JP7628278B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses technology related to pinball gaming machines (also called pachinko gaming machines or pachinko tables).

Patent Document 1 describes a pinball game machine that can set an easy-to-enter state in which it is easier to enter the starting hole than in normal play, and requires the player to hit the game ball on either the left or right side of the play area depending on the play state. Types of easy-to-enter states include an easy-to-enter state in which the winning probability is set to a low probability (so-called "time-saving play"), and an easy-to-enter state in which the winning probability is set to a high probability (so-called "probability-changing play"). Known types of time-saving play include a time-saving play that operates after the end of a jackpot (so-called "time-saving a"), a time-saving play that operates if no jackpot is reached within a specified number of judgments during a low probability period (so-called "time-saving b"), and a time-saving play that operates when a specific special symbol is displayed during a low probability period (so-called "time-saving c").

JP 2015-013042 A

There was room for improvement in terms of smoothly progressing the game in pinball gaming machines, which require different balls to be hit depending on the game status.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms:

(1) In one embodiment disclosed in this specification, a pinball game machine includes a first starting port located in a first game area where game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll; a first hit/miss judgment means for executing a first hit/miss judgment based on a ball entering the first starting port; a first special pattern display means for displaying a first special pattern variably based on the judgment result by the first hit/miss judgment means and then displaying a final result; a second starting port located in a second game area where game balls launched at the predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll; a second hit/miss judgment means for executing a second hit/miss judgment different from the first hit/miss judgment based on a ball entering the second starting port; a second special pattern display means for displaying a second special pattern variably based on the judgment result by the second hit/miss judgment means and then displaying a final result; a ball entry ease means for setting a ball entry ease state in which it is easier to enter the second starting port than in the normal game; and a hit suggestion means for executing a hit suggestion to suggest to a player to hit the game ball into the second game area. In this pinball game machine, the hit suggestion means executes the hit suggestion in a first suggestion manner when the first special symbol is displayed in a varying manner while the second special symbol is not displayed in a varying manner in the easy-to-score state; executes the hit suggestion in a second suggestion manner different from the first suggestion manner when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed in a varying manner in the easy-to-score state; executes the hit suggestion in a third suggestion manner different from the first suggestion manner and the second suggestion manner when the second special symbol is displayed in a varying manner in the easy-to-score state.
According to this type of pinball game machine, the suggestion mode suggesting the launch of the game ball into the second game area is changed depending on whether or not the first special symbol and the second special symbol are displayed in a ball-entering state, so that the player can be encouraged to play smoothly. In particular, it is preferable that the second suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the third suggestion mode, and it is preferable that the first suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the second suggestion mode.

(2) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification includes: a first starting port located in a first game area in which game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll; a first winning/losing determination means for executing a first winning/losing determination based on a ball entering the first starting port; a first special pattern display means for displaying a first special pattern variably based on a determination result by the first winning/losing determination means and then displaying a final result; a second starting port located in a second game area in which game balls launched at the predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll; a second winning/losing determination means for executing a second winning/losing determination different from the first winning/losing determination based on a ball entering the second starting port; a second special pattern display means for displaying a second special pattern variably based on a determination result by the second winning/losing determination means and then displaying a final result; and a ball entry easy state in which it is easier to enter the second starting port than in the normal game. the first hit/miss judgment and the second hit/miss judgment, a time-saving game means for executing a time-saving game in which the winning probability of winning the special game based on the first hit/miss judgment and the second hit/miss judgment in the easy-to-score state is set to the same normal probability as that of the normal game; a probability-changing game means for executing a probability-changing game in which the winning probability of winning the special game based on the first hit/miss judgment and the second hit/miss judgment in the easy-to-score state is set to a higher probability than the normal probability; and a ball suggestion means for executing a hit suggestion that suggests to the player to hit a game ball into the second game area, and the special game based on the second hit/miss judgment is more advantageous to the player than the special game based on the first hit/miss judgment. In this pinball game machine, the hit suggestion means executes the hit suggestion in a first suggestion mode when the first special symbol is displayed in a varying manner while the second special symbol is not displayed in a varying manner during the special probability game; executes the hit suggestion in a second suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed in a varying manner during the special probability game and when the second special symbol is not displayed in a varying manner during the time-limited game; executes the hit suggestion in a third suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode and the second suggestion mode when the second special symbol is displayed in a varying manner during both the time-limited game and the special probability game.
According to this type of pinball game machine, the suggestion mode suggesting the launch of the game ball into the second game area is changed depending on whether or not the first and second special symbols are displayed in a ball-entering easy state including the time-saving game and the probability variation game, so that the player can be encouraged to play smoothly. In particular, it is preferable that the second suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the third suggestion mode, and it is preferable that the first suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the second suggestion mode. This makes it possible to encourage the player to play smoothly so that the player can avoid a situation in which the player wins the special game based on the first win/loss judgment rather than the special game based on the second win/loss judgment in the probability variation game, which is relatively disadvantageous to the player.

(3) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification includes: a first starting port located in a first game area in which game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch intensity mainly roll; a first winning/losing judgment means for executing a first winning/losing judgment based on a ball entering the first starting port; a first special pattern display means for variably displaying a first special pattern based on a judgment result by the first winning/losing judgment means and then displaying a final result; a second starting port located in a second game area in which game balls launched at the predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly roll; a second winning/losing judgment means for executing a second winning/losing judgment different from the first winning/losing judgment based on a ball entering the second starting port; a second special pattern display means for variably displaying a second special pattern based on a judgment result by the second winning/losing judgment means and then displaying a final result; and an easy-to-enter ball entry means for setting an easy-to-enter ball state in which it is easier to enter the second starting port than in the normal game. and a special game means for executing a special game which is more advantageous to the player than a normal game by opening a large prize opening based on the results of the first win/loss judgment and the second win/loss judgment; a first time-saving game means for executing a first time-saving game following the end of the special game, based on the results of the judgment which caused the special game, in which the winning probability of winning the special game through the first win/loss judgment and the second win/loss judgment in the easy-to-score state is set to the same normal probability as that of the normal game; a second time-saving game means for switching from the normal game to a second time-saving game in the easy-to-score state, based on the results of the first win/loss judgment and the second win/loss judgment in the normal game; and a shot suggestion means for executing a shot suggestion which suggests to the player to shoot a game ball into the second game area. In this pinball game machine, the hit suggestion means executes the hit suggestion in a first suggestion mode when the first special symbol is displayed in a varying manner while the second special symbol is not displayed in a varying manner during the first time-shortened game; executes the hit suggestion in a second suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed in a varying manner during the first time-shortened game and when the second special symbol is not displayed in a varying manner during the second time-shortened game; executes the hit suggestion in a third suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode and the second suggestion mode when the second special symbol is displayed in a varying manner during the first time-shortened game and the second time-shortened game.
According to this type of pinball game machine, the suggestion mode suggesting the launch of the game ball into the second game area is changed depending on whether or not the first and second special symbols are displayed in a ball-entering easy state including the first time-saving game and the second time-saving game, so that the player can be encouraged to play smoothly. In particular, it is preferable that the second suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the third suggestion mode, and it is preferable that the first suggestion mode is a mode that emphasizes the launch of the game ball into the second game area more than the second suggestion mode. This makes it possible to emphasize that a game state advantageous to the player continues when the game shifts from the normal game to the first time-saving game following the end of the special game. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in various forms other than a pinball game machine. For example, the technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the form of a pinball game machine, a control method for a pinball game machine, a program for a pinball game machine, etc.

1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board of a pachinko game machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by a main control device. This is a flowchart showing the special chart start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the normal start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a main control device and a sub integrated control device. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display in normal play. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display with a right-hit suggestion. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display with a right-hit suggestion. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display with a right-hit suggestion. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display with a right-hit suggestion in the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display with a right-hit suggestion in the third embodiment.

A. First embodiment Fig. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 10. Fig. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10. Fig. 3 is a front view showing a game board 400 of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is a pinball gaming machine (a so-called "CR machine") that supports prepaid cards, and is connected to a card unit 80. The card unit 80 realizes the lending of game balls in the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the information recorded on the prepaid card. The pachinko gaming machine 10 comprises an outer frame 110, an inner frame 120, a front frame 130, a handle 140, and an effect button 160.

The outer frame 110 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is a vertically long rectangle. The outer frame 110 is fixed to the equipment on which the pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed. The outer frame 110 has a pair of hinges 112 that support the inner frame 120 so that it can be opened and closed.

The inner frame 120 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a rectangular shape that fits inside the outer frame 110. The inner frame 120 holds the various parts of the pachinko gaming machine 10, including the game board 400. The inner frame 120 has a pair of hinges 122 that support the front frame 130 so that it can be opened and closed.

Below the front frame 130 in front of the inner frame 120, there are provided an upper tray 124, a lower tray 126, and a keyhole 128. The upper tray 124 stores game balls that are launched onto the game board 400. The lower tray 126 stores game balls that overflow from the upper tray 124. The keyhole 128 accepts operations to secure and release the inner frame 120 to the outer frame 110 with a key, and also accepts operations to secure and release the front frame 130 to the inner frame 120 with a key.

The upper tray 124 is provided with a balance display device 152, a ball lending switch 154, and a settlement switch 156. The balance display device 152 displays the balance of the prepaid card held in the card unit 80. The ball lending switch 154 accepts an instruction from the player to lend out game balls based on the balance of the prepaid card held in the card unit 80. The settlement switch 156 accepts an instruction from the player to return the prepaid card from the card unit 80.

The front frame 130 of the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be openable and closable in front of the game board 400. The front frame 130 is equipped with a transparent plate 132 located in front of the game board 400. This allows the player to view the game board 400 through the transparent plate 132. The transparent plate 132 is glass, and the front frame 130 is also called a glass frame. An electric light 134 and a speaker 136 are provided in front of the front frame 130. The electric light 134 emits light in accordance with the progress of the game. The speaker 136 outputs sound in accordance with the progress of the game.

The handle 140 of the pachinko game machine 10 receives operational input from the player to launch the game ball. The handle 140 is located on the lower right of the front frame 130 in front of the inner frame 120.

The effect button 160 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 accepts the player's operational input for the effects. The effect button 160 is provided on the upper tray 124 on the front side of the inner frame 120.

As shown in FIG. 2, a game ball tank 172 and a payout device 174 are provided on the back of the inner frame 120. The game ball tank 172 stores game balls that are supplied from outside the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout device 174 pays out game balls stored in the game ball tank 172 onto the upper tray 124.

Further provided on the back of the inner frame 120 are a main control device 210, a sub integrated control device 220, a performance pattern control device 230, a payout control device 240, a launch control device 250, an external connection terminal board 265, and a power supply board 290. These control devices are computers equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and execute various control processes based on computer programs.

The main control device 210 controls the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 10. The sub-integrated control device 220 controls the presentation according to the progress of the game based on commands from the main control device 210. The presentation pattern control device 230 controls the presentation using presentation patterns based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The payout control device 240 controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control device 210. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of game balls to the game board 400 based on operation input from the player to the handle 140. The external connection terminal board 265 outputs a signal indicating the game status in the pachinko game machine 10 to the outside of the pachinko game machine 10.

The power supply board 290 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The power supply board 290 includes a power switch 292 and a RAM clear switch 294. The power switch 292 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when pressed to one side, it is turned on to supply power to the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when pressed to the other side, it is turned off to cut off the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10. The RAM clear switch 294 is configured to be operable by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and when not operated, it remains in the off state, and when pressed, it is turned on. If the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed when the power is turned on, the main control device 210 is configured to be able to delete (clear) various information related to the progress of the game as a "RAM clear" process.

The inner frame 120 further has a setting change switch 302 and a setting change switch 304 on the back side. The setting change switch 302 and the setting change switch 304 are provided in the main control device 210. The main control device 210 pre-stores a number of setting values (e.g., jackpot probability) that define game characteristics. The setting change switch 302 accepts operations to start (on state) and end (off state) the switching of settings related to the game characteristics of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The setting change switch 304 accepts operations to change the settings when the switching of settings is enabled by the setting change switch 302.

In this embodiment, when changing the settings of the game characteristics of the pachinko game machine 10, the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 inserts a key into the setting change switch 302 and rotates the setting change switch 302 to the first position (on state) before turning on the power of the pachinko game machine 10. When the power of the pachinko game machine 10 is then turned on, the main control device 210 determines that the state is valid for accepting changes to the game characteristics. In this valid state, the main control device 210 changes the setting number to one that is the current setting number plus 1 each time the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304. For example, the main control device 210 changes the setting number from setting 1 to setting 2, setting 3, setting 4, setting 5, and setting 6 in that order each time the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 presses the setting change switch 304, and then changes the setting number from setting 6 back to setting 1. Thereafter, when the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 turns the setting changeover switch 302 to the second position (off state), the main control device 210 stops accepting input from the setting changeover switch 302 and confirms the setting number accepted immediately before that as the changed setting.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 400 of the pachinko game machine 10 is in the form of a plate facing the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The game board 400 includes a board surface 402, guide rails 404, 406, a plurality of game nails 408, a center case 410, electric lights 414, normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, 424, a normal symbol activation gate 430, a normal electric role object 440, a first start opening 451, a second start opening 452, and a large winning opening 460. The game board 400 further includes a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol reserved display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol reserved display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, a second special symbol reserved display device 476, and a performance symbol display device 480.

The surface 402 of the game board 400 is the surface facing the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The guide rails 404, 406 of the game board 400 form a game area GA that is approximately circular by surrounding the center of the board surface 402 in a circular shape. The game area GA has a left-hand hit game area GA1 and a right-hand hit game area GA2. The left-hand hit game area GA1 constitutes the left side of the game area GA and is a first game area in which game balls launched at less than a predetermined launch strength mainly roll. The right-hand hit game area GA2 constitutes the right side of the game area GA and is a second game area in which game machines launched at a predetermined launch strength or more mainly roll. The multiple game nails 408 on the game board 400 are planted on the board surface 402 and form a passage for game balls flowing through the game area GA. The multiple game nails 408 include a windmill nail 409 having a rotating member.

The center case 410 of the game board 400 is a component provided in the center of the game area GA. The center case 410 forms a passage for game balls flowing through the game area GA. A performance pattern display device 480 is provided in the center of the center case 410. The performance pattern display device 480 displays performance patterns as part of the performance according to the progress of the game. In this embodiment, the performance pattern display device 480 is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

The illuminations 414 on the game board 400 light up as the game progresses. In this embodiment, the illuminations 414 are provided on the center case 410. In other embodiments, the illuminations 414 may be provided directly on the board surface 402.

The normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, and 424 of the game board 400 are winning openings configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of game balls into the normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, and 424 triggers the payout of prize balls.

The normal symbol activation gate 430 of the game board 400 is a gate configured to allow the game ball flowing down the game area GA to pass through. The passage of the game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 430 triggers a win/lose determination (lottery) using a normal symbol (normal symbol). The result of the determination (lottery result) of the normal symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display device 471. The normal electric device 440 is located to the right of the center case 410 in the right-hand play area GA2 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430.

The normal electric device 440 of the game board 400 is a device that can be opened and closed depending on the result of the lottery based on the normal symbol. When closed, the normal electric device 440 blocks the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452, and when open, it allows the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452. The normal electric device 440 opens only when the normal symbol is judged to be a winning symbol. The normal electric device 440 is located to the right of the center case 410 in the right-hand play area GA2 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430.

The first starting hole 451 of the game board 400 is a prize-winning hole configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 451 triggers the payout of a prize ball and also triggers a win/lose determination (lottery) using the lottery results of the first special symbol (first special symbol). The determination result (lottery result) of the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display device 473. The first starting hole 451 is located below the center of the center case 410 in the left-hand play area GA1.

The second start opening 452 of the game board 400 is a winning opening configured to allow game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The second start opening 452 is configured to increase the game ball entry rate by opening the normal symbol activation gate 430. The entry of a game ball into the second start opening 452 triggers the payout of a prize ball and also triggers a win/lose determination (lottery) using the second special symbol (second special symbol). The second start opening 452 is located to the right of the center case 410 in the right-hand play area GA2 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430, together with the normal electric device 440.

The large prize opening 460 of the game board 400 is a prize opening that can be opened and closed depending on the result of a lottery using at least one of the first and second special symbols. When closed, the large prize opening 460 prevents game balls flowing down the game area GA from entering, and when open, allows game balls flowing down the game area GA to enter. The large prize opening 460 opens only when the lottery using the special symbols results in a win (e.g., a big win, a small win, etc.). The entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 460 triggers the payout of a prize ball. The large prize opening 460 is located on the lower right side of the center case 410 in the right-hand play area GA2.

The normal symbol display device 471 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the normal symbol based on the passage of the game ball through the normal symbol activation gate 430. The normal symbol display device 471 variably displays a number of normal symbols, and then displays the normal symbol according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the normal symbol.

The normal symbol reserved display device 472 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of normal symbols. The reserved memories of normal symbols are memories of data used to determine whether or not a normal symbol is a hit, and the display process of the judgment result in the normal symbol display device 471 is pending.

The first special pattern display device 473 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the first special pattern based on the passage of the game ball through the first starting hole 451. The first special pattern display device 473 variably displays a number of first special patterns, and then displays the first special pattern according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the first special pattern.

The first special symbol reserved display device 474 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol. The reserved memories of the first special symbol are memories of data used to determine whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss for which the display process of the judgment result in the first special symbol display device 473 is pending.

The second special pattern display device 475 of the game board 400 displays the result of the determination of the second special pattern based on the passage of the game ball through the second starting hole 452. The second special pattern display device 475 variably displays a plurality of second special patterns, and then displays the second special pattern according to the determination result, thereby displaying the result of the determination of the second special pattern.

The second special symbol reserved display device 476 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol. The reserved memories of the second special symbol are memories of data used to determine whether the second special symbol is a hit or miss for which the display process of the judgment result in the second special symbol display device 475 is pending.

In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes an effect in response to the fluctuation of the first special pattern on the effect pattern display device 480 while the first special pattern is fluctuating, and executes an effect in response to the fluctuation of the second special pattern on the effect pattern display device 480 while the second special pattern is fluctuating. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not execute the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the fluctuation of the second special pattern simultaneously, but prioritizes the fluctuation of the second special pattern. In other embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may prioritize the fluctuation of the first special pattern, or may execute the fluctuation of the first special pattern and the fluctuation of the second special pattern simultaneously.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control device 210 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a RAM 210m, which is a non-volatile memory in which data can be rewritten. The RAM 210m is configured to be able to retain various pieces of information related to the progress of the game, regardless of whether or not power is being supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the RAM 210m is configured to be able to retain data even without an external power source, thanks to a battery backup function provided by an internal battery.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes, as an electrical configuration for outputting signals to the main control device 210, a setting change switch 302 and a setting change switch 304, as well as a general winning hole switch 420s, an operating gate switch 430s, a first start hole switch 451s, a second start hole switch 452s, and a count switch 460s. The general winning hole switch 420s detects the entry of a game ball into the normal winning holes 421, 422, 423, and 424, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The operating gate switch 430s detects the passage of a game ball through the normal pattern operating gate 430, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The first start hole switch 451s detects the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 451, and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The second start hole switch 452s detects the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 452 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210. The count switch 460s detects the entry of a game ball into the big prize hole 460 and outputs the detection signal to the main control device 210.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with an electrical configuration that operates based on a control signal from the main control device 210, including a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol reserved display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol reserved display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, and a second special symbol reserved display device 476, as well as a normal electric role solenoid 440d and a large prize opening solenoid 460d. The normal electric role solenoid 440d opens and closes the normal electric role device 440 based on a control signal from the main control device 210. The large prize opening solenoid 460d opens and closes the large prize opening 460 based on a control signal from the main control device 210.

The sub-integrated control device 220 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210 in one direction from the main control device 210. The sub-integrated control device 220 accepts operation input from the player via the performance button 160. The sub-integrated control device 220 outputs control signals to the illuminations 134, illuminations 414, speaker 136, and performance pattern control device 230 based on commands from the main control device 210, thereby realizing performances according to the progress of the game. The performance pattern control device 230 controls the images displayed on the performance pattern display device 480 based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220. The performance pattern display device 480 displays various performance images, including performance patterns, based on image signals from the performance pattern control device 230.

The payout control device 240 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210. The payout control device 240 controls the lending of game balls and the launch of game balls, and also controls the payout of game balls based on commands from the main control device 210. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a full switch 126s as an electrical component that outputs a signal to the payout control device 240. The full switch 126s detects that the game balls stored in the lower tray 126 are full, and outputs the detection signal to the payout control device 240. Based on the detection signal from the full switch 126s, the payout control device 240 outputs a command to the launch control device 250 to stop the launch of game balls.

The launch control device 250 is configured to be able to communicate with the payout control device 240 in one direction from the payout control device 240. The launch control device 250 controls the launch of game balls to the game board 400 based on the player's operation input through the handle 140. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a handle volume 140b, a touch switch 140t, a launch stop switch 140s, and a launch motor 140m as electrical components connected to the launch control device 250. The handle volume 140b detects the amount of operation of the handle 140 by the player corresponding to the launch strength of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The touch switch 140t detects the player touching the handle 140 using static electricity, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch stop switch 140s detects the player's operation input indicating the stop of launch of the game ball, and outputs the detection signal to the launch control device 250. The launch motor 140m launches the game ball based on a control signal from the launch control device 250.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a rear wiring relay terminal board 260, an external connection terminal board 265, a payout relay terminal board 270, and a card unit terminal board 280 as terminal boards that relay signals.

The rear wiring relay terminal board 260 is configured to be able to exchange signals with the main control device 210 and the payout control device 240. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an inner frame opening switch 120s, a front frame opening switch 130s, and a ball out switch 172s as electrical components that output signals to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The inner frame opening switch 120s detects the open state of the inner frame 120 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The front frame opening switch 130s detects the open state of the front frame 130 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260. The ball out switch 172s detects a ball out in the game ball tank 172 and outputs the detection signal to the rear wiring relay terminal board 260.

The external connection terminal board 265 is configured to be able to relay information about the game output from the main control device 210 via the back wiring relay terminal board 260 to the hall computer 90 that manages the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout relay terminal board 270 is configured to be able to exchange signals with the back wiring relay terminal board 260. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a payout motor 174d and a payout switch 174s as electrical components connected to the payout relay terminal board 270. The payout motor 174d sends game balls from the payout device 174 to the upper tray 124 based on a control signal from the payout control device 240. The payout switch 174s detects the game balls sent from the payout device 174 and outputs the control signal to the payout control device 240.

The card unit terminal board 280 is configured to allow signals to be exchanged between the payout control device 240 and the card unit 80. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a balance display device 152, a ball loan switch 154, and a settlement switch 156 as electrical components connected to the card unit terminal board 280.

The power supply board 290 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210 in one direction from the power supply board 290. The power supply board 290 outputs signals indicating the states of the power switch 292 and the RAM clear switch 294 to the main control device 210.

When the pachinko game machine 10 wins a jackpot in the drawing of the first special symbol or the drawing of the second special symbol, the pachinko game machine 10 executes a jackpot game (special game) in which the first big prize winning hole 460 is opened and closed. After the jackpot game ends, the game state of the pachinko game machine 10 transitions to a normal game or a probability variable game based on the type of special symbol that caused the jackpot game. The probability of transitioning to a probability variable game after the jackpot game ends (probability variable award rate) is set in advance. In the normal game, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to a normal probability (low probability). In the probability variable game, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to a high probability higher than the normal probability. In the probability variable game, it becomes easier for a game ball to enter the second start hole 452 than in the normal game (so-called "electric support"). The duration of the probability change game is the period until the next big win game is executed, or the period until the lottery for the special symbol is executed a predetermined number of times (150 times in this embodiment). The specifications regarding the big win and the probability change game in this embodiment are as follows.
Probability of winning the jackpot for the first special symbol: 1/319 in normal play
Chance play 1/74
Probability of winning the jackpot for the second special symbol: 1/319 in normal play
Chance play 1/74
Rate of special chance 1: 50%
Second special design 100%

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to set a time-saving game (time-saving state) that makes it easier for the gaming ball to enter the starting hole than in the normal game. In the time-saving game, by changing at least one of the opening time of the normal electric device 440, the time until opening, the number of times it is opened, and the probability of winning the normal pattern, it becomes easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting hole 452 than in the normal game (so-called "electric support"). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is able to set three types of time-saving games, a time-saving game b, and c, according to the progress of the game.

The a time-saving game (a time-saving state) is a time-saving game (a time-saving state) that is granted according to the type of the jackpot pattern after the jackpot game based on the first special pattern is finished. The duration of the a time-saving game is the period until the next jackpot game is played, or the period until a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) of special pattern lotteries are played. The specifications of the a time-saving game in this embodiment are as follows.
<Normal game><Time-savinggame>
Normal electric role 1 time opening time 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from start of normal pattern fluctuation to opening 8.0 seconds 0.5 seconds Number of openings per win 1 time 2 times Probability of winning normal pattern 4/20 19/20

The b time-saving game (b time-saving state) is a time-saving game (time-saving state) that is granted when the special symbol misses a predetermined number of times (950 times in this embodiment) with normal probability (low probability). The duration of the b time-saving game is the period until the next jackpot game is played, or the period until the special symbol lottery is played a predetermined number of times (1000 times in this embodiment). In this embodiment, after the b time-saving game has been granted once, the b time-saving game will not be granted again unless a jackpot game is played. The specifications of the b time-saving game in this embodiment are as follows.
<Normal play><b Time-saving play>
Normal electric role 1 time opening time 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from start of normal pattern fluctuation to opening 8.0 seconds 0.5 seconds Number of openings per win 1 time 2 times Probability of winning normal pattern 4/20 4/20

The c time-saving game (c time-saving state) is a time-saving game (time-saving state) that is granted without going through a jackpot game when the second special symbol is selected in the lottery (in this embodiment, the probability of selecting the c time-saving game is 1/90). The duration of the c time-saving game is the period until the next jackpot game is played, or the period until a predetermined number of special symbol lotteries (300 times in this embodiment) have been played. The specifications of the c time-saving game in this embodiment are as follows.
<Normal mode><b Time-saving play>
Normal electric role 1 time opening time 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from start of normal pattern fluctuation to opening 8.0 seconds 0.5 seconds Number of openings per win 1 time 2 times Probability of winning normal pattern 4/20 4/20

In addition, since the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state are not executed through a jackpot game, it is possible not to change the winning probability of the normal pattern to a high probability. In this case, the winning probability of the normal pattern may also be changed for the a time-saving state executed through a jackpot game, or the winning probability may be changed only for the a time-saving state, and the winning probability may not be changed for at least one of the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state. When the winning probability of only the a time-saving state is changed, a difference is made in the game characteristics between the a time-saving state and the b time-saving state and the c time-saving state, thereby realizing game states with different degrees of advantage for the player. In addition, when the winning probability of the normal pattern is not changed in any of the a time-saving state, the b time-saving state, and the c time-saving state, the same game characteristics can be realized between each time-saving state.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the main routine executed by the main control unit 210. The main control unit 210 repeatedly starts the main routine (Figure 5) as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms period.

After starting the main routine (FIG. 5), the main control unit 210 determines whether the main routine was started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10). If the main routine was not started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: NO), the main control unit 210 executes an initial setting process (step S20). In the initial setting process (step S20), the main control unit 210 performs initial settings for each unit such as the CPU and I/O.

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is in the off state (not pressed), and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the off state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 performs the initial setting of each section while retaining various information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m (e.g., various flags and counters).

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed to the ON state and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the OFF state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m and sets (resets) these pieces of information to their initial values.

When the power is turned on and the RAM clear switch 294 is pressed and in the on state, and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the on state, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 deletes (clears) various pieces of information about the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m, except for the information counting the number of misses of the special symbol required to start the b time-saving game, and sets (resets) these pieces of information to their initial values.

When the RAM clear switch 294 is not pressed and is in the off state when the power is turned on, and the setting changeover switch 302 is in the on state when the power is turned on, the initial setting process (step S20) is executed, in which the main control device 210 accepts a change to the game characteristic settings, and then performs the initial settings of each section while retaining various information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM 210m.

After executing the initial setting process (step S20), the main control unit 210 repeatedly executes the initial value random number update process (step S70) until the next timer interrupt. In the initial value random number update process (step S70), the main control unit 210 updates the initial value random number used to update the random number for determining a jackpot, which will be described later.

If the main routine is started by a normal timer interrupt (step S10: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the following processes to update various random numbers: initial value random number update process (step S30), random number update process for determining a jackpot (step S32), random number update process for determining a special chart (step S34), random number update process for determining a special chart fluctuation pattern (step S36), random number update process for determining a win (step S40), random number update process for determining a normal chart (step S42), and random number update process for determining a normal chart fluctuation pattern (step S44).

In the initial value random number update process (step S30), the main control device 210 updates the initial value random number used to update the random number for determining a jackpot. In this embodiment, the initial value random number is 22993 random numbers with values in the range of "0 to 22992".

In the random number update process for determining a jackpot (step S32), the main control unit 210 updates the random number for determining a jackpot used to determine a jackpot for a special symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining a jackpot are 22993 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 22992". The main control unit 210 is configured to be able to adjust the probability of a jackpot for a special symbol by setting a predetermined number of values from the random numbers for determining a jackpot as values that result in a jackpot for a special symbol.

In the special pattern determination random number update process (step S34), the main control unit 210 updates the first special pattern determination random number and the second special pattern determination random number used to determine the winning and losing special patterns. In this embodiment, the first special pattern determination random numbers are 200 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 199", and the second special pattern determination random numbers are 11 random numbers taking values in the range of "0 to 10".

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern (step S36), the main control device 210 updates the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the special symbol variation pattern are 16,384 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

In the win determination random number update process (step S40), the main control unit 210 updates the win determination random numbers used to determine whether a normal symbol is a win. In this embodiment, the win determination random numbers are 65,536 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 65,535". The main control unit 210 is configured to be able to adjust the probability of a win for a normal symbol by setting a predefined number of values among the win determination random numbers as values that result in a win for a normal symbol.

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the normal symbols (step S42), the main control unit 210 updates the random numbers for determining the normal symbols used to determine the winning normal symbols. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the normal symbols are 19 random numbers with values ranging from "0 to 18."

In the process of updating the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern (step S44), the main control device 210 updates the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern used to determine the fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol. In this embodiment, the random numbers for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern are 16,384 random numbers that take values in the range of "0 to 16,383".

After executing the process of updating various random numbers (steps S30 to S44), the main control unit 210 executes the ball entry confirmation process (step S50). In the ball entry confirmation process (step S50), the main control unit 210 checks whether the game ball has entered the various starting holes, starting gates, and winning holes, and executes processing according to the ball entry. Details of the ball entry confirmation process (step S50) will be described later.

After executing the ball scoring confirmation process (step S50), the main control device 210 executes the win/lose determination process (step S52). In the win/lose determination process (step S52), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol lottery result was a win, and whether the normal symbol lottery result was a win. The details of the win/lose determination process (step S52) will be described later.

After executing the win/loss determination process (step S52), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power operation process (step S54). In the normal power operation process (step S54), the main control unit 210 controls the opening and closing of the normal electric role device 440 based on the winning of the normal pattern. The details of the normal power operation process (step S54) will be described later.

After executing the normal power operation process (step S54), the main control unit 210 executes the special game process (step S54). In the special game process (step S54), the main control unit 210 controls the special game (e.g., big win game, small win game, etc.) based on the winning of the special symbol. Details of the special game process (step S54) will be described later.

After executing the special game process (step S54), the main control device 210 executes the fraud monitoring process (step S60). In the fraud monitoring process (step S60), the main control device 210 monitors any fraudulent behavior by the player.

After executing the fraud monitoring process (step S60), the main control unit 210 executes the external output process (step S65). In the external output process (step S65), the main control unit 210 outputs various information to external devices such as the hall computer 90. After executing the external output process (step S65), the main control unit 210 repeatedly executes the initial value random number update process (step S75) until the next timer interrupt.

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the special starting ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control unit 210. The special starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for confirming ball entries into the first starting hole 451 and the second starting hole 452.

After starting the special starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not a ball has entered the first starting hole 451 based on the detection signal output from the first starting hole switch 451s (step S100). If a ball has not entered the first starting hole 451 (step S100: NO), the main control unit 210 checks whether a ball has entered the second starting hole 452 (step S100b).

If a ball has entered the first starting hole 451 (step S100: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is full, in other words, whether the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S105). If the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is full (step S105: "YES"), the main control unit 210 checks for a ball entering the second starting hole 452 (step S100b).

If the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is not full (step S105: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110). In the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110), the main control unit 210 extracts a random number for determining a jackpot, a random number for determining a special symbol, and a random number for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as reserved memories for the first special symbol.

After executing the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110), the main control unit 210 executes the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S120). In the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S120), the main control unit 210 transmits a special symbol reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol that have not been consumed as a variable display of the special symbol to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The special symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in the reserved memories of the first special symbol.

After executing the special reserved number command transmission process (step S120), the main control device 210 executes reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130). In the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130), the main control device 210 executes a pre-reading judgment to judge the judgment result of the judgment of the hit/miss judgment based on the reserved memory prior to the hit/miss judgment process (step S52) for the reserved memory of the first special pattern, and transmits a reserved pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment to the sub-integrated control device 220. In this embodiment, the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment includes "big hit", "miss with super reach performance", "miss with normal reach performance", and "miss without reach performance". As a result, the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a pre-reading performance that suggests the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment based on the reserved pre-reading command. After executing the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130), the main control device 210 checks the ball entering the second starting hole 452 (step S100b).

If no ball has entered the first starting hole 451 (step S100: "NO"), if the number of reserved memories for the first special symbol is full (step S105: "YES"), or after executing the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130), the main control unit 210 judges whether or not a ball has entered the second starting hole 452 based on the detection signal output from the second starting hole switch 452s (step S100b). If no ball has entered the second starting hole 452 (step S100b: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol starting ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

If a ball has entered the second starting hole 452 (step S100b: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of reserved memories for the second special pattern is full, in other words, whether the number of reserved memories for the second special pattern is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S105b). If the number of reserved memories for the second special pattern is full (step S105b: "YES"), the main control unit 210 ends the special pattern start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

If the number of reserved memories for the second special symbol is not full (step S105b: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110b). In the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110b), the main control unit 210 extracts a random number for determining a jackpot, a random number for determining a special symbol, and a random number for determining a special symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as reserved memories for the second special symbol.

After executing the special symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110b), the main control unit 210 executes the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S120b). In the special symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S120b), the main control unit 210 transmits a special symbol reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol that have not been consumed as a variable display of the special symbol to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The special symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in the reserved memories of the second special symbol.

After executing the special pattern reserved number command transmission process (step S120b), the main control unit 210 executes the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130b). In the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130b), the main control unit 210 executes a pre-reading judgment to judge the judgment result of the judgment of the reserved memory based on the reserved memory prior to the hit/miss judgment process (step S52) for the reserved memory of the second special pattern, and transmits a reserved pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment to the sub-integrated control unit 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control unit 220 executes a pre-reading performance that suggests the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment based on the reserved pre-reading command. After executing the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130b), the main control unit 210 ends the special pattern start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6). In addition, in the special chart start entry confirmation process (Figure 6), the reserved reading ahead determination process (step S130) may be a process executed before the special chart extraction random number reserved storage process (step S110), and the reserved reading ahead determination process (step S130b) may be a process executed before the special chart extraction random number reserved storage process (step S110b).

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7) is one of the subroutines executed in the ball entry confirmation process (S50) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for confirming ball entry into the normal symbol activation gate 430.

After starting the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process in FIG. 7, the main control device 210 determines whether or not a ball has entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 based on the detection signal output from the operation gate switch 430s (step S150). If a ball has not entered the normal symbol operation gate 430 (step S150: NO), the main control device 210 ends the normal symbol start ball entry confirmation process (FIG. 7).

If a ball has entered the normal symbol activation gate 430 (step S150: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is full, in other words, whether the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is at the upper limit (e.g., 4) (step S155). If the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is full (step S155: "YES"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol entry confirmation process (Figure 7).

If the number of reserved memories for normal symbols is not full (step S155: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a reserved memory process for storing random numbers for extracting normal symbols (step S160). In the reserved memory process for extracting random numbers for extracting normal symbols (step S160), the main control unit 210 extracts random numbers for determining a win, a random number for determining a normal symbol, and a random number for determining a normal symbol variation pattern, and stores these random numbers as reserved memory.

After executing the regular symbol extraction random number reserved memory process (step S160), the main control unit 210 executes the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170). In the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170), the main control unit 210 transmits a regular symbol reserved number command indicating the number of reserved memories of regular symbols that have not been consumed as a normal symbol variable display to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The regular symbol reserved number command may be information indicating an increase in reserved memories of regular symbols. After executing the regular symbol reserved number command transmission process (step S170), the main control unit 210 ends the regular symbol start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 7).

Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the special symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 210. The special symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 8 to 12) is one of the subroutines executed in the win/loss determination process (S52) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for determining whether or not a special symbol has been won.

After starting the special symbol hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 8 to 12), the main control unit 210 judges whether the special electric device is in operation, in other words, whether a jackpot game is being played (step S200). If the special electric device is in operation (step S200: YES), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

If the special electric device is not in operation (step S200: NO), the main control device 210 determines whether the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner (step S205).

If the special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S205: NO), the main control unit 210 determines whether the special pattern is being displayed in a fixed manner (step S210).

If the special symbol is not being displayed as confirmed (step S210: NO), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not there is a reserved memory of the special symbol (step S215). If there is no reserved memory of the special symbol (step S215: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss determination process (Figures 8 to 12).

If there is a reserved memory for a special symbol (step S215: "YES"), the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories for the special symbol, and deletes that information from the reserved memory (step S220). In this embodiment, the main control unit 210 reads out the reserved memory with priority given to the second special symbol. Therefore, when the first reserved memory and the second reserved memory exist, the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the second reserved memory, and when only the first reserved memory exists, the main control unit 210 reads out the information stored as the oldest reserved memory among the first reserved memory.

After processing the reserved memory (step S220), the main control device 210 judges whether the high probability flag Fk is set to a value of "1" (step S225). The high probability flag Fk is a flag that controls the probability of winning a special symbol. A high probability flag Fk with a value of "0" indicates a normal mode in which the probability of winning a special symbol is controlled to a normal probability. A high probability flag Fk with a value of "1" indicates a high probability mode in which the probability of winning a special symbol is controlled to a high probability. The high probability flag Fk is set to an initial value of "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to a value of "0" or "1" depending on the type of jackpot symbol when the jackpot game ends.

If the special chance flag Fk is set to the value "1" (step S225: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value by referring to the special chance mode hit/miss determination table (special chance table) (step S230).

If the special bonus flag Fk is set to the value "0" (step S225: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value or not by referring to the special bonus hit/miss determination table (normal table) for normal mode (step S235).

Continuing with the explanation of Figure 9, after determining whether the random number for determining a jackpot read from the reserved memory is a jackpot value (steps S230, S235), the main control device 210 determines whether the result of the determination of the random number for determining a jackpot is a jackpot (step S240).

If the result of the judgment of the random number for jackpot judgment is a jackpot (step S240: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the jackpot pattern based on the random number for special pattern determination read from the reserved memory (step S242). After that, the main control unit 210 determines the variation pattern of the special pattern according to the presentation that notifies the winning of the jackpot based on the random number for special pattern determination and the random number for special pattern variation pattern determination (step S244). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the jackpot setting process (step S246). In the jackpot setting process (step S246), the main control unit 210 sets various parameters that control the jackpot game (for example, the opening and closing pattern of the big prize entry port in the jackpot game, the presentation mode of the jackpot game, etc.).

If the result of the judgment of the random number for jackpot judgment is not a jackpot (step S240: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the c time-saving judgment process (step S250). In the c time-saving judgment process (step S250), the main control unit 210 judges whether or not the random number for jackpot judgment read from the reserved memory is a value for a c time-saving winning event that triggers the start of c time-saving play. After executing the c time-saving judgment process (step S250), the main control unit 210 judges whether or not the result of the c time-saving judgment process (step S250) is a c time-saving winning event (step S252).

If the result of the judgment of the random number for jackpot judgment is a c time-saving winning (step S252: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the time-saving winning pattern based on the special pattern determination random number read from the reserved memory (step S254). After that, the main control unit 210 judges whether or not any of the time-saving games a, b, and c is set (step S256). If the time-saving game is not in progress (step S256: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the c time-saving winning variation pattern determination process (step S258). In the c time-saving winning variation pattern determination process (step S258), the main control unit 210 determines the variation pattern of the special pattern that matches the performance that notifies the winning of the c time-saving game based on the special pattern determination random number and the special pattern variation pattern determination random number.

If the result of the random number for determining a jackpot is not a c time-saving winning (step S252: NO), the main control unit 210 determines a losing symbol based on the random number for determining the special symbol read from the reserved memory (step S262). After determining the losing symbol (step S262), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not any of the time-saving games a, b, and c is set (step S263). If the time-saving game is not in progress (step S263: NO), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not the arrival counter Ct is a value of "1" (step S264). The arrival counter Ct is a counter that indicates the remaining number of consecutive losses of the special symbol required until the start of the b time-saving game. The reach counter Ct is set to an initial value (in this embodiment, a value of "950") during the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), is decremented each time a special symbol is lost, and is reset to the initial value when a jackpot game is played.

If the arrival counter Ct is the value "1" (step S264: "YES"), the main control device 210 judges whether the arrival flag Ft is the value "1" or not (step S265). The arrival flag Ft is a flag that controls the time-saving arrival effect that notifies the arrival of the b time-saving game as a variable effect by using the variable time that is a miss immediately before the start of the b time mode. The arrival flag Ft of the value "0" indicates a control state that does not allow the execution of the time-saving arrival effect. The arrival flag Ft of the value "1" indicates a control state that allows the execution of the time-saving arrival effect. The arrival flag Ft is set to the value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (FIG. 5), and is set to the value "1" according to the execution of the jackpot game. Therefore, when the b time-saving game is started without executing a jackpot game even once after starting the pachinko game machine 10, the pachinko game machine 10 executes the time-saving arrival effect after transitioning to the b time-saving game. In another embodiment, if the reach counter Ct is equal to the value "1" (step S264: "YES"), the main control device 210 may execute the b time-saving reach variation pattern determination process (step S266) without executing the control using the reach flag Ft (step S265).

If the reach flag Ft is set to the value "1" (step S265: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the b time-saving reach variation pattern determination process (step S266). In the b time-saving reach variation pattern determination process (step S266), the main control unit 210 determines a special miss variation pattern that matches the time-saving reach performance that notifies the arrival of the b time-saving game based on the special chart determination random number and the special chart variation pattern determination random number.

If the time-saving play is in progress without winning the time-saving option (step S263: "YES"), if the reach counter Ct is not equal to the value "1" (step S264: "NO"), or if the reach flag Ft is equal to the value "0" (step S265: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a miss fluctuation pattern determination process (step S268). In the miss fluctuation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control unit 210 determines the miss fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the special symbol determination random number and the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination random number.

Even if the c time-saving winning symbol is selected but the time-saving play is in progress (step S256: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the miss variation pattern determination process (step S268). In this case, the main control unit 210 displays the time-saving winning symbol on the special symbol display device but does not set a new c time-saving play.

After executing the jackpot setting process (step S246), c time-saving winning fluctuation pattern determination process (step S258), b time-saving reaching fluctuation pattern determination process (step S266), or miss fluctuation pattern determination process (step S268), the main control unit 210 executes pending information transmission process (step S270). In the pending information transmission process (step S270), the main control unit 210 transmits a special symbol pending number command indicating the number of reserved memories of special symbols remaining after the reserved memories have been read out to the sub-integrated control unit 220. The special symbol pending number command may be information indicating a decrease in the reserved memories of special symbols.

After executing the pending information transmission process (step S270), the main control unit 210 executes the special pattern change start process (step S275). In the special pattern change start process (step S275), the main control unit 210 starts the change display of the special pattern on the special pattern display device, and transmits a special pattern change start command indicating the lottery result and change time of the special pattern to the sub-integrated control unit 220. As a result, the sub-integrated control unit 220 causes the effect pattern display device 480 to display a pseudo effect corresponding to the change display of the special pattern based on the special pattern change start command. After executing the special pattern change start process (step S275), the main control unit 210 ends the special pattern hit/miss judgment process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 8, if the special symbol is being displayed in a changing manner (step S205: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the special symbol change time has elapsed (step S280). If the special symbol change time has not elapsed (step S280: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

If the special pattern change time has elapsed (step S280: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the confirmed pattern display process (step S285). In the confirmed pattern display process (step S285), the main control unit 210 ends the change display of the special pattern on the special pattern display device, and displays the confirmed pattern of the special pattern on the special pattern display device. Furthermore, the main control unit 210 transmits a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 220 to instruct the confirmed display of the performance pattern. After executing the confirmed pattern display process (step S285), the main control unit 210 ends the special pattern hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 10, if the special symbol is being displayed as confirmed (step S210: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has ended (step S290). If the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has not ended (step S290: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the special symbol hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

If the duration of the confirmed display of the special symbol has ended (step S290: YES), the main control device 210 ends the confirmed display of the special symbol (step S295). After that, the main control device 210 determines whether the confirmed special symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S300).

If the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is a jackpot symbol (step S300: YES), the main control unit 210 determines whether the special symbol Fk has a value of "1" (step S302). If the special symbol Fk has a value of "1" (step S302: YES), the main control unit 210 resets the special symbol Fk to a value of "0" (step S304).

If the high probability flag Fk is set to the value "0" (step S302: "NO"), or after resetting the high probability flag Fk to the value "0" (step S304), the main control unit 210 determines whether the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "1" (step S306). If the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "1" (step S306: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the a-time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S308).

The a-time-saving flag Fa is a flag that controls the a-time-saving game. The a-time-saving flag Fa with a value of "0" indicates a control state in which the a-time-saving game is not executed. The a-time-saving flag Fa with a value of "1" indicates a control state in which the a-time-saving game is executed. The a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to the value "0" or the value "1" depending on the type of jackpot pattern when the jackpot game ends.

If the a-time-saving flag Fa has a value of "0" (step S306: "NO"), or after resetting the a-time-saving flag Fa to a value of "0" (step S308), the main control device 210 determines whether the b-time-saving flag Fb has a value of "1" (step S312). If the b-time-saving flag Fb has a value of "1" (step S312: "YES"), the main control device 210 resets the b-time-saving flag Fb to a value of "0" (step S314).

The b time-saving flag Fb is a flag that controls the b time-saving game. A b time-saving flag Fb with a value of "0" indicates a control state in which the b time-saving game is not executed. A b time-saving flag Fb with a value of "1" indicates a control state in which the b time-saving game is executed. The b time-saving flag Fb is set to an initial value of "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to a value of "1" when the special pattern has been missed a predetermined number of times (950 times in this embodiment).

If the b time-saving flag Fb has a value of "0" (step S312: "NO"), or after resetting the b time-saving flag Fb to a value of "0" (step S314), the main control unit 210 determines whether the c time-saving flag Fc has a value of "1" (step S316). If the c time-saving flag Fc has a value of "1" (step S316: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the c time-saving flag Fc to a value of "0" (step S318).

The c time-saving flag Fc is a flag that controls the c time-saving game. A c time-saving flag Fc with a value of "0" indicates a control state in which the c time-saving game is not executed. A c time-saving flag Fc with a value of "1" indicates a control state in which the c time-saving game is executed. The c time-saving flag Fc is set to the initial value "0" in the initial setting process (step S20) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is set to the value "1" if the time-saving game is won in the lottery for the special pattern.

If the c-time-saving flag Fc has a value of "0" (step S316: "NO"), or after resetting the c-time-saving flag Fc to a value of "0" (step S318), the main control unit 210 determines whether the reach flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S320). If the reach flag Ft has a value of "1" (step S320: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the reach flag Ft to a value of "0" (step S322).

If the arrival flag Ft is equal to the value "0" (step S320: "NO"), or after resetting the arrival flag Ft to the value "0" (step S322), the main control unit 210 resets the arrival counter Ct to the initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S325).

After resetting the arrival counter Ct (step S325), the main control device 210 executes the condition device operation start process (step S332), the role device continuous operation device operation start process (step S334), and the jackpot start presentation process (step S336). In the jackpot start presentation process (step S336), the main control device 210 starts the jackpot game by sending various commands that realize the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing these processes (steps S332, S334, S336), the main control device 210 ends the special chart hit/miss determination process (Figures 8 to 12).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 11, if the special symbol displayed as confirmed is not a winning symbol (step S300: "NO"), in other words, if the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a losing symbol or a time-saving winning symbol, the main control unit 210 judges whether the high probability flag Fk is a value of "1", in other words, whether the game is in the high probability mode (step S340). If the high probability flag Fk is a value of "1" (step S340: "YES"), the main control unit 210 decrements the high probability counter Ck (step S342). The high probability counter Ck is a counter that indicates the remaining number of times that the lottery for the special symbol can be executed in the high probability mode. After decrementing the high probability counter Ck (step S342), the main control unit 210 judges whether the high probability counter Ck is a value of "0" (step S344). If the probability change counter Ck is equal to the value "0" (step S344: "YES"), the probability change flag Fk is reset to the value "0" (step S346).

If the special chance flag Fk is equal to the value "0" (step S340: "NO"), if the special chance counter Ck is not equal to the value "0" (step S344: "NO"), or after resetting the special chance flag Fk to the value "0" (step S346), the main control unit 210 determines whether the a time-saving flag Fa is equal to the value "1" or not, in other words, whether the a time-saving period is in progress or not (step S350).

If the a-time-saving flag Fa has a value of "1" (step S350: "YES"), the main control unit 210 decrements the a-time-saving counter Ca (step S352). The a-time-saving counter Ca is a counter that indicates the remaining number of times that a special symbol can be drawn in the a-time-saving game. After decrementing the a-time-saving counter Ca (step S352), the main control unit 210 determines whether the a-time-saving counter Ca has a value of "0" (step S354). If the a-time-saving counter Ca has a value of "0" (step S354: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the a-time-saving flag Fa to a value of "0" (step S356).

If the a time-saving flag Fa is the value "0" (step S350: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the b time-saving flag Fb is the value "1", in other words, whether the b time-saving is in progress (step S360). If the b time-saving flag Fb is the value "1" (step S360: "YES"), the main control unit 210 decrements the b time-saving counter Cb (step S362). The b time-saving counter Cb is a counter that indicates the remaining number of times that a lottery for a special symbol that can be executed in the b time-saving game can be performed. After decrementing the b time-saving counter Cb (step S362), the main control unit 210 judges whether the b time-saving counter Cb is the value "0" (step S364). If the b time-saving counter Cb is the value "0" (step S364: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the b time-saving flag Fb to the value "0" (step S366).

If the b time-saving flag Fb is the value "0" (step S360: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the c time-saving flag Fc is the value "1", in other words, whether the c time-saving is in progress (step S370). If the c time-saving flag Fc is the value "1" (step S370: "YES"), the main control unit 210 decrements the c time-saving counter Cc (step S372). The c time-saving counter Cc is a counter that indicates the remaining number of times that a lottery for a special symbol that can be executed in the c time-saving game can be performed. After decrementing the c time-saving counter Cc (step S372), the main control unit 210 judges whether the c time-saving counter Cc is the value "0" (step S374). If the c time-saving counter Cc is the value "0" (step S374: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the c time-saving flag Fc to the value "0" (step S376).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 12, if the c time-saving flag Fc is the value "0" (step S370: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a time-saving winning symbol (step S377). If the special symbol displayed as confirmed is a time-saving winning symbol (step S377: "YES"), the main control unit 210 sets the c time-saving flag Fc to the value "1" (step S378). After that, the main control unit 210 executes a c time-saving counter setting process (step S379). In the c time-saving counter setting process (step S379), the main control unit 210 sets the c time-saving counter Cc to a value indicating the maximum number of times to execute a lottery for special symbols in the c time-saving game (in this embodiment, the value "300").

If the b-time-saving counter Cb is not equal to the value "0" (step S364: "NO"), or after resetting the b-time-saving flag Fb to the value "0" (step S366), the main control unit 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

If the c-time reduction counter Cc is not equal to the value "0" (step S374: "NO"), or after resetting the c-time reduction flag Fc to the value "0" (step S376), the main control unit 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

If the special symbol is not a time-saving winning symbol (step S377: "NO"), or after executing the c time-saving counter setting process (step S379), the main control unit 210 decrements the reach counter Ct (step S380).

After decrementing the reaching counter Ct (step S380), the main control unit 210 determines whether the reaching counter Ct is equal to the value "0" (step S381). If the reaching counter Ct is equal to the value "0" (step S381: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the reaching counter Ct to its initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S383). After resetting the reaching counter Ct, the main control unit 210 determines whether any time-saving game is being set (step S385).

If the time-saving game is not in progress (step S385: "NO"), the main control unit 210 sets the b time-saving flag Fb to a value of "1" (step S386). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the b time-saving counter setting process (step S388). In the b time-saving counter setting process (step S388), the main control unit 210 sets the b time-saving counter Cb to a value indicating the maximum number of times to execute a lottery for a special symbol in the b time-saving game (in this embodiment, the value "1000").

If the a time-saving counter Ca is not equal to the value "0" (step S354: "NO"), or after resetting the a time-saving flag Fa to the value "0" (step S356), the main control unit 210 executes a state designation command transmission process (step S390). Also, if the reach counter Ct is not equal to the value "0" (step S381: "NO"), if the time-saving game is in progress (step S385: "YES"), or after executing the b time-saving counter setting process (step S388), the main control unit 210 executes a state designation command transmission process (step S390). In the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control unit 210 transmits a state designation command that designates the game state to the sub-integrated control unit 220. After executing the state designation command transmission process (step S390), the main control unit 210 ends the special chart hit/miss determination process (FIGS. 8 to 12).

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are flow charts showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device 210. The jackpot game processing (Figures 13 to 15) is one of the subroutines executed in the special game processing (S56) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for controlling the jackpot game.

After starting the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15), the main control unit 210 determines whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation or not, in other words, whether the jackpot game is being executed or not (step S400). If the consecutive operation device of the role is not in operation (step S400: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the continuous role-playing device is in operation (step S400: "YES"), the main control device 210 judges whether the large prize opening 460 is open or not (step S405). If the large prize opening 460 is not open (step S405: "NO"), the main control device 210 judges whether an interval is in progress in which the large prize opening 460 is closed between each round of the large prize game (step S410). If there is no interval in progress (step S410: "NO"), the main control device 210 judges whether a large prize end presentation is being executed when the large prize game ends (step S415).

If the jackpot end effect is not being executed (step S415: NO), the main control device 210 determines whether the effect time for executing the jackpot start effect has elapsed (step S420). If the effect time for the jackpot start effect has not elapsed (step S420: NO), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

If the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation has elapsed (step S420: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening process (step S425). In the large prize opening process (step S425), the main control unit 210 opens the large prize opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening process (step S425), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 14, if the large prize opening 460 is being opened (step S405: "YES"), the main control device 210 judges whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 460 has reached 10 (step S430). If the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 460 has not reached 10 (step S430: "NO"), the main control device 210 judges whether the opening time for opening the large prize opening 460 has elapsed (step S435). If the opening time for the large prize opening 460 has not elapsed (step S435: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the large prize game processing (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 460 reaches 10 (step S430: "YES"), or if the opening time of the large prize opening 460 has elapsed (step S435: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening closing process (step S440). In the large prize opening closing process (step S440), the main control unit 210 closes the large prize opening 460 by outputting a closing signal to the large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening closing process (step S440), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening interval process (step S445). In the large prize opening interval process (step S445), the main control unit 210 sets an interval for closing the large prize opening 460 between each round of the large prize game. After executing the jackpot interval processing (step S445), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game processing (Figures 13 to 15).

If there is an interval during which the jackpot opening 460 is closed between each round of the jackpot game (step S410: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the interval time during which the interval continues in the jackpot game has elapsed (step S450). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S450: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game processing (Figures 13 to 15).

If the interval time has elapsed (step S450: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the final round of the jackpot game has ended (step S455). If the final round has not ended (step S455: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the large prize opening process (step S465). In the large prize opening process (step S465), the main control unit 210 opens the large prize opening 460 by outputting an opening signal to the large prize opening solenoid 460d. After executing the large prize opening process (step S465), the main control unit 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

If the final round has been completed (step S455: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes the jackpot end presentation process (step S460). In the jackpot end presentation process (step S460), the main control device 210 instructs the sub-integrated control device 220 to execute the jackpot end presentation. After executing the jackpot end presentation process (step S460), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 15, if the jackpot end effect is being executed (step S415: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the effect time for executing the jackpot end effect has elapsed (step S470). If the effect time for the jackpot end effect has not elapsed (step S470: "NO"), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13 to 15).

If the presentation time for the jackpot end presentation has elapsed (step S470: "YES"), the main control device 210 executes a process to stop the operation of the continuous operation device of the role (step S472) and a process to stop the operation of the condition device (step S474). After that, the main control device 210 executes a process to set the special chance flag (step S480). In the process to set the special chance flag (step S480), the main control device 210 determines whether or not to transition to the special chance mode after the jackpot game. If transitioning to the special chance mode, the main control device 210 sets the special chance flag Fk to a value of "1". If transitioning not to the special chance mode, the main control device 210 sets the special chance flag Fk to a value of "0".

After executing the high probability flag setting process (step S480), the main control unit 210 executes the high probability counter setting process (step S485). In the high probability counter setting process (step S485), the main control unit 210 sets the high probability counter Ck. When transitioning to the high probability mode, the main control unit 210 sets the high probability counter Ck to a value indicating the maximum number of times to perform a lottery for special symbols in the high probability mode (in this embodiment, the value "150"). When not transitioning to the high probability mode, the main control unit 210 sets the high probability counter Ck to the value "0".

After executing the special chance counter setting process (step S485), the main control unit 210 executes the a time-saving flag setting process (step S490). In the a time-saving flag setting process (step S490), the main control unit 210 determines whether or not to transition to a time-saving game after the jackpot game. If transitioning to a time-saving game, the main control unit 210 sets the a time-saving flag Fa to a value of "1". If transitioning to a time-saving game is not to be made, the main control unit 210 sets the a time-saving flag Fa to a value of "0".

After executing the a-time-saving flag setting process (step S490), the main control unit 210 executes the a-time-saving counter setting process (step S495). In the a-time-saving counter setting process (step S495), the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca. When transitioning to the a-time-saving game, the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca to a value (in this embodiment, the value "100") indicating the maximum number of times to perform a lottery for special patterns in the a-time-saving game. When not transitioning to the a-time-saving game, the main control unit 210 sets the a-time-saving counter Ca to the value "0".

After executing the time-saving counter setting process (step S495), the main control unit 210 sets the arrival flag Ft to a value of "1" (step S500). The main control unit 210 then resets the arrival counter Ct to its initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S505).

Then, the main control device 210 executes a jackpot end command transmission process (step S510). In the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510), the main control device 210 transmits a jackpot end command to the sub-integrated control device 220, which instructs the end of the presentation related to the jackpot game.

After executing the jackpot end command transmission process (step S510), the main control device 210 executes the state designation command transmission process (step S520). In the state designation command transmission process (step S520), the main control device 210 transmits a state designation command that designates the game state to the sub-integrated control device 220. After executing the state designation command transmission process (step S520), the main control device 210 ends the jackpot game process (Figures 13 to 15).

Figures 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing the normal symbol win/loss determination process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 16 and 17) is one of the subroutines executed in the win/loss determination process (S52) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for determining whether the normal symbol is a win or loss.

After starting the normal winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17), the main control unit 210 determines whether the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S600). If the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S600: YES), the main control unit 210 ends the normal winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

If the normal electric device 440 is not in operation (step S600: NO), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a variable manner (step S605).

If the normal pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner (step S605: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the normal pattern is being displayed in a fixed manner (step S610).

If the normal symbol is not being displayed as confirmed (step S610: NO), the main control unit 210 judges whether or not there is a reserved memory of the normal symbol (step S615). If there is no reserved memory of the normal symbol (step S615: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 16 and 17).

If there is a reserved memory of a normal symbol (step S615: "YES"), the main control unit 210 reads out the oldest reserved memory of the normal symbol and deletes that information from the reserved memory (step S620). After that, the main control unit 210 determines whether the high probability flag Fk or the a-time-saving flag Fa is set to the value "1" (step S625).

If the probability of winning flag Fk is the value "1" (step S625: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the winning judgment random number read from the reserved memory is a winning value by referring to the high probability normal winning/losing judgment table (high probability table) (step S630).

If the probability of winning flag Fk is not "1" (step S625: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the winning judgment random number read from the reserved memory is a winning value by referring to the low probability normal winning/losing judgment table (low probability table) (step S635).

Moving on to the explanation of Figure 17, after determining whether the random number for hit determination read from the reserved memory is a hit value (steps S630, S635), the main control unit 210 determines whether the result of the judgment of the random number for hit determination is a hit (step S640).

If the result of the random number for winning judgment is a winning (step S640: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines the winning symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol read from the reserved memory (step S645). After that, the main control unit 210 determines the winning fluctuation pattern of the normal symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol and the random number for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern, as well as the probability change flag Fk, the a time reduction flag Fa, the b time reduction flag Fb, and the c time reduction flag Fc (step S650). After that, the main control unit 210 executes the winning setting process (step S655). In the winning setting process (step S655), the main control unit 210 sets various parameters (for example, the opening pattern of the normal electric role 440) that control the winning game.

If the result of the random number for determining a win is not a win (step S640: "NO"), in other words, if the result of the random number for determining a win is a miss, the main control unit 210 determines the miss pattern based on the random number for determining the normal pattern read from the reserved memory (step S662).

After determining the losing symbol (step S662), the main control unit 210 executes a losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S668). In the losing fluctuation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control unit 210 determines the losing fluctuation pattern of the special symbol based on the random number for determining the normal symbol and the random number for determining the normal symbol fluctuation pattern, as well as the probability bonus flag Fk, the a time-saving flag Fa, the b time-saving flag Fb, and the c time-saving flag Fc.

After executing the winning setting process (step S655) or the losing variation pattern determination process (step S668), the main control device 210 executes the regular pattern variation start process (step S675). In the regular pattern variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 starts the normal pattern variation display on the regular pattern display device 471. After executing the regular pattern variation start process (step S675), the main control device 210 ends the regular pattern winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 16, 17).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 16, if the normal symbol is being displayed in a changing manner (step S605: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal symbol change time has elapsed (step S680). If the normal symbol change time has not elapsed (step S680: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss judgment process (FIGS. 16, 17).

If the normal pattern change time has elapsed (step S680: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the confirmed pattern display process (step S685). In the confirmed pattern display process (step S685), the main control unit 210 ends the display of the normal pattern changes on the normal pattern display device 471, and displays the confirmed normal pattern on the normal pattern display device 471. After executing the confirmed pattern display process (step S685), the main control unit 210 ends the normal pattern hit/miss determination process (Figures 16 and 17).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 17, if the normal symbol is being displayed as confirmed (step S610: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690). If the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has not ended (step S690: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (FIGS. 16, 17).

If the duration of the confirmed display of the normal symbol has ended (step S690: "YES"), the main control unit 210 ends the confirmed display of the normal symbol (step S692). The main control unit 210 then determines whether the confirmed displayed normal symbol is a winning symbol (step S694). If the confirmed displayed normal symbol is not a winning symbol (step S694: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol winning/losing determination process (FIGS. 16 and 17).

If the normal symbol that was displayed as confirmed is a winning symbol (step S694: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal electric device operation start process (step S696). In the normal electric device operation start process (step S696), the main control unit 210 sets the start of operation of the normal electric device 440. After executing the normal electric device operation start process (step S696), the main control unit 210 ends the normal symbol win/loss determination process (Figures 16 and 17).

Figures 18 and 19 are flow charts showing the normal power operation process executed by the main control unit 210. The normal power operation process (Figures 18 and 19) is one of the subroutines executed in the normal power operation process (S54) of the main routine (Figure 5), and is a process for controlling the normal electric feature 440.

After starting the normal power operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19), the main control unit 210 determines whether the normal electric device 440 is in operation (step S700). If the normal electric device 440 is not in operation (step S700: NO), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (FIGS. 18 and 19).

If the normal electric role 440 is in operation (step S700: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal electric role 440 is being opened (step S702). If the normal electric role 440 is not being opened (step S702: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the normal electric role 440 is in an interval for closing the normal electric role 440 when the normal electric role 440 is opened multiple times per hit (step S704). If the interval is not in progress (step S704: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes a normal power release process (step S710). In the normal power release process (step S710), the main control unit 210 outputs an open signal to the normal electric role solenoid 440d to open the normal electric role 440. After executing the normal power release process (step S710), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (FIGS. 18, 19).

Moving on to the explanation of FIG. 19, if the normal electric role 440 is being opened (step S702: "YES"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the number of game balls that have won the normal electric role 440 has reached 10 (step S720). If the number of game balls that have won the normal electric role 440 has not reached 10 (step S720: "NO"), the main control unit 210 judges whether the opening time for opening the normal electric role 440 has elapsed (step S725). If the opening time for the normal electric role 440 has not elapsed (step S725: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (FIGS. 18, 19).

If the number of winning balls in the normal electric device 440 reaches 10 (step S720: "YES"), or if the opening time of the normal electric device 440 has elapsed (step S725: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes a normal power closing process (step S730). In the normal power closing process (step S730), the main control unit 210 closes the normal electric device 440 by outputting a closing signal to the normal electric device solenoid 440d.

After executing the normal power closing process (step S730), the main control unit 210 judges whether the final opening of the current operation of the normal electric device 440 has been completed (step S735). If the final opening has been completed (step S735: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power operation end process (step S740). In the normal power operation end process (step S740), the main control unit 210 sets the end of operation of the normal electric device 440. After executing the normal power operation end process (step S740), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 18 and 19).

If the final opening has not been completed (step S735: "NO"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power interval process (step S750). In the normal power interval process (step S750), the main control unit 210 sets the interval for closing the normal electric feature 440. After executing the normal power interval process (step S750), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 18 and 19).

If the interval is in progress (step S704: "YES"), the main control unit 210 determines whether the interval time for continuing the interval for closing the normal electric feature 440 has elapsed (step S760). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S760: "NO"), the main control unit 210 ends the normal electric operation process (Figures 18 and 19).

If the interval time has elapsed (step S760: "YES"), the main control unit 210 executes the normal power release process (step S770). In the normal power release process (step S770), the main control unit 210 outputs an open signal to the normal power feature solenoid 440d, thereby opening the normal electric feature 440. After executing the normal power release process (step S770), the main control unit 210 ends the normal power operation process (Figures 18 and 19).

Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the main control device 210 and the sub integrated control device 220. In addition to the first special symbol display device 473 and the second special symbol display device 475, the main control device 210 includes a win/loss determination means 212, a special game means 214, a sure-win game means 215, a time-saving game means 216, b time-saving game means 217, and c time-saving game means 218 as configurations related to the control of game progress. The win/loss determination means 212 of the main control device 210 includes a first win/loss determination means 212a and a second win/loss determination means 212b. The main control device 210 includes a command output means 219 as a configuration related to the control of the presentation. Each configuration of the main control device 210 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a part of the various means of the main control device 210 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The first hit/miss determination means 212a of the main control device 210 executes a first hit/miss determination, which is a hit/miss determination regarding the first special symbol, based on the ball entering the first starting hole 451. The first hit/miss determination means 212a is a means for executing a hit/miss determination regarding the first special symbol (steps S230, S235 in FIG. 8) in the special symbol hit/miss determination process. The first starting hole 451 is located in the left-hitting play area GA1 where game balls launched with less than a predetermined launch strength mainly roll. The first special symbol display device 473 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner based on the determination result by the first hit/miss determination means 212a, and then displays it as a final result.

The second win/loss determination means 212b of the main control device 210 executes a second win/loss determination, which is a win/loss determination regarding the second special symbol, based on the ball entering the second starting hole 452. The second win/loss determination means 212b is a means for executing a win/loss determination regarding the second special symbol (steps S230, S235 in FIG. 8) in the special symbol win/loss determination process. The second starting hole 452 is located in the right-hit play area GA2 where gaming machines that are fired with a predetermined firing strength or higher mainly roll. The second special symbol display device 475 displays the second special symbol in a variable manner based on the determination result by the second win/loss determination means 212b, and then displays it as a final result.

When the player wins a jackpot in the first or second win/loss judgment (first condition), the special game means 214 of the main control device 210 opens the jackpot winning port 460 to execute a jackpot game (special game) that is more advantageous to the player than normal game. The special game means 214 is a means for executing the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13, 14, and 15). In this embodiment, the probability of the second special symbol being awarded a special jackpot (100%) is higher than the probability of the first special symbol being awarded a special jackpot (50%), so that the jackpot game (special game) based on the second win/loss judgment is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game (special game) based on the first win/loss judgment. In other embodiments, the special game based on the second win/loss judgment may be as advantageous to the player as the special game based on the first win/loss judgment, or may be less advantageous to the player than the special game based on the first win/loss judgment.

The special probability game means 215 of the main control device 210 is a means for setting a special probability game as one of the easy ball entry means for setting a ball entry easy state (electric support) in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole 452 than in normal play. Special probability game is a game state in which the probability of winning in the special symbol hit/miss judgment is set to a higher probability than in normal play in the easy ball entry state (electric support). If the jackpot symbol that caused the jackpot game is a specific jackpot symbol, the special probability game means 215 starts the special probability game following the end of the jackpot game. After starting the special probability game, the special probability game means 215 continues the special probability game until a win is won in the special symbol hit/miss judgment or until the number of times the special symbol hit/miss judgment is performed reaches a predetermined number of times (150 times in this embodiment). The special probability game means 215 is a means for executing a special probability flag setting process (step S480 in FIG. 15) and a special probability counter setting process (step S485 in FIG. 15) in the jackpot game process. The special probability game means 215 is a means for executing a judgment process using a high probability table (step S630 in FIG. 16) in the normal winning/losing judgment process. The special probability game means 215 is a means for executing a judgment process using a special probability table (step S230 in FIG. 8), a reset process of the special probability flag Fk (step S304 in FIG. 10), and an update process of the special probability flag Fk and the special probability counter Ck (steps S340 to S346 in FIG. 11) in the special probability game process.

The a time-saving game means 216 of the main control device 210 is a time-saving game means (first time-saving game means) that sets the a time-saving game (first bonus game) after the end of the jackpot game (special game) as one of the ball entry facilitating means. The a time-saving game is a game state in which the probability of winning the special pattern is set to a low probability (normal probability) in normal game, and ball entry into the second starting hole 452 is set easier than in normal game. The a time-saving game means 216 starts the a time-saving game after the end of the jackpot game based on a specific type of jackpot pattern different from the type that starts the probability mode. In this embodiment, the a time-saving game means 216 starts the a time-saving game after the end of the jackpot game based on a specific type of jackpot pattern different from the type that starts the probability mode. After starting the a-time-saving game, the a-time-saving game means 216 continues the a-time-saving game until the special symbol wins or the number of times the special symbol win/loss judgment is performed reaches a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment). The a-time-saving game means 216 is a means for executing the a-time-saving flag setting process (step S490 in FIG. 15) and the a-time-saving counter setting process (step S495 in FIG. 15) in the big win game process. The a-time-saving game means 216 is a means for executing the judgment process using the high probability table (step S630 in FIG. 16) in the normal symbol win/loss judgment process. The a-time-saving game means 216 is a means for executing a determination process using the normal table (step S235 in FIG. 8), a reset process for the a-time-saving flag Fa (step S308 in FIG. 10), and an update process for the a-time-saving flag Fa and the a-time-saving counter Ca (steps S350 to S356 in FIG. 11) in the special chart winning/losing determination process.

The b time-saving game means 217 of the main control device 210 is a time-saving game means (second time-saving game means) that sets the b time-saving game (second bonus game) as one of the ball entry facilitating means. The b time-saving game is a game state in which the probability of winning in the special symbol hit/miss judgment is set to a low probability (normal probability) in normal play, and the ball entry into the second starting hole 452 is set easier than in normal play. The b time-saving game means 217 starts the b time-saving game when the number of consecutive judgments Nh reaches the number of activations Ns (950 times in this embodiment). After starting the b time-saving game, the b time-saving game means 217 continues the b time-saving game until the special symbol hit/miss judgment is won or until the number of times the special symbol hit/miss judgment is performed reaches a predetermined number of times (1000 times in this embodiment). The b time-saving game means 217 is a means for executing the process of setting the b time-saving flag Fb and the b time-saving counter Cb (steps S386 and S388 in FIG. 12), the process of judging whether or not a special symbol has been won (step S235 in FIG. 8), the process of resetting the b time-saving flag Fb (step S314 in FIG. 10), and the process of updating the b time-saving flag Fb and the b time-saving counter Cb (steps S360 to S366 in FIG. 11) in the process of judging whether or not a special symbol has been won.

The c time-saving game means 218 of the main control device 210 is a time-saving game means (second time-saving game means) that sets the c time-saving game (third bonus game) as one of the ball entry facilitating means when the time-saving is won in the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern (second condition). The c time-saving game is a game state in which the winning probability of winning in the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern is set to a low probability (normal probability) in normal play, and the ball entry into the second starting hole 452 is set easier than in normal play. The c time-saving game means 218 starts the c time-saving game after winning the time-saving in the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern. After starting the c time-saving game, the c time-saving game means 218 continues the c time-saving game until the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern is won or until the number of times the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern reaches a predetermined number of times (300 times in this embodiment). The c time-saving game means 218 is a means for executing the process of setting the c time-saving flag Fc and the c time-saving counter Cc (steps S378 and S379 in FIG. 12), the process of judging whether or not a special pattern has been won (step S235 in FIG. 8), the process of resetting the c time-saving flag Fc (step S318 in FIG. 10), and the process of updating the c time-saving flag Fc and the c time-saving counter Cc (steps S370 to S376 in FIG. 11) in the process of judging whether or not a special pattern has been won.

In this embodiment, the c time-saving game means 218 sets the c time-saving game when the second special symbol wins the time-saving game with a predetermined probability (1/90 in this embodiment) in the hit/miss judgment performed during normal play. In other words, the c time-saving game means 218, which is one of the time-saving game means, may switch from normal play to a time-saving game based on the judgment result of the second hit/miss judgment performed during normal play. In addition, none of the time-saving game means including the a time-saving game means 216, the b time-saving game means 217, and the c time-saving game means 218 will execute a new time-saving game based on the judgment result of the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol performed in a winning state (electric support) including during a probability bonus game and during a time-saving game.

The command output means 219 of the main control device 210 outputs a command including information related to performance control to the sub integrated control device 220. The command output means 219 outputs information indicating the start and end of the variable display of the special pattern, information indicating the number of consecutive judgments Nh (attainment counter Ct), and the like. In this embodiment, the command output means 219 outputs commands including information related to performance control to the sub-integrated control device 220 in the special reserved number command transmission process (step S120 in FIG. 6), the regular reserved number command transmission process (step S170 in FIG. 7), reserved information transmission process (step S270 in FIG. 9), special pattern change start process (step S275 in FIG. 9), confirmed pattern display process (step S285 in FIG. 8), jackpot start performance process (step S336 in FIG. 10), state designation command transmission process (step S390 in FIG. 12), jackpot end command transmission process (step S510 in FIG. 15), state designation command transmission process (step S520 in FIG. 15), etc.

The sub-integrated control device 220 is equipped with a hit suggestion means 222 as a configuration related to performance control. Each configuration of the sub-integrated control device 220 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the sub-integrated control device 220 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The hit suggestion means 222 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a right hit suggestion, which is a hit suggestion that suggests to the player to hit the game ball into the right hit game area GA2 (so-called "right hit"). The hit suggestion means 222 executes a right hit suggestion as part of the win/lose presentation displayed on the presentation pattern display device 480. The right hit suggestion executed by the hit suggestion means 222 includes multiple right hit suggestions SR1, SR2, SR3 with different suggestion modes. The right hit suggestion SR2 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit more than the right hit suggestion SR3, and the right hit suggestion SR1 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit even more than the right hit suggestion SR2.

Right hit suggestion SR1 is a right hit suggestion executed in a first manner when the first special symbol is displayed while the second special symbol is not displayed while the ball is in an easy-to-score state (electric support) including probability variable play and various time-saving play. Right hit suggestion SR2 is a right hit suggestion executed in a second manner when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed while the ball is in an easy-to-score state (electric support) including probability variable play and various time-saving play. Right hit suggestion SR3 is a right hit suggestion executed when the second special symbol is displayed while the ball is in an easy-to-score state (electric support) including probability variable play and various time-saving play.

Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display during normal play. The display screen 500 is a screen that configures a series of win/lose displays that are displayed on the display pattern display device 480 during normal play. The display screen 500 includes a display pattern display area 501, a first reserved pattern display area 503a, and a second reserved pattern display area 503b.

The performance pattern display area 501 of the performance screen 500 is an area that displays performance patterns according to the winning or losing results of the first special pattern and the second special pattern. The performance pattern display area 501 is located in the center of the performance screen 500. The performance pattern display area 501 is basically three areas arranged horizontally, and from the left, the left performance pattern 501a, the center performance pattern 501b, and the right performance pattern 501c are displayed in a fluctuating manner. After starting to display the fluctuating three performance patterns, the performance pattern display area 501 temporarily stops the left performance pattern 501a in a shaking state. Following the temporary stop of the left performance pattern 501a, the performance pattern display area 501 temporarily stops the right performance pattern 501c in a shaking state. Following the temporary stop of the right performance pattern 501c, the center performance pattern 501b is temporarily stopped in a shaking state. After the three performance symbols are temporarily stopped, the performance symbol display area 501 displays the three temporarily stopped performance symbols in a completely stopped state. When the first special symbol display device 473 or the second special symbol display device 475 displays a jackpot symbol, the performance symbol display area 501 displays a combination of performance symbols that suggests a jackpot win (for example, a combination of three performance symbols).

The performance symbol display area 501 may display whether the right performance symbol 501c will be temporarily stopped with the same pattern as the left performance symbol 501a (so-called "reach" state) by changing the display mode (e.g., moving speed, size, color, etc.) of the right performance symbol 501c while only the left performance symbol 501a is temporarily stopped. The performance symbol display area 501 displays whether the center performance symbol 501b will be temporarily stopped with the same pattern as the other performance symbols (so-called "jackpot confirmed" state) in a reach state where the left performance symbol 501a and the right performance symbol 501c are temporarily stopped with the same pattern, or whether the performance will develop into a performance with a higher expectation of winning a jackpot (so-called "super reach" state). The performance symbol display area 501 displays whether the center performance symbol 501b will be temporarily stopped with the same pattern as the other performance symbols (so-called "jackpot confirmed" state) in the super reach state.

The first reserved pattern display area 503a of the performance screen 500 is an area that displays a reserved pattern that indicates the presence of a first reserved memory. The first reserved pattern display area 503a is arranged along the left side of the bottom edge of the performance screen 500. The first reserved pattern display area 503a displays one reserved pattern for each first reserved memory (in the example of FIG. 21, it indicates the presence of two first reserved memories). When the preceding first reserved memory is consumed, the first reserved pattern display area 503a erases the reserved pattern corresponding to that first reserved memory and slides the reserved pattern corresponding to the subsequent first reserved memory to the left. The second reserved pattern display area 503b of the performance screen 500 is the same as the first reserved pattern display area 503a, except that it is an area that displays a reserved pattern that indicates the presence of a second reserved memory. The second reserved pattern display area 503b is arranged along the right side of the bottom edge of the performance screen 500.

Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose effect accompanied by a right hit suggestion SR1. The effect screen 510 is a screen constituting a series of win/lose effects that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 when the first special pattern is displayed while the second special pattern is not displayed in a variable win state (electric support) including a sure-win game and various time-saving games. The effect screen 510 includes an effect pattern display area 501s, a first reserved pattern display area 503a, a second reserved pattern display area 503b, a right hit suggestion image 512, and a right hit suggestion image 514.

The performance pattern display area 501s of the performance screen 510 is smaller than the performance pattern display area 501 (Figure 21) of the performance screen 500, and is similar to the performance pattern display area 501 of the performance screen 500, except that it is arranged along the left side of the upper edge of the performance screen 510. The first reserved pattern display area 503a of the performance screen 510 is similar to the performance screen 500. The second reserved pattern display area 503b of the performance screen 510 is similar to the performance screen 500.

The right hit suggestion image 512 on the presentation screen 510 is an image that suggests to the player to hit the game ball into the right hit game area GA2 as a right hit suggestion SR1. In this embodiment, the right hit suggestion image 512 is an image in which multiple right-pointing arrows are arranged horizontally in the middle of the presentation screen 510 and move horizontally one after another from the left edge to the right edge of the presentation screen 510. The size of each arrow in the right hit suggestion image 512 occupies about one-third of the vertical and horizontal directions of the presentation screen 510. The upper end of the arrow in the right hit suggestion image 512 overlaps with the presentation pattern display area 501s when it passes below the presentation pattern display area 501s.

The right hit suggestion image 514 on the presentation screen 510 is an image that suggests to the player to hit the game ball into the right hit game area GA2 as a right hit suggestion SR1. In this embodiment, the right hit suggestion image 514 is an image that is superimposed on the right hit suggestion image 512 and repeatedly moves the text "Please hit to the right!" from the left edge to the right edge of the presentation screen 510.

Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display accompanied by a right hit suggestion SR2. The display screen 520 is a screen that configures a series of win/lose displays that are displayed on the display pattern display device 480 when the first special pattern and the second special pattern are not displayed in a variable winning state (electric support) that includes sure-win play and various time-saving play. The display screen 520 includes a first reserved pattern display area 503a, a second reserved pattern display area 503b, and a right hit suggestion image 522.

The performance screen 520 does not have an area for displaying performance patterns, like the performance pattern display area 501 and the performance pattern display area 501s. The performance screen 520 may have an area for displaying performance patterns. The first reserved pattern display area 503a of the performance screen 520 is the same as the performance screen 500 (Figure 21). The second reserved pattern display area 503b of the performance screen 520 is the same as the performance screen 500.

The right hit suggestion image 522 on the presentation screen 520 is an image that suggests to the player to hit the game ball into the right hit game area GA2 as a right hit suggestion SR2. In this embodiment, the right hit suggestion image 522 is an image in which multiple right-pointing arrows smaller than the right hit suggestion image 512 are arranged horizontally in the middle of the presentation screen 520 and move horizontally one after another from the left edge to the right edge of the presentation screen 520. The presentation screen 520 may display a string of characters suggesting a right hit in the same manner as the right hit suggestion image 514 on the presentation screen 510 or in a more modest manner.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a win/lose display accompanied by a right hit suggestion SR3. The display screen 530 is a screen that configures a series of win/lose displays that are displayed on the display pattern display device 480 when the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state (electric support) that makes it easy to score, including high probability play and various time-saving play. The display screen 530 includes a display pattern display area 501, a first reserved symbol display area 503a, a second reserved symbol display area 503b, and a right hit suggestion image 532.

The performance pattern display area 501 of the performance screen 530 is the same as the performance screen 500 (Figure 21). The first reserved pattern display area 503a of the performance screen 530 is the same as the performance screen 500. The second reserved pattern display area 503b of the performance screen 530 is the same as the performance screen 500.

The right hit suggestion image 532 on the presentation screen 530 is an image that suggests to the player to hit the game ball into the right hit game area GA2 as a right hit suggestion SR3. In this embodiment, the right hit suggestion image 532 is an image in which multiple right-facing arrows that are even smaller than the right hit suggestion image 522 are arranged horizontally along the top edge of the presentation screen 530 and move horizontally one after another from the left edge to the right edge of the presentation screen 530. The presentation screen 530 may display a string of characters suggesting a right hit in the same manner as the right hit suggestion image 514 on the presentation screen 510 or in a more modest manner.

According to the first embodiment described above, the suggestion state that suggests the game ball be shot into the right-hit game area GA2 is changed depending on whether or not the first and second special symbols are displayed in a ball-scoring state (electric support), thereby encouraging the player to play smoothly. In addition, the right-hit suggestion SR1 (FIG. 22) by the presentation screen 510 can direct the player's attention to the right-hit suggestion image 512 by superimposing a part of the right-hit suggestion image 512 on the presentation pattern display area 501s, which is of relatively high interest to the player, thereby emphasizing the suggestion of a right hit to the player.

B. Second embodiment FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a winning/losing performance accompanied by a right hit suggestion SR1 in the second embodiment. The pachinko game machine 10 of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the form of the right hit suggestion SR1 is different. The performance screen 510b of the second embodiment is a screen that constitutes a series of winning/losing performances that are displayed on the performance pattern display device 480 when the first special pattern is displayed while the second special pattern is not displayed in a ball-entering easy state (electric support) including a sure-win game and various time-saving games. The performance screen 510b is similar to the performance screen 510 (FIG. 22), except that it does not have a performance pattern display area 501s.

According to the second embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to encourage the player to play smoothly. In addition, since the right hit suggestion SR1 (Figure 25) by the presentation screen 510b does not include the presentation pattern display area 501s which attracts a relatively high interest from the player, the player's interest in the right hit suggestion image 512 and the right hit suggestion image 514 is relatively high, and therefore the suggestion to hit to the right can be emphasized to the player.

C. Third embodiment FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a winning/losing performance accompanied by a right hit suggestion SR1 in the third embodiment. The pachinko game machine 10 of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, except that the aspect of the right hit suggestion SR1 is different. The performance screen 510c of the third embodiment is a screen constituting a series of winning/losing performances displayed on the performance pattern display device 480 when the first special pattern is displayed while the second special pattern is not displayed while the ball is easily entered (electric support) including the probability change game and various time-saving games. The performance screen 510c is the same as the performance screen 510 (FIG. 22), except that the performance pattern display area 501 is provided instead of the performance pattern display area 501s. The performance pattern display area 501 of the performance screen 510c is the same as the performance screen 500 (FIG. 21). The right hit suggestion image 512 and the right hit suggestion image 514 on the performance screen 510c are displayed superimposed on the performance pattern display area 501.

According to the third embodiment described above, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to encourage the player to play smoothly. In addition, the right hit suggestion SR1 (Figure 26) by the presentation screen 510c can direct the player's attention to the right hit suggestion image 512 and the right hit suggestion image 514 by superimposing them on the presentation pattern display area 501, which is of relatively high interest to the player, thereby emphasizing the suggestion to hit to the right to the player.

D. Fourth embodiment The pachinko game machine 10 of the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the conditions for executing the right hit suggestion SR1, SR2, and SR3 are different. In the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the probability of the second special symbol being given a probability of 100% is higher than the probability of the first special symbol being given a probability of 50%, so that the jackpot game (special game) based on the second hit/miss judgment is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot game (special game) based on the first hit/miss judgment. In another embodiment, the special game based on the second hit/miss judgment may be more advantageous to the player than the special game based on the first hit/miss judgment by setting the prize balls that can be obtained in the special game based on the second hit/miss judgment to be more than the prize balls that can be obtained in the special game based on the first hit/miss judgment.

In the fourth embodiment, the right hit suggestion includes multiple right hit suggestions SR1, SR2, and SR3 with different suggestion modes, as in the first embodiment. The right hit suggestion SR2 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit more than the right hit suggestion SR3, and the right hit suggestion SR1 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit even more than the right hit suggestion SR2.

The right hit suggestion SR1 of the fourth embodiment is a right hit suggestion that is executed in a first manner when the first special symbol is fluctuating but the second special symbol is not fluctuating during high probability play. The right hit suggestion SR2 of the fourth embodiment is a right hit suggestion that is executed in a second manner when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not fluctuating during high probability play, and when the second special symbol is not fluctuating during various time-saving play. The right hit suggestion SR3 of the fourth embodiment is a right hit suggestion that is executed when the second special symbol is fluctuating during high probability play and various time-saving play.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, the suggestion state suggesting the launch of the game ball into the right-hitting game area GA2 is changed depending on whether or not the first and second special symbols are displayed in a ball-winning easy state (electric support) including time-saving play and special probability play, thereby encouraging the player to play smoothly. In addition, the player can be encouraged to play smoothly so that a situation that is relatively disadvantageous to the player, in which the player wins a jackpot game based on the first hit/miss judgment instead of a jackpot game based on the second hit/miss judgment in special probability play, can be avoided.

E. Fifth embodiment The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the conditions for executing the right hit suggestions SR1, SR2, and SR3 are different. The right hit suggestion in the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of right hit suggestions SR1, SR2, and SR3 with different suggestion modes, as in the first embodiment. The right hit suggestion SR2 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit more than the right hit suggestion SR3, and the right hit suggestion SR1 is a mode that emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit even more than the right hit suggestion SR2.

The right hit suggestion SR1 of the fifth embodiment is a right hit suggestion executed in a first manner when the first special symbol is displayed while the second special symbol is not displayed while changing in the a time-saving game (first time-saving game). The right hit suggestion SR2 of the fifth embodiment is a right hit suggestion executed in a second manner when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed while changing in the a time-saving game (first time-saving game), and when the second special symbol is not displayed while changing in the b time-saving game and the c time-saving game (second time-saving game). The right hit suggestion SR3 of the fifth embodiment is a right hit suggestion executed when the second special symbol is displayed while changing in various time-saving games (first time-saving game and second time-saving game).

According to the fifth embodiment described above, the suggestion state suggesting the launch of a game ball into the right-hitting game area GA2 is changed depending on whether or not the first and second special symbols are displayed in a ball-entering easy state (electric support) including various time-saving games, thereby encouraging the player to play smoothly. In addition, when a transition is made to time-saving game a (first time-saving game) rather than normal game following the end of a jackpot game (special game), it is possible to emphasize that a game state advantageous to the player continues. As a result, the interest of the game can be improved.

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

At least some of the above-described embodiments can be applied to an enclosed pinball game machine. An enclosed pinball game machine is a pinball game machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside the machine, and the enclosed game balls are launched toward a game area of a game board, and game balls that are subsequently collected from the game area are used again to launch into the game area, thereby cyclically using the game balls enclosed inside for play.

In an embodiment in which the first special symbol and the second special symbol can change simultaneously, the presentation screen 530 in FIG. 24 may be a screen that creates a series of win/lose presentations when the second special symbol is changing, regardless of whether the first special symbol is changing or not.

The suggestive aspects of the right hit suggestion SR1, SR2, and SR3 are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be any aspect in which the right hit suggestion SR2 emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit more than the right hit suggestion SR3, and the right hit suggestion SR1 emphasizes the suggestion of a right hit even more than the right hit suggestion SR2. The emphasis on the suggestive aspects may be achieved by increasing the area ratio of the right hit suggestion image to the performance screen, accelerating the movement speed of the right hit suggestion image, accelerating the blinking speed of the right hit suggestion image, etc.

10... Pachinko game machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 112... Hinge 120... Inner frame 120s... Inner frame opening switch 122... Hinge 124... Upper tray 126... Lower tray 126s... Full switch 128... Keyhole 130... Front frame 130s... Front frame opening switch 132... Transparent plate 134... Illumination (frame illumination)
136: speaker 140: handle 140b: handle volume 140m: launch motor 140s: launch stop switch 140t: touch switch 152: balance display device 154: ball lending switch 156: settlement switch 160: performance button 172: game ball tank 172s: ball out switch 174: payout device 174d: payout motor 174s: payout switch 210: main control device 210m: RAM
212...Win/loss determination means 212a...First win/loss determination means 212b...Second win/loss determination means 214...Special game means 215...Probability change game means 216...a time-saving game means 217...b time-saving game means 218...c time-saving game means 219...Command output means 220...Sub-integrated control device 222...Shot suggestion means 230...Performance pattern control device 240...Payout control device 250...Launch control device 260...Back wiring relay terminal board 265...External connection terminal board 270...Payout relay terminal board 280...Card unit terminal board 290...Power supply board 292...Power switch 294...RAM clear switch 302...Setting change switch 304...Setting change switch 400...Game board 402...Board surface 404...Guide rail 408...Game nail 409... Windmill nail 410... Center case 414... Illumination (display illumination)
420s...Normal winning port switch 421...Normal winning port 430...Normal pattern activation gate 430s...Activation gate switch 440...Normal electric role 440d...Normal electric role solenoid 451...First start port 451s...First start port switch 452...Second start port 452s...Second start port switch 460...Large winning port 460d...Large winning port solenoid 460s...Count switch 471...Normal pattern display device 472...Normal pattern reserve display device 473...First special pattern display device 474...First special pattern reserve display device 475...Second special pattern display device 476...Second special pattern reserve display device 480...Performance pattern display device 500...Performance screen 501...Performance pattern display area 501, 501s, 502s...Performance pattern display area 501s...Performance pattern display area 503a...First reserved pattern display area 503b...Second reserved pattern display area 510, 510b, 510c...Performance screen 512...Right hit suggestion image 514...Right hit suggestion image 520...Performance screen 522...Right hit suggestion image 530...Performance screen 532...Right hit suggestion image GA...Play area GA1...Left hit play area GA2...Right hit play area

Claims (1)

A first starting hole located in a first game area in which a game ball launched at a launch strength less than a predetermined launch strength mainly rolls;
A first hit/miss determination means for performing a first hit/miss determination based on the ball entering the first starting hole;
A first special symbol display means for displaying a first special symbol in a variable manner and then displaying the first special symbol in a definite manner based on the result of the judgment by the first win/loss judgment means;
A second starting port located in a second game area where the game machine launched at the predetermined launch intensity or higher mainly rolls;
A second hit/miss determination means for performing a second hit/miss determination different from the first hit/miss determination based on the ball entering the second starting hole;
A second special symbol display means for displaying a second special symbol in a variable manner and then displaying the second special symbol in a definite manner based on the result of the judgment by the second win/loss judgment means;
a ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry facilitating state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole than in a normal game;
a special game means for executing a special game that is more advantageous to a player than the normal game by opening a special prize opening based on the results of the first win/loss judgment and the second win/loss judgment;
a first time-saving game means for executing a first time-saving game in which, following the end of the special game, a winning probability of the special game is set to a normal probability equal to that of the normal game in the first winning/losing judgment and the second winning/losing judgment in the easy-to-score state based on a judgment result that caused the special game;
A second time-saving game means for executing a second time-saving game in which the winning probability is set to the normal probability in the easy-to-score state by switching from the normal game based on a result of the first winning/losing judgment or the second winning/losing judgment in the normal game;
A pinball game machine including: a ball hitting suggestion means for executing a hitting suggestion that suggests to a player to hit a game ball into the second game area;
The hit ball suggestion means includes:
When the first special symbol is displayed while the second special symbol is not displayed in the first time-saving game, the hitting suggestion is executed in a first suggestion mode;
When the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not displayed in the first time-saving game, and when the second special symbol is not displayed in the second time-saving game regardless of whether the first special symbol is displayed in the second time-saving game, the hitting suggestion is executed in a second suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode;
When the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the first time-saving game and the second time-saving game, the hitting suggestion is executed in a third suggestion mode different from the first suggestion mode and the second suggestion mode;
The first suggestion mode is a mode in which the right hit suggestion is emphasized more than the second suggestion mode, and the second suggestion mode is a mode in which the right hit suggestion is emphasized more than the third suggestion mode,
A pinball game machine characterized by:

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