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5332. On the other hand, if the opening time of the specific area 31x has not started (No) or has already been opened, the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5334.

Step S5332: The main control CPU 72 opens the specific area 31x. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the specific area solenoid 99. This activates the specific area slide member 31c, and the specific area 31x transitions from a closed state to an open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5334.

Step S5334: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the gaming ball has passed through the specific area 31x. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses a memory area of the RAM 76 and checks whether the specific area reserve flag is ON. If this check shows that the specific area reserve flag is ON and that the gaming ball has passed through the specific area 31x (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5336. On the other hand, if the specific area reserve flag is OFF and that the gaming ball has not passed through the specific area 31x (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5338.

Step S5336: The main control CPU 72 sets the specific area passing flag to ON. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and sets the value of the specific area passing flag to 01H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5338. Note that the specific area passing flag and the specific area reserve flag are reset at the end of the jackpot game.

Step S5338: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the specific area 31x has ended. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening timer for the opening of the specific area 31x, which was counted down in the countdown process (step S5312), is 0, thereby checking whether the opening time of the specific area 31x has ended. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the specific area 31x has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5340. On the other hand, if the opening time of the specific area 31x has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the second large prize opening opening and closing operation process (Figure 44).

Step S5340: The main control CPU 72 closes the specific area 31x. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal that was being applied to the specific area solenoid 99. This causes the specific area slide member 31c to return from the open state (operated state) to the closed state (non-operated state).

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second large prize opening opening and closing operation process (Figure 44).

[Processing when passing through a specific area]
46 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when passing through a specific area. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example. Note that this process can only be executed when passing through a specific area for the first time during one small win game.

Step S5350: The main control CPU 72 resets the small hit flag. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 accesses the flag buffer area of the RAM 76 and resets the value of the small hit flag to 00H. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5352.

Step S5352: The main control CPU 72 ends the small win game. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 erases "small win game in progress" from the internal state flag, and ends the small win game in the control process (small win end). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5354.

Step S5354: The main control CPU 72 activates the condition device and the consecutive operation device of the accessory. This allows the first variable winning device 30 to be operated consecutively, and the big win game can be started. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5356.

Step S5356: The main control CPU 72 sets the internal state flag for control to "Big Role Start (During Big Win Game)". The main control CPU 72 also sets the value of the continuous operation count status and the values required to execute the big win game (for example, opening time, ending time, etc.) according to the type of winning symbol. The main control CPU 72 also generates a state command indicating that a big win is occurring. The state command indicating that a big win is occurring is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5357.

Step S5357: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF (00H).

Step S5358: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for selecting an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area. In this process, the main control CPU 72 refers to a table for setting an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area, and selects an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of winning symbol when a small win occurs. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5360.

Step S5360: The main control CPU 72 sets the operation of the first variable winning device 30. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the type of variable winning device to be activated for each round (2nd round to final round) during the big win game in the first variable winning device 30 based on the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5362.

Step S5362: The main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the number of rounds to be executed during the big win game based on the release pattern corresponding to the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5364.

Step S5364: The main control CPU 72 sets the opening timer at the time of a big win. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the opening time (opening timer) per time when the big win opening is opened for each round at the time of a big win. In this embodiment, the opening timer is set for each round based on the opening time of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning pattern for the special pattern when a small win occurs. For example, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 29.0 seconds, the opening time is sufficient for a ball to easily enter the first big win opening 30b during one opening (for example, the time for 10 or more game balls to be launched by the launch control board set 174, preferably 6 seconds or more). On the other hand, if the value of the opening timer is set to about 0.5 seconds, the opening time is a time during which it is difficult for a ball to enter the first big win opening 30b during one opening. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5366.

Step S5366: The main control CPU 72 sets an interval timer at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 sets the waiting time (interval timer) between rounds at the time of a jackpot. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5368.

Step S5368: The main control CPU 72 generates a continuous operation count command. The continuous operation count command can be generated based on the number of execution rounds set in the previous process (step S5362). Therefore, the continuous operation count command is generated based on the number of execution rounds of the opening pattern corresponding to the winning pattern for the special pattern when a small win occurs. The generated continuous operation count command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process described above. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5370.

Step S5370: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for setting a time-saving function for each symbol when passing through a specific area. In this process, if the winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs is a winning symbol that transitions to a time-saving state after the end of the big win game, the main control CPU 72 sets the time-saving function standby flag to ON.

After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the second large prize opening opening and closing operation process (Figure 44).

[Table for setting patterns for opening by design when passing through specific areas]
47 is a diagram showing an example of a table for setting an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area. This table for setting an opening pattern for each symbol when passing through a specific area defines the opening and closing operation pattern of the first variable winning device 30 for each round for different winning symbols related to the special symbols when a small win occurs. Specifically, the following opening patterns of the large winning port are defined for each winning symbol.

When the game ball matches the "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" and passes through the specific area 31x, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the first variable winning device 30. The number of rounds executed is 3 rounds. Note that this number of rounds executed includes the operation of the second variable winning device 31 that was opened with the small win, so in the big win game that will start from now on, the effective number of rounds in the big win game will be 2 rounds, which is 3 rounds minus 1 round (same below). The opening time for opening the first big win port 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time set between each round is 1.0 second.

When the game ball matches the "second special pattern_3R small win pattern 2" and passes through the specific area 31x, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the first variable winning device 30. The number of rounds executed is 3 rounds. The opening time for opening the first large winning port 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time between each round is 1.0 second.

When the game ball matches the "second special pattern_10R small win pattern 1" and passes through the specific area 31x, the type of variable winning device that is activated is the first variable winning device 30. The number of rounds executed is 10 rounds. The opening time for opening the first large winning port 30b per round is 29.0 seconds. The interval time between each round is 1.0 second.

As described above, the main control CPU 72 refers to the table for setting opening patterns by symbol when passing through the specific area and sets the opening pattern of the large prize opening corresponding to the type of winning symbol for the special symbol when a small win occurs.

[First big prize opening/closing process]
48 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for the first big prize opening opening/closing operation process. The following describes the example of the procedure.

Step S5380: The main control CPU 72 opens the first large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it outputs a drive signal to be applied to the first large prize opening solenoid 90. This activates the first variable prize device 30, causing it to transition from a closed state to an open state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5382.

Step S5382: The main control CPU 72 executes an opening timer countdown process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a countdown of the opening timer that was set in the previous process (step S5220 of the process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a big win (in FIG. 39) or step S5364 of the process for passing through a specific area (in FIG. 46)). The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5386.

Step S5386: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the opening time of the first large prize opening 30b has ended. Specifically, it checks whether the value of the opening timer for the first large prize opening 30b after the countdown process is equal to or less than 0. If the result of this check is that the opening time of the first large prize opening 30b has ended (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5392. On the other hand, if the opening time of the first large prize opening 30b has not ended (No), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5388.

Step S5388: The main control CPU 72 executes a winning ball count process. In this process, the number of game balls that have entered the first variable winning device 30 (the large winning port that is open) during the opening time is counted. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 increments the count value based on the winning detection signal input from the first count switch 84 during the opening time. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5390.

Step S5390: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current count is less than a predetermined number (10). This predetermined number, as described above, determines the upper limit of the number of winning balls (upper limit of the number of prize balls) permitted per opening (one round during a jackpot). If the count has not yet reached the predetermined number (Yes), the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process. Then, when the variable winning device management process is next executed, the jump destination is currently set to the large winning port opening and closing operation process, so the main control CPU 72 repeatedly executes the above steps S5380 to S5390.

When the main control CPU 72 determines in step S5386 above that the opening time has ended (Yes) or when it has confirmed in step S5390 that the count has reached the specified number (No), it then executes step S5392. Note that, since the value of the opening timer is set to a short time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) during a round in which no balls are dispensed during opening upon a jackpot, the main control CPU 72 will usually determine in step S5386 that the opening time has ended before it has confirmed in step S5390 that the count has reached the specified number.

Step S5392: The main control CPU 72 closes the first large prize opening 30b. Specifically, it stops the output of the drive signal applied to the first large prize opening solenoid 90. This causes the first variable prize device 30 to return from an open state to a closed state. The main control CPU 72 then executes step S5394.

Step S5394: The main control CPU 72 executes interval waiting processing. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes countdown of the interval timer set in the previous processing (step S5222 of the process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a big win (in FIG. 39) or step S5366 of the process for passing through a specific area (in FIG. 46)). Then, when the value of the interval timer becomes 0 or less, the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5395. Although not specifically shown here, the main control CPU 72 returns to the end address of the variable prize device management process (FIG. 37) that was called from step S5394 at each interrupt until the interval time has elapsed (until the interval timer value becomes 0). Then, when the large prize opening/closing operation process is executed at the next call, step S5394 is executed directly instead of starting from the first step S5380.

Step S5395: The main control CPU 72 increments the value of the opening count counter. Note that the value of the opening count counter is stored in the count area of the RAM 76, for example with an initial value of 0.

Step S5396: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after incrementing has reached the number of times set in the current round. Here, the reason for determining the "number of times set in the current round" is to accommodate an opening pattern in which, for example, "the first variable winning device 30 is opened multiple times in one round during a jackpot." Note that, in this embodiment, such an opening pattern is not adopted in particular, so the "number of times set in the current round" is set to one time per round. Therefore, since the counter value usually reaches the set number of times with one opening/closing operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 next proceeds to step S5398.

When a pattern is adopted in which multiple opening and closing operations are repeated within one round as described above, the counter value will not have reached the set number of times at the end of one opening (No). In this case, when the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable prize device management process, the jump destination is currently set to the large prize opening opening and closing operation process, so the above steps S5380 to S5390 are repeatedly executed. As a result, the opening count counter is incremented in step S5395, and when the counter value reaches the set number of times (Yes), the main control CPU 72 proceeds to step S5398.

Step S5398: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening closing process and returns to the large prize opening opening opening operation process (Figure 43). Then, when the variable prize device management process is next executed, the main control CPU 72 next executes the large prize opening closing process.

[Big prize gate closing process]
49 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the large prize opening closing process. This large prize opening closing process is for continuing or terminating the operation of the first variable prize winning device 30 and the second variable prize winning device 31. The procedure will be described below.

Step S5401: First, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the current game is a big win (jackpot game), and if so (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5402.

Step S5402: The main control CPU 72 increments the round number counter. As a result, for example, when the first round ends and the game moves towards the second round, the value of the round number counter is "1". If the game ball passes through the specific area 31x during a small win game and a big win game starts after the small win ends, the opening of the second big winning opening 31b at the time of the small win is treated as the first round, and the first round in which the big win game starts is treated as the second round.

Step S5404: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the incremented value of the round number counter has reached the set number of execution rounds. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 refers to the incremented value of the round number counter (1 to 15), and if the value is less than the set number of execution rounds (14 after subtracting 1, or 15) (No), it then executes step S5405.

Step S5405: The main control CPU 72 generates a round number command from the current value of the round number counter. This command is sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process as described above. The performance control device 124 can check the current number of rounds based on the received round number command.

Step S5406: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening/closing operation processing.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball count counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 37), the main control CPU 72 executes the next jump destination, the large winning opening opening/closing operation process. After executing the large winning opening opening/closing operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process again, and repeatedly executes the above steps S5402 to S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 is executed continuously until the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds.

If the actual number of rounds reaches the set number of execution rounds (step S5404: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5410.

Step S5410, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the round number counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the end process.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[When hitting a small hit]
In contrast, in the case of a small hit, the following procedure is followed (special operation execution means).
Step S5411: When the main control CPU 72 confirms that the current game is not a big win (step S5401: No), it increments the value of the opening count counter.

Step S5413: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the opening count counter after increment has reached the set number of openings. The number of openings is the one set in the previous process for setting the large prize opening pattern at the time of a small win (step S5258 in FIG. 41). If the value of the opening count counter has not yet reached the set number of openings (No), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5416.

Step S5416: The main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening/closing operation processing.
Step S5408: Then, the main control CPU 72 resets the winning ball number counter and returns to the variable winning device management process.

When the main control CPU 72 next executes the variable winning device management process, in the game process selection process (step S5100 in FIG. 37), the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening opening opening operation process, which is the next jump destination. After executing the large winning opening opening opening operation process, the main control CPU 72 executes the large winning opening closing process again, and repeats steps S5401 to S5413 (No) above, and then steps S5416 and S5408. As a result, the opening and closing operation of the second variable winning device 31 is repeatedly executed until the actual number of openings reaches the set number of openings.

If the actual number of times that the reels open when a small win occurs reaches the set number of times that the reels open (step S5413: Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5414.

Step S5414, Step S5412: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the opening count counter (=0) and sets the next jump destination to the termination process.

Step S5408: The main control CPU 72 then resets the winning ball counter and returns to the variable winning device management process. As a result, the next time the main control CPU 72 executes the variable winning device management process, the end process will be selected.

[Termination process]
50 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the termination process. This termination process is for preparing the conditions for terminating the operation of the first variable winning device 30 and the second variable winning device 31. The following is an explanation of the procedure.

Step S5502: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the jackpot flag (01H) is set, and if the value of the jackpot flag is set (Yes), the main control CPU 72 then executes step S5503.

Step S5503, Step S5504: In this case, the main control CPU 72 resets the jackpot flag (00H). This ends the jackpot game state in the control processing of the main control CPU 72. The main control CPU 72 also erases "jackpot in progress" from the internal state flag, and ends the jackpot game in the control processing (end of big role). In addition, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the continuous operation count status.

Step S5510: Next, the main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the time-saving function reserve flag is 01H. This flag is set in the reserve area setting process at the time of a jackpot during the previous special symbol change pre-processing (step S2414 in FIG. 19) or in the time-saving function setting process for each symbol when passing through a specific area during the previous specific area passing process (step S5370 in FIG. 46).

Step S5511: If the value of the time-saving function reserve flag is 01H (step S5510: Yes), the time-saving function activation flag as a game status flag in the flag area of RAM 76 is set to 01H (on). Note that if the value of the time-saving function reserve flag is not 01H (step S5510: No), the main control CPU 72 does not execute steps S5511 and S5512.

Step S5512: The main control CPU 72 also executes a reserve area load process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to load various values (time-saving count, special fluctuation count, fluctuation pattern selection status flag, fluctuation pattern selection counter, and small win display count) that are set in the reserve area at the start of fluctuation. For example, the values of the time-saving count, special fluctuation count, fluctuation pattern selection status flag, fluctuation pattern selection counter, and small win display count are stored in a specified area of the RAM 76. The time-saving count set here becomes the upper limit number of times that the fluctuation time of the special pattern is shortened in subsequent games. The special fluctuation count and fluctuation pattern selection counter set here become the upper limit number of times when a special fluctuation is executed. Furthermore, the small win display count set here becomes the upper limit number of times that the small win display count is executed.

The above steps are for a big win, but if a small win occurs (step S5502: No), the following steps will be executed.

Step S5520, Step S5522: In the case of a small win, the main control CPU 72 resets the value of the small win flag (00H) and also erases "small win in progress" from the internal status flag. Note that in the case of a small win, no internal condition device is activated, so this procedure is simply for the purpose of erasing the flag.

Step S5513: The main control CPU 72 executes a time-saving limiter management process. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for managing the number of times the time-saving limiter is used.

Step S5513a: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process to determine whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count.

Step S5514: The main control CPU 72 then generates a state designation command based on the flag. Specifically, when the big win flag is reset or when a big win ends, a state designation command is generated that indicates the game state as "normal". Also, if the time-saving function activation flag is set, a state designation command is generated that indicates the internal state as "time-saving". These state designation commands are sent to the performance control device 124 in the performance control output process.

Step S5516: After going through the above steps, the main control CPU 72 sets the next jump destination to the large prize opening pattern setting process.

Step S5518: The main control CPU 72 then sets the jump destination in the execution selection process (step S1000 in FIG. 18) in the special symbol game process to the special symbol change pre-processing. After completing the above steps, the main control CPU 72 returns to the variable winning device management process.

[Time-saving limiter management process]
51 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for time-saving limiter management processing. Each procedure will be described below.

Step S5600: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the current win occurred in a non-time-shortened state. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 stores the internal state at the time of the win in the RAM 76, so that the main control CPU 72 can check the internal state at the time of the win.

As a result, if it is confirmed that the current winning is a winning in a non-time-shortened state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5602. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the current winning is a winning in a non-time-shortened state, the main control CPU 72 executes step S5604.

Step S5602: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the time-saving limiter number. Here, the time-saving limiter number indicates the number of consecutive times that special games (jackpot games) can be played in succession. Note that in this embodiment, a game specification is adopted in which 10,000 jackpot games are played as one set. The initial value of the time-saving limiter number (the value set after the first jackpot game ends) is "9999". The value of the time-saving limiter number goes from "9999" → "9998" → "9997" ... and the limit is reached at "1".

Step S5604: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to subtract (-1) from the time-saving limiter count.

Step S5606: The main control CPU 72 checks whether the value of the "time-saving limiter count" matches a specified value (upper limit value; for example, "1").

As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the "time-saving limiter count" matches the specified value (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5608. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that the value of the "time-saving limiter count" matches the specified value, the main control CPU 72 returns to the termination process (Figure 50).

Step S5608: The main control CPU 72 executes transition processing to a non-time shortening state.
In this process, the main control CPU 72 executes a specified value reaching process that imposes restrictions on the transition to the time shortening state (specified value reaching process execution means).
Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process when the specified value is reached (i.e., a process of not changing the winning pattern and not transitioning to the time-shortening state) in which the winning pattern corresponds to a winning pattern that does not transition to the time-shortening state (advantageous game state) even if the time-shortening count is set, by setting the time-shortening count to 0 (a process of executing a process when the specified value is reached). The process when the specified value is reached may be a process of determining that the winning pattern corresponds to a winning pattern that does not transition to the time-shortening state even if the winning pattern corresponds to a winning pattern that transitions to the time-shortening state (i.e., a process of changing the winning pattern). Furthermore, the process when the specified value is reached may be a process of making the winning pattern that transitions to the time-shortening state unselectable when the specified value is reached, that is, a process of making only the winning patterns that do not transition to the time-shortening state selectable (a process of making all the winning patterns in the big win (the winning pattern selection table) a winning pattern that does not transition to the time-shortening state). As a result, a transition to the non-time-shortening state is forced when the limiter is reached.

Step S5609: The main control CPU 72 resets the time-saving limiter count (sets the time-saving limiter count to 0).

When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the termination processing (Figure 50).

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for limiter clear confirmation flag ON setting processing.
Step S5610: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the limiter clear confirmation flag to ON (01H).
When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the calling source and continues processing.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for limiter clear confirmation flag OFF setting processing.
Step S5620: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF (00H).
When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the calling source and continues processing.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count.
Step S5630: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether the limiter clear confirmation flag is ON (01H).
As a result, if it is confirmed that the limiter clear confirmation flag is ON (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S5631 and S5632.
On the other hand, if it cannot confirm that the limiter clear confirmation flag is ON (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the caller and continues processing.

Step S5631: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of resetting the time-saving limiter count.
Step S5632: The main control CPU 72 executes a process of setting the limiter clear confirmation flag to OFF (00H).
When the above processing is completed, the main control CPU 72 returns to the calling source and continues processing.

[Explanation about resetting the time-saving limiter count]
The time-saving limiter count may be cleared in other ways than the "time-saving limiter management process (FIG. 51)". When the time-saving count becomes 0 and the time-saving (time-saving state) ends, or when a small win is won and the V is not passed (when the game ball does not pass through a specific area), the time-saving limiter count is reset in order to return to normal play (to transition to a non-time-saving state). In order to be able to reset the time-saving limiter count at such specific times, a limiter clear confirmation flag (RWM) is used to determine whether or not to reset the time-saving limiter count. Then, the time-saving limiter count is reset by executing the "time-saving limiter count reset determination process (FIG. 54)" as a specific process.

The timing for executing the "time-saving limiter count reset determination process (FIG. 54)" is as follows.
(1) When the confirmation time (stop display time) of the special symbol at the time of loss has elapsed (step S4601 in FIG. 33)
(2) When the big win or small win ending time has elapsed (step S5513a after the time-saving limiter management process of step S5513 in FIG. 50)

The timing for executing the "limiter clear confirmation flag ON setting process (FIG. 52)" is as follows.
(1) When (after) the operation of the time-saving function is stopped at step S4668 in the time-saving end determination process (FIG. 34) (step S4669)
(2) When (after) the operation of the time-saving function is stopped in step S4668 in the time-saving end determination process (FIG. 35) (step S4669)

Furthermore, the timing for executing the "limiter clear confirmation flag OFF setting process (FIG. 53)" is as follows.
(1) At the start of the jackpot (when the jackpot opening time is set; step S5213 in FIG. 39)
(2) When passing through a specific area during a small win (only when passing through a specific area for the first time; step S5357 in FIG. 46)

For example, when there is a miss and the time-saving count becomes 0 and the time-saving ends, the limiter clear confirmation flag is turned ON when the operation of the time-saving function stops, so the time-saving limiter count is reset by executing the "time-saving limiter count reset determination process (FIG. 54)" when the fixed time for the special pattern has elapsed. Also, when a small win is won, the limiter clear confirmation flag is turned ON when the operation of the time-saving function is stopped as a result of subtracting the small win display count A or B. After that, if the game ball passes through a specific area in the small win process, the limiter clear confirmation flag is set to OFF, and if the game ball does not pass through the specific area, the limiter clear confirmation flag remains ON, and by executing the "time-saving limiter count reset determination process (FIG. 54)" when the ending time for the big win and small win has elapsed, it is possible to efficiently manage both cases where the time-saving limiter count is reset and where it is not reset.

In this way, in this embodiment, the limiter clear confirmation flag is set to ON or OFF so that the miss, small hit, and big hit processes are executed and the time-saving limiter count can be reset at any timing depending on the situation.

[Normal power abnormality entry error judgment processing]
55 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for determining an error in a normal power supply abnormality. This procedure is called in the error management procedure (step S207a) of the interrupt management procedure (FIG. 13). The procedure will be described below.

Step S5700: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not this is the first process since power-on. Whether or not this is the first process since power-on can be checked using the power-on flag. The power-on flag is turned off when power is turned on, and turns on once this process has been executed once.

As a result, if it is confirmed that this is the first processing since power-on (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes steps S5701 and S5702. On the other hand, if it is not confirmed that this is the first processing since power-on (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management processing (Figure 13).

Step S5701: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to set a threshold value for n. The threshold value can be changed according to the specifications of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, n = 3, but n can be a value between 1 and 10, etc.

Step S5702: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to set the judgment counter to 0.

Step S5703: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether or not a winning detection signal has been input from the right start winning port switch 82 corresponding to the second special pattern.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the winning detection signal has been input (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5704. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the winning detection signal has been input (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 13).

Step S5704: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not the time-saving mode is in effect.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the time-saving is in progress (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5705. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the time-saving is in progress (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 13).

Step S5705: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether or not a normal electric role that was activated during time reduction is in operation. For example, if the normal electric role is activated during time reduction, a time reduction activation flag is set to ON, and if the flag is ON, it can be determined that a normal electric role that was activated during time reduction is in operation even if the game ball does not enter during time reduction.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the normal electric role that was activated during the time-saving is in operation (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5706. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the normal electric role that was activated during the time-saving is in operation (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 13).

Step S5706: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to check whether m seconds have passed since the end of the time reduction. In this embodiment, m = 4.0 (seconds), but m can be any value equal to or greater than 4.0 seconds.
As a result, when it is confirmed that m seconds have elapsed since the end of the time-saving process (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5707. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that m seconds have elapsed since the end of the time-saving process (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 13).

Step S5707: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to increment (+1) the judgment counter.

Step S5708: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to confirm whether the judgment counter is greater than or equal to n.
As a result, when it is confirmed that the judgment counter is n or more (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S5709. On the other hand, when it is not confirmed that the judgment counter is n or more (No), the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management process (FIG. 13).

Step S5709: The main control CPU 72 executes a process to turn on the normal power abnormality winning error flag. Note that the normal power abnormality winning error flag and the judgment counter are initialized (off, cleared to zero) when a predetermined condition is met (for example, after a certain period of time has passed or when a power outage occurs).

Step S5710: The main control CPU 72 executes a process for generating a normal power abnormality winning error occurrence designation command. The generated normal power abnormality winning error occurrence designation command is transmitted to the performance control device 124.
Upon completing the above processing, the main control CPU 72 returns to the interrupt management processing (Figure 13).

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing the operating pattern of a normal electric device.
(A in FIG. 56: Time-shortened state)
At time t0, the time reduction state is ON, and at time t2, the time reduction state is turned OFF.

[Figure 56 (B): Normal electric device]
Assume that the normal electric role operates at time t1, which is before time t2, and becomes inactive at time t3, which is after time t2. This operation occurs during the time-saving state (or immediately before the time-saving state turns OFF), and the time-saving state ends after the operation. The operation time T1 of the normal electric role includes the opening time (the time the solenoid is ON) and the closing time (the time the solenoid is OFF). The operation time T1 is, for example, 2.5 seconds.

(C) in FIG. 56: Effective time
When the operation time of the normal electric device ends, a valid time T2 is set between time t3 and time t4. The valid time is the time during which the entry of a game ball into the normal electric device is valid even after the operation time of the normal electric device ends. The valid time T2 is, for example, 0.5 seconds.

(D) in FIG. 56: Predetermined time
The time from time t2, which is the end of the time-shortened state, to time t5, which is after the end of the effective time T2, is the predetermined time T3. The predetermined time T3 is, for example, 4.0 seconds. The relationship between the times is (T1+T2)>T3.

[Game Flow (Part 1)]
FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating the game flow of the first game specification.
In the case of the first game specification, [F1] the game starts in the normal mode (park mode). The "normal mode" is the "non-time shortening state".

When a jackpot is won in [F1] normal mode, [F2] the jackpot game (big bonus) is executed, and the game moves to [F3] challenge mode (in the case of the first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1) or [F4] drive mode (in the case of the first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 2). [F3] challenge mode is a mode in which the time-saving count is 10 times, and [F4] drive mode is a mode in which the time-saving count is 10,000 times.

When a specific jackpot (second special pattern 3R jackpot pattern 1) is won in [F3] Challenge mode or [F4] Drive mode, [F5] Jackpot game (special bonus) is executed and the game transitions to [F6] Space mode.
Basically, the small win symbol 2 has the role of ending the time-shortened state with one win, but as an exception, in [F6] space mode, even if the small win symbol 2 is won once (until it is won 9999 times), the space mode does not end. For this reason, the space mode is a mode in which the next big win is probabilistically guaranteed.

[Game Flow (Part 2)]
FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating the game flow of the second game specification.
In the case of the second game specification, [G1] the game starts in the normal mode (park mode). The "normal mode" is the "non-time shortening state".

When a jackpot is won in [G1] normal mode, [G2] jackpot play (big bonus) is executed, and the mode transitions to [G3] short drive mode (in the case of first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1) or [G4] drive mode (in the case of first special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 2). [G3] short drive mode is a mode with 50 time-saving cycles, and [G4] drive mode is a mode with 100 time-saving cycles.

The mode shifts to the [G3] short drive mode or the [G4] drive mode, and then, if multiple jackpots are won, the [G5] multiple jackpot games (big bonus) are played, and the mode shifts to the [G6] high-speed drive mode. The [G6] high-speed drive mode is a mode that allows faster consumption (a shorter fluctuation pattern is selected) than the [G3] short drive mode or the [G4] long drive mode.
When a specific jackpot (second special symbol_3R jackpot symbol 1) is won in [G3] Short Drive Mode or [G4] Long Drive Mode, [G6] jackpot game (special bonus) is executed and the mode transitions to [G8] Super Drive Mode. [G8] Super Drive Mode is a mode in which the number of time-saving cycles is 10,000. Therefore, [G8] Super Drive Mode is a mode in which the next jackpot win is probabilistically guaranteed. [G8] Super Drive Mode is a mode in which faster consumption is possible (shorter fluctuation patterns are selected) than [G6] High-Speed Drive Mode.

Please note that these game flows show typical gameplay flows and do not represent all gameplay flows.

[Example of a production image]
Next, the performance images actually displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 in the pachinko machine 1 and the operation of the drum unit 200 will be described with some examples. As described above, when an internal lottery for a jackpot is performed in the pachinko machine 1, a variation pattern (variation time) is determined under the control of the main control CPU 72, and a variation display using the first special symbol and the second special symbol is performed (symbol display means). However, as described above, the first special symbol and the second special symbol themselves are displayed by lighting and blinking using a 7-segment LED, so they lack visual appeal. Similarly, the manner in which the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed by the first special symbol display device 34 or the second special symbol display device 35 is also a symbolic design using a 7-segment LED or the like, and also lacks visual impact as a "winning symbol". Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1, a variation display performance and a stop display performance are performed using the liquid crystal display 42 and the drum unit 200.

In this embodiment, the LCD display 42 displays the performance pattern Hz (main pattern), marker M1, marker M2, fourth patterns Z1 and Z2, a background image corresponding to the stay mode, images related to preview performances, etc., and the drum unit 200 displays pseudo performance patterns such as pattern 7.

The performance patterns Hz displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 include, for example, three performance patterns: a left performance pattern, a center performance pattern, and a right performance pattern, which are displayed in a row on the left, center, and right on the screen of the liquid crystal display 42. The numbers "1" to "9" are displayed on each performance pattern. Here, the left performance pattern, center performance pattern, and right performance pattern all form a pattern string (performance pattern array) in which the numbers are arranged in descending order from "9" to "1". Such pattern strings are displayed in a changing manner, flowing (scrolling) vertically.

The pseudo performance symbols displayed on the drum unit 200 include three symbols: a pseudo left performance symbol displayed on the left reel 201, a pseudo middle performance symbol displayed on the middle reel 202, and a pseudo right performance symbol displayed on the right reel 203, which are displayed side by side on the left, middle, and right sides of the display area of the drum unit 200. Each reel includes a 7 symbol, a panda symbol, and a cherry symbol, and the pseudo performance symbols are displayed in a changing manner as each reel rotates.

Figures 59 and 60 are sequential diagrams showing examples of effect images corresponding to the variable display and stationary display of special symbols. Here, an example of the variable display effect and stationary display effect performed using the liquid crystal display 42 and drum unit 200 for the variation of special symbols when there is no winning (loss). This variable display effect corresponds to a series of effects performed from the start of the variable display of the special symbol (here, the first special symbol) until the stationary display (including the confirmed stop). The stationary display effect is an effect that indicates that the special symbol has been stationary displayed and that the result of the internal lottery at that time has been displayed. Before explaining the specific contents of the control process, the basic flow of the variable display effect and stationary display effect for each variation adopted in this embodiment will be explained.

[Before change display]
In Fig. 59 (A): For example, before the first special symbol starts to change (when the demo effect is not in progress), a row of three effect symbols Hz is displayed in the lower right area of the liquid crystal display 42. At this time, the effect symbols Hz are also displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the stopped display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

In addition, the lower left area of the liquid crystal display 42 displays markers (reference symbols M1 and M2 in the figure) that indicate the number of activation memories of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The number of markers M1 and M2 indicates the number of activation memories of the corresponding first special symbol and second special symbol (the number of markers displayed on the first special symbol activation memory lamp 34a and the second special symbol activation memory lamp 35a), and the number of markers displayed increases or decreases in conjunction with the change in the number of activation memories during play. In addition, to facilitate visual distinction, the marker M1 corresponding to the first special symbol is displayed as, for example, a circle (○), and the marker M2 corresponding to the second special symbol is displayed as, for example, a heart. In the illustrated example, all four markers M1 are lit to indicate that the number of activation memories for the first special symbol is four, and all markers M2 are hidden (shown by dashed lines) to indicate that the number of activation memories for the second special symbol is zero.

Furthermore, the fourth pattern (with reference symbols Z1 and Z2 in the figure) is displayed in the lower right area of the liquid crystal display 42. This fourth pattern Z1 and Z2 is the "fourth performance pattern" following the left, center, and right performance patterns described above, and is displayed in a synchronized manner while the performance pattern Hz is being displayed. Note that the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2 are simply marks (for example, a "□" shape) with colors added, and the display color can be changed to express the display. The fourth pattern Z1 corresponds to the first special pattern, and the fourth pattern Z2 corresponds to the second special pattern.

Furthermore, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are displayed stopped in a manner corresponding to a miss (for example, a white display color). This is to objectively demonstrate that the stop display performance is being performed correctly in response to the stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and that the pachinko machine 1 is operating normally. Therefore, if the result of the internal lottery is actually a "big win" or "small win" rather than a "miss," the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are displayed stopped in a manner corresponding to that (for example, a blue display color or a red display color, etc.).

On the other hand, a "panda pattern" corresponding to a "miss" is displayed on the valid line in the middle row of the drum unit 200.

[Change display performance begins]
In Fig. 59 (B): For example, in synchronization with the start of the variation of the first special symbol, each reel of the drum unit 200 starts to rotate, and the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 scrolls and varies, thereby starting the variable display performance (symbol performance execution means). In the figure, the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol of the drum unit 200 and the variable display of the performance symbol Hz are simply displayed with downward arrows.

A background image is displayed in the central area of the LCD display 42, and this background image depicts the scenery of a park. Such a background image represents that the stay mode in the performance is, for example, "normal mode". "Normal mode" is a non-time-saving state. In addition to this, various modes are provided in the performance, and background images with different scenery or scenes are prepared for each mode. The differences between these modes correspond to the internal "time-saving state". Although not specifically shown here, a preview performance may then be performed, for example, by displaying images of characters, items, etc. on the display screen of the LCD display 42.

In addition, while the change in the performance pattern Hz is being displayed, the fourth pattern Z1 is displayed in a changing manner at the bottom of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and the change in the fourth pattern Z1 is expressed by changing its display color.

[Left performance pattern stop]
59 (C): For example, after a certain amount of time (about half the fluctuation time) has passed, first the pseudo-left performance symbol on the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200 and the left performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42 stop fluctuating. In this example, a "green 7 symbol" is stopped as the pseudo-left performance symbol in the middle position of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol representing the number "8" is stopped as the left performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Example of a performance when the number of working memories is decreasing]
Here, as shown in FIG. 59B, the number of activation memories of the oldest first special symbol is decreased by one as the variation starts, and the number of displayed markers M1 located on the leftmost side is decreased by one accordingly. That is, the total number of activation memories of the markers M1 was four up until that point, but the marker M1, which is the oldest (oldest) memory number display, is hidden, and an effect is performed in which it is consumed by an internal lottery. This makes it possible to inform the player through the effect that the total number of activation memories has been reduced to three, and also makes it possible to clearly inform the player which activation memory corresponding to which special symbol (in this case, the first special symbol) has been consumed.

In the example of (C) in Figure 59, the first working memory in the memory order is consumed, leaving only three, so the three markers M1 remaining on the screen are each shifted one position in one direction (to the left in this case). This allows the context of the change in the number of working memories to be accurately expressed in the presentation, and also teaches the player in an intuitive and easy-to-understand way that "a working memory has been consumed and one has been lost."

[Right performance pattern stop]
In Figure 60 (D): Next, a "panda pattern" is stopped as a pseudo right performance pattern in the middle position of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200, and a performance pattern representing the number "3" is stopped as the right performance pattern of the performance pattern Hz on the LCD display 42.

[Stop display effect]
In FIG. 60 (E): In synchronization with the stop display of the first special symbol, the stop display effect is executed. If the result of this internal lottery is a non-winning one and the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner, the pseudo performance symbol of the drum unit 200 and the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 are also stopped and displayed in a non-winning (missing) manner. That is, in the illustrated example, a "panda symbol" is stopped as a pseudo middle performance symbol at the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol representing the number "1" is stopped as a middle performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. In this case, the combination of the pseudo performance symbols displayed on the middle effective line of the drum unit 200 is a miss of "green 7 symbol" - "panda symbol" - "panda symbol", and the combination of the performance symbols Hz on the liquid crystal display 42 is a miss of "8" - "1" - "3", so the current fluctuation corresponds to a normal "miss", and is expressed in the performance. At this time, the fourth symbol Z1 is displayed stopped in a state corresponding to a miss (for example, white display color).

The above is an example of the change display effect and the stop display effect (when no winning occurs) that are performed after each change. Through such effects, players can feel hope for a win, and ultimately the results of the internal lottery can be clearly indicated through the effects.

[Example of a big win]
61 to 63 are successive diagrams showing the flow of reach effects executed at the time of a big win. In addition to reach effects, variable display effects, stop display effects, and advance notice effects are also included here. In addition, an example of an advance notice effect (advance notice effect before reach occurs, advance notice effect after reach occurs) executed during a variable display effect will be described.

The following reach effects are executed after the first special symbol display device 34 displays the changing pattern when a win occurs (when a big win or small win occurs), and before the first special symbol is displayed stationary in a winning form (for example, a 7-segment LED display of "Ki", "Yo", "Kuchi", "Mi", "F", "E", "L", "Gamma", etc.) (reach effect execution means).

[Variable display effects]
In Figure 61 (A): Approximately synchronized with the start of the change in the first special pattern (or the second special pattern), each reel of the drum unit 200 begins to rotate, and the changeable display performance begins as the performance pattern Hz on the LCD display 42 scrolls and changes.

[Pre-reach notice (first stage)]
In FIG. 61 (B): When a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the fluctuation, the first stage of the reach occurrence pre-notification performance using the character's picture image (picture card) is performed on the liquid crystal display 42. This reach occurrence pre-notification performance is a pre-notification performance in which the change in state progresses stepwise from one stage to multiple stages (for example, 2 to 5 stages) according to a predetermined order. The picture image used in this reach occurrence pre-notification performance is displayed so as to appear from the left end of the screen (other appearance modes are also possible). The "reach occurrence pre-notification" is a performance that notifies the possibility of a reach or a big win. By executing such a "reach occurrence pre-notification performance", it is possible to obtain an effect of making the player feel a sense of expectation that "it may develop into a reach = the possibility of a big win increases".

[Pre-reach notice (2nd stage)]
In FIG. 61 (C): After the first stage of the reach occurrence advance notice performance is executed, the change in the state of the reach occurrence advance notice performance progresses to the second stage. Here, as the second stage of the reach occurrence advance notice performance, a performance using a different character image from the previous one is performed. Specifically, a different image appears from the right edge of the screen and is displayed overlapping in front of the previously displayed image. The image displayed at this time is also larger in size than the previously displayed image. A sound output performance is also performed in which the character represented by the image speaks a line (for example, "It's going to be a reach").

The pre-reach notice performance (second stage) using such a second image is an advanced version of the pre-reach notice performance (first stage) shown in FIG. 61 (B). The form of the "pre-reach notice performance" that develops in this way is generally referred to as a "step-up notice" or the like. Here, an example is given in which a second-stage image image appears in the pre-reach notice performance, but it may be a performance form in which third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage image images appear and are displayed one after another. Also, for example, each time the third-stage, fourth-stage, and fifth-stage image images appear and are displayed one after another, their size may be enlarged. Note that the variable display performance continues even at this stage. In any case, by progressing the change in the form of the pre-reach notice performance to more stages, it is possible to suggest to the player that there is a high possibility (expectation) of a jackpot with this change (for example, progressing to the fifth stage suggests the highest expectation).

[Stop of the left performance pattern]
62 (D): When the variable display performance reaches the middle stage, the pseudo-left performance symbol on the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200 and the left performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42 stop varying. In this example, a "red 7 symbol" is stopped as the pseudo-left performance symbol in the middle position of the left reel 201 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol representing the number "7" is stopped as the left performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Reach state occurs]
FIG. 62 (E): Next, the pseudo right performance symbol of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200 and the right performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 stop fluctuating. In this example, a "red 7 symbol" is stopped as the pseudo right performance symbol in the middle position of the right reel 203 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol representing the number "7" is stopped as the right performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. As a result, a reach state of "red 7 symbol" - "changing" - "red 7 symbol" occurs in the pseudo performance symbol of the drum unit 200, and a reach state of "7" - "changing" - "7" occurs in the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. In addition, a performance in which a sound such as "Reach!" is output is performed. After the reach state occurs, a reach performance at the time of winning is executed. In addition, with regard to the performance pattern Hz on the liquid crystal display 42, a clear reach state may not be generated, and the display state may be "changing" - "changing" - "changing".

[Preview after reach occurs]
62 (F): A short time after the reach state occurs, a notice of the occurrence of the reach state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, in which, for example, a group of images showing "heart" shapes pass diagonally across the screen. In this case, the image of the "group of hearts" is suddenly displayed on the screen as if it is flowing, which enhances the visual appeal to the player. By executing such a visually lively notice of the occurrence of the reach state, it is possible to obtain an effect of creating even greater expectations in the player.

[Progression of reach performance]
In Figure 63 (G): Following the preview performance after the occurrence of a reach, a pumpkin ghost appears on the left side of the screen on the LCD display 42 as an enemy character, a male character appears on the right side of the screen as an ally character, and the letters "VS" appear in the center of the screen.

Figure 63 (H): As the reach effect reaches its final stage, the "pumpkin ghost" launches countless punches, and the "male character" fights back with chops. If the "male character" wins in this state, it is a jackpot, and if the "male character" loses, it is a loss.

[Stop display effect (winning effect)]
In FIG. 63 (I): When the "male character" is displayed large with the word "Victory!!" and the "pumpkin ghost" is displayed small, it means that it is a big win. Then, approximately in synchronization with the stop display of the special symbol, the pseudo-middle performance symbol of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200 and the middle performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42 stop fluctuating. In this example, a "red 7 symbol" is stopped as a pseudo right performance symbol in the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol representing the number "7" is stopped as a middle performance symbol of the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42. The fourth symbol Z1 is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to a big win (for example, a red display color).

When a player does not win (misses), the "pumpkin ghost" is displayed large along with the word "Defeat..." and the "male character" is displayed small. In this case, a "panda symbol" is stopped as a pseudo right performance symbol in the middle position of the middle reel 202 of the drum unit 200, and a performance symbol showing a number other than the number "7" is stopped as a middle performance symbol in the performance symbol Hz of the liquid crystal display 42.

[Major role director]
64 to 66 are sequential diagrams partially showing examples of the big win effects executed during a big win game. Note that the following big win effects are effects executed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Jackpot game begins]
In FIG. 64 (A): When a big win game starts, for example, text information such as "BIG BONUS" is displayed on the screen, and a unique effect image (for example, a female character) is displayed during the big win game.

[During the big role, "Right hit" is displayed]
In this embodiment, since the first variable winning device 30 is located on the right side of the play area 8a, the right side of the play area 8a is specified as the launch position (launch direction) of the game ball during a big win. Therefore, under the control of the main control CPU 72, the above-mentioned launch position designation indicator lamp 38f is lit and a launch position designation command indicating "right hit" is sent to the performance control device 124. In response to this, under the performance control of the performance control CPU 126, guidance information encouraging "right hit" (such as an arrow indicating the right direction and the words "right hit") is displayed on the display screen).

[First Round]
FIG. 64 (B): When the first round of the big win game starts, for example, three circles are displayed in the upper left corner of the screen along with the text information "BIG BONUS". The leftmost circle is displayed in red, and the remaining two circles are displayed in white. This informs the player that there are three rounds in which balls can be won, that the current round is the first of the three, and that a circle is displayed in red each time a round in which balls can be won progresses. The number of "circles" increases according to the winning symbol.

[Third Round]
In Fig. 64 (C): After that, if the big win game proceeds smoothly and, for example, the game moves to the third round, all three circles are displayed in red, for example. This informs the player that all rounds in which balls can be won have ended in the third round.

[Challenge Production]
FIG. 64 (D): During the third round, a challenge effect is executed. In the challenge effect, for example, text information such as "Drive Mode Challenge" is displayed on the screen. This effect can inform the player whether or not to switch to the drive mode after the current big win game.

Figure 65 (E): As the challenge performance progresses, a performance is executed in which text information such as "Press the button repeatedly to make the heart-shaped device fall and enter drive mode!" is displayed on the screen. This allows the player to be informed of whether or not to enter drive mode depending on whether or not the movable body 40f falls.

[Button press effect]
65 (F): For example, an image resembling the effect switching button 45 is displayed in the foreground on the screen, and text information saying "Continuously press!!" is displayed above the effect switching button 45. This encourages the player to repeatedly press the effect switching button 45. Also, when the player presses the effect switching button 45, the effect switching button 45 is displayed to show that it has been pressed.

[Button press success animation]
65 (G): If the winning symbol at the time of the jackpot is a winning symbol that switches to the drive mode, the player can press the effect switching button 45 repeatedly to execute a button press success effect that drops the movable body 40f to the front side of the liquid crystal display 42. This makes it possible to inform the player that he or she has succeeded in the game in which he or she has pressed the effect switching button 45 repeatedly.

Figure 66 (H): A female character also appears and displays text information such as "Great success! Congratulations!" This informs the player that they are about to enter "Drive Mode."

[Time-saving mode entry effect]
FIG. 66 (I): Then, using the end time (ending time) of the big win game, an effect is executed in which text information such as "Enter drive mode!" is displayed. This makes it possible to inform the player that the "drive mode" is about to begin. Also, text information such as "Just hit right" is displayed along with an arrow pointing to the right, making it possible to inform the player that the game will proceed by hitting right even in the "drive mode". If the game does not transition to the "drive mode", it will transition to the "challenge mode (in the case of the first game specification)" or the "short drive mode (in the case of the second game specification)".

Here, during the ending performance, a notification may be made to remind the player not to forget to take the prepaid card, such as "Be careful not to forget to take your prepaid card," or a notification may be made to prevent the player from becoming addicted to the game, such as "Be careful not to become addicted to the game." In this case, the notification may be made every time an ending performance occurs, or may be made under a specified condition (other than when a win occurs during a special probability). Furthermore, the above performances may be performed simultaneously, or one of them may be performed, or the above performances may be notified alternately in order. In this way, the warning effects can be easily executed at the appropriate time, and disadvantages to the player can be reduced.

[Big win game ended, time shortened]
In Fig. 66 (J): When the big win game ends and the internal state (game state) is set to the time-saving state, the stay mode is set to "drive mode" and the background image is changed to an image depicting a woman in a car driving on the ground. This makes it possible to inform the player that the current internal state (game state) is a time-saving state that is different from the normal state.

[Performance during time-saving]
In this way, when the game is progressing in a time-shortened state, a time-shortened performance (advantageous game state performance) is executed, which displays a background image corresponding to the time-shortened state (advantageous game state).

[Right hit suggestion effect]
Also, a right-hit suggestion effect is being executed at the top of the screen. In the right-hit suggestion effect, a strip-shaped area is provided at the top of the screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and text information for right-hit and a right-pointing arrow symbol are displayed within the strip-shaped area. Note that this type of right-hit suggestion effect is executed continuously when the game state is in the time-saving state. And by executing such an effect, it is possible to encourage the player to "hit right."

FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of an error presentation that is executed when a normal power abnormality winning error occurs.
When a normal power abnormal winning error occurs, a normal power abnormal winning error performance is executed. The normal power abnormal winning error performance is a performance in which text information "A normal power abnormal winning error has been detected. Please call an attendant" is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42, and audio information "A normal power abnormal winning error has been detected" is output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56. The display content and output audio may be "An abnormal winning error has been detected" without the text.

Next, we will explain examples of control methods for specifically realizing the above effects. The above-mentioned variable display effects, reach effects, pre-reach warning effects, memory count display effects, effects during big wins, effects using the LCD display 42 and drum unit 200, effects during time reduction, right-hit suggestion effects, error effects, etc. are all controlled through the following control processes.

[Performance control processing]
68 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance control process executed by the performance control CPU 126. This performance control process is executed, for example, in a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) separate from a reset start (main) process (not shown). The performance control CPU 126 generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, several tens of μs to several ms) during the execution of the reset start process, and executes the timer interrupt process.

The performance control process includes subroutines for command reception processing (step S400), error performance management processing (S400a), operating memory performance management processing (step S401), performance pattern management processing (step S402), other performance processing during time reduction and pseudo time reduction (step S402a), drum unit performance management processing (step S403), display output processing (step S404), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound drive processing (step S408), performance random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). Below, the basic flow of the performance control process is explained along with each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 126 receives a command for the performance transmitted from the main control CPU 72. The performance control CPU 126 also analyzes the received commands and stores them in the command buffer area of the RAM 130 by type. The performance commands transmitted from the main control CPU 72 include, for example, a special pattern destination determination performance command, a (special pattern) operation memory number increase performance command, a (special pattern) operation memory number decrease performance command, a start port winning sound control command, a demo performance command, a lottery result command, a fluctuation pattern command, a fluctuation start command, a stop pattern command, a pattern stop command, a state designation command, a round number command, a launch position designation command, an error notification command, a jackpot end performance command, a fluctuation pattern destination determination command, a stop display time end command, a number of times cut counter command, a prize ball content command, and various error commands.

Step S401: In the operating memory performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the execution of the memory number display performance described above and the look-ahead preview performance using the marker M1. The contents of the operating memory performance management process will be described further below with reference to another drawing.

Step S400a: In the error performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to select a performance pattern for executing an error performance based on various error commands.

For example, if a command to designate an error occurring due to a normal power abnormality is received as an error command, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a presentation pattern for the normal power abnormality winning error presentation shown in FIG. 67.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 controls the content of the variable display performance and the stop display performance using the performance symbol Hz and the fourth symbols Z1, Z2, and controls the performance content during the opening and closing operation of the first variable winning device 30 or the second variable winning device 31. In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern of various advance notice performances (advance notice performance before the reach occurs, advance notice performance after the reach occurs, etc.). Thus, in the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to determine the performance content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 42 (performance symbol Hz, fourth symbols Z1, Z2, markers M1, M2, performance content related to the big role performance, etc., content of various advance notice performances). The specific processing content will be described later.

Step S402a: The performance control CPU 126 executes other performance processes during the time-saving and pseudo-time-saving periods. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to determine the performance content related to the right-hit suggestion performance, etc. The specific processing content will be described later.

Step S403: In the drum unit performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to control the drum unit 200 based on the performance content determined in the performance symbol management process. In this way, in the drum unit performance management process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to determine the performance content to be displayed on the drum unit 200 (performance content related to the pseudo performance symbol, content related to the movement of the drum unit 200). The specific processing content will be described later.

Step S404: In the display output process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) on basic control information for the performance content (e.g., the number of activation memories for each of the first and second special patterns, activation memory performance pattern number, pre-reading preview performance pattern number, variable performance pattern number, variable time preview performance number, background pattern number, etc.). As a result, the performance display control device 144 (display control CPU 146 and VDP 152) controls the display operation by the LCD display 42 based on the instructed performance content (performance execution means).

Step S406: In the lamp drive process, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the lamp drive circuit 132. In response to this, the lamp drive circuit 132 drives (turns on or off, blinks, changes brightness gradation, etc.) the various lamps 46-52 and the panel lamp 53, etc. based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound drive process, the performance control CPU 126 instructs the sound drive circuit 134 on the performance content (e.g., background music and audio data during a variable display performance, a reach performance, a mode transition performance, or a jackpot performance) to the sound drive circuit 134. As a result, sounds according to the performance content are output from the speakers 54, 55, and 56.

Step S410: In the effect random number update process, the effect control CPU 126 updates various effect random numbers in the counter area of the RAM 130. The effect random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for advance selection and random numbers used for normal background change lottery (effect lottery).

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the performance control CPU 126 outputs a control signal to the driving IC of the movable body 40f. The movable body 40f operates using the movable body motor 57 as a driving source, and performs a performance in synchronization with the display of an image by the liquid crystal display 42 or independently.
In addition, in this process, the performance control CPU 126 may perform performance management of the drum unit 200 (processing for controlling the drum unit 200).

Through the above-mentioned performance control process, the performance control CPU 126 can comprehensively control the performance content in the pachinko machine 1. Next, we will explain the content of the performance pattern management process executed in the performance control process.

[Working memory performance management processing]
69 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for the working memory performance management process. The contents will be described below along with the procedure example.

Step S700: First, the performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased has been saved. If it is confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased has been saved (step S700: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S702. Note that if it is not confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is increased has been saved (step S700: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute step S702.

Step S702: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of operating memories increases. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a performance that displays a marker M1 corresponding to the first special pattern or a marker M2 corresponding to the second special pattern.

Step S704: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved. If it is confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S706. Note that if it is not confirmed that a performance command for when the number of operating memories is reduced is saved (step S704: No), the performance control CPU 126 does not execute step S706.

Step S706: The performance control CPU 126 executes a performance selection process when the number of active memories is decreased. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 executes a performance in which the marker M1 or marker M2 corresponding to the lottery element consumed by the internal lottery is erased, and executes a performance in which the remaining markers M1 and M2 that are not consumed by the internal lottery are slid to the left.
Upon completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control processing (Figure 68).

[Performance design management processing]
70 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the performance symbol management process. The performance symbol management process includes a subroutine group of execution selection process (step S500), performance symbol change pre-processing (step S502), performance symbol change process (step S504), performance symbol stop display process (step S506), and variable winning device operation time process (step S508). Below, the basic flow of the performance symbol management process will be explained along with each process.

Step S500: In the execution selection process, the performance control CPU 126 selects the jump destination of the process to be executed next (one of steps S502 to S508). For example, the performance control CPU 126 sets the program address of the process to be executed next as the jump destination address, and also sets the end of the performance pattern management process as the return address in the "jump table". Which process is selected as the next jump destination depends on the progress of the processes performed so far. For example, if the variable display performance has not yet started, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change pre-processing (step S502) as the next jump destination. On the other hand, if the performance pattern change pre-processing has already been completed, the performance control CPU 126 selects the performance pattern change in progress processing (step S504) as the next jump destination, and if the performance pattern change in progress processing has been completed, the performance pattern stop display in progress processing (step S506) as the next jump destination. Additionally, the variable prize-winning device operation process (step S508) is selected as the jump destination only when the variable prize-winning device management process (step S5000 in FIG. 18) is selected in the main control CPU 72. In this case, steps S502 to S506 are not executed.

Step S502: In the pre-processing of the effect pattern variation, the effect control CPU 126 prepares the conditions for starting the variable display effect using the effect pattern Hz and the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2. In this process, the effect control CPU 126 selects the content of the reach effect according to various conditions (lottery result, winning type (type of winning pattern), variation pattern, etc.), and selects the effect pattern for the advance notice effect (advance notice pattern before the reach occurs, advance notice pattern after the reach occurs, etc.). In addition, the effect control CPU 126 also controls the demo effect when the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state. The specific process content will be described later using another flowchart.

Step S504: In the processing during the change of the effect pattern, the effect control CPU 126 generates control information to instruct the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) as necessary. For example, when performing an effect using the effect switching button 45 while a variable display effect is being executed, the effect control CPU 126 monitors whether or not the player operates the effect button, and instructs the display control CPU 146 on control information for the effect content (button effect) according to the result.

Step S506: In the processing during the stop display of the effect pattern, the effect control CPU 126 controls the content of the stop display effect according to the result of the internal lottery. That is, the effect control CPU 126 instructs the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) to end the variable display effect and execute the stop display effect. In response to this, the effect display control device 144 (display control CPU 146) actually ends the variable display effect that had been executed up until that point on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 42, and executes the stop display effect. As a result, the stop display effect is executed approximately in sync with the stop display of the special pattern, and the result of the internal lottery can be instructed to the player in a performance manner (disclosure, announcement, notification, etc.) (pattern effect execution means).

Step S508: In the processing when the variable winning device is activated, the presentation control CPU 126 controls the content of the presentation during a small win or a big win. In this processing, the presentation control CPU 126 selects the content of the presentation during the big win according to various conditions (e.g., the type of win). The specific processing content will be described further below with reference to another flowchart.

[Pre-processing for changing the performance pattern]
Next, Fig. 71 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the above-mentioned effect symbol variation pre-processing. The following describes the procedure example.

Step S600: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether or not it has received a demo performance command from the main control CPU 72. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether or not a demo performance command has been saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that a demo performance command has been saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S602.

Step S602: The performance control CPU 126 executes a demo selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects a demo performance pattern. The demo performance pattern specifies the content of a performance that indicates that the pachinko machine 1 is in a so-called customer waiting state.
In addition, the presentation showing the waiting state may display a message to prevent players from becoming addicted to the game, such as "Be careful not to become addicted to the game." In this way, presentations related to preventing addiction can be easily executed at appropriate timing, and disadvantages to players can be reduced.

When the above steps are completed, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the address at the end of the performance pattern management process. The performance control CPU 126 then returns to the performance control process, and controls the content of the demo performance based on the demo performance pattern in the subsequent display output process (step S404 in FIG. 68) and lamp drive process (step S406 in FIG. 68).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S600 that no demo performance commands have been saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S604.

Step S604: The performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current change is a miss (non-winning) or not. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command for non-winning is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-winning is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S612. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command for non-winning is not saved (No), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S606. Note that it is also possible to check whether the current change is a miss based on the change pattern command or the stop pattern command in addition to the lottery result command. In other words, if the current change pattern command corresponds to a miss normal change or a miss reach change, it can be determined that the current change is a miss. Alternatively, if the current stop pattern command specifies a non-winning pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a miss.

Step S606: If the lottery result command is not a non-win (miss) (Step S604: No), then the performance control CPU 126 checks whether the current variation is a jackpot. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 accesses the command buffer area of the RAM 130 and checks whether the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved. As a result, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is saved (Yes), the performance control CPU 126 executes step S610. Conversely, if it is confirmed that the lottery result command at the time of the jackpot is not saved (No), only the lottery result command at the time of the small win remains, so in this case, the performance control CPU 126 executes step S608. It is also possible to check whether the current variation is a jackpot based on the variation pattern command or the stop pattern command. In other words, if the current variation pattern command corresponds to a jackpot variation, it can be determined that the current variation is a jackpot. Also, if the current stop pattern command corresponds to a jackpot pattern, it can be determined that the current change is a jackpot.

Step S608: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a variable presentation pattern selection process for a small win. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. The presentation pattern numbers are prepared in advance in correspondence with the variable pattern command, and the presentation control CPU 126 can select the presentation pattern number that corresponds to the variable pattern command at that time by referring to a presentation pattern selection table (not shown). Note that the presentation pattern number may be prepared in pairs with the variable pattern command, or multiple numbers may be prepared for one variable pattern command.

When a performance pattern number is selected, the performance control CPU 126 refers to a performance table (not shown) and determines the change schedule (change time) of the performance pattern Hz and the fourth patterns Z1 and Z2 corresponding to the change performance pattern number at that time, the mode of the stopped display, etc.

For example, when the second special pattern changes to a small win in the time-shortened state, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to change the presentation pattern Hz and the fourth pattern Z2 in the "drive mode" state, and ultimately selects a presentation pattern that stops and displays the presentation pattern Hz and the fourth pattern Z2 corresponding to the small win.
On the other hand, when the second special pattern changes to a small win in the non-time shortening state, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to change the presentation pattern Hz and the fourth pattern Z2, for example, while continuing the "drive mode" or while in the normal mode, and finally selects a presentation pattern that stops and displays the presentation pattern Hz and the fourth pattern Z2 corresponding to the small win.

The above procedure applies when a "small win" occurs, but if a "big win" occurs, the presentation control CPU 126 confirms in step S606 that it is a "big win" (Yes). In this case, the presentation control CPU 126 executes step S610.

Step S610: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a process for selecting a variable presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot. In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 determines the presentation pattern number at that time based on the variable pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. In addition, in the process for selecting a presentation pattern at the time of a jackpot, the process may be further branched according to the stop pattern at the time of a jackpot.

If the winner is not a winner, the following procedure is executed. That is, when the performance control CPU 126 confirms in step S604 that the winner is a loser (Yes), it executes step S612.

Step S612: The performance control CPU 126 executes a miss-time variable performance pattern selection process. In this process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the miss-time performance pattern number based on the variable pattern command received from the main control CPU 72. The miss-time performance pattern numbers are classified into "miss normal variable", "time-saving miss variable", "miss reach variable", etc., and furthermore, a detailed reach variable pattern is defined for "miss reach variable". Note that which performance pattern number the performance control CPU 126 selects is determined based on the variable pattern command sent from the main control CPU 72.

When the effect pattern number for a miss is selected, the effect control CPU 126 refers to an effect table (not shown) and determines the change schedule (change time, whether or not a reach occurs, and if a reach occurs, the type of reach and the timing of the reach occurrence) of the effect pattern Hz and the fourth pattern Z1, Z2 corresponding to the change effect pattern number at that time, and the mode of the stop display (for example, "7"-"2"-"4", etc.). Note that the method of determining the effect for a miss is the same as for a jackpot.

After executing any of the above steps S608, S610, and S612, the performance control CPU 126 then executes step S614.

Step S614: The performance control CPU 126 executes a notice selection process (notice performance execution means). In this process, the performance control CPU 126 selects by lottery the contents of the notice performance to be executed during the current variable display performance. The contents of the notice performance are determined, for example, based on the result of an internal lottery (win or no win) or the current internal state (normal state, time-shortened state). As described above, the notice performance notifies the player that a reach state may occur during the variable display performance, or that there is a possibility of eventually winning a big win or a small win. Therefore, the selection ratio of the notice performance is set low when there is no win, but the selection ratio of the notice performance is set higher when there is a win in order to heighten the player's sense of expectation.

Step S616: The presentation control CPU 126 executes a mode presentation management process (advantageous game presentation execution means). In this process, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a background image according to the stay mode. For example, in principle, when the internal state is in a non-time-saving state, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a background image corresponding to the normal mode, and when the internal state is in a time-saving state, the presentation control CPU 126 executes a process to select a background image corresponding to the drive mode or the like (a process to select a presentation during time-saving).

After completing the above steps, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance pattern management process (last address). As a result, in the subsequent performance pattern changing process (step S504 in FIG. 70), the changing display performance and the stop display performance are executed based on the actually selected changing performance pattern (pattern performance execution means), and the preview performance is executed based on various preview performance patterns. In addition, various stay mode performances are executed based on the background (stay) mode pattern selected here.

[Drum unit performance management processing]
72 is a flow chart showing an example of a procedure for drum unit performance management processing. The following describes the example of the procedure.

Step S900: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process for determining the movable body operation schedule. Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process for determining the operation schedule (movement mode, stop mode, etc.) of the drum unit 200 based on the performance pattern (performance pattern number, etc.) determined by the performance design management process (step S402 in FIG. 68).

When the operation schedule is determined, the performance control CPU 126 stores the determined operation schedule in the operation schedule storage buffer of the RAM 130. Also, when the operation schedule is determined, the performance control CPU 126 executes a process to turn on the drum unit operation flag in the RAM 130, and executes a process to turn off the drum unit operation flag when all the determined schedules have been executed.

The operation schedule is set for each reel (each moving body); for example, for the left reel 201, the order from the start of the movement to the end of the movement is "acceleration" → "constant speed" → "deceleration" → "stop," etc. Among these, there are multiple speed changes in "acceleration" and "deceleration," and there may also be multiple speed changes within "constant speed" (for example, "constant low speed," "constant medium speed," "constant high speed," etc.).

In this embodiment, multiple speeds (e.g., about 100 different speeds) are prepared as the set speed of the motor (reel), and various setting information (number of motor steps, set motor speed, time required for motor operation, motor excitation method, phase designation information that designates the phase to be excited by the motor, etc.) is stored in multiple movable body data tables (not shown). Each movable body data table stores different setting information.

The performance control CPU 126 determines in what order and at what timing to refer to which movable body data table based on the operation schedule of the drum unit (movable body unit) 200. The movable body data stored in the movable body data table being referenced is stored in a movable body data setting area (not shown) and transmitted to the driver (IC) of the drum unit 200. The driver of the drum unit 200 drives each reel based on the movable body data.

The performance control CPU 126 basically overwrites the moving body data setting area with new moving body data (switches the moving body data table being referenced) when changing the speed of each reel, but even when maintaining the speed of each reel, it may overwrite the moving body data setting area with new moving body data (without switching the moving body data table being referenced).

This is because if a constant speed is maintained, preparing a number of moving object data tables corresponding to the number of seconds the special symbol changes would require a number of moving object data tables corresponding to the number of seconds the special symbol changes, which would result in a large capacity moving object data table.

The operation schedule of the drum unit 200 corresponding to the performance pattern is as follows:
For example, when the presentation pattern corresponds to a non-reach miss presentation, the presentation control CPU 126 starts the rotation of the left reel 201, the center reel 202, and the right reel 203 at the start of the variation, stops the left reel 201 after a predetermined time has elapsed, then stops the right reel 203, and finally stops the center reel 202. The stop number can be any miss number or a miss number corresponding to the stop number of the presentation pattern Hz.

On the other hand, if the presentation pattern corresponds to a reach presentation (big win fluctuation, small win fluctuation, miss fluctuation), the presentation control CPU 126 starts the rotation of the left reel 201, center reel 202, and right reel 203 at the start of the fluctuation, stops the left reel 201 after a predetermined time has passed, then stops the right reel 203, generates a reach state, and finally stops the center reel 202. The stopping points can be those corresponding to the stopping points of the presentation pattern Hz (a winning combination of three 7 symbols of the same color corresponding to a big win, a winning combination of three cherry symbols corresponding to a small win, or a missing combination of one frame on the center reel 202 corresponding to a miss).

In any case, in this movable body operation schedule determination process, the performance control CPU 126 determines the operation schedule of the drum unit 200 based on the performance pattern determined by the performance pattern management process, and determines the contents and order of the movable body data table (deceleration sequence, deceleration sequence with added control code, acceleration sequence, drive start sequence, drive stop sequence, etc.) to be referenced during the performance based on the determined operation schedule.

Step S902: The performance control CPU 126 executes a process to start setting movable body data. This process is executed only when the setting of movable body data starts during the execution of a performance, that is, when the movable body data is to be overwritten.

Specifically, the performance control CPU 126 performs processes such as overwriting the movable body data in the currently referenced movable body data table with the movable body data in the movable body data table that is scheduled to be referenced next, in other words, storing the movable body data stored in the movable body data table that is scheduled to be referenced next in the movable body data setting area, and determining whether or not it is the end of the movable body data (checking whether or not the movable body data table that is scheduled to be referenced next exists), and storing the movable body data stored in the movable body data table in the movable body data setting area until it is determined that it is the end of the movable body data.
Upon completing the above processing, the performance control CPU 126 returns to the performance control processing (Figure 68).

The gaming machine described above includes the following three technical features.
The first technical feature is [New specifications for normal power abnormal winning error]. The second technical feature is [Control method for time-saving end conditions with small hit]. The third technical feature is [Control of special fluctuation setting according to time-saving limiter]. Each technical feature can be used alone or in combination. If the content of one technical feature is different from the content of another technical feature, the content of either technical feature can be adopted, and if the content of each technical feature is insufficient, it can be supplemented by the content of another technical feature. Each technical feature will be explained in order below.

[Problem of the first technical feature]
The condition for determining that a normal power (normal electric device) abnormal winning error exists in that there is a specification that determines that an error has occurred when a predetermined number of wins on a normal electric device (for example, wins during normal or jackpot play) are detected (for example, three wins on the starting hole corresponding to the second special pattern are detected) during a play state other than the monitored states of "during time-saving mode" and "during operation of a normal electric device that has been activated during time-saving mode."

In this case, if a normal electric device is in operation (for example, while a normal electric device is opening due to a normal symbol hitting) after the time-saving function has stopped operating (for example, when a special final fluctuation has stopped during the time-saving state), if the operation of the normal electric device (or the effective time thereafter) ends in the short time between when the game ball has crossed the opening/closing member and when it enters the starting hole in a bridge-type normal electric device or the like during that operation, the game ball that subsequently enters the starting hole (for example, the starting hole corresponding to the second special symbol) will be counted as an error.

[Specific configuration of the first technical feature]
As a monitoring target for determining whether a normal electric abnormal winning error has occurred, even if a normal electric device wins a prize during the "predetermined time period after the end of the time-saving feature", the error is not monitored.
The "predetermined time" is set to a time longer than the operation time (open time + close time + effective time) of a normal electric device. For example, the operation time of a normal electric device is set to 2.5 seconds, and the predetermined time is set to 4.0 seconds.

[Effect of the first technical feature]
It is possible to prevent the occurrence of unintended normal power abnormality winning errors.

[Details of the first technical feature]
(1) Overview The first technical feature is to adopt a control to prevent errors from being detected in a specific section (within a specified time period) by setting an error monitoring restriction in addition to the specifications for detecting an abnormality in normal power supply.

(2) Normal power abnormality winning error in the comparative example The specifications of the normal power abnormality winning error in the comparative example are as follows.
First, a threshold number n for error occurrence when the power is turned on is set (n is arbitrarily set for each model).
(a) During time reduction (b) During operation of a normal electric role that was activated during time reduction Then, if n winnings are detected for normal electric roles other than the above (a) and (b), a normal electric abnormal winning error occurs. When an error occurs, an error command is sent to the performance control device to notify the error, and a security signal is output as external information. After the error occurs, an error occurs every time a winning is detected for a normal electric role other than the above (a) and (b).

(3) First Technical Feature: Normal Power Abnormality Error First, a threshold number n (n is set arbitrarily for each model) for error occurrence when the power is turned on is set.
(a) during time-saving (b) during operation of normal electric role that was activated during time-saving (c) during the period from the end of time-saving (end of time-saving function activation) until m seconds (m is set arbitrarily for each model) have elapsed If n winnings are detected for normal electric role other than (a) to (c) above, a normal electric abnormal winning error will occur. When an error occurs, an error command is sent to the performance control device to notify the error, and a security signal is output as external information. After the error occurs, an error will occur every time a winning is detected for normal electric role other than (a) to (c) above.

(4) Purpose: In some cases, when a normal electric device continues to operate after the time-saving feature has finished, if a game ball crosses the opening and closing member of a bridge-type normal electric device during operation, and the normal electric device stops operating in the short time before the game ball enters the starting hole, the game ball that enters the starting hole after that will be counted as an error. Therefore, the purpose of this system is to prevent this error notification.
After the electric device is closed, a valid time is set, and if a ball enters the starting hole during this valid time, it is not counted as an error. Basically, the valid time is set as the time during which the ball can enter the starting hole within this valid time. Examples of cases where a ball may enter the starting hole beyond the valid time include when dirt or other factors slow down the ball's flow speed, causing the ball to enter the starting hole late, or when there are multiple balls that barely make it across the opening and closing member and multiple balls are lined up, causing the balls to collide with each other and delay the entry of the last ball. In such cases, the balls may move in an unexpected way, which may be counted as an abnormal entry error, and an error notification due to such a situation can be prevented.

[Summary of the first technical feature]
A gaming machine including the first technical feature has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied (when a winning symbol that can transition to a time-shortened state is won, when the game ball passes through a specific area), a transition can be made from a predetermined game state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous game state (time-shortened state, during time-shortened) in which advantageous conditions are applied compared to the predetermined game state, while a state transition means (main control CPU, Figures 34, 35, 50) is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied (when the termination condition of the time-shortened state is satisfied), terminates the advantageous game state and transitions to the predetermined game state.

(2) If a specified operating condition is not met, the machine is placed in a difficult-to-enter state (the normal electric device solenoid is OFF) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the start winning hole (right start winning hole 28b). On the other hand, if a specified operating condition is met (when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning form), the machine is equipped with an electric device (normal electric device, variable start winning device 28, Figures 6 and 7) that can transition to an easy-to-enter state (the normal electric device solenoid is ON) in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the start winning hole than in the difficult-to-enter state.

(3) The device is provided with an abnormal winning error determination means (main control CPU, FIG. 55) that can determine that an abnormal winning error has occurred when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., three balls) enter the starting winning hole in a situation (a situation excluding the three cases of the first to third cases) except for the first case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole in a favorable game state, the second case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole while the electric device is in the easy-to-enter ball state in a favorable game state (the second case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole of an electric device that has transitioned to the easy-to-enter ball state in a favorable game state), and the third case in which a game ball enters the starting winning hole between the end of the favorable game state and the lapse of a predetermined time (4.0 seconds) (a situation excluding the three cases of the first to third cases).

With this configuration, the case where a game ball enters the starting winning hole between the end of the advantageous game state and the lapse of a predetermined time is excluded from the judgment of an abnormal winning error (step S5706 in FIG. 55), so the occurrence of unintended abnormal winning errors can be suppressed, and as a result, an innovative gaming machine can be provided.

In a gaming machine including the first technical feature, the predetermined time T3 is a time (e.g., 4.0 seconds) longer than the time (e.g., 3.0 seconds) obtained by adding the operating time T1 (e.g., 2.5 seconds; opening time + closing time), which includes the time during which the electric device transitions to an easy-to-score state, to the effective time T2 (e.g., 0.5 seconds) that validates the entry of a gaming ball into the starting winning hole even if the electric device is in a difficult-to-score state (Figure 56).

With this configuration, since "operation time T1 + effective time T2" < "predetermined time T3", the predetermined time can end after all the time related to the electric device has ended, further reducing the occurrence of unintended abnormal winning errors.

[Problem of the second technical feature]
It is desirable to efficiently control the program to end the time-saving feature when a specified win (for example, a small win) is achieved.

[Specific configuration of the second technical feature]
In a game specification in which a favorable game state (e.g., a time-shortened state) is ended by winning a predetermined win (e.g., a small win) that opens an electric role device (e.g., a large prize opening) either once or multiple times, the favorable game state is ended by determining that a first predetermined win (e.g., a small win that is easy to pass through a V, a 3R small win pattern 1) that ends the favorable game state when won once is won, and when it is determined that a second predetermined win (e.g., a small win that is difficult to pass through a V (a falling small win), a 3R small win pattern 2) that includes ending the favorable game state when won at least multiple times is won, a counter (small win display count B) is checked which has a specified number of times set to determine whether the number of second predetermined wins has reached the number that ends the favorable game state at the end of the large win, and the favorable game state is ended if the specified number of times (small win display count B = 0) has been reached.

The second predetermined hit (for example, a small hit that is difficult to pass through the V (a small fall hit)) may include a specification that ends an advantageous gaming state when won multiple times, or may include a specification that ends an advantageous gaming state when won once.

[Effect of the second technical feature]
It is possible to efficiently control the program to end the time-saving mode when a specified win (e.g., a small win) is won.

[Details of the second technical feature]
(1) Overview The second technical feature is to adopt a control that can manage the end of the time-saving feature for each small winning pattern as a control to end the time-saving feature when a small winning pattern is won during the time-saving feature. For example, in the case of small winning pattern 1, the time-saving feature ends when it is won once, and in the case of small winning pattern 2, the time-saving feature ends when it is won 10,000 times. In this way, the number of times that the time-saving feature ends varies depending on the small winning pattern won during the time-saving feature.

(2) Purpose The purpose of ending the time reduction for each small win pattern is to realize a game characteristic such as a specification in which the time reduction continues until a specific small win is won. For example, in a game characteristic in which a loop machine with a time reduction of 10,000 times repeats a big win triggered by a small win to increase the number of balls that are output, there are two types of small win patterns, and small win pattern 1 is a win that passes through the V (small win that passes through the V) and small win pattern 2 is a win that does not pass through the V (small win that does not pass through the V). If small win pattern 1 is matched during the time reduction, the V is passed and the next time the time reduction is started, but if small win pattern 2 is matched, the V cannot be passed, so the time reduction ends with the small win and the consecutive win ends.

Basically, during the time-saving period, whether small win pattern 1 or small win pattern 2 is won, the time-saving period ends. However, in the case of small win pattern 1, passing through the V (passing through a specific area) will result in a big win, and it will be possible to enter the time-saving period again. As an exception to this gameplay, if you want to have a specification where a specific big win pattern (second special pattern _ 3R big win pattern 1 in the first game specification) is won and the time-saving period does not end even if small win pattern 2 is won after the big win ends, but the time-saving period continues until the big win pattern or small win pattern 1 is won, it is necessary not to end the time-saving period even if small win pattern 2 is won after the specific big win pattern is won, so it is necessary to have a number of times to end the time-saving period for each small win pattern.

(3) Conditions for terminating the time-saving function (time-saving state) The time-saving function will end when any of the following (a) or (b) is satisfied:
(a) When the special symbol stops changing for a predetermined number of times (※1 When the change stops)
(b) When a combination of symbols that activates a special electric device is displayed a predetermined number of times (when the variation stops).
(c) When the winning symbol is selected and the condition device is activated (after the fixed time has elapsed)

The above (a) occurs when a miss occurs and the number of times the time-saving feature has been activated changes from 1 to 0, the above (b) occurs when a small win occurs and the number of times the small win has been displayed changes from 1 to 0, and the above (c) occurs when a big win occurs (including when a big win is achieved via a small win), and the time-saving feature ends at the timings (*1) and (*2) respectively. Note that the timings of (*1) and (*2) are not limited to these and can be changed as appropriate depending on the game specifications.

(4) Determining the number of times to shorten the time and the number of times to display small wins after a big win If a small win or a big win is won at the start of the fluctuation, the next number of times to shorten the time and the number of times to display small wins are determined and set in the reserve area. The number of times set in the reserve area after the big win is set as the number of times to shorten the time and the number of times to display small wins to be managed during the time-saving. When the fluctuation of the special pattern stops, the set number of times is subtracted, and if the number of times becomes 1 → 0, it is determined that the condition for ending the time-saving has been met and the time-saving ends.

The number of times the time is reduced after the big win ends and the number of times each small win pattern is displayed are as shown in Figures 20 and 21. The "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 1" is a small win that passes through the V (a small win that easily passes through a specific area), and the "2nd special pattern_3R small win pattern 2" is a small win that does not pass through the V (a small win that is difficult to pass through a specific area).

(5) End of time-saving when fluctuation stops When fluctuation of the special symbol stops, a time-saving end determination process (FIG. 34 or FIG. 35) is performed to update the number of time-saving times and the number of small wins displayed. Based on the update result, it is determined whether or not to end the time-saving time.
The time-saving end judgment process corresponding to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 is shown in Fig. 34. Since the number of times of the small hit display count A is only one, the judgment process is also set so that the time-saving end is terminated if the small hit pattern 1 is displayed. Since the small hit pattern 1 ends with one display, even when setting the preliminary area at the start of the fluctuation, the value of the small hit display count A is not set, and only the value of the small hit display count B can be set.

On the other hand, FIG. 35 shows the time-saving end determination process for the case where the small win display count A is set to 2 or more times. In this case, the small win display count is set when the preliminary area is set at the start of the fluctuation for both small win pattern 1 and small win pattern 2, and the time-saving end is controlled according to that count.

[Summary of the second technical feature]
A gaming machine including the second technical feature has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied (when a winning symbol that can transition to a time-shortened state is won, when the game ball passes through a specific area), a transition can be made from a predetermined game state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous game state (time-shortened state, during time-shortened) in which advantageous conditions are applied compared to the predetermined game state, while a state transition means (main control CPU, Figures 34, 35, 50) is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied (when the termination condition of the time-shortened state is satisfied), terminates the advantageous game state and transitions to the predetermined game state.

(2) When the state transition means determines that a first win (3R small win pattern 1) has been won, which ends the advantageous game state when won once, it makes it possible to end the advantageous game state as a predetermined end condition has been satisfied, and when it determines that a second win (3R small win pattern 2), which includes ending the advantageous game state when won at least multiple times, it makes it possible to end the advantageous game state as a predetermined end condition has been satisfied (main control CPU, Figures 34 and 35). Note that in the case of a first win (3R small win pattern 1), the advantageous game state ends once, but if the game ball passes through a specific area during the small win game, a big win game is executed, and the advantageous game state is resumed after the big win game ends.

With this configuration, the advantageous gaming state can be ended by a single win or multiple wins, providing more diverse gameplay than a system in which the advantageous gaming state is ended by only winning a specific small win, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

In a gaming machine including the second technical feature, when the state transition means determines that a second win has occurred, it determines a counter value (number of small wins displayed) for determining whether the number of second wins (number of displays) has reached the number that ends the advantageous gaming state, and is set at the end of the previous (last) winning game (jackpot game), and makes it possible to end the advantageous gaming state if the counter value has reached a specified number of times (1 → 0). For example, the counter value is set to an initial value (9999) at the end of a specific jackpot game, and is updated (decremented) thereafter each time a pattern is stopped and displayed in the form of a second win.

With this configuration, the end of the advantageous gaming state is controlled using the counter value, so the program can efficiently control the end of the advantageous gaming state when the second jackpot is won.

In a gaming machine including the second technical feature, the second win includes ending the advantageous gaming state by winning once.

With this configuration, the second win can have multiple roles (a role of ending an advantageous game state when won once, and a role of ending an advantageous game state when won multiple times), making the gameplay more complex and diverse compared to when the second win has only one role.

[Problem of the third technical feature]
I want to control special fluctuations efficiently.

[Specific configuration of the third technical feature]
When a winning jackpot is won at the start of a fluctuation, the next time-saving setting is set in the reserve area, but at the same time, the setting for the next special fluctuation according to the number of times the time-saving limit has been set is set in the reserve area, so that after the big win ends, it is possible to respond simply by setting the value in the reserve area regardless of whether the limit has been reached or not.

[Effect of the third technical feature]
By simply setting the value of the reserve area set at the start of the fluctuation after the jackpot ends, any machine can be used, and special fluctuations can be controlled efficiently.

[Details of the third technical feature]
(1) Overview The third technical feature employs control for switching special variations of special symbols according to the number of times the time-saving limiter is activated.

(2) Time-saving limiter The time-saving limiter is a function that limits the number of jackpots when the time-saving function is activated. If the number of consecutive activations of the time-saving function reaches a predetermined number of times, the time-saving function will not be activated after the end of a jackpot that was won during the time-saving function. In the third technical feature, the number of times the time-saving limiter is set to 9999 times.

After the first big win, the time-saving limiter count is set to 9999, and after that, when a big win occurs during the time-saving period, it is decremented by one (9999 times → 9998 times ... 1 time). This means that the number of times the time-saving limiter will reach its upper limit (the number of times the time-saving limiter will be activated) will be 1. If the time-saving limiter ends before it reaches 1 (for example, if you keep getting misses and the time-saving count becomes 0, or if you get a small win and the time-saving limiter ends without passing the V, etc.), the time-saving limiter count can be set to 0. The time-saving limiter count is 0 during non-time-saving periods, and is set to 1 to 9999 during time-saving periods. The time-saving state ends when a small win or big win is triggered, but the time-saving limiter count is carried over as is, and is updated by decrementing the time-saving limiter count after the big win (including big wins via small wins).

(3) Specifications of special fluctuation according to the number of jackpots The fluctuation pattern table selected by the special fluctuation according to the number of jackpots is shown in Figure 23. In addition, the special fluctuation patterns after the end of the jackpot according to the jackpot of the special pattern and the small jackpot pattern are shown in Figures 23 to 26. The special fluctuation is managed using a fluctuation pattern selection status flag and a fluctuation pattern selection counter, and the fluctuation pattern offset is determined by a combination of these variables, and the fluctuation pattern table is referenced according to the value of the fluctuation pattern offset (Figures 27 to 31).

(4) Control of special fluctuation setting according to time-saving limiter The special fluctuation setting for selecting the fluctuation pattern table described in (3) above is performed in the following procedure. When a big win or small win is won in the winning lottery at the start of the fluctuation, processing is performed in the order of (a) and (b).
(a) By referring to the game status and winning pattern at the start of the fluctuation, the next number of times the time-saving function will be executed and the conditions for ending the time-saving function (such as the number of times a small jackpot is displayed that will end the time-saving function when a small jackpot is won) are determined and set in the reserve area.
(b) The next value of the variation pattern selection state flag and the variation pattern selection counter is determined by referring to the time-saving limiter number of times and the winning pattern, and set in the reserve area. Figures 27 to 30 show the number of times set according to the time-saving limiter number of times, and Figure 31 shows the value of the variation pattern offset determined by the combination of the variation pattern selection state flag and the variation pattern selection counter.
The value set in the reserve area at the start of the fluctuation is set as the value for realizing each function after the big win ends (step S5512 in FIG. 50).

[Summary of the third technical feature]
A gaming machine including the third technical feature has the following configuration.
(1) When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied (when a winning symbol that can transition to a time-shortened state is won, when the game ball passes through a specific area), a transition can be made from a predetermined game state (non-time-shortened state, normal) to an advantageous game state (time-shortened state, during time-shortened) in which advantageous conditions are applied compared to the predetermined game state, while a state transition means (main control CPU, Figures 34, 35, 50) is provided which, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied (when the termination condition of the time-shortened state is satisfied), terminates the advantageous game state and transitions to the predetermined game state.

(2) It is provided with a transition number setting means that makes it possible to set the number of transitions (time-saving limiter number) that can be made consecutively to a favorable gaming state (main control CPU, FIG. 51).
(3) It is equipped with a variation pattern setting means that enables the variation pattern of the patterns to be set based on the number of transitions (main control CPU, Figures 22 to 31).

(4) The fluctuation pattern setting means is provided with a fluctuation pattern definition means that defines a common fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern table E) that can be set regardless of the number of transitions, and individual fluctuation patterns (fluctuation pattern tables B, C, D) that can be set based on the number of transitions, as fluctuation patterns that can be set by the fluctuation pattern setting means (Figure 22).

With this configuration, a common fluctuation pattern is provided that can be set regardless of the number of transitions, so by providing a common fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern table E) that can be selected in any situation, the special feeling of the common fluctuation pattern can be enhanced, and as a result, an innovative gaming machine can be provided.

In gaming machines including the third technical feature, the common fluctuation pattern can be set for a longer period (longer number of fluctuations) than the individual fluctuation patterns (Figs. 23 to 25). For example, the common fluctuation pattern (fluctuation pattern table E) can be set when there are 1 to 10,000 fluctuations after the end of a jackpot game. On the other hand, the individual fluctuation patterns (fluctuation pattern tables B, C, D) can be set when there are 1 to 50 or 1 to 100 fluctuations after the end of a jackpot game (Figs. 23 to 25). The common fluctuation pattern and the individual fluctuation pattern are fluctuation patterns that can be selected in a time-shortened state.

With this configuration, the common variation pattern can be set for a longer period than the individual variation patterns, so the common variation pattern can be enjoyed for a long period of time, further enhancing the special feeling of the common variation pattern.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be implemented in various modified forms. The presentation modes described in the embodiment are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the presentation modes described above.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the present invention is applied to a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine, but the present invention may also be applied to a so-called type 1 gaming machine (a gaming machine that does not have a specific area).
Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to gaming machines equipped with a probability fluctuation function, and in this case, it can be applied to gaming machines of the so-called probability change loop type (a type that does not set a substantial upper limit on the number of probability changes), or to gaming machines of the ST type (a type that sets a substantial upper limit on the number of probability changes), or to gaming machines with a probability change limiter.

Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines that have a probability variable area, and can also be applied to gaming machines that do not have a probability variable area.
Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines that do not employ "simultaneous spinning of the first special pattern and the second special pattern," and can also be applied to gaming machines that employ simultaneous spinning (for example, gaming machines that have a small hit rush function (a function that allows the player to win many balls by generating small hits in succession)).

In the above embodiment, an example of a gaming machine equipped with a drum unit 200 was described, but the gaming machine may not be equipped with a drum unit 200.

The images given as examples of other effects are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, the structure of the pachinko machine 1, the board configuration, specific numerical values, etc., including those shown in the drawings, are preferred examples and can, of course, be modified as appropriate.

1 Pachinko machine 8 Game board unit 8a Play area 20 Start gate 28 Variable start winning device 33 Normal symbol display device 33a Normal symbol operation memory lamp 34 First special symbol display device 35 Second special symbol display device 34a First special symbol operation memory lamp 35a Second special symbol operation memory lamp 38 Game status display device 42 Liquid crystal display 45 Performance switching button 70 Main control device 72 Main control CPU
74 ROM
76 RAM
124 Production control device 126 Production control CPU
200 Drum unit

Claims (1)

a state transition means for enabling a transition from a predetermined game state to an advantageous game state in which advantageous conditions are applied compared to the predetermined game state when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, and for terminating the advantageous game state and enabling a transition to the predetermined game state when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied;
an electric device that, when a predetermined operating condition is not satisfied, causes a difficult ball entry state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the starting winning hole, and, when the predetermined operating condition is satisfied, causes a transition to an easy ball entry state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the starting winning hole than in the difficult ball entry state;
and an abnormal winning error determination means for determining that an abnormal winning error has occurred when a predetermined number of game balls enter the start winning hole in a situation other than the first case in which a game ball enters the start winning hole in the advantageous game state, the second case in which a game ball enters the start winning hole while the electric device is in the ball-entering easy state in the advantageous game state, and the third case in which a game ball enters the start winning hole during a period from the end of the advantageous game state until a predetermined time has elapsed regardless of changes in the patterns after the end of the advantageous game state,
The abnormal winning error determination means is capable of determining that an abnormal winning error has occurred when a predetermined number of game balls enter the start winning port in a situation other than the first, second, or third case, regardless of the number of times the pattern changes after the end of the advantageous game state.

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