JP7642239B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known in which the game state executed after a jackpot game is determined by the type of jackpot (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When playing on such a gaming machine, the player can recognize the game state executed after a jackpot game at the time when the type of jackpot becomes recognizable.

JP 2021-115428 A

However, there is still room for improvement in this type of gaming machine to increase the enjoyment of the game.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the entertainment value of the game.

The present invention has been made to solve at least some of the above problems, and can be realized as the following application examples.

[Application example 1]
A gaming machine,
In the time-saving state, when the first jackpot is won, the game state becomes either a time-saving state in which the game continues until a predetermined number of variable performances are performed, or a normal state, based on the content of the decorative pattern in the specific variable performance, which is a variable performance in the time-saving state executed after the jackpot game,
In the time-saving state, when a second jackpot is won, the specific variable performance is not performed, and the game state after the jackpot game becomes a time-saving state that continues until the variable performance is performed a predetermined number of times.
A gaming machine characterized by:

The present invention can increase the enjoyment of games.

FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a sensor solenoid. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. A diagram to explain the memory areas of a game control microcomputer and a performance control microcomputer. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a hit determination table. An explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table. An explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table when the time-saving mode is not in effect. An explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table during time-saving mode. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a special action process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. 13 is a flowchart of a hit determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status management process. 13 is a flowchart of a time-saving state setting process. This is a flowchart for processing special electric gimmicks (jackpot). 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. This is a flowchart for processing special electric gimmicks (small wins). 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 1 is a diagram for explaining a game flow in the gaming machine 1. FIG. A figure to explain example 1 of a game status determination presentation. A figure to explain example 2 of the game status determination presentation. A figure for explaining an example of a game status determination presentation in a gaming machine 1A implementing variant example 4. A figure for explaining display example 1 of gaming machine 1B implementing modified examples 6 and 7. A figure for explaining display example 2 of gaming machine 1B implementing modified examples 6 and 7.

First Embodiment
1. Structure of the gaming machine Fig. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as coinciding with the left-right direction as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 1. The front direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the rear direction of the gaming machine 1 will be described as the direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

Gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that shoots gaming balls based on the player's shooting operation, and when a gaming ball wins at a specific winning device, pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls to the player based on the winning.

The gaming machine 1 comprises a gaming machine frame 50 and a gaming board 2, with the gaming board 2 attached to the inside of the gaming machine frame 50. In addition to a front frame (front frame portion) 53, the gaming machine frame 50 also comprises an outer frame (base frame portion) that forms the outer shell of the gaming machine, and an inner frame to which the gaming board 2 is attached inside the outer frame.

The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit located at the front side of the outer frame and inner frame, and includes a handle 60, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62, a performance button 63, a sword member 64, a sword button 65, a frame lamp 66, a speaker 67, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600. An opening is formed in the center of the front frame 53, and the playing area 3 of the playing board 2 can be seen through the opening.

The handle 60 is located at the lower end on the right side of the front frame 53, and launches game balls with a launch strength that corresponds to the angle of rotation. The ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53, and stores the game balls. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is located below the ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray (upper tray) 61.

The performance button 63 is an operation part located near the ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and is operated (pressed) by the player during performances that are executed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is an operation part that resembles a sword, and can be pressed downward by the player during performances that are executed as the game progresses. The sword button 65 is an operation part provided at the upper end portion of the sword member 64, i.e., the end of the sword handle, and is operated (pressed) by the player during performances that are executed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is configured to be able to perform two different operations: a first operation in which the entire sword member 64 is pressed downward, and a second operation in which the sword button 65 at the tip is pressed.

The frame lamps 66 are arranged around the opening of the front frame 53, and provide light effects during play. The speakers 67 are arranged at the upper left and upper right of the front frame 53, and provide sound effects during play. The select button 68 is a so-called cross key, and is made up of a left button, a right button, an up button, and a down button, and allows for various inputs. The frame movable body 600 is a movable gimmick provided at the top of the front frame 53. The frame movable body 600 is configured to be displaceable from a stored state in which it is stored inside the front frame 53 to an exposed state in which it protrudes above the front frame 53.

The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration 10, a fixed winning device (center) 19, a normal variable winning device (electric chute) 22, a gate (through chucker) 28, a first large winning device (first attacker) 31, a second large winning device (second attacker) 36, a normal winning port 27 (normal winning port 27), an outlet 16, and a display 40.

The play area 3 is an area where game balls launched by operating the handle 60 flow down, and has multiple game nails protruding therein to guide the game balls. The rail member 4 is disposed at the left end of the play area 3, and guides the game balls launched by operating the handle 60 toward the top of the play area 3. The board lamp 5 is disposed on the rear side of the play area 3, and irradiates light from the rear side of the play area 3.

The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the play area 3 and has a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has a performance pattern display area in which performance patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a variable manner, a reserved image display area in which reserved images 9A and 9B are displayed, and a reserved digestion image display area in which reserved digestion image 9C is displayed. The reserved images 9A and 9B are images that represent a reserve, and are also called reserved icons 9A and 9B. The reserved digestion image 9C is an image that corresponds to the corresponding variation, and is also called the variable image 9C or the variable icon 9C. Note that the reserved digestion image 9C is an image that corresponds to the corresponding variation, and does not indicate a reserve, but the reserved images 9A and 9B and the reserved digestion image 9C are collectively called reserved images for convenience.

The effect symbol display area includes three symbol display areas, "left", "center", and "right". The left symbol display area displays a left effect symbol (left decorative symbol) 8L. The center symbol display area displays a center effect symbol (center decorative symbol) 8C. The right symbol display area displays a right effect symbol (right decorative symbol) 8R. The effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers, for example, from "0" to "9". The variable display of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which will be described later. The image display device 7 can display the results of the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol (the result of the big win lottery) to the player in an easy-to-understand manner by combining the effect symbols displayed in the left, center, and right symbol display areas. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are collectively referred to as "special symbols".

For example, if a jackpot is won, the display will stop with a repeat number such as "777". If a loss occurs, the display will stop with a random number such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result by the image display device 7. In addition, the display mode of the variable display of the variable pattern may be a vertical scroll mode or other modes. The combination of the variable patterns to be displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be set arbitrarily. Hereinafter, the display of the variable patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R will be called "variable pattern display", "variable decorative pattern display", or simply "variable display". In addition, in this variable pattern display, the period from when the special pattern starts to change to when it stops (also called the special pattern change period) is counted as one variable display. Therefore, even if the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped during the period from when the special pattern starts to change until it stops, the effect of the temporary stop is included in the decorative pattern change effect.

The image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a not only the performance symbol change performance, but also a big win performance performed in parallel with a big win game (one example of a special game), a demo performance for waiting for customers, etc. In the performance symbol change performance, in addition to the performance symbol, performance images such as a background image and a character image may be displayed. In addition to the performance symbol, the image display device 7 may display on the display screen 7a an identification display (fourth symbol, not shown) that can suggest that a special symbol is changing or the result of a lottery for a special symbol. The identification display (fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light emitting device such as an LED provided in the game area 3.

The reserved image display area includes a first reserved display area that displays reserved image 9A according to the number of reserved first special symbols, which will be described later, and a second reserved display area that displays reserved image 9B according to the number of reserved second special symbols, which will be described later. By displaying reserved images 9A and 9B, the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player. The reserved consumption image display area includes a reserved consumption display area that displays reserved consumption image 9C. Reserve consumption image 9C corresponds to the currently changing performance pattern (performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R) on the display screen 7a, and by displaying reserved consumption image 9C, it can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player that the reserved first special symbol or reserved second special symbol is being consumed ("reserved special symbol consumption" described later).

The center decorative body 10 is located near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7.
A stage section 11 is formed at the bottom of the center decorative body 10. The stage section 11 has a shape that can guide game balls rolling on the upper surface of the stage section 11 to a first starting hole 20 described below. A warp section 12 is provided at the lower left of the center decorative body 10. The warp section 12 has an entrance section through which game balls flow and an exit section through which game balls flow out, and causes game balls that flow in from the entrance section to flow out from the exit section to the stage section 11.

The fixed winning device (center) 19 is disposed below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and is equipped with a first starting hole 20 that always allows the game ball to enter with a constant ease. The entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (a big win lottery). In other words, the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20 triggers the acquisition of a winning random number, etc., and the determination of a big win, etc.

The normal variable winning device (electric chute) 22 is disposed below the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and is equipped with a second starting hole 21. The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 21 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (a big win lottery). The electric chute 22 is equipped with a movable member 23 in front of the second starting hole 21, and the second starting hole 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chute solenoid 24 (Fig. 3). The second starting hole 21 is capable of receiving a game ball when the movable member 23 is in an open state. Note that it is sufficient for the electric chute 22 to make it easier for a ball to enter the second starting hole 21 when the movable member 23 is in an open state than when it is in a closed state, and it may be possible for a ball to enter the second starting hole 21 when the movable member 23 is in a closed state.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is located above the first big prize device (first attacker) 31 in the game area 3, and is configured to allow the game ball to pass through. The passage of the game ball through the gate 28 triggers a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not the electric chute 22 will open. In other words, the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 triggers the acquisition of a normal symbol random number and a win determination, etc.

Here, "lottery for special symbols" refers to a process in which, when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, a random number for determining a special symbol is obtained, and this obtained random number is compared with a value corresponding to a predetermined "jackpot" to determine whether or not a jackpot has been obtained. The lottery result of this "jackpot" is not immediately notified to the player, but the display 40 displays a varying special symbol, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed as a static display (determined display), and the lottery result is notified to the player. Image display device 7
In this case, a pattern matching game is played in which the performance patterns are variably displayed in synchronization with the variably displayed special patterns, and the lottery result of the big win is notified to the player more effectively by this pattern matching game.

"Drawing a normal pattern" refers to the process of obtaining a random number for determining the normal pattern when the gaming ball passes through gate 28, and comparing this obtained random number with a value corresponding to a predetermined "win" to determine whether or not there is a win. The result of the drawing for the normal pattern is also not immediately announced when the gaming ball passes through gate 28; rather, the display 40 displays a fluctuating normal pattern, and after a predetermined fluctuating time has elapsed, the normal pattern corresponding to the drawing result is displayed as a confirmed one (lit or unlit), and the player is notified of the drawing result.

The first large prize winning device (first attacker) 31 is located above and to the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and includes a first large prize winning hole 30, a V area 39, a non-V area 70, and a V opening/closing member 71. The first large prize winning hole 30 includes an opening/closing member 32 that allows or prevents the acceptance of game balls by swinging open and closed. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize winning hole solenoid 33 (Figure 3). Game balls can enter the first large prize winning hole 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state.

The first large prize device 31 is equipped internally with a V area (specific area) 39, a V area sensor 39a (Figure 3), a non-V area (non-specific area) 70, a non-V area sensor 70a (Figure 3), a first large prize opening sensor 30a (Figure 3), a V opening/closing member 71, and a V opening/closing member solenoid 73 (Figure 3).

The V area (specific area) 39 and the non-V area (non-specific area) 70 are configured within the first large prize device 31 as areas through which a game ball that has passed through the first large prize opening 30 can pass. The first large prize opening sensor 30a is positioned upstream of the V area 39 and the non-V area 70, and detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 30. The V area sensor 39a is positioned in the V area 39, and detects the passage of a game ball into the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70a is positioned in the non-V area 70, and detects the passage of a game ball into the non-V area 70.

The V-opening/closing member 71 distributes the game balls that have passed through the first large winning opening 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. The V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 drives the V-opening/closing member 71. The V-opening/closing member 71 is configured to rotate (clockwise and counterclockwise relative to the game board 2), and when the V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 is energized, it rotates counterclockwise from the origin position to distribute the game balls to the V region 39 in a first state (rotating state), and when the V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, it is in a second state (stopped state) in which it is located at the origin and distributes the game balls to the non-V region 70. Note that the V-opening/closing member 71 is not limited to rotational movement, and may be configured to move forward and backward relative to the game board 2, for example, as long as it has the function of distributing the game balls that have passed through the first large winning opening 30 to either the V region 39 or the non-V region 70. In other words, when the V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 is energized, it is in a retracted state (first state) in which the game ball is distributed to the V region 39, and when the V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 is not energized, it is in an advanced state (second state) in which the game ball is distributed to the non-V region 70.

The first large prize device 31 of this embodiment further includes a first large prize device discharge sensor 31a (FIG. 3) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the first large prize device 31. The first large prize device discharge sensor 31a is provided at the point where the V area 39 and the non-V area 70 join downstream, and counts the number of game balls that have passed through the V area sensor 39a or the non-V area sensor 70a.

The second large prize winning device (second attacker) 36 is disposed above and to the right of the first large prize winning opening 30 in the game area 3, and is provided with a second large prize winning opening 35. The second large prize winning opening 35 is provided with an opening/closing member 37 that inhibits or allows the reception of game balls by swinging open/close action. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize winning opening solenoid 38 (FIG. 3). When the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state, game balls can enter the second large prize winning opening 35. Winning into the second large prize winning opening 35 is detected by a second large prize winning opening sensor 35a. The second large prize winning device 36 of this embodiment further includes a second large prize winning device discharge sensor 36a (FIG. 3) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the second large prize winning device 36.

The general winning opening 27 is provided at the bottom of the play area 3. The outlet 16 is provided at the bottom of the play area 3 and ejects game balls that do not enter any of the winning openings out of the play area 3. The display 40 is located near the center of the right side of the play board 2.

The game area 3 has a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 3B on the right side. A hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called a "left hit". On the other hand, a hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called a "right hit". The game machine 1 is configured so that a left hit can aim to win at the first start hole 20. On the other hand, a right hit can aim to pass through the gate 28 and win at the second start hole 21, the first large winning hole 30, and the second large winning hole 35.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as the winning random number obtained for that entry are temporarily stored in the special pattern reservation memory area 84e (FIG. 5). Specifically, if the game ball enters the first start hole 20, it is stored in the first special pattern reservation memory area (FIG. 5) as the first special pattern reservation, and if the game ball enters the second start hole 21, it is stored in the second special pattern reservation memory area (FIG. 5) as the second special pattern reservation. There is an upper limit to the number of special pattern reservations that can be stored in each special pattern reservation memory area 84e, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is four for both the first special pattern reservation memory area and the second special pattern reservation memory area. The special pattern reservation stored in the special pattern reservation memory area 84e is consumed when it becomes possible to variably display the special pattern based on that special pattern reservation. "Consuming a reserved special symbol" refers to determining the winning random number or the like that corresponds to the reserved special symbol, and executing a variable display of a special symbol to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, even if the variable display of a special symbol based on the winning of a game ball into the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, even if a winning occurs while the variable display of the special symbol is being executed or while a special game is being executed, the right to a jackpot lottery for that winning can be reserved up to a specified number.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number acquired for that passage is temporarily stored as a normal symbol reservation in the normal symbol reservation memory area 84f (FIG. 5). There is an upper limit to the number of normal symbol reservations that can be stored in the normal symbol reservation memory area 84f, and the upper limit in this embodiment is four. The normal symbol reservations stored in the normal symbol reservation memory area 84f are consumed when it becomes possible to variable display normal symbols based on the normal symbol reservations. Consumption of a normal symbol reservation means determining the normal symbol random number corresponding to the normal symbol reservation and executing variable display of normal symbols to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, even if the variable display of normal symbols based on the game ball passing through the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, even if a prize is won during the variable display of normal symbols or during the execution of an auxiliary game, the right to draw a normal symbol for that passage can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 comprises a main control board 80 (Figure 2), a sub-control board 90 (Figure 4), an image control board 100 (Figure 4), a lamp control board 107 (Figure 4), an audio control board 106 (Figure 4), a payout control board 110 (Figure 2), a power supply board 11, and a control board 120 (Figure 4).
6 (FIG. 2).

The main control board 80 is a game control board that controls game profits such as jackpot lotteries and game state transitions, and constitutes the main control unit. The sub-control board 90 is a presentation control board that controls presentations executed as the game progresses, and constitutes the sub-control unit together with the image control board 100, lamp control board 107, and sound control board 106. Note that the sub-control unit can be constructed by at least having the sub-control board 90.

The main control board 80 is equipped with a game control microcomputer 81 and an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game on the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data to and from other boards, etc. via the input/output circuit (I/O port section) 87. The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81.

The sensor solenoid 44 is connected to the main control board 80 via the input/output circuit 87. The sensor solenoid 44 is a general term for various sensors and solenoids. As shown in FIG. 3, examples of the sensors include the first start port sensor 20a, the second start port sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize port sensor 30a, the second large prize port sensor 35a, the V-area sensor 39a, the non-V-area sensor 70a, the normal prize port sensor 27a, the first large prize device ejection sensor 31a, and the second large prize device ejection sensor 36a.

The first start opening sensor 20a is provided inside the first start opening 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 20. The second start opening sensor 21a is provided inside the second start opening 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize opening sensor 30a is provided inside the first large prize opening 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 30. The second large prize opening sensor 35a is provided inside the second large prize opening 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35. The V area sensor 39a is provided in the V area 39 and detects game balls that have passed through the V area 39. The non-V area sensor 70a is provided in the non-V area 70 and detects game balls that have passed through the non-V area 70. The normal winning opening sensor 27a is provided inside the normal winning opening 27 and detects game balls that have won in the normal winning opening 27. The first large winning device discharge sensor 31a detects game balls that are discharged from the first large winning device 31. The second large winning device discharge sensor 36a detects game balls that are discharged from the second large winning device 36.

As the solenoids, as shown in FIG. 3, examples include the electric chute solenoid 24, the first large prize opening solenoid 33, the second large prize opening solenoid 38, and the V-shaped opening/closing member solenoid 73.
The electric chute solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22. The first large prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize opening solenoid 38 drives the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36. The V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 drives the V-opening/closing member 71.

The display 40 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 controls the display of the display 40.
The main control board 80 is connected to the external terminal board 70 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 outputs to the external terminal board 70 winning ball information, door or frame opening information, the number of times the first special symbol or the second special symbol has changed, the entry of game balls into the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21, whether or not a jackpot has been reached, and a security signal.

A dispensing control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the dispensing control board 110, and receives signals from the dispensing control board 110 for dispensing monitoring.
The payout control board 110 is connected to a prize ball payout device 120, a loan ball payout device 130, and a card unit 135.

The main control board 80 is connected to a power supply board 116 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 operates using power supplied from the power supply board 116, and distributes power to other boards (not shown). The launch device 112 is also connected via the power supply board 116.

The sub-control board 90 (Figure 4) is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

The sub-control board 90 includes a performance control microcomputer 91 and an input/output circuit 95. The performance control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the performance of the game on the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 91 transmits and receives data to and from other boards, etc. via the input/output circuit 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built into the performance control microcomputer 91. The image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 are connected to the sub-control board 90 via the input/output circuit 95.

The image control board 100 controls the display of the image display device 7 according to a program. In addition to the program for controlling the display, the CPU unit of the image control board 100 stores still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically image data such as characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance designs) and background images.

A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106, and the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80.

The lamp control board 107 is connected to the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 and controls them.

The relay board 108 is connected to the effect button 63, the select button 68, and the movable frame body 600. When the effect button 63 is pressed (pushed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108. The effect control microcomputer 91 also operates the effect button 63 based on a command received from the main control board 80. The effect button 63 can not only be pressed, but can also be moved between a normal position (buried position) where the top surface of the button body protrudes slightly, and a protruding position where most of the button body protrudes. In other words, the effect button 63 rises as one of the effects. When the select button 68 is pressed (pushed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108.

The performance control microcomputer 91 operates the frame movable body 600 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The frame movable body 600 is a movable gimmick provided on the top of the front frame 53 (FIG. 1). The performance control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the frame movable body 600, and controls the operation of the frame movable body 600 according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the sub-ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that the relay board 108 may be connected to a touch sensor or the like that is provided on the front frame 53 and outputs a detection signal when touched by a human body.

3. Data Configuration of the Gaming Machine The data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(A) is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the main ROM 83 of the gaming control microcomputer 81. Fig. 5(B) is a diagram for explaining a storage area provided in the main RAM 84 of the gaming control microcomputer 81. Fig. 5(C) is a diagram for explaining a table stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the performance control microcomputer 91. Fig. 5(D) is a diagram for explaining a storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94 of the performance control microcomputer 91.

The main ROM 83 (FIG. 5(A)) is provided with a table storage area 83a. This table storage area 83a stores a jackpot determination table, a reach determination table, a normal symbol hit determination table, a normal symbol change pattern determination table, a jackpot type determination table, a change pattern determination table, an electric chute opening pattern determination table, a jackpot opening pattern determination table, and the like. These determination tables are referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) executed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main RAM 84 (FIG. 5(B)) includes a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special action status set area 84d, a special map reserved memory area 84e, and a normal map reserved memory area 84f.

The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the main control unit to the sub-control unit during the main control main processing (described later) are set, and commands such as pre-determination commands, reserved ball count commands, fluctuation start commands, fluctuation stop commands, opening commands, round designation commands, ending commands, and game state designation commands are set.

The flag set area 84b is an area where flags indicating the state of the gaming machine and the game state are set during the main control main processing (described later), and a big win flag, a small win flag, a time-saving flag, etc. are set.

The counter set area 84c is an area where counters used in the main control main processing (described below) are set, such as a random number counter, a round counter, and a time-saving counter.

The special action status set area 84d is an area where the status for the special action processing described below is set.

The special pattern reserved memory area 84e includes a first special pattern reserved memory area in which the first special pattern reserved is stored, and a second special pattern reserved memory area in which the second special pattern reserved is stored. The first special pattern reserved memory area is provided with a first memory area, a second memory area, a third memory area, and a fourth memory area for storing random number groups (reserved information) such as random numbers for special patterns corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth reserved patterns of the first special pattern. The second special pattern reserved memory area is provided with a first memory area, a second memory area, a third memory area, and a fourth memory area for storing random number groups (reserved information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth reserved patterns of the second special pattern.

The regular reserved memory area 84f has a first memory area, a second memory area, a third memory area, and a fourth memory area for storing random number groups (reserved information) such as regular pattern random numbers (winning random numbers) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth reserved regular patterns, respectively.

The sub-ROM 93 (FIG. 5(C)) is provided with a table memory area 93a. The table memory area 93a stores a look-ahead performance pattern determination table, a core performance pattern determination table, a chance-up performance pattern determination table, a stop symbol pattern determination table, and the like. These determination tables are referenced by the performance control microcomputer 91 in the sub-control main process (described later) executed by the performance control microcomputer 91.

The sub-RAM 94 (FIG. 5(D)) is provided with a command memory area 94a, a performance command set area 94b, a counter set area 94c, and a work area 94d. The command memory area 94a is an area (input buffer) in which commands input from the main control unit side in the sub-control main processing (described later) are stored, and a pre-determination command, a reserved ball number command, a fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, and the like are stored. The performance command set area 94b is an area (output buffer) in which commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 in the sub-control main processing (described later) are set, and a fluctuation performance start command, a pre-fluctuation end command, a fluctuation performance end command, an opening performance start command, a round performance start command, an ending performance start command, and the like are set. The counter set area 94c is an area where counters used in the sub-control main process (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a first special chart reserved effect counter, a second special chart reserved effect counter, a normal chart reserved effect counter, and a time-saving effect counter. The work area 94d is a work area that provides temporary storage for calculations and the like. Note that the other areas except for the work area 94d are backed up by a power source (not shown), and their contents are retained even if the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

Here, the various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the game machine 1 will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 81 is configured to obtain the "winning random number," the "big winning type random number," the "reach random number," the "variable pattern random number," and the "normal pattern random number" at the times described below.
The "winning random number" is a random number used in the lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot determination), and takes a value ranging from 0 to 65,535.
The "jackpot type random number" is a random number used to determine the type of jackpot that has been won (judging the type of jackpot), and takes a value ranging from 0 to 127.
The "reach random number" is a random number used to determine whether or not a reach occurs in the effect pattern change effect that indicates the result when the jackpot judgment is a miss, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. A reach is a state in which there is only one effect pattern remaining among multiple effect patterns (decorative patterns) that is being displayed in a changing manner, and depending on which of the effect patterns that are being displayed in a changing manner are displayed as stopped, a combination of effect patterns that indicates a jackpot win (for example, a "7↓7" state). Note that the effect pattern that is displayed in a stopped state in the reach state may be displayed as if it is swaying on the display screen 7a.

The "fluctuation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "normal symbol random number" is used in a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to play the auxiliary game of opening the electric chute 22. The normal symbol random number has a value in the range of 0 to 255.
"Winning random number", "Big win type random number", "Reach random number", and "Fluctuation pattern random number" are
The random number value is obtained based on the ball entering the starting hole (first starting hole 20 or second starting hole 21). The random number value group obtained based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 is stored in the first special symbol reserve memory area, and the random number value group obtained based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21 is stored in the second special symbol reserve memory area. The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is obtained based on passing through the gate 28. The obtained normal symbol random number value is stored in the normal symbol reserve memory area 84f.

Next, the various random numbers acquired by the performance control microcomputer 91 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The performance control microcomputer 91 is configured to acquire a "pre-reading performance random number", a "chance-up random number", and a "performance random number".

The "look-ahead performance random number" is obtained as the value of the look-ahead performance counter set in the counter set area 94c, and is a random number used to determine the look-ahead performance during variable performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "look-ahead performance random number" is obtained based on the output of a pre-determination command from the main control unit to the sub-control unit.

The "chance up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance up effect during the fluctuation effect, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "chance up random number" is obtained based on the output of a fluctuation start command from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The obtained random number value is stored in the sub RAM 94.

4. Description of Various Tables FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the hit determination table.
The hit determination table is a table that is referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control processing (described later) to determine whether the obtained hit random number value (any between 0 and 65535) corresponds to a "big hit," a "small hit," a "miss," or a "sudden time reduction" (also called "c time reduction").

For the first special symbol, if the winning random number is between 0 and 409, it is determined to be a "big win," and if the winning random number is a "number other than 0 to 409," it is determined to be a "miss."

For the second special symbol, if the winning random number is "0-409", it is determined to be a "big win", if the winning random number is "500-3699", it is determined to be a "small win", if the winning random number is "4000-25999", it is determined to be a "sudden time reduction", and if the winning random number is "a number other than 0-409, 500-3699, or 4000-25999", it is determined to be a "miss".

The reach judgment table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to in the main control main process (described later) to judge whether the acquired reach random number value (any of 0 to 127) corresponds to "reach" or "not reach". The reach judgment in the reach judgment table is made based on the game state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state", if the reach random number value is "0 to 13", it is judged as "reach", and if the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)", it is judged as "not reach". Also, in the "time-saving state", if the reach random number value is "0 to 5", it is judged as "reach", and if the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)", it is judged as "not reach".

The normal symbol hit determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to in the main control main process (described later) to determine whether the acquired normal symbol random number value (any of 0 to 255) corresponds to a "win" or a "lose". The determination in the normal symbol hit determination table is made based on the game state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 2", it is determined to be a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 2 (3 to 255)", it is determined to be a "lose". Also, in the "time-saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 254", it is determined to be a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)", it is determined to be a "lose".

The normal symbol change pattern determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to in the main control main process (described below) to determine how many seconds the normal symbol change time is depending on the game state (non-time-saving state or time-saving state). In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state", the normal symbol change time is determined to be "30 seconds", and in the "time-saving state", the normal symbol change time is determined to be "1 second".

Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table. The jackpot type determination table is a table that is referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the "jackpot type" according to the acquired jackpot type random number value (any value between 0 and 127).

When the first special pattern (Special Pattern 1) is selected, it will be judged as a "5R Type 1 jackpot" regardless of the jackpot type random number value.
When the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is drawn, if it is a type 1 jackpot, it is determined to be a "10R type 1 jackpot." If it is a type 2 jackpot, if the jackpot type random number is "0-12," it is determined to be a "10R type 2 jackpot," and if the jackpot type random number is "13-127," it is determined to be a "5R type 2 jackpot."

A type 1 jackpot is a jackpot that is determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination process, and a type 2 jackpot is a jackpot that is determined to be a small jackpot in the jackpot determination process and then becomes a jackpot by passing through the V area 39 inside the first large prize winning device 31.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation pattern determination table when the time-saving mode is not active. Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining the fluctuation pattern determination table when the time-saving mode is active. The fluctuation pattern determination table is a table that is referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the fluctuation pattern according to the fluctuation pattern random number value (0 to 127) acquired.

When the ball enters the first starting hole 20 in the non-time-saving state, the jackpot is judged as a "miss" in the jackpot judgment table, the reach judgment table judges as a "reach", the number of reserved balls is "1-2", and the fluctuation pattern random number value is "0-60", the fluctuation pattern is judged as "P4".

In the time-saving state when the time-saving has been granted once, the fluctuation pattern determination table (time-saving fluctuation (when granted once)) is used (top of Figure 9). In the time-saving state when the time-saving has been granted 100 times, the fluctuation pattern determination table (time-saving fluctuation (when granted 100 times)) is used (bottom of Figure 9). In the time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is selected regardless of the fluctuation pattern random number value and the number of reserved balls.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, when a reach occurs, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). A super reach is a reach performance in which the fluctuation time after the reach is longer than that of a normal reach. Three types of super reaches (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different fluctuation times are set here. SP1 to 3 are executed in a progressive manner through a normal reach. The difference between SP1 to 3 may be, for example, the presence or absence of a pseudo consecutive win.

The electric chute opening pattern determination table is a table that is referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main process (described later) to determine the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 depending on the game state (non-time-saving state or time-saving state). In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state", the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is determined to be "opening pattern 11", and in the "time-saving state", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 12". In opening pattern 11, the electric chute 22 is opened once and for an opening time of 0.2 seconds. In opening pattern 12, the electric chute 22 is opened three times, with an opening time of 2.0 seconds per opening, and an interval (opening interval) of 1.0 seconds. However, if a predetermined number of game balls have won (a prescribed number of winning balls, up to 10 balls), the electric chute 22 is closed even if there is still opening time remaining.

The large prize opening pattern determination table is a table that is referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main processing (described below) to determine the opening pattern of the first large prize opening 30 and the second large prize opening 35.

In the case of a "4R type 1 jackpot", the second large prize winning port 35 is opened once in the 1st to 4th rounds for a long time of 29.5 seconds.
In the case of a "10R type 1 jackpot", the second large prize winning port 35 is opened once for a long time of 29.5 seconds in the 1st to 10th rounds.
In the case of a "10R two-type jackpot," the first large prize opening 30 is opened five times in the first round with an opening time of 0.3 seconds, and the second large prize opening 35 is opened once in the second through tenth rounds with a long opening time of 29.5 seconds.
In the case of a "4R type 2 jackpot," the first large prize opening 30 is opened 5 times in the 1st round with an opening time of 0.3 seconds, and the second large prize opening 35 is opened once in the 2nd to 4th rounds with a long opening time of 29.5 seconds.
However, if a predetermined number of game balls are won (the prescribed number of winning balls, maximum 9 balls), the facility will be closed even if there is still time left for opening.

5. Description of jackpots, etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are two types of jackpots: a type 1 jackpot and a type 2 jackpot. A type 1 jackpot occurs when the acquired winning random number value corresponds to a "jackpot." On the other hand, a type 2 jackpot occurs when the acquired winning random number value corresponds to a "small jackpot" and then the game ball passes through the V area 39 in the first big prize winning device 31, resulting in a jackpot.

When a jackpot is hit, a "jackpot game" is played. The jackpot game is an example of a special game. The jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the final round game ends. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game. The time (interval time) for the jackpot opening to be closed between round games is included in the open round game before that closure.

6. Explanation of Game State The game state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 81 can execute "variation time reduction control" for the special symbols displayed on the display 40. The state in which the game control microcomputer 81 is performing the variation time reduction control for the special symbols on the display 40 is called the "time reduction state", and the state in which the variation time reduction control is not performed is called the "non-time reduction state (normal state)". The time reduction state is,
The variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variation display to the derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 judges the variation pattern using a variation pattern judgment table (FIGS. 8 and 9) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more often in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing the variation time shortening control for the special symbol, a short variation time is more likely to be selected as the variation time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when the variation time shortening control is not executed. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is faster, and effective winning (winning that can be stored as the special symbol reservation) at the starting port is more likely to occur. This allows you to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

The game control microcomputer 81 executes probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control for normal symbols in parallel with the fluctuation time reduction control for special symbols. In other words, the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control for normal symbols in the time reduction state, but does not execute them in the non-time reduction state.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs hit judgment (determination of normal patterns) using a normal pattern hit judgment table in which the number of normal pattern random number values (win random number values) judged as a hit is greater in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, as the probability fluctuation control for normal patterns. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of a hit is higher than in the normal probability state of normal patterns. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control for normal patterns, the probability that the display result (stop pattern) of the variable display of the normal pattern by the display unit 40 will be a winning pattern is higher than when probability fluctuation control is not being executed.

In the time-saving state, the time for which the normal symbols change is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. Here, the time for which the normal symbols change is 30 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the time for which the electric chute 22 is open during auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to extend the opening time of the electric chute 22. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chute 22 is opened during auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to increase the number of times the electric chute 22 is opened.

When the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols on the display 40, and opening time extension control and opening count increase control for the electric chute 22, the electric chute 22 opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 21 more frequently than when these controls are not being executed. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these controls are being executed is called a "high base state," and the state in which they are not executed is called a "low base state." In the high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. The high base state is a state in which the so-called electric support control (control that supports the electric chute 22 to enter the second starting hole 21) is being executed.

The high base state (electric support control state) does not have to execute all of the above controls. In other words, by executing one or more of the following controls, it is sufficient if the electric chute 22 is made more likely to open than when the control is not executed: probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols on the display 40, fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols on the display 40, opening time extension control for the electric chute 22, and opening count increase control for the electric chute 22. Also, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time-saving state.

In the high base state, the game can be played more advantageously by hitting the ball to the right to enter the right game area 3B (FIG. 1). This is because the electric support control makes it easier to open the electric chute 22 than in the low base state, making it easier to win the second start hole 21 than the first start hole 20. For this reason, in the high base state, the ball is hit to the right to enter the second start hole 21 while passing through the gate 28, which is the trigger for the normal pattern lottery. This allows more start wins (wins at the start hole) to be obtained than by hitting to the left. In the gaming machine 1, the game is played by hitting to the right even during a jackpot game.

On the other hand, in the low base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the game ball from the left into the left game area 3A (Figure 1). Because electric support control is not being executed, the electric chute 22 is less likely to open than in the high base state, making it easier to win in the first starting hole 20 than in the second starting hole 21. For this reason, in the low base state, the game ball is hit from the left in order to win in the first starting hole 20. This allows more start wins to be obtained than by hitting from the right.

7. Operation of the game control microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 2) will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 20. Counters, flags, statuses, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84.

[Main control main processing]
10 is a flow chart of the main control process. When the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming control microcomputer 81 reads out a program for executing the main control process from the main ROM 83. In the main control process, the gaming control microcomputer 81 first performs an initialization process (step S001). In the initialization process, for example, various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are reset. The initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". The initialization process is executed only once after the power supply is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits interrupts from the interrupt process (step S002) and performs the normal and special symbol main random number update process (step S003). In this normal and special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values (win random number, big win type random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, normal symbol random number) by adding 1. When each random number counter value reaches a set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Also, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

After the normal and special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 allows the interrupt process to be interrupted (step S004). While the interrupt is allowed, the main timer interrupt process (step S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every 4 msec). That is, the main timer interrupt process is executed at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every 4 msec). Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process and the start of the next main timer interrupt process, the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is allowed.

[Main timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 11 is a flow chart of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 10: step S005). In the main timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal and special pattern main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 10) described above. That is, the update process of various random number counter values is performed both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process and during other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process to the start of the next main timer interrupt process).

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs input processing (step S102). In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads the detection signals detected by the various sensors attached to the gaming machine 1, and sets payout data for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning hole in the output buffer of the main RAM 84. The various sensors are, for example, the first start hole sensor 20a, the second start hole sensor 21a, the first large winning hole sensor 30a, the second large winning hole sensor 35a, and the normal winning hole sensor 27a (Figure 3).

After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a start hole sensor detection process (step S103). In the start hole sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball has passed through the gate 28, obtains the value of the normal symbol random number counter, and stores the obtained random number value in a memory area corresponding to the current number of normal symbol reserved balls among the first to fourth memory areas of the normal symbol reserved memory area 84f of the main RAM 84. The game control microcomputer 81 also determines whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 20, and obtains the value of the win random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the variation pattern random number counter. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random number group in a memory area corresponding to the current number of special symbol 1 reserved balls among the first to fourth memory areas of the first special symbol reserved memory area. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether a game ball has entered the second starting hole 21, and obtains the value of the winning random number counter, the value of the big win type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the variation pattern random number counter. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random number group in a memory area corresponding to the current number of balls reserved for special chart 2 among the first to fourth memory areas of the second special chart reserved memory area.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs a pre-determination of a jackpot during the start port sensor detection process. Based on the random number group described above, it determines in advance whether or not there is a jackpot, and if so, the type of jackpot and the fluctuation pattern. Then, it creates a pre-determination command from the pre-determination result and sets it in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S104). In the normal operation processing, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the electric chute 22. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for the normal pattern is "0" or not, and if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, performs a hit determination by referring to the normal pattern hit determination table. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a fluctuation pattern by referring to the normal pattern fluctuation pattern determination table. The game control microcomputer 81 sets the selected normal pattern fluctuation pattern to start the fluctuation display of the normal pattern. After that, it stops the fluctuation display, and in the case of a "win", it sets the electric chute opening pattern by referring to the electric chute opening pattern determination table, and operates the electric chute 22.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a special action process (step S105), which will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a V-area sensor detection process (step S106). In the V-area sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not a game ball has been detected by the V-area sensor 39a, and if a game ball has been detected, determines whether or not a V-valid period is in progress, and if a V-valid period is in progress, turns on the V flag and sets a V-pass command.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs reserved ball count processing (step S107). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1, the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2, and the number of reserved balls for normal symbols stored in the main RAM 84. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a reserved ball count command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84. The reserved ball count command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the reserved ball count, and includes information regarding the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1, the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2, and the number of reserved balls for normal symbols.

After the reserved ball count processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs output processing (step S108). In the output processing, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the commands and the like set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each of the above-mentioned processes to the sub-control board 90. After the output processing, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processing (step S109). In other processing, for example, based on the reserved ball count of special chart 2 described below, the display unit 40 is controlled to a display mode showing that number, and based on the reserved ball count of special chart 1, the display unit 40 is controlled to a display mode showing that number.

[Special Action Processing]
12 is a flow chart of the special operation process (FIG. 12: step S105). Here, the process for the display 40 and the big prize device (first big prize device 31 and second big prize device 36) is divided into four stages, and each stage is called "special operation status""1","2","3","4", and "5". When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol standby process (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, a big win determination, a variation pattern selection, and the like are performed.

When the "special operation status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), special symbol change processing is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol change processing, a change stop command is output after the change time has elapsed. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the change time of the special symbol has elapsed and ended, and if the change time has elapsed, a change stop command is set and the special operation status is set to "3".

When the "special operation status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), a special symbol determination process is performed (step S1306). The special symbol determination process will be described in detail later.

When the "special operation status" is "4" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO, S1307: YES), special electric device processing (jackpot) is performed (step S1308). In the special electric device processing (jackpot), a jackpot game is executed. Details of the special electric device processing (jackpot) will be described later.

When the "special operation status" is "5" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO, S1307: NO), special electric device processing (small win) is performed (step S1309). In the special electric device processing (small win), a small win game is executed. Details of the special electric device processing (small win) will be described later.

[Special symbol standby process]
13 is a flowchart of the special symbol waiting process (FIG. 12: step S1302). In the special symbol waiting process, the game control microcomputer 81 first judges whether the number of reserved balls of the special symbol 2 is "0" or not (step S1401). If the number of reserved balls of the special symbol 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, if the random number group obtained due to winning the second starting hole 21 is not stored in the second special symbol reservation memory area, the process proceeds to step S1407. If the number of reserved balls of the special symbol 2 is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a hit determination process (step S1402). Details of the hit determination process will be described later.

The game control microcomputer 81 then executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). In the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 8 and 9) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the game state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the result of the win determination process (step S1402), and the number of reserved balls. After the variation pattern selection process, the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is decremented (step S1404).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage location of the reserved information (various random number values) stored in the first to fourth memory areas of the second special chart reserved memory area from the current position to the side to be read, and clears the reserved information stored in the location farthest from the side to be read in the second special chart reserved memory area (step S1405). For example, if reserved information is stored in the first to third memory areas, the reserved information stored in the third memory area is cleared, and if reserved information is stored in the first to fourth memory areas, the reserved information stored in the fourth memory area is cleared. Through the above steps, the reserved second special charts are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B (the leftmost reserved image 9B of the four reserved images 9B) corresponding to the first memory area of the second special chart reserved memory area is shifted to the reserved consumption image display area side and displayed as a reserved consumption image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9B corresponding to the second to fourth memory areas of the second special symbol reserved memory area (the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9B from the left out of the four reserved images 9B) are each shifted one position to the left (Figure 1). This allows the player to recognize that one reserved second special symbol has been consumed.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol 2 variation start processing (step S1406). In the special symbol 2 variation start processing, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and the variation time timer is set. The variation time timer is set to a variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". Note that the variation start command set in the special symbol 2 variation start processing (special symbol 2 variation start command) includes information on the special symbol stop pattern data set in the hit determination processing (step S1402) and information on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection processing (step S1403) (including information on the variation time).

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is "0" or not (step S1407). If the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, if the first special chart reserved memory area does not store a random number group obtained as a result of winning the first starting hole 20, the process proceeds to step S1413. If the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a hit determination process (step S1408). Details of the hit determination process will be described later.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1409). In the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern is selected based on the game state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state) with reference to the variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 8 and 9), the result of the win determination process (step S1408), and the number of reserved balls. After the variation pattern selection process, the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is decremented (step S1410).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage location of the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special chart reserved storage area by one from the current location to the side to be read, and clears the reserved information stored in the location farthest from the side to be read in the first special chart reserved storage area (step S1411). Through the above steps, the first special chart reserved is consumed in the order in which it was reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A (the reserved image 9A at the right end of the four reserved images 9A) corresponding to the first storage area of the first special chart reserved storage area is shifted to the reserved consumption image display area side and is displayed as a reserved consumption image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9A (the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9A from the right of the four reserved images 9A) corresponding to the second to fourth storage areas of the first special chart reserved storage area are each shifted by one to the right (Figure 1). This allows the player to recognize that one first special chart reserved has been consumed.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol 1 variation start processing (step S1412). In the special symbol 1 variation start processing, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the variation display of the first special symbol is started, and the variation time timer is set. The variation time timer is set to a variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2" (step S1412). Note that the variation start command set in the special symbol 1 variation start processing (special symbol 1 variation start command) includes information on the special symbol stop pattern data set in the hit determination processing (step S1408) and information on the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection processing (step S1409) (including information on the variation time).

In step S1407, if the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is a waiting screen or not (step S1413). The waiting screen is a demo screen for waiting for customers. The game control microcomputer 81 may judge, for example, by the ON/OFF of the demo screen display flag for waiting for customers. If it is a waiting screen (step S1413: YES), this process ends. If it is not a waiting screen (step S1413: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 waits for a predetermined waiting time to elapse, sets a customer waiting waiting command for displaying the waiting screen in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S1414), and ends this process. As described above, according to the special symbol waiting process of this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is executed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0". That is, the consumption of the second reserved special chart is executed in priority to the consumption of the first reserved special chart. Also, according to the jackpot type determination table of this embodiment, the lottery based on the second reserved special chart is more likely to result in a jackpot (a jackpot scheduled to pass V) that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first reserved special chart.

[Collision detection process]
14 is a flowchart of the hit determination process (FIG. 13: steps S1402 and S1408). The hit determination process for special drawing 2 (step S1402) and the hit determination process for special drawing 1 (step S1408) have similar processing flows, so they will be described together.

In the hit determination process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a hit determination (step S1501). The hit determination is performed by referring to the jackpot determination table (Figure 6).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a jackpot has been reached (step S1502). If it is determined that a jackpot has been reached (step S1502: YES), the jackpot flag is set to ON (step S1503) and the process proceeds to step S1506. On the other hand, if it is determined that a jackpot has not been reached (step S1502: NO), the process proceeds to step S1504.

In step S1504, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a small win. If it is determined that it is a small win (step S1504: YES), the small win flag is turned ON (step S1505) and the process proceeds to step S1506. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a small win (step S1504: NO), the process proceeds to step S1507.

In step S1506, the game control microcomputer 81 determines the type of jackpot. In determining the type of jackpot, one of the following is determined: "4R Type 1 jackpot," "10R Type 1 jackpot," "10R Type 2 jackpot," or "4R Type 2 jackpot." In the case of a Type 2 jackpot, a small jackpot game is played before a jackpot game, in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened, and the second large prize opening 35 is opened in the subsequent jackpot game.

In step S1507, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the game has suddenly been shortened. If it is determined that the game has suddenly been shortened (step S1507: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the sudden time-saving flag (step S1508) and ends the winning determination process.

[Special design confirmation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (FIG. 12: step S1306).

In the special symbol determination process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the stop time of the special symbol has ended (step S1800). If the stop time has not elapsed (step S1800: NO), the special symbol determination process ends. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (step S1800: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state management process (step S1810). The game state management process is a process for switching the game state according to the number of times the special symbol has changed during the time-saving state, and the details of the process will be described later. After the game state management process, a determination is made as to whether the special symbol 1 jackpot flag is ON (step S1822).

If the jackpot flag is ON (step S1822: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the jackpot opening according to the type of jackpot won (step S1823). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the jackpot opening pattern determination table, determines the opening pattern of the jackpot opening from the special stop pattern data, and sets the determined opening pattern. In addition, together with setting the opening pattern of the jackpot opening, the round counter value is set to the number of rounds according to the type of jackpot won. The round counter counts the number of unit opening games (round games) executed during the jackpot game.

After the opening pattern is set, if the time-saving flag is ON (step S1824: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 switches it to OFF (step S1825). This results in a non-time-saving state during the execution of the first-type jackpot game. After that, in order to start the first-type jackpot game, an opening command for the first-type jackpot game is set (step S1826), and the opening of the jackpot game is started. After that, the special operation status is set to "4" (step S1827), and the special symbol determination process is terminated. By setting the special operation status to "4", the process transitions to the special electric device process (jackpot) (FIG. 18).

In step S1822, if the big win flag is OFF (step S1822: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small win flag is ON or not (step S1830). If the small win flag is ON (step S1830: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the big win opening according to the type of small win that was won (step S1831). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81, like the above-mentioned step S1823, refers to the big win opening opening pattern determination table, determines the opening pattern of the big win opening from the special stop pattern data, and sets the determined opening pattern. In addition, together with setting the opening pattern of the big win opening, the value of the round counter is set to the number of rounds according to the type of small win that was won.

After the opening pattern is set, the game control microcomputer 81 switches the V opening/closing member operation flag to ON (step S1832). The V opening/closing member operation flag is a flag indicating that it is the period in which the V opening/closing member 71 is to be operated. When the V opening/closing member operation flag is ON, the V opening/closing member 71 is operated in a predetermined operation pattern. After that, in order to start the small win game, a small win opening command is set (step S1833), and the opening of the small win game is started. After that, the special chart 1 operation status is set to "5" (step S1835), and this process is terminated. By setting the special chart 1 operation status to "5", the process moves to the special electric device processing (small win) (Figure 20).

In step S1830, if the small win flag is OFF (step S1830: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the sudden time-saving flag is ON (step S1840). If the sudden time-saving flag is ON (step S1840: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the time-saving state setting process (step S1841), sets the special operation status to 1 (step S1842), and ends the special symbol determination process. The details of the time-saving state setting process will be described later. On the other hand, if the sudden time-saving flag is OFF (step S1840: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 skips step S1841, sets the special operation status to 1 (step S1842), and ends the special symbol determination process.

[Game Status Management Processing]
FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the game state management process (FIG. 15: step S1810). The game control microcomputer 81 first judges whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (step S1811). If the time-saving flag is OFF (step S1811: NO), that is, in the non-time-saving state, the process skips to step S1815. If the time-saving flag is ON (step S1811: YES), that is, in the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the value of the time-saving counter by 1 (step S1812). The time-saving counter counts the number of times the special symbols have changed during the time-saving state (the sum of the number of times the first special symbols have changed and the number of times the second special symbols have changed).

The game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the value of the time-saving counter has become "0" as a result of step S1812 (step S1813). If the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (step S1813: NO), the process skips to step S1815. If the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (step S1813: YES), the time-saving flag is switched to OFF (step S1814). This switches the game state from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state.

In step S1815, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the game state designation command in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command contains information about the current game state that has just been set (whether or not the game is in a time-saving state, the value of the time-saving counter, etc.).

[Time-saving state setting process]
17 is a flow chart of the time-saving state setting process (FIG. 15: step S1841). In the time-saving state setting process, the game control microcomputer 81 first judges whether the "time-saving status" is "1" (step S1901). If the "time-saving status" is "1" (step S1901: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 suddenly turns off the time-saving flag (step S1902) and ends the time-saving state setting process. On the other hand, if the "time-saving status" is not "1" (step S1901: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the "time-saving status" is "2" (step S1911).

If the "time-saving status" is "2" (step S1911: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns the time-saving flag ON (step S1912), sets the time-saving counter to 1 (step S1913), sets the "time-saving status" to "3" (step S1914), and finally suddenly turns the time-saving flag OFF (step S1902), and ends the time-saving status setting process. On the other hand, if the "time-saving status" is not "2" (step S1911: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 turns the time-saving flag ON (step S1921), sets the time-saving counter to 100 (step S1922), sets the "time-saving status" to "1" (step S1923), and finally suddenly turns the time-saving flag OFF (step S1902), and ends the time-saving status setting process.

[Special electric feature processing (jackpot)]
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the special electric device process 1 (FIG. 12: step S1308). The game control microcomputer 81 first judges whether the big win end flag is ON or not (step S2200). The "big win end flag" is a flag indicating that the opening of the first big winning device 31 based on the opening pattern has all ended in the currently executed big win game. If the big win end flag is ON (step S2200: YES), the process proceeds to step S2230. If the big win end flag is OFF (step S2200: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the first big winning port 30 is open or not (step S2202). If it is open (step S2202: YES), the process proceeds to step S2210.

If the first large prize opening 30 is not open (step S2202: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether it is time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30 (step S2203). The time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30 includes, for example, when the opening time of the large prize game has elapsed and it is time to start opening for the first round of play, and when the interval time (closing time) until the first large prize opening 30 is temporarily closed after opening has elapsed and it is time to start opening again. If it is not time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30 (step S2203: NO), the process proceeds to step S2220.

If it is time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30 (step S2203: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the large prize opening opening process (step S2207). In the large prize opening opening process, the game control microcomputer 81 opens the first large prize opening 30 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the winning type (large prize type or small prize type). After the large prize opening opening process, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a round designation command (step S2208). The round designation command includes information regarding the number of rounds of the special game (small prize game and large prize game) being executed, and the game control microcomputer 81 sets the round designation command in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84. This allows the sub-control board 90 to be notified of the number of rounds of the special game. In this embodiment, the first large prize opening 30 is not opened multiple times during one round game. However, in another embodiment, when the first large prize opening 30 is opened multiple times during one round of play, the game control microcomputer 81 may determine whether the opening of the first large prize opening 30 is the first opening in one round or not, and set the round designation command only if it is the first opening. After setting the round designation command, this process ends.

In the above-mentioned step S2202, if the first large prize opening 30 is open (step S2202: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the closing condition of the first large prize opening 30 is satisfied (step S2210). The closing condition here is that either the number of winnings in the first large prize opening 30 in that round game has reached the specified maximum number of winnings (e.g., 9 winnings per round), or the time to close the first large prize opening 30 has arrived (i.e., a predetermined opening time (e.g., 29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 30 was opened) is satisfied. And, if the closing condition of the first large prize opening 30 is not satisfied (step S2210: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the special electric device processing (jackpot). On the other hand, if the condition for closing the first large prize opening 30 is met (step S2210: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 closes (blocks) the first large prize opening 30 (step S2211) and ends the special electric device processing (large win).

In the above-mentioned step S2203, if it is not the time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30, the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the round play has ended (step S2220). Here, one round ends after a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 30 was closed. As described above, this is because the time (interval time) for the first large prize opening 30 to be closed between rounds of play is included in the open round play before the closure. The game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the round play has ended depending on whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the first large prize opening 30 was closed. If the round play has not ended (step S2220: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the special electric device processing (jackpot).

If the round play is over (step S2220: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the round counter value by 1 (step S2221) and determines whether the round counter value has become "0" (step S2226). If the round counter value is not "0" (step S2226: NO), that is, if the specified number of rounds has not yet been played, the special electric device processing (jackpot) is terminated. On the other hand, if the round counter value is "0" (step S2226: YES), as the jackpot end processing for ending the jackpot game, the ending command for the jackpot game is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S2227), the jackpot end flag is set to ON (step S2228), and the special electric device processing (jackpot) is terminated. The ending command includes information regarding the special stop pattern data.

In the above-mentioned step S2200, if the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2200: YES), the control microcomputer 81 judges whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (step S2230). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S2230: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the special electric device processing (jackpot). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (step S2230: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns off the jackpot end flag (step S2231) and turns off the jackpot flag (step S2232). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" (step S2233), executes the game state setting process (step S2234) described later, and ends this process. The game state setting process (FIG. 19) is a process for setting the game state (time-saving state) after a big win, and for setting the time-saving counter to an initial value (number of time-saving times) of 1 regardless of the type of win.

[Game Status Setting Process]
19 is a flow chart of the game status setting process (FIG. 18: step S2234). The game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time-saving flag (step S2301), sets the "time-saving status" to "2" (step S2302), sets the time-saving counter to 1 (step S2303), sets a game status designation command (step S2304), and ends the game status setting process. The game status designation command includes information about the currently set game status (such as the value of the time-saving counter).

[Special electric feature processing (small win)]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the special electric gimmick processing (small win) (FIG. 12: step S1309).

The game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the closing condition of the first large prize opening 30 is satisfied (step S1601). The closing condition is satisfied when either a specified number (9 balls) of game balls enter the game opening or the opening time (for example, 1.5 seconds (5 x 0.3 seconds)) has elapsed. If it is judged that the closing condition of the first large prize opening 30 is satisfied (step S1601: YES), the first large prize opening 30 is closed (step S1602) and the process proceeds to step S1604. On the other hand, if it is judged that the closing condition of the first large prize opening 30 is not satisfied (step S1601: NO), the first large prize opening 30 is opened (step S1603) and the process proceeds to step S1605. Note that if the first large prize opening 30 is already open, it is kept open.

In step S1604, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not game balls have been discharged from the first large prize device 31. This determination is made to determine whether or not all game balls determined to have won by the first large prize opening sensor 30a have been discharged. This process is a process for determining whether or not all game balls that have won in the first large prize opening 30 have been discharged from the first large prize device 31 based on a signal from the first large prize device discharge sensor 31a. If it is determined here that all game balls have been discharged (step S1604: YES), the process proceeds to step S1605. On the other hand, if there are game balls that have not been discharged (step S1604: NO), the special electric device process (small win) is terminated without executing the subsequent process.

In step S1605, the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the game ball has passed through the V region 39. This judgment is made by checking whether the V flag in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM 84 is ON. If it is judged that the game ball has passed through the V region (step S1605: YES), a V pass command and a big win opening command are set, the special operation status is set to "4" (step S1606), and the special electric device processing (small win) is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the game ball has not passed through the V region (step S1605: NO), the operation status is set to "1" (step S1608), and the special electric device processing (small win) is terminated.

[Sub-control main processing]
21 is a flow chart showing the sub-control main process. When the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 91 reads out a program for executing the sub-control main process from the sub ROM 93. In the sub-control main process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first performs an initialization process (step S4000). In the initialization process, for example, the sub CPU 92 is set, and various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are reset. The initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power supply is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the performance control microcomputer 91 prohibits interrupts from the interrupt process (step S4001) and performs a random number update process (step S4002). In this random number update process, the performance control microcomputer 91 updates the random number counter value shown in FIG. 6(B) by adding 1. When each random number counter value reaches a set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Furthermore, the random number value may be incremented by 2 or more instead of incrementing by 1. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

After the random number update process, the performance control microcomputer 91 allows the interrupt process to be interrupted (step S4003). While the interrupt is allowed, the sub-side timer interrupt process (step S4004) can be executed. The sub-side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the sub-CPU 92 at a predetermined cycle. In other words, the sub-side timer interrupt process is executed at each predetermined cycle. Then, the random number update process is executed repeatedly between the end of the sub-side timer interrupt process and the start of the next sub-side timer interrupt process.

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the sub-side timer interrupt process (FIG. 16: step S4004). The performance control microcomputer 91 first performs a received command analysis process (step S4100). The details of the received command analysis process will be described later. After the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a variable performance process (step S4110). The variable performance process will be described later. After the variable performance process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a switch process (step S4120). After the switch process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a command transmission process (step S4130). In the command transmission process, the performance control microcomputer 91 transmits various commands set in the performance command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 in the received command analysis process, etc., to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108. The image control board 100, which has received the various commands, uses the image display device 7 to execute a display effect according to the received commands. The audio control board 106, which has received the various commands, executes an audio effect of outputting audio from the speaker 67 according to the received commands. The lamp control board 107, which has received the various commands, executes a lamp effect of controlling the illumination of the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 according to the received commands. After the command transmission process, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes other processes (step S4140) and ends this process. Other processes include random number update processing.

[Received command analysis process]
Fig. 23 is a flow chart of the received command analysis process (Fig. 22: step S4100). The performance control microcomputer 91 first judges whether or not a pre-determination command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4180). If it has been received (step S4180: YES), a look-ahead process is performed (step S4190). In the look-ahead process, the information (determination result) contained in the pre-determination command is stored in the determination result storage area 94d of the sub-RAM 94. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4180: NO), the above-mentioned look-ahead performance determination process is skipped.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 judges whether or not a reserved ball number command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4200). If it has been received (step S4200: YES), a reserved display process is performed (step S4210). In the reserved display process, the values of the first special reserved performance counter, the second special reserved performance counter, and the normal reserved performance counter provided in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94 are updated based on the information on the number of reserved balls of the special pattern 1, the special pattern 2, and the normal reserved ball number included in the reserved ball number command. This allows the information on the number of reserved balls to be held not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub-control board 90 side. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 91 updates the reserved images 9A and 9B displayed on the display screen 7a based on the values of the first special reserved performance counter, the second special reserved performance counter, and the normal reserved performance counter. On the other hand, if the reserved ball count command has not been received (step S4200: NO), the reserved ball display process described above is skipped.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4220). If a fluctuation start command has been received (step S4220: YES), a fluctuation performance start process is performed (step S4230). The "fluctuation performance start process" is a process for selecting the fluctuation performance pattern (contents) to be executed during the special pattern fluctuation. The details of the fluctuation performance start process will be described later. On the other hand, if a fluctuation start command has not been received (step S4220: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation performance start process is skipped.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 91 judges whether or not a change stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4240). If a change stop command has been received (step S4240: YES), a change performance end process is performed (step S4250). The "change performance end process" is a process for stopping the change performance executed while the special pattern is changing. In the change performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets a counter based on the analysis result of the change stop command, and sets a change performance end command for ending the change performance. As a result, the performance pattern corresponding to the changing special pattern 1 or special pattern 2 is stopped and displayed. Note that if the change stop command has not been received (step S4240: NO), the change performance end process described above is skipped.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 judges whether or not a win-related command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4260). The win-related commands include a big win opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a small win opening command, a round designation command, and an ending command. If a win-related command has been received (step S4260: YES), a win-related performance pattern determination process corresponding to each command is performed (step S4270). For example, if a big win opening command has been received, a performance pattern of an opening performance preset in accordance with the big win type is selected, and an opening performance start command for starting the selected opening performance is set in the performance command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94. When the opening performance start command set in the performance command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (step S4130 in FIG. 22), the image control board 100 reads out a predetermined opening performance image and displays it on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The same applies to other commands. On the other hand, if not received (step S4260: NO), the process skips step S4270.
Next, the performance control microcontroller 91 executes other processing (step S4280) and terminates the received command analysis processing.

[Variable performance start processing]
24 is a flow chart of the variable performance start process (FIG. 23: step S4230). The performance control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the variable start command (step S4401). Here, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets information on the special chart stop pattern data included in the variable start command and information on the variable pattern in the sub-RAM 94. The set information includes game status information indicating the current game status, pattern information indicating the pattern as the judgment result of the hit judgment process of the special chart 1 or the special chart 2, etc. The game status information and pattern information acquired here can be appropriately referred to by the performance control microcomputer 91.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a core performance pattern determination process (step S4402). The core performance pattern determination process is a process that determines the basic configuration of the variable performance using a performance pattern table. The basic configuration of the variable performance includes, for example, the display and switching of a background image on the image display device 7, the display and movement of a specified character, the output of melodies and sound effects using the speaker 67, and the lighting control of lamps. The variable performance is completed by superimposing additional performances such as chance-up performances on this core performance.

The performance control microcomputer 91 determines the core performance pattern by referring to the performance pattern table stored in the sub-ROM 93. After determining the core performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs chance-up performance pattern determination processing (step S4403). The chance-up performance pattern determination processing is processing for determining additional performance to be superimposed on the variable performance. The performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the chance-up random number counter, and determines the chance-up performance pattern by referring to the acquired random number value and the chance-up performance pattern determination table stored in the sub-ROM 93. After determining the chance-up performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 91 may further determine a combination of performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R to be displayed in a stopped state by referring to the random number value and the stop pattern pattern determination table.

The performance control microcomputer 91 sets a variable performance start command in the performance command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 so that a variable performance based on the variable performance pattern determined in steps S4401 to S4403 above is realized (step S4404). When the variable performance start command set in the performance command set area 94b of the sub-RAM 94 is sent to the image control board 100 in the command sending process (Figure 22: step S4130), the image control board 100 reads out the variable performance image and displays it on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets the variable performance timer (step S4405) and ends the variable performance start process. The variable performance timer is set with a variable time according to the variable pattern included in the variable start command.

8. Game Flow in the Gaming Machine 1 of the Present Embodiment The following describes the game flow in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment and examples of display in each state. Here, examples of presentations are described, and the flow of the big win in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment and game characteristics are also described.

[Game Flow]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the game flow. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the flow after the special chart 1 jackpot and an example of the performance. For convenience of explanation, the game state in which the player hits the left side to aim for the ball to enter the first starting hole 20 in order to acquire the lottery opportunity of the special chart 1 shown in FIG. 25(A) is called the "normal state", the game state in which the player hits the right side and aims for the first or second type jackpot of the special chart 2 is called the "RUSH state", and the game state in which the player hits the right side and aims for the sudden win in the time-saving mode, i.e., the transition to the RUSH state shown in FIG. 25(C) is called the "special variable state". In addition, the probability of winning the first type jackpot in the special chart 2 is smaller than the probability of winning the second type jackpot, and since this deviates from the point of enhancing the interest of the game in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the explanation will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 25 (A), first, the game is played in the normal state. The normal state continues until the lottery results in a jackpot. Furthermore, if the special chart 1 jackpot is won, it will always result in a 5R type 1 jackpot, and the game will move to the RUSH state shown in Figure 25 (B). Here, the explanation will continue assuming that a jackpot is won in the normal state, and the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(B), play is performed in the RUSH state. Since the RUSH state is a high base time-saving state, the player aims for the second starting hole 21 by hitting from the right. In the RUSH state with 100 special chart fluctuations, if the lottery result is a 10R type 2 jackpot among the jackpots, the RUSH state is repeated again, and if the jackpot result is a 5R type 2 jackpot among the jackpots, the player transitions to the special fluctuation state, and when the 100 special chart fluctuations are completed, the player transitions to the normal state. Here, the explanation will continue assuming that a 5R type 2 jackpot among the jackpots has been won and the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(C), a game is played in the special variation state. The special variation state is a time-saving state with one special pattern variation, and the player aims to win the c time-saving state by hitting the right button to the second starting hole 21 and transition to the RUSH state. In the special variation state with one special pattern variation, if the player wins the time-saving state, the player transitions to the RUSH state, and if the player misses the win, the player transitions to the normal state. Note that the probability of winning a jackpot (type 1 jackpot and type 2 jackpot) is lower than the c time-saving state or the probability of missing, and since this deviates from the point of enhancing the entertainment value of the game in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a description will be omitted. This is the main flow of the game in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment.

[Example of game state determination presentation]
Next, using FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, an example of the game state determination effect executed in the special variable state described above will be described along with the flow of the game. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example 1 of the game state determination effect. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining an example 2 of the game state determination effect. The game state determination effect is an effect executed in the special variable state to which the state is shifted when a 5R two-type jackpot is won, and is a variable effect for determining whether the state is shifted to the normal state by winning the c time reduction and entering the RUSH state or by losing. Note that the specific pattern that shifts to the c time reduction when stopped in the special variable state is the pattern of the special pattern 2's performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R stopped at "8", "3", and "1", respectively, and this pattern is called the c time reduction pattern. In addition, the display examples are those displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and Figure 26 explains a display example when the stopping pattern of the performance pattern in the game status determination performance becomes a c-time-saving pattern, and Figure 27 explains a display example when the stopping pattern of the performance pattern in the game status determination performance becomes a losing pattern.

First, as shown in FIG. 26(A), we will start with the explanation of the change performance in the RUSH state shown in FIG. 25(B). In FIG. 26(A), the 11th change performance in the RUSH state is being executed. Here, the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are changing at high speed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(B), a fixed stop effect is executed in which the rapidly changing effect in FIG. 26(A) stops at the 5R double jackpot pattern. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "6". Note that the explanation will continue assuming that a jackpot game has been executed after this.

Next, as shown in Figures 26(C) to (G), a game status determination presentation is executed. First, as shown in Figure 26(C), a suggestion is made that the game status after a jackpot game will be determined based on the results of the variable presentation. Here, a message image PM is displayed saying "What is the game status after a jackpot game?!"

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(D), a suggestion is made that there are two types of game states that will be executed after the big win game. Here, a time-saving suggestion image JT saying "Time-saving!", a normal suggestion image TT saying "Normal!", and a message image SM saying "Which one?!?!?" are displayed. Note that the explanation will continue assuming that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 21 while the effects shown in FIG. 26(C) to (D) are being executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(E), a variation effect of the performance symbols is executed. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying, and a message image SM asking "Which one is it?!?!?" continues to be displayed. It should be noted that the result of the lottery that triggered this variation effect was c time reduction.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(F), a fixed stop effect of the effect symbols is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at the c time-saving symbols "8", "3", and "1", respectively. Also, a suggestion message image KS saying "What is this symbol...?!" is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(G), a presentation is executed to notify the player that they have won the c time-saving feature. Here, a message image JM saying "Time-saving!!!" is displayed. After this, as shown in FIG. 26(H), a variable presentation is executed in the c time-saving state with 100 continuations, i.e., in the RUSH state. The above is an example of the display when the stopped presentation pattern in the game state determination presentation becomes the c time-saving pattern.

Next, using Figure 27, we will explain a display example when the stopped design in the game state determination design is a losing design. First, as shown in Figure 27(A), we will start with the explanation of the changing design in the RUSH state shown in Figure 25(B). In Figure 27(A), the 11th changing design in the RUSH state is being executed. Here, the design designs 8L, 8C, and 8R are changing at high speed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(B), a fixed stop effect is executed in which the rapidly changing effect in FIG. 27(A) stops at the 5R double jackpot pattern. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "6". Note that the explanation will continue assuming that a jackpot game has been executed after this.

Next, as shown in Figures 27(C) to (G), a game state determination presentation is executed. First, as shown in Figure 26(C), a suggestion is made that the game state after a jackpot game will be determined based on the result of the variable presentation. Here, a message image PM is displayed saying "What's the game state after a jackpot game?!". Next, as shown in Figure 27(D), a suggestion is made that there are two types of game states to be executed after a jackpot game. Here, a time-saving suggestion image JT saying "Time-saving!", a normal suggestion image TT saying "Normal!", and a message image SM saying "Which one?!?!?" are displayed. Note that the explanation will continue assuming that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 21 while the presentation shown in Figures 27(C) to (D) is being executed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(E), a variation effect of the performance symbols is executed. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying, and the message image SM saying "Which one?!?!?" is continuously displayed. It is assumed that the result of the lottery that triggered this variation effect was a miss. Next, as shown in FIG. 27(F), a fixed stop effect of the performance symbols is executed. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped at "0", "7", and "2", which are miss patterns. In addition, a suggestion message image KS saying "What is this pattern...!?" is also displayed. Next, as shown in FIG. 27(G), an effect is executed to inform the player that the performance symbol has been lost. Here, a message image TM saying "Normal!" is displayed. After this, as shown in FIG. 27(H), a variation effect in the normal state is executed. The above is a display example when the stop pattern of the performance symbol in the game state determination effect becomes a miss pattern.

The above is an example of the display of the game state determination presentation in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, after playing a jackpot on special chart 1, it transitions to a time shortening with 100 special chart fluctuations. During this a time shortening, if a 10R type 2 jackpot is won on special chart 2, it transitions to a time shortening with 100 special chart fluctuations. Also, if a 5R type 2 jackpot is won on special chart 2, it transitions to a time shortening with 1 special chart fluctuation, and if this 1 special chart fluctuation leads to c time shortening, it transitions to c time shortening with 100 special chart fluctuations. In the time shortening state with 100 special chart fluctuations, you aim for consecutive wins with type 1 or type 2 jackpots, and in the time shortening with 1 special chart fluctuation, you aim for c time shortening. In other words, if a 10R type 2 jackpot is won, it is confirmed that the player will enter the RUSH state, but if a 5R type 2 jackpot is won, whether or not the player can enter the RUSH state is determined by whether or not the player can win the C time-saving feature during the A time-saving feature of one special chart change. In the change display to notify the player of the result of this selection, a game state determination display is executed. This configuration separates the selection of the jackpot type from the selection of the game state after the jackpot (whether or not the player can enter the RUSH state), a method not found in conventional gaming machines, and therefore players are more likely to have high expectations for the gameplay of gaming machine 1.

9. Examples of Effects, Modifications, and Aspects of the Present Embodiment [Examples of Effects]
The following are examples of the effects of this embodiment.
[Effect 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a 5R double jackpot is won, if the stopped symbol becomes a c time-saving symbol in the special variable state, the state transitions to the RUSH state, and if it is a miss, the state transitions to the normal state (FIG. 25). According to this configuration, the lottery for the type of win and the lottery for the possibility of entering the RUSH state are separated, so that the possibility of giving the player a new sense of excitement is increased, and the interest of the game can be improved. The RUSH state corresponds to the "first game state" and the normal state corresponds to the "second game state".

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the special variable state is a time-saving state executed after a big win game, and the time-saving game granted is one time of the variable (FIG. 25). According to this configuration, the possibility of entering the RUSH state is determined by only one lottery, so that a sense of tension and excitement in the game is easily created, and the interest in the game can be improved.

[Effect 3]
The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment is a type 1/type 2 mixed machine, and the RUSH state is a time-saving state (FIG. 25). With this configuration, whether or not it is possible to enter a state where it is easy to aim for a type 2 jackpot is determined by a lottery separate from the lottery for the type of jackpot, so that it is more likely to give the player a new sense of excitement and improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a 5R double jackpot was won, the RUSH state was the c time-saving state (FIG. 25). According to this configuration, there is a new gaming state in which players aim to win the c time-saving state, in addition to the jackpot and small jackpot, which increases the possibility of giving the player a new sense of excitement and improves the interest of the game. The c time-saving symbol corresponds to a "specific symbol". The c time-saving symbol corresponds to a "specific losing symbol".

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a 10R type 2 jackpot is won, the player is guaranteed to enter the RUSH state without going through the special variable state (FIG. 25). According to this configuration, when a jackpot is won during right-hand play, a multi-stage breakthrough element is created, such as whether or not the player can enter the RUSH state by winning the 10R type 2 jackpot, and whether or not the player can enter the RUSH state if the 5R type 2 jackpot is won, so that the player is more likely to feel a new sense of excitement and the interest of the game can be improved. The 5R type 2 jackpot symbol corresponds to the "first jackpot symbol", and the 10R type 1 jackpot symbol and the 10R type 2 jackpot symbol correspond to the "second jackpot symbol".

[Effect 6]
In the gaming machine 1 in the case of implementing the modified example 6 described later, there are multiple c time-saving symbols, and the number of times the c time-saving state, i.e., the RUSH state, continues varies depending on the type of the c time-saving symbol. With this configuration, in the special variable state, there are multiple points of focus for the lottery, such as whether the game will stop on the c time-saving symbol and how many times the c time-saving state will continue, so that it is more likely to give the player a new sense of excitement and improve the interest of the game.

[Modification]
A modified example of this embodiment is shown.
[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, a lottery was performed to determine whether or not to enter the RUSH state with one special pattern change in the special pattern change state. In contrast, the special pattern change in the special pattern change state may be performed multiple times, or a lottery may be performed with the remaining reserved amount to determine whether or not to enter the RUSH state. In addition, the gaming machine 1 may be a probability change machine that executes a probability change time-saving state and a non-probability change time-saving state in this order after a jackpot, and the special change state may be a change in the non-probability change time-saving state.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is a type 1/type 2 mixed machine, and the RUSH state is a time-saving state. In contrast, the gaming machine 1 may be a probability variable machine, and the RUSH state may be a probability variable time-saving state.

[Modification 3]
In the above embodiment, when a 10R double jackpot is won, the game moves to the RUSH state without going through the special variation state. However, regardless of the type of win, the game may move to the special variation state and the possibility of entering the RUSH state may be determined by lottery.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment, when the stop pattern becomes the c time-saving pattern in the special variation state, the game always transitions to the RUSH state, which is a c time-saving state with 100 variations. In contrast, the game may have multiple c time-saving patterns, and the number of variations that the RUSH state continues may differ depending on the type of the c time-saving pattern. For example, in the special variation state, if the c time-saving pattern A is won, the number of variations that the RUSH state continues will be 100, and if the c time-saving pattern B is won, the number of variations that the RUSH state continues will be 200, and so on.

Here, FIG. 28 is an example of a game state determination presentation in a gaming machine 1A implementing the above-mentioned modified example 4. In this gaming machine 1A, in the special chart 2 variation presentation, when the c-time-saving pattern A stops, the game moves to a c-time-saving with 100 continuations, and when the c-time-saving pattern B stops, the game moves to a c-time-saving with 30 continuations. The c-time-saving pattern A is a pattern in which the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "8", "3", and "1", respectively, and the c-time-saving pattern B is a pattern in which the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "0", "8", and "1", respectively. In FIG. 28, a display example is shown in which the stopped pattern becomes the c-time-saving pattern B in the special variation state, and the game moves to a c-time-saving with 30 continuations, and the display mode and time sequence are the same as those in FIG. 26.

[Modification 5]
In the above embodiment, when the c time reduction is won in the special variable state, the state transitions to the RUSH state. In contrast, the trigger for transitioning to the RUSH state may be a small win.

[Modification 6]
In the above embodiment, when a 10R double jackpot is won in the RUSH state, or when a c time reduction is won in the game state determination presentation, the game enters the RUSH state, and the game is configured to always aim to maintain the RUSH state thereafter. In contrast, the game may be configured to change the presentation mode, such as a heart-pounding mode, a love-love mode, etc., every time a time reduction of 100 special chart variations is granted.

[Modification 7]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, in the game state determination presentation, a presentation that increases the possibility of expecting to enter the time-saving state is executed. In contrast, the presentation mode in the game state determination presentation may be, for example, a reconciliation mode, and a presentation that increases the possibility of feeling tension of being in a pinch if the c time-saving is not won may be executed.

Here, using Figures 29 and 30, display examples on the gaming machine 1B when the above-described modified examples 6 and 7 are implemented will be described along with the flow of the game. Figure 29 is a diagram for explaining display example 1 of the gaming machine 1B in which modified examples 6 and 7 are implemented. Figure 30 is a diagram for explaining display example 2 of the gaming machine 1B in which modified examples 6 and 7 are implemented. Figures 29 and 30 show display examples on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 in each game state. The gaming machine 1B is assumed to be able to switch game modes in response to switching of game states. Specifically, it is assumed that the "normal mode" is executed in the normal state, the "exciting mode" is executed in the RUSH state after the special chart 1 jackpot, the "lovey-dovey mode" is executed in the RUSH state after the 10R two-type jackpot on the special chart 2, and the "reconciliation mode" is executed in the special variable state. In addition, the symbols that transition to the c time-saving mode in the special variable state are the symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R of the special chart 2 that stop at "8," "3," and "1," respectively, and these symbols are referred to as the c time-saving symbols. Note that the gaming machine 1B is a gaming machine of the same type as the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, except for the content of the effects in each gaming state.

First, as shown in Figures 29(A) and (B), gameplay is performed in normal mode. Normal mode is a game mode in the normal state shown in Figure 25(A), and continues until a jackpot is won. In Figure 29(A), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. In Figure 29(B), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "6." In this normal mode, if a jackpot is won as shown in Figure 29(B), the jackpot type will always be a 5R type 1 jackpot. Here, we will continue the explanation assuming that after the jackpot shown in Figure 29(B) is won, jackpot gameplay is performed and the game transitions to the Doki Doki mode.

Next, the game is played in the Doki Doki mode shown in Fig. 29 (C) to (E). The Doki Doki mode is a game mode that is executed after the jackpot game by the special chart 1 jackpot in the RUSH state shown in Fig. 25 (B), and is executed only from the start to the end of the RUSH state. In Fig. 29 (C), the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed, and a suggestive message image SM1 saying "If you hit the jackpot, you will go to the Love Love mode!?" is displayed. This suggestive message image SM1 is an image to suggest the transition from the Doki Doki mode to the Love Love mode.

Next, if a jackpot is won during the Doki Doki mode, the display will stop in one of the modes shown in Fig. 29 (D) or (E). In Fig. 29 (D), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "7". In this case, the jackpot type is a 10R two-type jackpot, and it has been decided to switch to the lovey-dovey mode, so a message image KM1 saying "To lovey-dovey mode!" is also displayed. In Fig. 29 (E), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "6". In this case, the jackpot type is a 5R two-type jackpot, and it has been decided to switch to the reconciliation mode, so a message image OM1 saying "Entering reconciliation mode!" is displayed. Also, if a jackpot is not won and the special pattern change has been performed 100 times, the display will switch to the "normal mode".

If a 10R 2-type jackpot is won in Doki Doki Mode, the game will transition to Love Love Mode as shown in Figures 30 (A) to (C). Love Love Mode is a game mode that is executed after a jackpot game with a 10R 2-type jackpot on special chart 2 in the RUSH state shown in Figure 25 (B), and is executed only from the start to the end of the RUSH state. In Figure 30 (A), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed, and a suggestion message image SM2 is displayed saying "Can you continue Love Love Mode!?" This suggestion message image SM2 is an image to suggest that if a 10R 2-type jackpot is won during Love Love Mode, Love Love Mode will continue.

Next, if a jackpot is won during the lovey-dovey mode, the game will stop in one of the modes shown in Fig. 30(B) or (C). In Fig. 30(B), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "7". In this case, the jackpot type is a 10R two-type jackpot, and since it has been decided to start a new lovey-dovey mode, a message image KM2 saying "Lovey-dovey mode continues!" is also displayed. In Fig. 30(C), the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R all stop at "6". In this case, the jackpot type is a 5R two-type jackpot, and since it has been decided to switch to the reconciliation mode, a message image OM1 saying "Entering reconciliation mode decided!" is displayed. Also, if a jackpot is not won and the special pattern change is performed 100 times, the game will switch to "normal mode".

Also, in the case where a 5R two-type jackpot is won in the Doki Doki mode or the Love Love mode, the game will transition to the Reconciliation mode shown in Fig. 30 (D) to (F). The Reconciliation mode is a time-saving state in which the special chart changes once. In Fig. 30 (D), the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R change at high speed, and a suggestive message image SM3 saying "Can you make up!?" is displayed. This suggestive message image SM3 is an image for suggesting a transition from the Reconciliation mode to the Love Love mode. In the Reconciliation mode, if the c time-saving is won, the game will stop at the c time-saving pattern shown in Fig. 30 (E). In Fig. 30 (E), the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at the c time-saving patterns "8", "3", and "1", respectively, and a message image KM3 saying "Entering the Love Love mode!" is also displayed. The c time-saving is 100 times of special chart changes, and the Love Love mode is executed during this c time-saving. Furthermore, in the reconciliation mode, if the lottery result is a loss, the symbol stops in a loss state and the mode transitions to the normal mode. In FIG. 30(F), the performance symbol stops in a loss state, and a message image ZM1 saying "Reconciliation failed!!" is displayed. The above are examples of displays in each performance mode according to the flow of play in gaming machine 1B when variants 6 and 7 are implemented.

[Example of embodiment]
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the following aspects can be realized.
[Aspect 1]
A gaming machine,
The game state becomes either a first game state or a second game state based on the content of the stopped decorative pattern in the specific variable presentation executed after the big win game.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 2]
A gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The specific variable performance is,
This is the first variation effect after the big win.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 3]
A gaming machine according to aspect 1 or aspect 2,
The first gaming state is a time-saving gaming state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 4]
A gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
In the specific variation performance, when the stopped pattern of the decorative pattern becomes a specific losing pattern, the game state is transitioned to the first game state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 5]
A gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
When the special pattern change stops at the first jackpot pattern, the specific change performance is executed after the jackpot game.
When the special pattern variation stops at the second jackpot pattern, the specific variation performance is not executed after the jackpot game, and the game state transitions to the first game state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 6]
A gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 5,
In the specific variation performance, the first game state to which the player transitions when the decorative pattern stops becomes a first pattern and the first game state to which the player transitions when the decorative pattern stops becomes a second pattern have different continuous variation numbers.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Other Modifications]
The various display effects described above may not include some of the effects, or may include effects other than those described above.

The gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment has been described using a pachinko gaming machine as an example, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of a pachinko gaming machine, the present invention may be applied to a reel-type gaming machine such as a slot machine, an arrange ball gaming machine, or a mahjong ball gaming machine. When the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, the gaming medium can be changed from gaming balls to gaming medals.

The gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, but is not limited to this. For example, instead of the gaming machine 1, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that does not have a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed gaming machine.

In addition, two or more of the above-mentioned examples and/or variations may be combined. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 may be provided with a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7. In this case, the above-mentioned display effects may be executed on the sub-display device.

Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiment and modified examples, the above-mentioned embodiment of the aspect is intended to facilitate understanding of the present aspect and does not limit the present aspect. The present aspect may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present aspect.

1... gaming machine 3... gaming area 7... image display device 7a... display screen 81... gaming control microcomputer 91... performance control microcomputer

Claims (1)

A gaming machine,
In the time-saving state, when the first jackpot is won, the game state becomes either a time-saving state in which the game continues until a predetermined number of variable performances are performed, or a normal state, based on the content of the decorative pattern in the specific variable performance, which is a variable performance in the time-saving state executed after the jackpot game,
In the time-saving state, when a second jackpot is won, the specific variable performance is not performed, and the game state after the jackpot game becomes a time-saving state that continues until the variable performance is performed a predetermined number of times.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images