JP7656898B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pinball game machine.

There are known pachinko machines that transition to a special state that is advantageous to the player by activating a time-saving function that increases the frequency of balls entering the starting hole after a jackpot game ends, or a probability-change function that increases the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. In such pachinko machines, the special state generally ends uniformly when an ending condition is met, for example, when the number of times the special chart changes reaches an upper limit, or when a jackpot lottery is won.

In contrast, in the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, in addition to the above-mentioned termination conditions, when the termination condition that at least one of the number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes reaches an upper limit is satisfied, the bonus state ends and the normal state is entered. Therefore, the duration of the bonus state changes depending on the play during the bonus state, which can increase the interest of the game.

Patent No. 4641031

However, in the pachinko machine of Patent Document 1, although multiple conditions for ending the bonus state are set, after the bonus state ends, the game proceeds regardless of the end condition that ended the bonus state, and the difference in the end conditions for the bonus state is not reflected in the game. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to realize that multiple conditions for ending the bonus state are set.
Here, when a specific end condition is met during the bonus state, it is possible to adjust the frequency of balls entering the starting hole or the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery, so that the bonus state is ended while the player can play in a more advantageous manner than in the normal state. However, with such a configuration, there is a risk that the profit given to the player will vary greatly depending on the play during the bonus state.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to allow players to realize the difference in the factors that caused the bonus state to end while suppressing fluctuations in the benefits granted to players.

The invention of claim 1, made in consideration of the above problems, is a pinball gaming machine in which a jackpot game is played in which a large prize opening is opened over multiple rounds due to a winning lottery, and in which the gaming states are a normal state and at least one bonus state in which a game is played that is more advantageous than the normal state, and the game machine is equipped with a termination means for terminating the bonus state due to the start of a jackpot game, and a presentation means for displaying a presentation in accordance with the progress of the game, and the termination means further terminates the first state when any of a plurality of termination conditions is satisfied in the case where the game is in a first state, which is a predetermined bonus state, and transitions to a second state, which is the same normal state regardless of the termination condition, and the presentation means determines a presentation mode for a specific period after transition to the second state in accordance with the termination condition, and the content of the presentation display during the specific period is determined in accordance with the determined presentation mode.

According to the above configuration, since multiple conditions for ending the first state, which is a privilege state, are provided, the duration of the first state varies depending on the play during the first state, increasing the interest of the game. Furthermore, the content of the presentation of the second state, which is entered after the end of the first state, changes depending on the ending condition that ended the first state. Therefore, it is possible to make the player realize the difference in the factors that ended the privilege state while suppressing fluctuations in the benefits granted to the player.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. This is a table explaining the winning probability and winning symbols in the jackpot lottery. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine. This is a flowchart for the starting gate winning confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a production screen. 13 is a flowchart of a specific period process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and various forms may be adopted as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
[Configuration Description]
(1) Overall Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically long fixed outer shell holding frame. Hinges 53 are provided on the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 51, and the front frame (glass frame) 52 into which the glass plate 61 is fitted and the inner frame 70 described below are held by the hinges 53 so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 51. In addition, behind the glass plate 61 of the front frame 52, a game board 1 (Fig. 2) held by the inner frame 70 is provided.

Speakers 66 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 52, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 52 is also provided with horizontal frame lamps and upper frame lamps 65 that emit light in response to special effects. The horizontal frame lamps and upper frame lamps 65 are equipped with LEDs that light up in a specified color. In addition, the front frame 52 is also provided with LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed at the bottom of the front frame 52. A launching handle 64 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 63. By operating the launching handle 64 clockwise, the launching device is activated and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.
The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated on the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a coin box provided in the game arcade. In addition, the upper tray 55 is provided with a game button 67, a jog dial 68, and a cross key 69.

This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards, and is provided with a ball loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a settlement display device 59 on the right side of the upper tray 55.
In addition, 49 in Figure 1 is a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame 70 to the outer frame 51. When a specified key is inserted into the cylinder lock 49 and the key is turned clockwise, the inner frame 70 is opened, and when the key is turned counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 1 has a substantially circular game area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b. A center case 5 is attached to the center of the game area 3, and a normal symbol activation gate 22 is installed to the right of the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, multiple types of random numbers are extracted for the lottery to determine whether the normal symbol is a winner, and a win/loss determination (normal symbol lottery) is made based on the extracted random numbers.

Directly below the center case 5 is a first start gate 11 where a jackpot lottery (win/lose determination) is conducted with the variable display of a first special symbol (also written as first special symbol or special symbol 1) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball. In addition, to the right of the center case 5 and directly below the normal symbol activation gate 22 is a second start gate 12 where a jackpot lottery is conducted with the variable display of a second special symbol (also written as second special symbol or special symbol 2) resulting from the entry of a gaming ball.

The first starting hole 11 is located in an area (left hitting area) where a game ball launched by a left hit (aiming at the left side of the center case 5) mainly flows down, and the second starting hole 12 is located in an area (right hitting area) where a game ball launched by a right hit (aiming at the right side of the center case 5) mainly flows down.
Therefore, by hitting with the left hand side, the first starting hole 11 can be aimed and hit, and by hitting with the right hand side, the second starting hole 12 can be aimed and hit.

The arrangement of the first and second starting holes 11, 12 is not limited to this, and for example, the first and second starting holes 11, 12 may be arranged vertically below the center case 5, or the first starting hole 11 may be arranged in the right-hand hitting area and the second starting hole 12 in the left-hand hitting area.
The first starting hole 11 is configured so that game balls can enter at all times, but the second starting hole 12 is configured as a normal electric device that is opened by winning a normal pattern lottery, and balls can enter only when it is open. Note that it may be configured so that balls can enter occasionally even when it is closed.

When a game ball enters a first starting hole 11, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a first special chart are extracted and stored as a first reserved memory, and when a game ball enters a second starting hole 12, a plurality of kinds of random numbers corresponding to a second special chart are extracted and stored as a second reserved memory.
The second starting hole 12 configured as a normal electric role is opened for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery is won.

Furthermore, below the center case 5, to the right of the first starting hole 11 and below the second starting hole 12, there is provided a large prize opening 20 consisting of a special electric device. The large prize opening 20 is located in a position where game balls hit to the right mainly enter. Of course, the location of the large prize opening 20 is not limited to this, and for example, the large prize opening 20 may be located in the left hitting area.

In the area on the left side of the game board 1, there are installed a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 each equipped with multiple (e.g., about seven) LEDs, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 23 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 24 each consisting of four LEDs. In addition, in the area on the lower right side of the game board 1, there are installed a normal symbol display device 7 consisting of two LEDs, and a normal symbol reserved number display device 8 consisting of four LEDs.

The first special symbol display device 9 displays special symbol 1, and the second special symbol display device 10 displays special symbol 2. The first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 make it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the special symbols by making the lighting patterns of the LEDs irregular when displaying these special symbols. The arrangement of the LEDs that make up the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 may also be irregular, making it impossible or difficult for players to distinguish the displayed special symbols.

An LCD panel for a performance pattern display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is disposed in the center of the center case 5 of the game board 1 shown in Figure 2, and on the performance screen of the LCD panel, a pattern performance is performed by displaying changes in the performance patterns, etc., to announce the results of the jackpot lottery corresponding to the first and second special patterns.
The center case 5 is also provided with a warp inlet, a warp gutter, a stage, etc., in a well-known manner.

Further, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, there are disposed general winning holes 25 to 27. Further, below the second starting hole 12 (in other words, to the right of the first and second large winning holes 20, 21), there is disposed a general winning hole 28, which is configured to allow game balls to enter at all times.
A large number of game pegs are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet is provided at the bottom of the board.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back side of the pachinko machine 50 is configured such that an inner frame 70, which detachably mounts the game board 1, is housed in the outer frame 51. The inner frame 70, like the front frame 52, is connected to a hinge 53 provided on the outer frame 51 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (the right side in FIG. 3), and is installed so as to be able to open and close. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 70, and a ball tank 71, a tank rail 72, and a payout unit 73 are provided from above (upstream), and a payout device is provided in the payout unit 73. With this configuration, when a game ball enters the winning hole of the game board 1, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) stored in the ball tank 71 are paid out from the payout device, and are paid out through the flow passage to the upper tray 55. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout device is configured to pay out game balls (loan balls) in response to the operation of the ball loan button 57.

The back side of the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a main control device 80, a payout control device 81, a performance symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, a launch control device 84, and a power supply board 85. The main control device 80, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are provided on the game board 1, and the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84, and the power supply board 85 are provided on the inner frame 70. Note that although the launch control device 84 is not shown in FIG. 3, the launch control device 84 is located behind the payout control device 81 (on the game board 1 side).

In addition, an external connection terminal board 78 is provided on the right side of the ball tank 71, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to a hall computer 87 (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 78.
(2) Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 50 will be described. As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, the pachinko machine 50 is configured with the main control device 80 as the center. Note that this block diagram does not show the so-called relay board that simply relays signals, the power supply board 85, etc. In addition, although detailed illustration is omitted, the main control device 80, the payout control device 81, the performance symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are each equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc. In addition, the launch control device 84 and the power supply board 85 are not provided with a CPU, ROM, or RAM, but this is not limited thereto, and the launch control device 84, etc. may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from a first start port SW 11a which detects a game ball that has entered the first start port 11, a second start port SW 12a which detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 12, a normal pattern operation SW 22a which detects a game ball that has entered the normal pattern operation gate 22, and a general winning port SW 25a which detects a game ball that has entered the general winning ports 25 to 28.
In addition to this, a detection signal is input from a count SW 20a for counting the number of game balls that have entered the big prize opening 20.

The main control unit 80 operates according to a program installed therein, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the above-mentioned detection signals, etc., and outputs them to the payout control unit 81 and the sub-integrated control unit 83.
In addition, the main control unit 80 controls the display of the first special pattern display device 9, the second special pattern display device 10, the first special pattern reservation number display device 23, the second special pattern reservation number display device 24, the normal pattern display device 7, and the normal pattern reservation number display device 8, which are connected via the pattern display device relay terminal board 90.

Furthermore, the main control unit 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 20 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 20b, and also controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal power device solenoid 12b.
The main control device 80 is also provided with a setting display device 80a, a RAM clear SW 80b, and a setting key SW 80c. The setting display device 80a, the RAM clear SW 80b, and the setting key SW 80c are arranged in positions where they cannot be seen or operated by the player, and can be seen and operated by opening the inner frame.

The setting display device 80a has a seven-segment LED display or the like. Although details will be described later, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment has a setting change function for selecting one of a number of setting values (for example, six levels from setting 1 to 6), and the probability of winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery can be changed in stages according to the selected setting value. The setting display device 80a displays the current setting value. Note that a configuration without the setting display device 80a is also possible. In the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, the setting change function is enabled, and one of a number of setting values can be set. However, for example, while the setting change function is provided, it may be disabled, allowing only one setting value to be selected.

The RAM clear SW 80b is a switch for initializing (clearing) the RAM of the main control device 80. The RAM clear SW 80b is also used for changing set values (hereinafter also referred to as setting change).
The setting key SW 80c is a portion into which a setting key can be inserted. The setting key SW 80c has an ON state and an OFF state, and by inserting the setting key into the setting key SW 80c and turning it, it is possible to switch between the ON state and the OFF state. When the setting key SW 80c is in the ON state, it is possible to change the setting of the big win.

Furthermore, the main control device 80 is equipped with a non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) (not shown) for storing the current setting values.
The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, jackpots, etc. are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.

The main control unit 80 and the dispensing control unit 81 are capable of two-way communication.
The payout control device 81 operates the payout motor 30 in response to a command sent from the main control device 80 to pay out prize balls. In this embodiment, a detection signal from a payout SW 31 for counting the game balls paid out as prize balls is input to the payout control device 81, and the payout control device 81 counts the prize balls. Alternatively, a detection signal from the payout SW 31 is input to the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81, and both the main control device 80 and the payout control device 81 may count the prize balls.

The payout control device 81 receives signals from the glass frame closing SW 45, inner frame closing SW 46, ball out SW 33, payout SW 31, and full SW 32, and when the full SW 32 receives a signal indicating that the lower tray 63 is full, or when the ball out SW 33 receives a signal indicating that there are few or no game balls in the ball tank 71, it stops the payout motor 30 and stops the payout operation of the prize balls. The full SW 32 and ball out SW 33 are also configured to continue outputting signals until the condition is resolved, and the payout control device 81 resumes driving the payout motor 30 when the signal is no longer output.

The payout control device 81 also communicates with the CR unit 56 via the CR unit terminal board 34 to operate the payout motor 30 and dispense the loaned balls. The paid-out loaned balls are detected by the payout SW 31, and the detection signal is input to the payout control device 81. The CR unit terminal board 34 is also connected to the settlement display device 59 for two-way communication, and the settlement display device 59 is provided with a ball loan button 57 for requesting the loan of game balls and a settlement button 58 for requesting settlement.

The prepaid card that can be inserted into the CR unit 56 can store amount information indicating the remaining amount of money paid by the player to lend balls. When the ball lending button 57 is operated, the payout control device 81 sends a ball lending command to the CR unit 56 instructing the player to lend a ball. On the other hand, when the CR unit 56 receives the ball lending command, if the remaining amount indicated by the amount information of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it updates the amount information, reduces the remaining amount indicated by the amount information, and sends a response command to the payout control device 81. Then, upon receiving the response command, the payout control device 81 controls the payout device and lends the player a number of balls according to the amount by which the remaining amount was reduced.

The prepaid card may further be capable of storing ball information indicating the number of balls held by the player. In this case, the payout control device 81 transmits a ball command to the CR unit 56 instructing it to grant balls in response to instructions from the player. On the other hand, when the CR unit 56 receives the ball command, if the number of balls indicated by the ball information of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit 56 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, it updates the ball information, reduces the number of balls indicated by the ball information, and transmits a response command to the payout control device 81. Then, upon receiving the response command, the payout control device 81 controls the payout device and grants the player a number of balls equivalent to the reduced number.

Furthermore, when the settlement button 58 is operated, the payout control device 81 sends a settlement command to the CR unit 56. Then, when the CR unit 56 receives the settlement command, it ejects the inserted prepaid card. At this time, if the prepaid card is capable of storing ball holding information, the payout control device 81 may send the number of balls held by the player to the CR unit 56 along with the settlement command. Then, the CR unit 56 may update the ball holding information stored in the prepaid card, add the number of balls held received from the payout control device 81 to the number of balls held indicated by the ball holding information before receiving the settlement command, and then eject the prepaid card.

In addition, the payout control device 81 transmits information regarding winning balls, information indicating the open/closed status of the frames (inner frame 70, front frame 52), etc. to the hall computer 87 via the external connection terminal board 78, and also transmits a launch stop signal to the launch control device 84.
Although the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is configured to pay out game balls, it may be configured as an enclosed type in which prize balls generated in response to winning or the like are stored without being paid out.

The launch control device 84 controls the launch motor 40 to launch the game ball into the game area 3.
In addition to the payout control device 81, the launch control device 84 receives a rotation amount signal from the launch handle 64, a touch signal from the touch SW 38, and a launch stop signal from the launch stop SW 39.
The rotation amount signal is output when the player operates the launch handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the launch handle 64, and the launch stop switch signal is output when the player presses the launch stop SW 39. If the touch signal is not input to the launch control device 84, the game ball cannot be launched, and when the launch stop switch signal is input, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle 64.

The sub-integrated control device 83 receives data and commands sent from the main control device 80. The sub-integrated control device 83 does not send data to the main control device 80. It then divides the data into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, sending commands for performance display control to the performance pattern control device 82, and distributing the commands for sound control and lamp control to each control part contained in itself (functional parts as sound control device and lamp control device).

The functional unit as a voice control device controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by activating the sound LSI based on data for voice control, and the functional unit as a lamp control device controls the horizontal frame lamp and upper frame lamp 65 by activating the lamp driver based on data for lamp control.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to the game button 67, the jog dial 68, and the cross key 69, and when the player operates the game button 67, the jog dial 68, and the cross key 69, the signals are input to the sub-integrated control device 83.

The sub-integrated control device 83 and the performance pattern control device 82 are capable of two-way communication.
The performance pattern control device 82 controls the performance pattern display device 6 based on the data and commands received from the sub-integrated control device 83 (both of which are sent from the main control device 80 and generated by the sub-integrated control device 83) to display a performance screen such as a display of changing performance patterns (pattern performance).

[Operation Description]
(1) Regarding the setting change function As described above, in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, the setting values are stored in non-volatile memory in the main control device 80, and when the power is turned on, the main control device 80 saves the setting values stored in the non-volatile memory in RAM and sets the setting values as the current setting values.

In the pachinko machine 50, the settings are changed by operating the RAM clear SW 80b and the setting key SW 80c when the power is turned on. Specifically, when the RAM clear SW 80b is on and the setting key SW 80c is ON, the main control unit 80 transitions to the setting change mode when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 50. In the setting change mode, the current setting value is first displayed on the setting display device 80a, and the setting value displayed on the setting display device 80a is changed in sequence each time the RAM clear SW 80b is operated. Then, when the setting key SW 80c is operated to the OFF state, the setting value displayed on the setting display device 80a at that time becomes the new current setting value of the pachinko machine 50. At this time, the main control unit 80 saves the new current setting value in a non-volatile memory, and transmits a setting value command indicating the current setting value and a setting change command indicating that the setting has been changed to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

(2) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described. In the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in a jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the jackpot winning hole 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds. After the jackpot game ends, the game moves to a bonus period (in other words, a bonus state) in which a game advantageous to the player is played, and the time-saving function, or the time-saving function and the probability variable function are activated until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. Also, during the bonus state, only the probability variable function may be activated.

The probability of winning the jackpot lottery is a function that increases the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. Hereinafter, the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is activated will be referred to as the probability of winning state or high probability state, and the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is not activated will also be referred to as the low probability state. In addition, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery in the low probability state or high probability state is determined according to the current setting value, as shown in Figure 5 (a).

On the other hand, the time-saving function is a function that increases the frequency of the second special symbol jackpot lottery. Specifically, when the time-saving function is activated, the variable display time of the special symbol on the special symbol display device is shortened. In this embodiment, when the time-saving function is activated, the electric support function is also activated, making it easier to enter the second starting hole 12. In other words, when the electric support function is activated, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery increases, the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when the normal symbol lottery is won becomes longer, and the variable display time on the normal symbol display device 7 when the normal symbol lottery is performed becomes shorter. Of course, the electric support function may not be activated when the time-saving function is activated. Also, during the time-saving state, the electric support function may be activated without shortening the variable display time of the special symbol. Hereinafter, the game state in which the time-saving function is activated will be referred to as the time-saving state. Also, the game state in which the probability change function and the time-saving function are not activated will be referred to as the normal state.

During the bonus period, the time-saving state is activated, making it easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, and the frequency of the second special chart jackpot lottery increases. For this reason, during the bonus period, players hit to the right and aim to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, when the time-saving state is not activated, it is difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, when the time-saving state is not activated, players hit to the left and aim to land the ball in the first starting hole 11.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, multiple types of special symbols (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot symbols) are provided to be displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 when a jackpot occurs. In other words, multiple types of jackpots are provided, and the type of jackpot is determined by the jackpot symbol. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(b) and (c), the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game state during the bonus period after the jackpot game are determined according to the jackpot symbol. Specifically, the jackpot symbols on the special symbol 1 are divided into special 1 jackpot symbols 1 to 3, and the jackpot symbols on the special symbol 2 are divided into special 2 jackpot symbols 1 to 3. Each of these divisions includes one or multiple types of jackpot symbols.

The jackpot with the jackpot pattern of special 1 jackpot pattern 1 is configured as a sudden jackpot. The jackpot game caused by a certain jackpot has a small total number of rounds (2R, for example), the duration of each round is short, and the number of prize balls that can be acquired in the jackpot game is small, but after the jackpot game, the game transitions to a special state, and the special state function and the time-saving function are activated. For this reason, the occurrence of a sudden jackpot makes it appear as if the game has transitioned to a special state without the jackpot game being played. It is also possible to provide a sudden jackpot with a small number of prize balls that can be acquired in the jackpot game, similar to a sudden jackpot, and with a time-saving function that is activated after the jackpot game. In addition, a sudden jackpot or a sudden jackpot may be provided as a jackpot in the jackpot lottery of the second special pattern.

A jackpot with a jackpot pattern of special 1 jackpot pattern 3 or special 2 jackpot pattern 2, 3 is configured as a special jackpot, and during the bonus period after the jackpot game caused by the special jackpot, the special jackpot function and the time-saving function are activated. On the other hand, a jackpot with a jackpot pattern of special 1 jackpot pattern 2 or special 2 jackpot pattern 1 is configured as a normal jackpot, and during the bonus period after the jackpot game caused by the normal jackpot, the special jackpot function is not activated but the time-saving function is activated. Note that if a jackpot is achieved with a specific jackpot pattern, the bonus period does not begin after the jackpot game ends, and the game state after the jackpot game may be the normal state.

The bonus state ends when a jackpot occurs in a jackpot drawing held during the bonus state and a jackpot game is played. In addition, the end condition for the bonus state (in other words, the guaranteed bonus state and the time-saving state) to which the player transitions due to a jackpot pattern belonging to the special 1 jackpot pattern 1, 3 and the special 2 jackpot pattern 2, 3 is that the number of jackpot drawings held during the bonus state reaches a predetermined number of continuations (100 times, for example). On the other hand, the end condition for the bonus state (in other words, the time-saving state) to which the player transitions due to a jackpot pattern belonging to the special 1 jackpot pattern 2 and the special 2 jackpot pattern 1 is one or more other conditions in addition to the condition that a jackpot game is played. The multiple end conditions for the time-saving state will be described later.

In addition, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment also wins a small win in the big win lottery. The probability of a small win occurring is, for example, 1/25 (see FIG. 5(a)). When a small win occurs, a small win game is played, and in the small win game, for example, the big win opening 20 is opened twice. In this case, multiple types of small win symbols may be provided as small win symbols that are definitively displayed on the first and second special chart display devices 9 and 10 when a small win is won. And, although details will be described later, some of the small win symbols are configured as specific small win symbols, and the probability of a specific small win symbol being displayed when a small win occurs is, for example, 1/2. Of course, the pachinko machine 50 may be configured not to win a small win in the big win lottery, or may be configured to win a small win only in the big win lottery of the second special chart.

(3) Time-saving function When the time-saving start condition set for the jackpot lottery is satisfied, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment transitions to a time-saving state without playing a jackpot game. The time-saving state also corresponds to the above-mentioned bonus state. It should be noted that the probability-changing function does not operate during the time-saving state. Specifically, when a time-saving win occurs or the continuous time-saving function is activated, the time-saving start condition is satisfied.

In other words, in this embodiment, a time-saving pattern is provided as the first special pattern, and when the time-saving pattern is displayed as a fixed pattern in the variable display of the first special pattern during normal mode, a time-saving win occurs and the game moves to the time-saving mode without playing a jackpot. As an example, the probability of winning the time-saving win is 1/150 (see FIG. 5(a)). However, this probability can be set appropriately. The conditions for ending the time-saving mode will be described later.

In addition, the time-saving pattern may be provided not only for the first special chart but also for the second special chart, so that the time-saving winning may occur in the jackpot lottery for the second special chart. As a result, when the jackpot lottery is held based on the remaining reserves of the second special chart after the time-saving state ends, there is a chance to obtain the time-saving state in addition to the jackpot. Therefore, even if the time-saving state ends without a jackpot, there is still hope that the time-saving state will be restored. In addition, the remaining reserves refer to the reserved memories that exist after the time-saving state ends and that were generated during the time-saving state. Furthermore, the number of times that the time-saving winning of the second special chart continues may be greater than the number of times that the time-saving winning of the first special chart continues. Furthermore, the probability of the time-saving winning of the second special chart may be higher than the probability of the time-saving winning of the first special chart. As a result, the expectation of obtaining the time-saving state by consuming the remaining reserves can be increased.

In addition, when the pachinko machine 50 continues in the low probability state, and the number of consecutive jackpot draws that have produced a draw result other than a jackpot (in other words, jackpot draws that do not result in a jackpot game) reaches a predetermined upper limit, the continuous time-saving function is activated and the time-saving function is activated without playing a jackpot game. The upper limit may be 800 times, for example. The upper limit may be appropriately set, for example, in the range of 750 times to 900 times. The conditions for terminating the time-saving state entered by the continuous time-saving function will be described later.

In this embodiment, even if the number of consecutive times reaches the upper limit during the time-saving state, the current time-saving state continues as is, and the remaining number of times in the time-saving state is maintained. However, this is not limited to the above, and when the number of consecutive times reaches the upper limit during the time-saving state, for example, the remaining number of times in the current time-saving state may be set as the number of times the time-saving state is continued that is granted by the operation of the consecutive time-saving function, and the time-saving state may be newly granted. In addition, in this case, for example, the remaining number of times in the current time-saving state may be added to the number of times the time-saving state is continued that is granted by the operation of the consecutive time-saving function, and the remaining number of times in the current time-saving state may be added.

(4) Ending Conditions of the Time-saving State In this embodiment, three types of time-saving states are provided as the time-saving state in which the probability-changing function is not activated: a first time-saving state to which the state transitions due to a jackpot in the jackpot lottery, a second time-saving state to which the state transitions due to the activation of the continuous time-saving function, and a third time-saving state to which the state transitions due to a time-saving winning win. As described above, the first to third time-saving states end due to the start of a jackpot game, but in addition to this, a number of ending conditions are provided for the first and third time-saving states, and when any of these ending conditions is satisfied, the game state becomes the normal state. Note that all of these ending conditions can be satisfied by a game that aims at the second starting hole 12 during the time-saving state. In addition, it should be noted that in the normal state to which the state transitions after the end of the first or third time-saving state, the average value of the fluctuation time of the special chart and the probability of winning in the jackpot lottery are the same regardless of the ending condition that caused the end.

Specifically, as the termination condition for the first and third time-saving states, a first termination condition is provided that the number of jackpot draws performed during the first or third time-saving state reaches a predetermined number of continuations. In this embodiment, the number of jackpot draws means, as an example, the sum of the number of jackpot draws for the first special chart and the number of jackpot draws for the second special chart. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the number of continuations may be determined corresponding to each of the jackpot draws for the first and second special charts. In other words, the first and third time-saving conditions may end when "(A) the number of jackpot draws for the first special chart reaches the first continuation number" or "(B) the number of jackpot draws for the second special chart reaches the second continuation number." In this case, the satisfaction of (A) or (B) may be regarded as one condition, and the condition may be regarded as the first termination condition, or (A) and (B) may be regarded as separate termination conditions.

In this embodiment, the number of times the first end condition in the first time-saving state continues is, for example, 100 times (see Figures 5(b) and (c)). Note that multiple such numbers of times may be set, and the number of times may be determined according to the jackpot pattern that is confirmed and displayed at the time of the jackpot lottery. On the other hand, during the third time-saving state, the number of times the first end condition continues is, for example, 20 times. Note that multiple types of time-saving patterns that are confirmed and displayed at the time of the time-saving win may be set, and in such a case, the number of times may be determined according to the type of time-saving pattern that is confirmed and displayed.

In addition to the first end condition, for example, an end condition is provided in which the number of times that small wins have occurred during the first or third time-saving state reaches four (hereinafter, the second end condition), an end condition is provided in which the number of times that the specific small win pattern has been confirmed and displayed during the first or third time-saving state reaches two (hereinafter, the third end condition), and an end condition is provided in which the number of times that the normal pattern lottery has been won during the first or third time-saving state reaches 50 (hereinafter, the fourth end condition). Note that it is also possible to configure the game so that some of the second to fourth end conditions are not provided, or other end conditions may be provided instead of or in addition to the second to fourth end conditions.

The number of small wins in the second to fourth ending conditions described above, the number of times that a specific small win pattern is displayed as a confirmed win, and the number of wins in the normal pattern lottery are merely examples, and these numbers can be set as appropriate. However, it is preferable that these numbers are set so that there is no excessive gap between the time when the first ending condition is satisfied and the time when the second to fourth ending conditions are predicted to be satisfied during the first or third time-saving state.

It is also possible to set multiple end conditions for some of the first time-saving states, and set only the first end condition for other first time-saving states. In this case, for example, when a specific jackpot pattern is definitely displayed in the jackpot that caused the transition to the first time-saving state, multiple end conditions may be set, or whether or not to set multiple end conditions may be determined by lottery. Also, for example, it may be determined whether or not to set multiple end conditions depending on the number of times the first time-saving state continues.

In the same manner, multiple end conditions may be set for some of the third time-saving states, and only the first end condition may be set for the other third time-saving states. In this case, for example, if multiple time-saving patterns are set, when a specific time-saving pattern is confirmed and displayed in the time-saving winning event that caused the transition to the third time-saving state, multiple end conditions may be set, or whether or not multiple end conditions are set may be determined by lottery.

On the other hand, there is only one termination condition for the second time-saving state, and when the termination condition is satisfied, the game state becomes the normal state. The termination condition is that the number of jackpot lotteries performed during the second time-saving state reaches a predetermined number of continuations (for example, 1140 times). The number of continuations can be appropriately set within a range of 1140 times or less.
In addition, the end condition for both or one of the first and third time-saving states may be the first end condition only. In addition, a plurality of end conditions may be set for the second time-saving state in the same manner as the end conditions for the first and third time-saving states.

(5) Main Routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.
In S10, the main control unit 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: no), the process proceeds to S15.

In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I/O, etc., and then proceeds to S70.
On the other hand, if a positive judgment is obtained in S10, the main control unit 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), updates the random number for determining a win (S35), updates the random number for reach judgment (S40), and updates the random number for determining a variation pattern (S45).

The main control device 80 then performs a winning confirmation process to detect the entry of a game ball into a winning hole such as the starting hole (S50), a winning/losing determination process to draw a jackpot lottery based on the winning ball entering the starting hole (S55), various output processes to send data and commands to the sub integrated control device 83 etc. and to send various information to the hall computer 87 etc. (S60), and a fraud monitoring process to detect fraudulent activity by players (S65).

In addition to this, a normal symbol win/loss determination process is performed in which a normal symbol lottery is held when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, and a normal symbol game process is performed in which a normal symbol game is played by opening a normal electric device (second starting hole 12).
In addition, following the win/lose determination process, a jackpot game process is performed to play a jackpot game.
Also, in S70, the main control unit 80 repeatedly updates the initial random number value until the next timer interrupt occurs and the main routine is started.

(6) Start Port Winning Confirmation Processing Next, the start port winning confirmation processing, which detects winnings at the first and second start ports 11 and 12 and performs reserved storage in response to the winnings, will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. This processing is configured as a subroutine called from the winning confirmation processing executed from the main routine.

In S100, the main control device 80 judges, based on the detection signal of the first start hole SW11a, whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 11. If the judgment is affirmative (S100: yes), the process proceeds to S105, and if the judgment is negative (S100: no), the process proceeds to S115.
In S105, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (first reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the first starting port 11 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S105: yes), the process proceeds to S115, and if the judgment is negative (S105: no), the process proceeds to S110.

In S110, the main control unit 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot used in the jackpot lottery, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern to determine a jackpot pattern, random numbers for reaching a target to determine whether a target pattern will be reached in the pattern presentation, and random numbers for determining a change pattern to determine the change time of a special pattern.Then, the main control unit 80 stores the extracted random numbers as a first reserved memory, and generates a first reserved number command indicating how many first reserved memories have been generated and sends it to the sub-integrated control unit 83, and the process proceeds to S115.

In S110, the main control unit 80 determines whether the random number for determining a jackpot related to the first reserved memory (in other words, the first numerical data) is a specific value, and performs a look-ahead to determine whether a jackpot will occur in the jackpot lottery based on the first reserved memory, whether a specific reach will occur in the pattern presentation that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, and whether a time-saving win will occur, for each of the high probability state and low probability state. Then, a look-ahead command indicating the look-ahead result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

In addition to this, for example, a read-ahead may be performed based on the extracted random number before storing the random number as the first reserved memory, or the extracted random number may be stored in a memory area separate from the memory area provided for the first reserved memory, and a read-ahead may be performed based on the random number stored in the separate memory area.
In S115, the main control device 80 judges, based on the detection signal of the second start hole SW 12a, whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12. If the judgment is affirmative (S115: yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the judgment is negative (S115: no), the process ends.

In S120, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (second reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the second starting port 12 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S120: yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S120: no), the process proceeds to S125.
In S125, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for judging a reach, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, etc. Then, the main control device 80 stores the extracted random numbers as second reserved memories, generates a second reserved number command indicating how many second reserved memories have been generated, and transmits it to the sub integrated control device 83, and ends this process.

In addition, the main control unit 80 may perform the above-mentioned look-ahead on the random numbers for determining a jackpot related to the second reserved memory (in other words, the second numerical data) and send a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control unit 83.
(7) Win/lose Judgment Process Next, the win/lose judgment process for performing a jackpot lottery using the jackpot determination random numbers related to the reserved memory will be explained using the flowcharts of Figures 8 to 12. This process is executed from the main routine. After the end of this process, the jackpot game process for playing the jackpot game is executed.

First, in Fig. 8, in S200, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S200: yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S200: no), the process proceeds to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S205: yes), the process proceeds to S320 in FIG. 11, and if the judgment is negative (S205: no), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S210: yes), the process proceeds to S330 in Fig. 12, and if the judgment is negative (S210: no), the process proceeds to S215 in Fig. 9.
Next, with regard to FIG. 9, in S215, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a first pending memory and a second pending memory exist, and if either pending memory exists (S215: yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if not (S215: no), the process terminates.

In S220, if the second reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if the second reserved memory does not exist and only the first reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. In other words, in this embodiment, the second reserved memory is consumed preferentially.
In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: no), the process proceeds to S235.

In S230, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the jackpot lottery will result in a jackpot or a small jackpot based on the jackpot determination random number related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing determination table (probability variable table) corresponding to the probability variable state, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.
On the other hand, in S235, the main control device 80 judges whether or not the jackpot lottery will result in a jackpot or a small jackpot based on the random number for jackpot judgment related to the selected reserved memory and the winning/losing judgment table (normal table) corresponding to the case where the probability of winning is not increased, and consumes the reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S240.

In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: yes), the processing proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: no), the processing proceeds to S265 in FIG. 10.
In S245, the main control device 80 determines the jackpot symbol based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the jackpot symbol, each jackpot symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250, the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol, etc., based on the variation pattern determination random number related to the consumed reserved memory and the variation pattern table. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol is registered in the variation pattern table, and the variation time of the special symbol is determined by selecting one of the variation times registered in the variation pattern table based on the variation pattern determination random number. In this embodiment, there is provided a time-saving variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is activated, and a normal variation pattern table used when the time-saving function is not activated. The average value of the variation time registered in the time-saving variation pattern table is smaller than the average value of the variation time registered in the normal variation pattern table.

In this embodiment, the time-saving state is entered due to three factors: a jackpot, the activation of the continuous time-saving function, and winning the time-saving prize. A different time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to each factor may be provided. Furthermore, as time-saving fluctuation pattern tables corresponding to each factor, a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a high probability state and a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to a low probability state may be provided. The average value of the fluctuation time registered in each time-saving fluctuation pattern table may be different. During the time-saving state, the fluctuation time of the special chart may be determined using a time-saving fluctuation pattern table corresponding to the factor for entering the time-saving state and the presence or absence of the activation of the special fluctuation function. Of course, during the time-saving state, the same time-saving fluctuation pattern table may be used regardless of the factor for entering the time-saving state.

In the next step S255, the main control device 80 determines the type of jackpot, the jackpot game content, the game state after the jackpot game, the number of times the special bonus state or the time-saving state will continue during the bonus period, and the like, based on the jackpot pattern, and then proceeds to S260. The jackpot game content may be, for example, the total number of rounds of the jackpot game, the interval time between each round in the jackpot game, or the ending time, which is the time from the end of the last round of the jackpot game until the continuous operation device of the role and the condition device are stopped. The ROM of the main control device 80 may also store a table in which the various types of jackpot game content provided by the pachinko machine 50 are registered. The main control device 80 may then access the table and determine the content of the jackpot game corresponding to the jackpot pattern.

On the other hand, in S265 in FIG. 10, which is entered when it is determined in S240 that the jackpot lottery has not been won, the main control unit 80 determines whether the high probability flag has been cleared, and in the following S270, it determines whether the consecutive counter is greater than 0. If a positive determination is obtained in S265 and S270, the main control unit 80 proceeds to S275 to decrement the consecutive counter, and in the following S280, it determines whether the consecutive counter is 0, and if a positive determination is obtained (S280: yes), it proceeds to S285 to activate the consecutive time-shortening function. Also, if a negative determination is obtained in S265 or S270, or if a negative determination is obtained in S280, the main control unit 80 proceeds to S295.

The consecutive counter counts the number of consecutive times while the low probability state continues, and is used to determine whether the number of consecutive times has reached the upper limit. An upper limit is set in the consecutive counter when the pachinko machine 50 is initialized by turning on the power or when a jackpot occurs. When the number of consecutive times reaches the upper limit, the consecutive counter becomes 0, the consecutive time-saving function is activated to transition to the time-saving state, and after the consecutive time-saving function is activated, the upper limit is not set in the consecutive counter until a new jackpot occurs. Therefore, once the consecutive time-saving function is activated, even if the time-saving state to which the function was activated ends, the consecutive counter remains at 0 until a new jackpot occurs. Therefore, in S270, it is determined whether the time-saving state has been transitioned to by the activation of the consecutive time-saving function.

In S285, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special symbol to change based on the random numbers for reaching the target and for determining the change pattern, the change pattern table, and the like, related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. In the following S290, the main control unit 80 sets the number of times the time-saving state will continue to be entered in order to activate the continuous time-saving function or the time-saving function due to a time-saving win, and then proceeds to S260 in FIG. 9.

On the other hand, in S295, the main control unit 80 judges whether or not a time-saving winning has occurred based on the random number for determining a jackpot related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. If the judgment is affirmative (S295: yes), the main control unit 80 decides to confirm and display the time-saving pattern (S300) and proceeds to S305. Note that if multiple types of time-saving patterns are provided, the type of time-saving pattern to be confirmed and displayed may be determined based on the random number for determining a jackpot, or the random number for determining a jackpot and the random number for determining a jackpot pattern. On the other hand, if the judgment is negative (S295: no), proceeds to S310.

In S305, the main control device 80 determines whether the game state is normal or not, and if a positive determination is obtained (S305: yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if a negative determination is obtained (S305: no), the process proceeds to S310.
In S310, the main control device 80 determines the variation time of the special symbol based on the reach judgment random number, the variation pattern determination random number, the variation pattern table, etc., related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. Then, in the following S315, the main control device 80 updates a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the probability variation state (hereinafter, the probability variation remaining number), and a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the time-saving state (hereinafter, the time-saving remaining number). The time-saving remaining number is used to determine whether the first end condition in the first or third time-saving state described above is satisfied. In addition, when a small jackpot occurs in the jackpot lottery, the main control device 80 determines the type of small jackpot symbol to be displayed based on the small jackpot symbol determination random number, etc., and updates a small jackpot counter indicating the number of times a small jackpot has occurred and a small jackpot symbol counter indicating the number of times a specific type of small jackpot symbol is displayed. These counters are used to determine whether the first and second end conditions in the first and third time-saving states described above are satisfied. Then, the main control device 80 shifts the process to S260 in FIG.

In S260, the main control device 80 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 a first reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after the big win drawing, and a second reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after the big win drawing. It also starts the display of the special pattern corresponding to the consumed reserved memory, and starts the pattern display by transmitting a change start command to the sub-integrated control device 83 indicating the change time of the special pattern, etc. Furthermore, it transmits a pattern designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to specify the display pattern to be stopped, and ends this process.

Next, with regard to FIG. 11, in S320, which is entered during the varying display of the first or second special chart, the main control unit 80 determines whether the variation time of the special chart has elapsed or not, and if the determination is positive (S320: yes), the process proceeds to S325, and if the determination is negative (S320: no), the process is terminated.
In S325, the main control unit 80 ends the varying display of the special chart, displays the confirmed pattern of the special chart, and sends a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to cause the confirmed display of the performance pattern, and ends this processing.

12, in S330, which is performed during the confirmation display of the special image, the main control device 80 judges whether the duration of the confirmation display of the special image has ended. If the result is positive (S330: yes), the process proceeds to S335, and if the result is negative (S330: no), the process ends.
In S335, the main control unit 80 ends the confirmation display of the special drawing and transitions to S340.

In S340, the main control unit 80 determines whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is the one that will be displayed at the time of a jackpot, and if the determination is positive (S340: yes), the process proceeds to S345, and if the determination is negative (S340: no), the process proceeds to S380.
In S345, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag which indicates that the game is in a high probability state, and if the high probability flag is set, clears the high probability flag (S350), and then proceeds to S355.

In S355, the main control device 80 refers to a time-shortening flag indicating that the time-shortening state is in effect, and if the time-shortening flag is set, clears the time-shortening flag (S360), and then transitions to processing at S365.
Then, the main control unit 80 executes a condition device operation start process (S365) and a role continuous operation device operation start process (S370), and sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 notifying the player of the win in the jackpot lottery, as well as a command to notify the player of the type of jackpot game and the contents of the bonus, etc. (S375), and then ends this process.

On the other hand, in S380, which is performed when a negative judgment is obtained in S340, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag, and if the flag is set (S380: yes), refers to the remaining number of high probability flags (S385). Then, if the remaining number of high probability flags is 0 (S385: yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S390) and the process proceeds to S395.
In S395, the main control device 80 refers to the time-saving flag, and if the time-saving flag is set (S395: yes), refers to the remaining number of time-saving times (S400). If the remaining number of time-saving times is 0 (S400: yes), the time-saving flag is cleared (S405) and the process proceeds to S410. Note that in the first or third time-saving state, the determination of whether the first end condition is satisfied is performed in S400.

If the remaining number of time-saving times is not 0 (S400: no), the process proceeds to S403. If the first or third time-saving state is in effect, the process determines whether the second or third end condition is satisfied based on the small win counter and small win pattern counter described above. If a positive determination is obtained (S403: yes), the process proceeds to S405. If a negative determination is obtained (S403: no), the process proceeds to S410.

In S410, the main control device 80 judges whether or not the continuous time-saving function or the time-saving function due to the time-saving winning is to be activated. If a positive judgment is obtained (S410: yes), the process proceeds to S412, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S410: no), the process proceeds to S430.
In S412, the main control device 80 judges whether or not the time-saving flag is 0. If a positive judgment is obtained (in other words, if the time-saving state is not in effect), the process proceeds to S415, and if a negative judgment is obtained, the process proceeds to S430.

In S415, the main control unit 80 sets a time-saving flag, and in the following S420, it sets the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the time-saving state entered by the activation of the continuous time-saving function or winning the time-saving function, and then proceeds to S430.
In S430, the main control device 80 executes a state designation command transmission process to transmit a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control device 83 of the current game state, the number of times of the special probability mode remaining, and the number of times of the time-saving mode remaining, and ends this process. Note that when the first or third time-saving mode ends due to the satisfaction of the first ending condition, the state designation command transmitted in S430 notifies the user of the transition from the first or third time-saving mode to the normal mode.

In addition, the state designation command transmitted when the first or third time-saving state is transitioned to the normal state indicates the termination condition that caused the time-saving state to end. Therefore, the state designation command transmitted in S430 indicating the end of the first or third time-saving state indicates that the time-saving state has ended due to the first time-saving condition. Of course, even if the second or third termination condition is satisfied during the first or third time-saving state, the state designation command similarly notifies the sub-integrated control device 83 that the time-saving state is ending. Even in this case, the termination condition that ended the time-saving state is supported by the state designation command.

(8) Big Win Game Processing Next, the big win game processing for performing the big win game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 13 to 16. This processing is executed following the win/loss determination processing.
In S500, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S500: yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S500: no), the process ends.

In S510, the main control device 80 determines whether the large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S510: yes), the process proceeds to S550 in FIG. 14, and if the determination is negative (S510: no), the process proceeds to S515.
In S515, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not it is during the interval between each round in the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S515: yes), the processing proceeds to S600 in FIG. 15, and if the determination is negative (S515: no), the processing proceeds to S520.

In S520, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress, and if the determination is positive (S520: yes), the processing proceeds to S645 in FIG. 16, and if the determination is negative (S520: no), the processing proceeds to S525.
In S525, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation, which is performed after a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery and before the jackpot game starts, has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S525: yes), the process proceeds to S530, and if the determination is negative (S525: no), the process ends.

In S530, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the large prize symbol (executes the first round of large prize play), sets the opening counter indicating the number of rounds to 1 (S535), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may also send a command indicating that the first round is about to start to the sub-integrated control device 83.

14, in S550, which is performed while the large prize opening 20 is open, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 20 has reached 10. If the judgment is affirmative (S550: yes), the process proceeds to S560, and if the judgment is negative (S550: no), the process proceeds to S555.
In S555, the main control unit 80 determines whether the opening time of the large prize opening 20, which is determined according to the opening pattern, has ended, and if the determination is positive (S555: yes), the processing proceeds to S560, and if the determination is negative (S555: no), the processing ends.

In S560, the main control unit 80 executes a large prize opening closing process to close the large prize opening 20, and then transitions to S565.
In S565, the main control unit 80 executes a jackpot interval process to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and then ends this process.
Next, with regard to FIG. 15, in S600, which is entered during the interval between each round, the main control unit 80 judges whether or not the final round has been reached based on the opening counter and the opening pattern of the jackpot game, and if the judgment is positive (S600: yes), the processing proceeds to S605, and if the judgment is negative (S600: no), the processing proceeds to S615.

In S605, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot end effect process for effecting the end of the jackpot game, transmits a command to the sub integrated control device 83 to start the jackpot end effect, clears the opening counter (S610), and ends this process. At this time, the ending time of the jackpot game starts.
On the other hand, in S615, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the interval time for the jackpot game has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S615: yes), the process proceeds to S620, and if the determination is negative (S615: no), the process ends.

In S620, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20, and increments the opening counter indicating the number of rounds (S625), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may transmit a command indicating a new round to the sub integrated control device 83.
Next, with regard to Figure 16, in S645, which is entered during the end presentation of the jackpot game, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the ending time (in other words, the jackpot end presentation time) has elapsed after the final round is completed, and if the determination is positive (S645: yes), the processing transitions to S650, and if the determination is negative (S645: no), the processing terminates.

In the following steps S650 and S655, the main control device 80 stops the reel continuous operation device and the condition device, and transfers processing to S660.
In S660, the main control device 80 judges whether the game state after the big win game is the high probability state and the time-saving state. If the judgment is affirmative (S660: yes), the process proceeds to S665, and if the judgment is negative (S660: no), the process proceeds to S680.

In S665, the main control device 80 sets the number of times the high probability state or the time-saving state will continue, which has been determined in advance according to the winning symbol, etc. Also, the high probability state flag and the time-saving state flag are set (S670), and the process proceeds to S695.
On the other hand, in S680, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time-saving state will be entered after the end of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S680: yes), the processing proceeds to S685, and if the determination is negative (S680: no), the processing proceeds to S695.

In S685, the main control device 80 sets the number of times the time-saving state will continue, which has been determined in advance according to the big win symbol, etc. Also, the main control device 80 sets a time-saving flag (S690), and the process proceeds to S695.
In S695 and S700, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the number of times the special state or time-saving state will continue, and then ends this processing.

(9) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance symbol control device 82 and the like based on a command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen 800 of the performance symbol display device 6 and the speaker 66, etc. (see FIG. 17(a)). Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a pattern performance 801 that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery on the performance screen 800 based on a variation start command from the main control device 80. In the pattern performance 801, as an example, a variation display of three performance symbols is performed, and after all of these performance symbols are displayed as stopped, the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by displaying them as fixed. In addition, as a mode of the pattern performance 801, a reach that suggests or notifies the winning of the jackpot lottery is provided. In addition, the reach is provided with a normal reach that has a low expectation (in other words, probability) of winning the jackpot lottery, and a SP reach that has a high expectation.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a reserved performance 810 in which reserved symbols corresponding to the first and second reserved memories are displayed on the performance screen 800 based on a reserved number command or the like from the main control device 80. In addition, when the reserved memory is consumed, a changing performance 805 is performed in which a changing symbol is displayed in place of the reserved symbol corresponding to the reserved memory.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may, for example, display on the display screen 800, together with a pattern display 801, a preview display that suggests or notifies the player that a jackpot will occur in a jackpot lottery whose result is announced by the pattern display 801.

The sub-integrated control device 83 also performs a look-ahead performance that suggests or notifies the result of the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory, for example, based on a look-ahead command corresponding to the first or second reserved memory received from the main control device 80. Note that the look-ahead performance may be performed, for example, by displaying a look-ahead reserved pattern as a reserved pattern that indicates the expected probability of winning the jackpot lottery based on the target reserved memory.

As one of the above-mentioned effects, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a jackpot effect that notifies the progress of the jackpot game via the effect screen 800 based on a command from the main control device 80. The jackpot effect is performed in a manner that corresponds to, for example, the total number of rounds of the jackpot game and the game status after the jackpot game, and displays, for example, the current round, the total number of winning balls acquired by the player in the jackpot game, the difference in number of balls in the jackpot game, and the total number of winning balls and the difference in number of balls in the jackpot game played during the winning streak. The difference in number of balls means the total number of winning balls minus the number of game balls shot.

The pachinko machine 50 also has multiple types of presentation modes, and various presentations such as the above-mentioned pattern presentations are performed in a presentation style that corresponds to the current presentation mode. Each presentation mode is, for example, assigned a unique motif or concept (e.g., mountains, ocean, etc.), and the background image on the presentation screen 800, the characters that appear, the reach presentation, and other aspects are also determined according to the motif of the current presentation mode. The presentation mode may be determined, for example, according to instructions from the player (details will be described later), or may be switched spontaneously, not limited to instructions from the player, for example, according to changes in the game state, etc.

(10) Regarding the specific period As described above, in the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment, a plurality of end conditions are provided for the first time-saving state to which a transition occurs due to a jackpot and the third time-saving state to which a transition occurs due to a time-saving winning. Then, when any of these end conditions is satisfied, the third time-saving state ends and the game state becomes a normal state, a transition occurs to the specific period. The specific period ends, for example, when a jackpot or time-saving winning occurs in a jackpot lottery. Also, the specific period may continue, for example, until a jackpot lottery is held a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, 20 times) during the specific period, or may continue until a jackpot or time-saving winning occurs without setting a maximum number of times. The content of the performance performed due to a game played during the specific period is determined according to the end condition that ended the third time-saving state immediately before the transition to the specific period.

That is, for example, depending on the termination condition that terminated the third time-saving state, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined specific effect will be performed during the specific period. Specifically, the specific effect may be, for example, an effect that suggests the current setting value of the pachinko machine 50. In addition, the specific effect may accurately show the current setting value with 100% reliability, or may show the current setting value with a certain reliability of less than 100%. Specifically, one of multiple characters may be displayed in the specific effect 820, and the current setting value may be suggested depending on the type of the displayed character (see FIG. 17(b)). Of course, in addition to this, the specific effect may be configured as, for example, a preview effect, a hold effect, a changing effect, a look-ahead effect, etc.

In addition, for example, the content of the specific effect performed during the specific period may be determined according to the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state. Specifically, if an effect that suggests the current setting value is performed as the specific effect, for example, the reliability of the specific effect may be determined according to the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state. More specifically, for example, if the third time-saving state ends under the first termination condition, the reliability of the specific effect may be 100%, and if the third time-saving state ends under another termination condition, the reliability may be 50%. In addition, if a preview effect, a hold effect, a changing effect, a look-ahead effect, or the like is performed as the specific effect, for example, the characters that appear in these effects may be determined according to the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state.

In addition, when the current setting value is indicated in a specific effect, the specific effect may be performed when a predetermined start condition is satisfied during a specific period. The start condition may be, for example, a condition in which a reach is reached in a pattern effect, and then the pattern effect indicates that the jackpot lottery will not result in a jackpot (hereinafter, referred to as a reach miss) (see FIG. 17(b)). Of course, the start condition is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a condition in which a specific type of advance notice effect, reserved effect, variable effect, or pre-reading effect is performed, or, for example, a condition in which a lottery held due to a jackpot lottery during a specific period, the occurrence of reserved memory, or a normal lottery is won.

In addition, for example, during a specific period, a transition to a different presentation mode may be made depending on the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state, and various presentations such as the above-mentioned pattern presentations may be performed in a manner depending on the presentation mode.
In addition, at the end of the third time-saving state, an ending effect indicating a transition to the normal state may be displayed on the display screen 800. However, it should be noted that such an effect does not result from play during a specific period and therefore does not constitute a specific effect.

Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the third time-saving state, a transition to the specific period may occur when the gaming state transitions from the first time-saving state to the normal state. Also, when a plurality of termination conditions are provided for the second time-saving state, a transition to the specific period may occur when the gaming state transitions from the first time-saving state to the normal state.
In other words, the pachinko machine 50 of this embodiment is provided with three types of time-saving states in which the special probability function is not activated: one with one end condition, one with multiple end conditions in which the presentation after the time-saving state ends differs depending on which end condition is satisfied, and one with multiple end conditions in which the presentation after the time-saving state ends is the same regardless of which end condition is satisfied.

(11) Specific Period Processing Next, the specific period processing for starting and ending the specific period and performing the specific performance will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 18. This processing is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.
In S900, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it is a specific period. If a positive judgment is obtained (S900: Yes), the process proceeds to S905, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S900: No), the process proceeds to S930.

In S905, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether the start condition for the specific effect has been met based on the command received from the main control device 80. Specifically, for example, if the start condition is that the pattern effect is a reach miss, the start condition may be deemed to be met when a pattern determination command is received during the execution of a pattern effect by a variation start command that results in a reach miss. Then, if a positive determination is obtained (S905: Yes), the process proceeds to S910, and if a negative determination is obtained (S905: No), the process proceeds to S920.

In S910, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines whether the end condition that was satisfied at the end of the third time-saving state immediately before the current specific period, as determined in S935 described below, is, for example, the first end condition. If a positive determination is obtained (S910: Yes), the specific performance starts (S915) and the process moves to S920. On the other hand, if a negative determination is obtained (S910: No), the process moves to S920. Therefore, if the third time-saving state ends due to the satisfaction of the second to fourth end conditions, the specific performance does not start.

In addition, in the case of a configuration in which a transition to a different presentation mode occurs during the specific period depending on the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state, the processing of S905 to S915 is omitted, and upon the start of the specific period, a transition to a presentation mode corresponding to the termination condition that ended the third time-saving state occurs.
In S920, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the number of big win lotteries held during the specific period has reached the upper limit. If a positive judgment is obtained (S920: Yes), the specific period ends (S925) and the process ends. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is obtained (S920: No), the process ends.

On the other hand, in S930, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not the third time-saving state has ended based on the state designation command received from the main control device 80. Then, if a positive judgment is obtained (S930: Yes), the process proceeds to S935, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S930: No), the process ends.
In S935, the sub-integrated control device 83 determines the end condition that was satisfied when the third time-saving state ended based on the state designation command received when the third time-saving state ended. Then, the process moves to a specific period (S940) and ends this process.

[Other embodiments]
(1) The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment may be configured as various types of pachinko machines equipped with a time-saving function, such as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine, a pachinko machine provided with a limiter function, a pachinko machine configured as a V-winning type, etc. Even in such cases, the same effect can be obtained.

(2) In the pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment, multiple termination conditions may be set for the special probability state in the same way as for the time-saving state, and when the special probability state ends due to the satisfaction of these termination conditions, the machine may transition to the same game state (for example, the normal state or the time-saving state). Then, as in the above embodiment, a specific period may be entered after the special probability state ends, and a specific presentation may be performed depending on the termination condition that ended the special probability state. Even with such a configuration, the same effect can be obtained.

[Correspondence to claims]
The following shows correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the claims.
The pachinko machine 50 of the above embodiment corresponds to an example of a pinball game machine, and the sub-integrated control device 83 corresponds to an example of a presentation means.

Moreover, the third time-saving state corresponds to an example of the first state, and the normal state corresponds to an example of the second state.
Furthermore, S405 of the correct/incorrect determination process corresponds to an example of a termination means.

1...game board, 3...game area, 5...center case, 6...performance symbol display device, 7...normal symbol display device, 8...normal symbol reserved number display device, 9...first special symbol display device, 10...second special symbol display device, 11...first start port, 12...second start port, 20...big prize port, 22...normal symbol activation gate, 50...pachinko machine, 80...main control device, 81...payout control device, 82...performance symbol control device, 83...sub-integrated control device.

Claims (1)

A pinball game machine in which a jackpot game is played by opening a jackpot hole over multiple rounds as a result of winning a lottery, and which has a normal state and at least one special state in which a game is played that is more advantageous than the normal state,
A termination means for terminating the privilege state due to the start of the jackpot game;
and a presentation means for presenting a presentation according to the progress of the game,
the terminating means further terminates the first state, which is the predetermined privileged state, when any one of a plurality of termination conditions is satisfied, and transitions to a second state, which is the same normal state, regardless of the termination condition;
the rendering means determines a rendering mode for a specific period after the transition to the second state in accordance with the termination condition, and determines contents of the rendering display in accordance with the determined rendering mode during the specific period;
A pinball game machine characterized by:

Images