JP7643687B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

One type of pinball game machine has multiple reserved memories that record information based on the ball entering the starting hole, and judges whether the ball has won or lost based on the reserved memories. Among such pinball game machines, there are known ones that judge the information in the reserved memories before judging whether the ball has won or lost, and execute a pre-reading effect, which is an effect based on the judgment result. Patent Document 1 discloses, as pre-reading effects, an effect that changes the display mode of the reserved pattern corresponding to the reserved memory, and an effect that emits light from the front of a light guide plate.

JP 2014-195576 A

In gaming machines, there is a demand for further improvements in the entertainment value of the game through predictive effects.

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

(1) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises a reserve memory means for retaining and storing information acquired based on a ball entering a starting hole; a reserve display means for displaying a reserve to identify the number of the reserve memories; a win/lose determination means for determining whether a win/lose is based on the information; a pattern display means for notifying the result of the determination by the win/lose determination means by displaying a pattern changing display that displays a varying pattern and then displaying a predetermined pattern as a confirmation; a performance display means for displaying a performance corresponding to the pattern changing display; a pre-reading determination means for pre-reading and determining the information before the win/lose determination means; a reserve notice performance means for executing a reserve notice performance that changes the display mode of the reserve display as a pre-reading performance performed based on the result of the determination by the pre-reading determination means; and a light guide plate performance means for executing a light guide plate performance that emits light from the front surface of a light guide plate provided in front of and overlapping the display area of the performance display. In this pinball game machine, the execution mode of the pre-reading performance includes a first mode in which either one of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance is executed during a specific performance period from when the pre-reading judgment is performed until a specific pattern change display by the reserved memory in which the pre-reading judgment is performed; a second mode in which both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed by the end of the next pattern change display that starts after the pre-reading judgment is performed during the specific performance period; and a third mode in which either one of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance is executed at least until the end of the next pattern change display during the specific performance period, and the other is executed in the pattern change display after the next pattern change display. The selection rate of each of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is a different value depending on the judgment result of the information by the pre-reading judgment means.
According to this type of pinball game machine, even if the same specific symbol change performance is performed, the winning expectation can be changed depending on whether the performance execution mode of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period before the performance of the symbol change performance is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. This makes it possible to make the player have a sense of expectation that the progress of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period will be more likely to be advantageous for the player. As a result, the pre-reading performance can further increase the interest in the game.

(2) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification comprises a reserve memory means for retaining and storing information acquired based on a ball entering a starting hole; a reserve display means for displaying a reserve to identify the number of the reserve memories; a win/lose determination means for determining whether a win/lose is based on the information; a pattern display means for announcing the result of the determination by the win/lose determination means by displaying a pattern changing display that displays a varying pattern and then displaying a predetermined pattern as a confirmation; a performance display means for displaying a performance corresponding to the pattern changing display; a pre-reading determination means for pre-reading and determining the information before the win/lose determination means; a reserve notice performance means for executing a reserve notice performance that changes the display mode of the reserve display as a pre-reading performance performed based on the result of the determination by the pre-reading determination means; and a light guide plate performance means for executing a light guide plate performance that emits light from the front surface of a light guide plate provided in front of and overlapping the display area of the performance display. In this pinball game machine, the execution mode of the pre-reading performance includes a first mode in which either one of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance is executed during a specific performance period from when the pre-reading judgment is performed until a specific pattern change display by the reserved memory in which the pre-reading judgment is performed; a second mode in which both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed during the specific performance period until the end of the next pattern change display that starts after the pre-reading judgment is performed; and a third mode in which either one of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance is executed during the specific performance period until the end of the next pattern change display, and the other is executed in the pattern change display after the next pattern change display. The first mode includes a 1a mode in which only the reserved notice performance is executed among the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance during the specific performance period; and a 1b mode in which only the light guide plate performance is executed among the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance during the specific performance period. The selection rates of the first a mode, the first b mode, the second mode, and the third mode are different values depending on the determination result of the information by the look-ahead determination means.
According to this type of pinball game machine, even if the same specific symbol change performance is performed, the winning expectation can be changed depending on whether the performance execution mode of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period before the performance of the symbol change performance is the 1a mode, the 1b mode, the 2nd mode, or the 3rd mode. This makes it possible to make the player have a sense of expectation that the progress of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period will be more likely to be advantageous for the player. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of the game by the pre-reading performance.

(3) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification includes a reserve storage means for reserving and storing information acquired based on the ball entering the starting hole; a reserve display means for displaying a reserve for specifying the number of the reserve memories; a win/loss judgment means for judging whether or not the ball is a win based on the information; a pattern display means for displaying a pattern change display for displaying a pattern change and then displaying a predetermined pattern to notify the judgment result by the win/loss judgment means; a performance display means for displaying a performance corresponding to the pattern change display; a pre-reading judgment means for pre-reading and judging the information before the win/loss judgment means; a reserve notice performance means for performing a reserve notice performance that changes the display mode of the reserve display as a pre-reading performance performed based on the judgment result by the pre-reading judgment means; and a light guide plate performance means for performing a light guide plate performance that emits light from the front of a light guide plate provided in front of and overlapping the display area of the performance display. This pinball game machine further includes a change-in-change reserve display means for performing a change-in-change reserve display corresponding to the pattern change display being executed in accordance with the hold display. The hold notice performance includes a performance that changes the display mode of the pending display during change. The execution mode of the look-ahead performance includes a first mode in which either the hold notice performance or the light guide plate performance is executed during a specific performance period from when the look-ahead judgment is performed until a specific pattern change display is performed by the pending memory in which the look-ahead judgment is performed; a second mode in which both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed during the specific performance period until the end of the next pattern change display that starts after the look-ahead judgment is performed; and a third mode in which only the light guide plate performance is executed out of the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance during the specific performance period until the start of the specific pattern change display, and the hold notice performance by the pending display during change is executed while the specific pattern change display is being executed. The selection rate of selecting each of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is a value that differs depending on the judgment result of the information by the look-ahead judgment means.
According to this type of pinball game machine, even if the same specific symbol change performance is performed, the winning expectation can be changed depending on whether the performance execution mode of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period before the performance of the symbol change performance is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. This makes it possible to make the player have a sense of expectation that the progress of the pre-reading performance during the specific performance period will be more likely to be advantageous for the player. As a result, the pre-reading performance can further increase the interest in the game.

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

1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board of a pachinko game machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by a main control device. This is a flowchart showing the special chart start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the normal start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration mainly including a main control device and a sub integrated control device. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a pattern change effect and a reserved pattern. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific pattern change presentation. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a hold notice performance and a changing hold notice performance. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a light guide plate presentation. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the presentation execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means in the second embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the presentation execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means in the third embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means in the third embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Fig. 3(a), the game board 400 of the pachinko game machine 10 is in the form of a plate facing the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The game board 400 includes a board surface 402, guide rails 404, 406, a plurality of game nails 408, a center case 410, electric lights 414, normal winning openings 421, 422, 423, 424, a normal symbol activation gate 430, a normal electric role device 440, a first start opening 451, a second start opening 452, and a large winning opening 460. The game board 400 further includes a normal symbol display device 471, a normal symbol reserved display device 472, a first special symbol display device 473, a first special symbol reserved display device 474, a second special symbol display device 475, a second special symbol reserved display device 476, a performance symbol display device 480, and a light guide panel performance device 600.

The surface 402 of the game board 400 faces the front of the pachinko game machine 10. The guide rails 404, 406 of the game board 400 surround the center of the surface 402 in a circular shape, forming a roughly circular game area GA. A number of game nails 408 on the game board 400 are planted on the surface 402 and form a path for game balls to flow through the game area GA. The multiple game nails 408 include a windmill nail 409 with a rotating member.

The center case 410 of the game board 400 is a component provided in the center of the game area GA. The center case 410 forms a passage for game balls flowing through the game area GA. A performance pattern display device 480 and a light guide plate performance device 600 are provided in the center of the center case 410. The performance pattern display device 480 is a display area that displays performance patterns as part of the performance according to the game progress. In this embodiment, the performance pattern display device 480 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The light guide plate performance device 600 is a display area that creates a performance using light according to the game progress.

As shown in FIG. 3(b), the light guide plate performance device 600 is provided in front of the performance pattern display device 480 in the center case 410 and at a position overlapping the performance pattern display device 480. In other words, the light guide plate performance device 600 is provided at a position overlapping the performance pattern display device 480 when viewed from a viewing position VD where the player can see the performance pattern display device 480. The light guide plate performance device 600 is configured to transmit light from the performance pattern display device 480 so that it can be seen from the viewing position VD.

The light guide plate performance device 600 comprises a light guide plate 620 and a light emitter 630. The light guide plate 620 is a plate-shaped member that guides light incident inside to the surface and emits it. In this embodiment, the light guide plate 620 is made of transparent acrylic resin. The light emitter 630 is configured to be able to emit light in accordance with the progress of the game. In this embodiment, the light emitter 630 is a light-emitting diode (LED).

The light guide plate 620 of the light guide plate performance device 600 has a light guide plate front surface 622, a light guide plate back surface 624, and a light guide plate end surface 626. A transparent diffusion layer (diffusion sheet) is formed on the light guide plate front surface 622. An optical pattern corresponding to the form of light to be emitted at the light guide plate front surface 622 is formed on the light guide plate back surface 624, and a transparent reflection layer (reflection sheet) is formed. The light guide plate 620 emits light incident on the light guide plate end surface 626 from the light emitter 630 forward from the light guide plate front surface 622, in addition to the transmitted light from the performance pattern display device 480.

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

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

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

The normal electric device 440 of the game board 400 is a device that is configured to be able to open and close depending on the result of the lottery based on the normal symbol. When closed, the normal electric device 440 blocks the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452, and when open, it allows the passage of game balls flowing down to the second starting port 452. The normal electric device 440 opens only when the result of the determination of the normal symbol is a win. The normal electric device 440 is located on the right side of the center case 410 and below the normal symbol activation gate 430.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The second special symbol reserved display device 476 of the game board 400 displays the number of reserved memories of the second special symbol. The reserved memories of the second special symbol are memories of data used to determine whether or not the second special symbol is a hit, for which the display process of the judgment result in the second special symbol display device 475 is pending.

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

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

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

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

The sub-integrated control device 220 is configured to be able to communicate with the main control device 210 in one direction from the main control device 210. The sub-integrated control device 220 accepts operation input from the player via the performance button 160. Based on commands from the main control device 210, the sub-integrated control device 220 outputs control signals to the electric lights 134, the electric lights 414, the speaker 136, the performance pattern control device 230, and the light guide plate performance device 600, thereby realizing performances according to the progress of the game. Based on commands from the sub-integrated control device 220, the performance pattern control device 230 controls the images displayed on the performance pattern display device 480. The performance pattern display device 480 displays various performance images, including performance patterns, based on image signals from the performance pattern control device 230.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After executing the normal power operation process (step S54), the main control device 210 executes the special game process (step S56). In the special game process (step S56), the main control device 210 controls the special game (e.g., big win game, small win game, etc.) based on the winning of the special symbol. Details of the special game process (step S56) will be described later.

After executing the special game process (step S56), the main control device 210 executes the fraud monitoring process (step S60). In the fraud monitoring process (step S60), the main control device 210 monitors any fraudulent behavior by the player.

After executing the fraud monitoring process (step S60), the main control unit 210 executes the external output process (step S65). In the external output process (step S65), the main control unit 210 outputs various information to external devices such as the hall computer 90. After executing the external output process (step S65), the main control unit 210 repeatedly executes the initial value random number update process (step S70) until the next timer interrupt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After decrementing the arrival counter Ct (step S380), the main control unit 210 judges whether the arrival counter Ct is equal to the value "0" (step S381). In this embodiment, after the b time-saving game has been granted once, the b time-saving game will not be granted again unless a jackpot game is played. Therefore, the main control unit 210 does not judge that the arrival counter Ct is equal to the value "0" if a jackpot game is not played after the b time-saving game. If the arrival counter Ct is equal to the value "0" (step S381: "YES"), the main control unit 210 resets the arrival counter Ct to the initial value (in this embodiment, the value "950") (step S383). After resetting the arrival counter Ct, the main control unit 210 judges whether any time-saving game is being set (step S385).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If there is a reserved memory of a normal symbol (step S615: "YES"), the main control device 210 reads out the oldest reserved memory of the normal symbol and deletes that information from the reserved memory (step S620). After that, the main control device 210 determines whether a special bonus game or a time-saving game is being played (step S625).

If a special bonus game or time-saving game is being played (step S625: "YES"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining a win read from the reserved memory is a winning value by referring to a high-probability normal win/loss determination table (high-probability table) (step S630).

If a special bonus game or time-saving game is not being played (step S625: "NO"), the main control device 210 determines whether the random number for determining a win read from the reserved memory is a winning value by referring to a low-probability normal win/loss determination table (low probability table) (step S635).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 20 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration mainly consisting of a main control device 210 and a sub integrated control device 220. The main control device 210 is equipped with a hold memory means 212, a look-ahead determination means 214, a win/lose determination means 216, and a command output means 219 as components related to controlling the progress of the game. Each component of the main control device 210 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the main control device 210 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The reserved memory means 212 of the main control device 210 is configured to be able to hold multiple reserved memories that record information based on the ball entering the first start port switch 451s, and the number of reserved memories is displayed on the first special pattern reserved display device 474. The reserved memory means 212 is configured to be able to hold multiple reserved memories that record information based on the ball entering the second start port switch 452s, and the number of reserved memories is displayed on the second special pattern reserved display device 476. The reserved memory means 212 is a means for executing the special pattern extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110) and the special pattern extraction random number reserved memory process (step S110b) in the special pattern start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

The pre-reading judgment means 214 of the main control device 210 judges the information in the reserved memory before the correct/incorrect judgment by the correct/incorrect judgment means 216. The pre-reading judgment means 214 is a means for executing the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130) and the reserved pre-reading judgment process (step S130b) in the special chart start ball entry confirmation process (Figure 6).

The hit/miss determination means 216 of the main control device 210 determines whether or not the winning/losing is true based on the reserved memory. The hit/miss determination means 216 is a means for executing the hit/miss determination (steps S230 and S235 in FIG. 8) in the special drawing hit/miss determination process.

The first special pattern display device 473 of the main control device 210 is a special pattern display means that notifies the result of the judgment by the win/lose judgment means 216 by a special pattern variable display that variably displays the first special pattern. The second special pattern display device 475 of the main control device 210 is a special pattern display means that notifies the result of the judgment by the win/lose judgment means 216 by a special pattern variable display that variably displays the second special pattern.

The command output means 219 of the main control device 210 outputs a command including information related to performance control to the sub-integrated control device 220. In this embodiment, the command output means 219 outputs a command including information related to performance control to the sub-integrated control device 220 in the special pattern reservation number command transmission process (steps S120 and S120S in FIG. 6), reservation information transmission process (step S270 in FIG. 9), special pattern change start process (step S275 in FIG. 9), and confirmed pattern display process (step S285 in FIG. 8), etc.

The sub-integrated control device 220 includes, as components related to performance control, a reserved pattern display means 222, a pattern variation performance means 224, an execution mode selection means 226, a reserved notice performance means 227, and a light guide panel performance means 228. Each component of the sub-integrated control device 220 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the sub-integrated control device 220 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The reserved pattern display means 222 of the sub-integrated control device 220 cooperates with the performance pattern control device 230 and the performance pattern display device 480 to display reserved patterns corresponding to each of the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212. In this embodiment, the reserved pattern display means 222 can also operate as a changing reserved pattern display means for displaying a changing reserved pattern corresponding to a pattern change performance currently being executed. Details of the reserved patterns and the changing reserved patterns will be described later.

The symbol variation effect means 224 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a symbol variation effect that changes and displays the effect symbol in accordance with the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display device 473 and the second special symbol display device 475. The symbol variation effect will be described in detail later.

The hold notice performance means 227 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a hold notice performance that changes the display mode of the hold pattern corresponding to the hold memory on which the judgment result is based, based on the judgment result by the look-ahead judgment means 214. The hold notice performance means 227 can also operate as a changing hold notice performance means that executes a changing hold notice performance that changes the display mode of the changing hold pattern. Details of the hold notice performance and the changing hold notice performance, which are one of the look-ahead performances, will be described later.

The light guide plate performance means 228 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a light guide plate performance that emits light from the light guide plate front surface 622 of the light guide plate 620 based on the judgment result by the look-ahead judgment means 214. Details of the light guide plate performance, which is one of the look-ahead performances, will be described later.

The execution mode selection means 226 of the sub-integrated control device 220 selects an effect execution mode for executing at least one of the effects of the hold notice effect and the light guide plate effect. The effect execution mode includes a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, which are modes selected corresponding to a specific hold memory in which the execution of a specific pattern change effect is scheduled. The selection rate for selecting each of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode is a different value depending on the judgment result of the specific hold memory by the look-ahead judgment means 214.

The first, second and third modes are executed in a specific performance period SP, which is executed from the special symbol change display at the time of pre-reading when the pre-reading determination means 214 determines that a specific reserved memory is present, to the specific special symbol change display corresponding to the specific reserved memory. The first mode is a mode in which either the pre-reading notice display or the light guide plate display is executed in the specific performance period SP. The second mode is a mode in which, during the specific performance period SP, by the end of the next special symbol change display following the special symbol change display at the time of pre-reading, both the pre-reading notice display and the light guide plate display are executed in one special symbol change display. The third mode is a mode in which, during the specific performance period SP, either the pre-reading notice display or the light guide plate display is executed at least until the end of the next special symbol change display, and both the pre-reading notice display and the light guide plate display are executed in one special symbol change display after the end of the next special symbol change display.

Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pattern change effect and a reserved pattern. The effect screen 500 is a screen that configures a series of effect videos that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480. The effect screen 500 has an effect pattern display area 501, a changing reserved pattern 502, and four reserved patterns 503 to 506.

The effect pattern display area 501 of the effect screen 500 is an area that displays a pattern change effect that changes the effect pattern in accordance with the special pattern change display by the first special pattern and the second special pattern. The effect pattern display area 501 is located in the center of the effect screen 500.

As a basic performance mode, the performance pattern display area 501 is a horizontally arranged three area, and from the left, the left performance pattern 501a, the center performance pattern 501b, and the right performance pattern 501c are displayed in a variable manner. After starting the display of the three performance patterns, the performance pattern display area 501 temporarily stops the left performance pattern 501a in a swaying state (Fig. 21 (a)). Following the temporary stop of the left performance pattern 501a, the performance pattern display area 501 temporarily stops the right performance pattern 501c in a swaying state (Fig. 21 (b)). Following the temporary stop of the right performance pattern 501c, the center performance pattern 501b is temporarily stopped in a swaying state (Fig. 21 (c)). After the three performance patterns are temporarily stopped, the performance pattern display area 501 displays the three temporarily stopped performance patterns in a completely stopped state (Fig. 21 (d)). When the first special pattern display device 473 or the second special pattern display device 475 displays a confirmed jackpot pattern, the effect pattern display area 501 displays a confirmed combination of effect patterns that suggests a jackpot win (for example, a combination of three effect patterns).

In the state where only the left side performance pattern 501a is temporarily stopped (FIG. 21(a)), the performance pattern display area 501 may change the display mode (e.g., moving speed, size, color, etc.) of the right side performance pattern 501c to show whether the right side performance pattern 501c will be temporarily stopped with the same pattern as the left side performance pattern 501a (so-called "reach" state). In the reach state (FIG. 21(b)) where the left side performance pattern 501a and the right side performance pattern 501c are temporarily stopped with the same pattern, the performance pattern display area 501 shows whether the center performance pattern 501b will be temporarily stopped with the same pattern as the other performance patterns (so-called "jackpot confirmed" state), or whether it will develop into a performance with a higher expectation of winning a jackpot (so-called "super reach" state). The effect symbol display area 501 indicates whether or not the central effect symbol 501b will temporarily stop (in a so-called "guaranteed big win" state) in the super reach state.

The currently changing reserved pattern 502 on the presentation screen 500 corresponds to the currently running special pattern change display (the currently running pattern change display in the presentation pattern display area 501), and is a pattern that has a display form similar to the reserved patterns 503 to 506. In this embodiment, the currently changing reserved pattern 502 is an enlarged version of the reserved patterns 503 to 506, and is located in the center of the lower row of the presentation screen 500.

The reserved patterns 503 to 506 on the presentation screen 500 are images corresponding to each of the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212. The reserved pattern 503 indicates the presence of the first reserved memory among the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212. The reserved pattern 504 indicates the presence of the second reserved memory among the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212. The reserved pattern 505 indicates the presence of the third reserved memory among the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212. The reserved pattern 505 indicates the presence of the fourth reserved memory among the reserved memories held in the reserved memory means 212.

In this embodiment, reserved patterns 503-506 are each a circular pattern, and are not displayed if there is no corresponding reserved memory. The changing reserved pattern 502 is a circular pattern larger than reserved patterns 503-506. If no reserved memory is held and the special pattern change display is not being executed, the changing reserved pattern 502 is not displayed. In the example of FIG. 21(a), three reserved patterns 503-505 are displayed as three reserved memories are held, and reserved pattern 506 is not displayed.

Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific symbol change presentation. Presentation screen 500N in Figure 22(a) is a screen that displays a presentation pattern display area 501 in a reach state as a reach presentation. Presentation screen 500S in Figure 22(b) is a screen that displays a "showdown reach" that is set as a specific symbol change presentation as one of the super reach presentations developed from presentation screen 500N. Note that in the examples of Figures 22(a) and 22(b), four reserved patterns 503 to 506 are displayed as a state in which four reserved memories are held.

The presentation screen 500S has a presentation pattern display area 501s and a presentation video display area 510 as display areas constituting the "showdown reach" which is a specific pattern change presentation. The presentation pattern display area 501s is similar to the presentation pattern display area 501, except that it is displayed in a reduced form in the upper right corner of the presentation screen. The presentation video display area 510 displays a video of the "showdown reach" in which the boy challenges his opponent to a challenge. In the video of the "showdown reach", if the special pattern is judged to be a jackpot, the boy wins, and if the special pattern is judged to be a miss, the boy loses.

Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a hold notice performance and a changing hold notice performance. The performance screen 500 in Figure 23(a) is a screen showing how the hold notice performance is executed in the hold pattern 506. The performance screen 500 in Figure 23(b) is a screen showing how the hold notice performance is executed in the hold pattern 505. The performance screen 500 in Figure 23(c) is a screen showing how the changing hold notice performance is executed in the changing hold pattern 502.

The reserved symbols 503-506 that are the subject of the reserved preview performance are replaced with a pre-reading reserved symbol (reserved symbol 506 in FIG. 23(a)), which is a symbol different from the normal reserved symbols (reserved symbols 503-505 in FIG. 23(a)). In the reserved symbols 503-506 of this embodiment, the normal reserved symbols are white circles, and the pre-reading reserved symbols are blue circles. The pre-reading reserved symbols are not limited to a different color from the normal reserved symbols, and may be a different shape from the normal reserved symbols. The pre-reading reserved symbols may include a plurality of display modes (e.g., different colors such as blue, green, red, etc.) according to the degree of expectation, such as the degree of expectation of developing into a reach, the degree of expectation of developing into a super reach, the degree of expectation of a jackpot, etc.

Of reserved patterns 503 to 506, the reserved pattern that is the subject of the reserved notice performance will take over and display the pre-read reserved pattern when the preceding reserved memory is consumed. For example, as shown in FIG. 23(a), when reserved pattern 506 is displaying a pre-read reserved pattern, if the preceding reserved memory is consumed, reserved pattern 505 will take over and display the pre-read reserved pattern from reserved pattern 506, as shown in FIG. 23(b).

Regarding the timing of displaying the pre-reading reserved pattern, the reserved patterns 503 to 506 may be displayed without displaying the normal reserved pattern when adding reserved patterns in response to a ball entering the first starting hole 451 or the second starting hole 452, or may be replaced with the pre-reading reserved pattern after displaying the normal reserved pattern. Also, the reserved patterns 503 to 505 may be replaced with the pre-reading reserved pattern after displaying the normal reserved pattern that was inherited when the preceding reserved memory was consumed.

The pending-changing pattern 502 that is the subject of the pending-changing preview performance is replaced with a pre-reading pending-changing pattern (pending-changing pattern 502 in FIG. 23(c)) that is a different pattern from the normal pending-changing pattern (pending-changing pattern 502 in FIG. 23(a)) in a display manner similar to that of the reserved patterns 503-506. In the pending-changing pattern 502 of this embodiment, the normal pending-changing pattern is a white circle, and the pre-reading pending-changing pattern is a blue circle, similar to the reserved patterns 503-506.

If a normal reserved pattern is displayed in reserved pattern 503 when the preceding special pattern change display ends, the changing reserved pattern 502 displays the normal changing reserved pattern by taking over from the normal reserved pattern.If a pre-reading reserved pattern is displayed in reserved pattern 503 when the preceding special pattern change display ends, the changing reserved pattern 502 displays the pre-reading changing reserved pattern by taking over from the pre-reading reserved pattern.

Regarding the timing of displaying the pre-reading pending pattern, the pre-reading pending pattern 502 may display the pre-reading pending pattern without displaying the normal pending pattern in response to the ball entering the first starting hole 451 or the second starting hole 452 in a state where there is no pending memory, or may display the normal pending pattern and then the pre-reading pending pattern. Also, the pre-reading pending pattern 502 may display the normal pending pattern inherited from the pending pattern 503 and then the pre-reading pending pattern. The timing of the change of the pending pattern in the pending notice performance may be selected from a number of scenarios (at what timing it changes, how many times it changes, and what color the pattern will ultimately be). The scenario may include a pattern in which only the pending pattern changes. In this form, the pre-reading performance is only performed on the target variable display as a pre-reading performance, but since the performance is determined by the pre-reading judgment, this is also treated as a pre-reading performance. Of course, it may be configured so that the reserved change performance is performed with the reserved pattern during the change, provided that the pre-reading performance was not performed when the change began.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a light guide plate effect. The effect image 610 in Figure 24 (a) is an image displayed on the front surface 622 of the light guide plate as a light guide plate effect, superimposed on the front of the effect screen 500. In this embodiment, the effect image 610 is an image depicting an anthropomorphized bear character, "Tatsukichi the Bear." In this embodiment, the effect pattern display area 501s is positioned so as not to overlap the effect image 610 while the light guide plate effect is being performed. The effect image 610 may include a plurality of display modes (e.g., different colors such as blue, green, red, etc.) according to the degree of expectation, such as the degree of expectation of developing into a reach, the degree of expectation of developing into a super reach, the degree of expectation of a jackpot, etc.

Regarding the timing of displaying the performance image 610, the performance image 610 may be displayed during a predetermined period during which each of the performance patterns of the left side performance pattern 501a, the center performance pattern 501b, and the right side performance pattern 501c is displayed in a changing state, or during a predetermined period during which at least one of the performance patterns of the left side performance pattern 501a, the center performance pattern 501b, and the right side performance pattern 501c is temporarily stopped. When the light guide plate performance is performed as a pre-reading performance, an image is displayed for a predetermined period at the start of the change, and the display ends after the predetermined period has elapsed. Therefore, since it ends while the performance pattern is changing at high speed, it does not interfere with the visibility of the changing performance by the performance pattern. Such a performance is performed for several changes until the change that is the target of the pre-reading performance is performed. This is called a light guide plate performance as a pre-reading performance. The light guide plate effect may display an image to increase the chances of winning during a super reach (increasing the chance of winning), or may entertain the player by providing multiple chances of winning depending on the light color and the number of times it is displayed, or may be displayed during a celebration effect when a win is confirmed, or may be used for promotion effects during a jackpot game (increasing the number of rounds, confirming that a special bonus will be awarded after a jackpot, etc.). The light guide plate effect is not limited to light-emitting colors, and may be configured such that different patterns are displayed by selecting the light guide plate to be illuminated in a configuration in which multiple light guide plates with different decorations are stacked on top of each other. This allows a wide range of chances to be shown by combining light-emitting colors and patterns.

The example in FIG. 24(b) is an example of a state in which the light guide plate effect and the hold notice effect are executed simultaneously. In this example, the effect image 610 is displayed as the light guide plate effect, and the pre-reading hold pattern is displayed in the hold pattern 506 as the hold notice effect.

The example in FIG. 24(c) is an example of a state in which the light guide plate effect and the pending change notice effect are executed simultaneously. In this example, the effect image 610 is displayed as the light guide plate effect, and the pre-read pending change pattern is displayed in the pending change pattern 502 as the pending change notice effect.

Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means 226. In the example of Figure 25, the specific performance period SP in which the first, second and third modes, which are the performance execution modes of the pre-reading judgment, are executed, is the period from the variable display VD1, which is the special pattern variable display at the time of pre-reading when the pre-reading judgment means 214 judges the specific reserved memory, through the three variable displays VD2, VD3 and VD4, which are the subsequent special pattern variable displays, to the variable display VD5, which is the specific special pattern variable display corresponding to the specific reserved memory. Note that the first, second and third modes, which are the performance execution modes of the pre-reading judgment, include the modes of the specific performance period SP shown in Figure 25 excluding the variable display VD3.

The first mode, which is a performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment, is a mode in which either the hold notice performance or the light guide plate performance is executed during the specific performance period SP. The first mode includes mode 1a and mode 1b. Mode 1a is a mode in which only the hold notice performance is executed out of the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance during the specific performance period SP. Mode 1b is a mode in which only the light guide plate performance is executed out of the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance during the specific performance period SP.

In the example of FIG. 25, the 1a mode starts a hold notice performance after a pre-reading judgment in the variable display VD1, continues the hold notice performance across variable displays VD2, VD3, and VD4, and then executes a variable hold notice performance that continues the hold notice performance in variable display VD5. The 1a mode includes a mode in which the hold notice performance is not started in the variable display VD1, but is started from one of the variable displays VD2, V3, or V4.

In the example of FIG. 25, the 1b mode executes a light guide plate performance after a pre-reading judgment in the variable display VD1, and also executes a light guide plate performance in each of the subsequent variable displays VD2, VD3, VD4, and VD5. The 1b mode does not execute a light guide plate performance from the variable display VD1, but includes a mode in which a light guide plate performance is executed from any of the variable displays VD2, V3, and VD4.

The second mode, which is a performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment, is a mode in which, during the specific performance period SP, by the end of the variable display VD2, which is the next special pattern variable display following the variable display VD1, both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display. The second mode includes mode 2a, mode 2b, and mode 2c. Mode 2a is a mode in which both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are started in one special pattern variable display by the end of the variable display VD2. Mode 2b is a mode in which the reserved notice performance is executed in advance, and then both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display by the end of the variable display VD2. Mode 2c is a mode in which the light guide plate performance is executed in advance, and then both the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display by the end of the variable display VD2. Note that, "executing both" as used herein means that each is executed during the same special pattern variable display, and is not limited to being executed simultaneously. The same applies to the following descriptions.

In the example of FIG. 25, the 2a mode does not execute the hold notice performance or the light guide plate performance in the variable display VD1, executes both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance in the variable display VD2, and while continuing the hold notice performance, executes both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance in each of the subsequent variable displays VD2, VD3, and VD4, and then executes both the changing hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance that has taken over from the hold notice performance in the variable display VD5. The 2a mode includes a mode in which both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in the variable display VD1.

In the example of FIG. 25, the second b mode executes a hold notice performance in advance on the variable display VD1, and then executes both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance on the variable display VD2 while continuing the hold notice performance, and then executes both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance on each of the subsequent variable displays VD2, VD3, and VD4, and then executes both the changing hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance that takes over from the hold notice performance on the variable display VD5. The second b mode includes a mode in which a hold notice performance is executed in advance on the variable display VD1, and then executes both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance on the variable display VD1.

In the example of FIG. 25, the 2c mode executes a light guide plate presentation in advance in the variable display VD1, then executes both the hold notice presentation and the light guide plate presentation in the variable display VD2, and while continuing the hold notice presentation, executes both the hold notice presentation and the light guide plate presentation in each of the subsequent variable displays VD2, VD3, and VD4, and then executes both the changing hold notice presentation and the light guide plate presentation that takes over from the hold notice presentation in the variable display VD5. The 2c mode includes a mode in which a light guide plate presentation is executed in advance in the variable display VD1, and then executes both the hold notice presentation and the light guide plate presentation in the variable display VD1.

The third aspect is an aspect in which, during the specific performance period SP, either the hold notice performance or the light guide plate performance is executed at least until the end of the variable display VD2, and both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display after the end of the variable display VD2. The third aspect includes aspects 3a and 3b. The 3a aspect is an aspect in which, of the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance, only the hold notice performance is executed at least until the end of the variable display VD2, and both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display after the end of the variable display VD2. The 3b aspect is an aspect in which, of the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance, only the light guide plate performance is executed at least until the end of the variable display VD2, and both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed in one special pattern variable display after the end of the variable display VD2.

26 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means 226. The selection rate of each mode, which is the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment, is a value that differs depending on the judgment result of the specific reserved memory by the execution mode selection means 226. In this embodiment, the selection rate of each mode is set according to three conditions: when the judgment result of the specific reserved memory is other than the specific pattern change performance "showdown reach" (judgment result J1), when the specific pattern change performance "showdown reach" is a miss (judgment result J2), and when the specific pattern change performance "showdown reach" is a jackpot (judgment result J3). In other embodiments, the selection rate of each mode may be set according to two conditions: when the judgment result of the specific reserved memory is a miss in the specific pattern change performance "showdown reach" (judgment result J2), and when the specific pattern change performance "showdown reach" is a jackpot (judgment result J3).

The selection rate of the 1a aspect is 40% for the judgment result J1, 30% for the judgment result J2, and 5% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 1b aspect is 40% for the judgment result J1, 30% for the judgment result J2, and 5% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the first aspect, which combines the 1a aspect and the 1b aspect, is 80% for the judgment result J1, 80% for the judgment result J2, and 10% for the judgment result J3. In this embodiment, the 1a aspect and the 1b aspect each have the same selection rate, but in other embodiments, the 1a aspect and the 1b aspect may each have a different selection rate.

The selection rate of the 2a aspect is 5% for the judgment result J1, 10% for the judgment result J2, and 10% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 2b aspect is 5% for the judgment result J1, 10% for the judgment result J2, and 10% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 2c aspect is 5% for the judgment result J1, 10% for the judgment result J2, and 10% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 2nd aspect, which is the combination of the 2a, 2b, and 2c aspects, is 15% for the judgment result J1, 30% for the judgment result J2, and 30% for the judgment result J3. In this embodiment, the 2a, 2b, and 2c aspects have the same selection rate, but in other embodiments, the 2a, 2b, and 2c aspects may have different selection rates.

The selection rate of the 3a aspect is 2.5% for the judgment result J1, 5% for the judgment result J2, and 30% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 3b aspect is 2.5% for the judgment result J1, 5% for the judgment result J2, and 30% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 3rd aspect, which is the combination of the 3a aspect and the 3b aspect, is 5% for the judgment result J1, 10% for the judgment result J2, and 60% for the judgment result J3. In this embodiment, the 3a aspect and the 3b aspect each have the same selection rate, but in other embodiments, the 3a aspect and the 3b aspect may each have a different selection rate.

In the example of Figure 26, in the case of a judgment result J3 which is a jackpot in a specific pattern change effect "showdown reach", the selection rate of the first mode is 10%, the selection rate of the second mode is 30%, and the selection rate of the third mode is 60%. Therefore, the second mode is an effect execution mode with a higher expectation of a jackpot than the first mode, and the third mode is an effect execution mode with an even higher expectation of a jackpot than the second mode. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25, the first mode, second mode, and third mode each include a mode that is common to the change display VD1, and further the first mode and third mode may each include a mode that is common to the change displays VD2 and VD3. Therefore, by making the player recognize that the variable display VD2 is in the second mode, the player can have a higher expectation of a jackpot than in the first mode, while even if the player is made to recognize that the variable display VD2 is not in the second mode, the player can have an expectation that the variable display V2 to VD4 may be in the third mode, which has an even higher expectation than the second mode.

According to the first embodiment described above, even with the same specific symbol-changing effect, "Confrontation Reach," the probability of winning can be changed depending on whether the effect execution mode of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP before the execution of the symbol-changing effect is the first mode, the second mode, or the third mode. This makes it possible for the player to have a sense of expectation that there is a high possibility that the progress of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP will be advantageous to the player. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest in the game through the pre-reading effect.

B. Second embodiment Fig. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means 226 in the second embodiment. The pachinko game machine 10 of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the selection rates of the 1a mode and the 1b mode are different from each other.

The selection rate of the 1a mode in the second embodiment is 56% for the judgment result J1, 42% for the judgment result J2, and 3% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 1b mode in the second embodiment is 24% for the judgment result J1, 18% for the judgment result J2, and 7% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the first mode, which combines the 1a mode and the 1b mode, is 80% for the judgment result J1, 80% for the judgment result J2, and 10% for the judgment result J3. Therefore, the 1a mode, which executes only the light guide plate performance as the pre-reading performance, is a performance execution mode with a higher expectation of a jackpot than the 1a mode, which executes only the hold notice performance as the pre-reading performance. Therefore, by having the player recognize the light guide plate performance in the variable display VD1, the player can be made to have a higher expectation of a jackpot than the hold notice performance.

According to the second embodiment described above, even with the same specific symbol-changing effect, "Confrontation Reach," the probability of winning can be changed depending on whether the effect execution mode of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP before the execution of the symbol-changing effect is the 1a mode, the 1b mode, the 2nd mode, or the 3rd mode. This makes it possible to give the player a sense of expectation that there is a high possibility that the progress of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP will be advantageous to the player. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest in the game through the pre-reading effect.

C. Third embodiment Fig. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means 226 in the third embodiment. The pachinko game machine 10 of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that it includes a fourth mode in addition to the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode as the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment. The fourth mode, which is the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment, is a mode in which, during the specific performance period SP, only the light guide plate performance is executed out of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance until the start of the variable display VD5, which is a specific special pattern variable display, and both the variable reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed while the variable display VD5 is being executed.

Figure 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the selection rate of the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment selected by the execution mode selection means 226 in the third embodiment. The selection rate of each mode in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, except that the selection rates of the 3b mode and the 4th mode are different. The selection rate of the 3b mode is 1.25% for the judgment result J1, 2.5% for the judgment result J2, and 15% for the judgment result J3. The selection rate of the 4th mode is 1.25% for the judgment result J1, 2.5% for the judgment result J2, and 15% for the judgment result J3.

In the example of FIG. 29, in the case of the judgment result J3, which is a jackpot in the specific pattern change effect "Confrontation Reach", the selection rate of the first mode is 10%, the selection rate of the second mode is 30%, the selection rate of the third mode is 45%, and the selection rate of the fourth mode is 15%. Therefore, the second mode is an effect execution mode with a higher expectation of a jackpot than the first mode, and the mode including the third and fourth modes is an effect execution mode with an even higher expectation of a jackpot than the second mode. In addition, as shown in FIG. 28, the first mode, the second mode, the third mode, and the fourth mode each include a mode that is common to the variable display VD1, and further, the third mode includes a mode that is common to the first mode in the variable displays VD2 and VD3, and the fourth mode may include a mode that is common to the first mode in the variable displays VD2, VD3, and VD4. Therefore, by making the player recognize that the variable display VD2 is the second mode, the player can be made to have a higher expectation of a jackpot than the first mode. On the other hand, even if the player is made to recognize that the variable display VD2 is not the second mode, the player can be made to have a expectation that the variable display V2 to VD4 may be the third mode, which has an even higher expectation than the second mode. Furthermore, even if the player is made to recognize that the variable display VD4 is not the third mode and reaches the variable display VD5, the player can be made to have a expectation that the variable display VD4 is the fourth mode, which has a higher expectation than the first mode.

According to the third embodiment described above, even with the same specific symbol-changing effect, "Confrontation Reach," the probability of winning can be changed depending on whether the effect execution mode of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP before the execution of the symbol-changing effect is the first mode, second mode, third mode, or fourth mode. This makes it possible to give the player a sense of expectation that there is a high possibility that the progress of the pre-reading effect in the specific effect period SP will be advantageous to the player. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest in the game through the pre-reading effect.

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

The selection rate for selecting the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment can be set appropriately according to the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The selection rate for the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment may be a different value depending on whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot or not, or may be a different value depending on whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a jackpot with a time-saving game or not, or may be a different value depending on whether the result of the pre-reading judgment is a time-saving game or not.

The specific pattern change effect for which the performance execution mode of the pre-reading judgment is selected may be one type of pattern change effect, or multiple types of pattern change effects. If there are multiple types of specific pattern change effects, the selection rate may be changed depending on the type of specific pattern change effect.

The mode selected as the performance execution mode for the pre-reading judgment may include multiple pending notice performances with different display modes (e.g., at least one aspect such as color, size, shape, etc.), and the expected probability of winning may be changed depending on the display mode. The mode selected as the performance execution mode for the pre-reading judgment may include multiple light guide plate performances with different display modes (e.g., at least one aspect such as color, size, shape, etc.), and the expected probability of winning may be changed depending on the display mode.

10... Pachinko game machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 112... Hinge 120... Inner frame 120s... Inner frame opening switch 122... Hinge 124... Upper tray 126... Lower tray 126s... Full switch 128... Keyhole 130... Front frame 130s... Front frame opening switch 132... Transparent plate 134... Illumination (frame illumination)
136: speaker 140: handle 140b: handle volume 140m: launch motor 140s: launch stop switch 140t: touch switch 152: balance display device 154: ball lending switch 156: settlement switch 160: performance button 172: game ball tank 172s: ball out switch 174: payout device 174d: payout motor 174s: payout switch 210: main control device 210m: RAM
212... Reserve memory means 214... Pre-reading judgment means 216... Win/lose judgment means 219... Command output means 220... Sub-integrated control device 222... Reserved symbol display means 224... Symbol variation performance means 226... Execution mode selection means 227... Reserved notice performance means 228... Light guide plate performance means 230... Performance symbol control device 240... Payout control device 250... Launch control device 260... Back wiring relay terminal board 265... External connection terminal board 270... Payout relay terminal board 280... Card unit terminal board 290... Power supply board 292... Power switch 294... RAM clear switch 302... Setting change switch 304... Setting change switch 400... Game board 402... Board surface 404... Guide rail 408... Game nail 409... Windmill nail 410... Center case 414...Illumination (display illumination)
420s...Normal winning port switch 421...Normal winning port 430...Normal pattern activation gate 430s...Activation gate switch 440...Normal electric role 440d...Normal electric role solenoid 451...First start port 451s...First start port switch 452...Second start port 452s...Second start port switch 460...Large winning port 460d...Large winning port solenoid 460s...Count switch 471...Normal pattern display device 472...Normal pattern reserve display device 473...First special pattern display device 474...First special pattern reserve display device 475...Second special pattern display device 476...Second special pattern reserve display device 480...Performance pattern display device 500, 500N, 500S...Performance screen 501...Performance pattern display area 501a...Left side performance pattern 501b...Central performance pattern 501c...Right side performance pattern 501s...Performance pattern display area 502...Variable reserved pattern 503-506...Reserved pattern 510...Performance video display area 600...Light guide plate performance device 610...Performance image 620...Light guide plate 622...Light guide plate front surface 624...Light guide plate back surface 626...Light guide plate end surface 630...Light emitter

Claims (1)

A reserve storage means for retaining and storing information acquired based on the ball entering the starting hole;
A hold display means for displaying a hold to identify the number of the hold memories;
A means for determining whether or not a person is a winner based on the information;
a pattern display means for displaying a pattern in a variable manner and then displaying a predetermined pattern to notify the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment means;
A performance display means for performing a performance display corresponding to the pattern variation display;
A pre-reading determination means for pre-reading and determining the information before the correct/incorrect determination means;
A hold notice performance means for performing a hold notice performance that changes the display mode of the hold display as a pre-reading performance performed based on the judgment result by the pre-reading judgment means;
A light guide plate effect means for performing a light guide plate effect by emitting light from a front surface of a light guide plate provided in front of and overlapping with a display area of the effect display,
Further, a change pending display means is provided for performing a change pending display corresponding to the pattern change display being executed in accordance with the hold display,
The hold notice performance includes a performance that changes the display mode of the changing hold display,
The execution mode of the pre-reading performance is as follows:
A first mode in which either one of the reserved notice performance and the light guide plate performance is executed during a specific performance period from when the pre-reading judgment is performed to when a specific pattern change display is performed by the reserved memory in which the pre-reading judgment is performed;
A second mode in which, during the specific performance period, by the end of the next pattern change display that starts after the pre-reading judgment is performed, both the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance are executed;
During the specific performance period, only the light guide plate performance is executed among the hold notice performance and the light guide plate performance until the start of the specific pattern change display, and the hold notice performance is executed by the change-in-progress hold display while the specific pattern change display is being executed.
a selection rate for selecting each of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect is a value that varies depending on a result of the determination of the information by the pre-reading determination means;
A pinball game machine characterized by:

Images