JP7696594B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

A pinball game machine equipped with an easy-to-enter state is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The easy-to-enter state is a game state in which control is executed to make it easier to enter the starting hole than in normal play. A known example of an easy-to-enter state is a time-saving game in which the probability of a jackpot is set to the normal probability. In time-saving games, control is generally executed to shorten the time that the special symbols change compared to normal play. Types of time-saving games include time-saving games that are activated after a jackpot has ended (so-called "a-time saving"), time-saving games that are activated when a jackpot has not been reached within a specified number of judgments during a low probability period (so-called "b-time saving"), and time-saving games that are activated when a specific special symbol is displayed during a low probability period (so-called "c-time saving").

JP 2019-037567 A

There is a demand for further improvements in the entertainment value of pinball gaming machines that have a state where it is easy to score a ball.

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

(1) A pinball game machine in one embodiment disclosed in this specification includes a first winning/losing judgment means for executing a first winning/losing judgment based on a ball entering a first starting hole; a second winning/losing judgment means for executing a second winning/losing judgment based on a ball entering a second starting hole; a special game means for executing a special game that is more advantageous to a player than a normal game based on the judgment result of the first winning/losing judgment or the second winning/losing judgment; an easy-to-enter ball entry means for setting an easy-to-enter ball entry state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole than the normal game; and a winning/losing performance means for suggesting the judgment result of the first winning/losing judgment or the second winning/losing judgment using a performance pattern. When a specific judgment result different from the special game is selected by at least the second winning/losing judgment, the game state is switched to the easy-to-enter ball entry state if the game state is the normal game, and is not switched to if the game state is the easy-to-enter ball entry state. In this pinball game machine, the first specific performance, which suggests the result of the second win/loss judgment executed in the easy-to-score state, among the winning/loss performances, mainly includes a performance of using the performance pattern to show whether or not a reach is established, and a performance that suggests the result of the judgment when the reach is established, and has a first number of patterns as a performance mode. Among the winning/loss performances, the second specific performance, which suggests the result of the second win/loss judgment executed during the normal game, does not show whether or not the reach is established, and mainly includes a performance that suggests the result of the judgment with a second number of patterns less than the first number of patterns. According to this type of pinball game machine, compared with the first specific performance that has no possibility of winning the easy-to-score state, the second specific performance that has the possibility of winning the easy-to-score state has more opportunities to be executed as a performance in which the performance mode changes depending on the player's operation, so that the player's interest in winning the easy-to-score state can be attracted. As a result, the fun of playing can be improved in a pinball game machine equipped with an easy-to-score state.

(2) In the above-mentioned pinball game machine, the second specific performance may mainly include a performance in which the performance mode indicating whether or not the specific judgment result is obtained changes depending on an operation received by an operation receiving means that receives an operation from a player during the second specific performance. According to this type of pinball game machine, in the second specific performance in which there is a possibility of winning the easy-to-score state, the performance mode indicating whether or not the easy-to-score state is won is executed as a performance that changes depending on an operation from the player more frequently, so that the player's interest in winning the easy-to-score state can be further attracted.

(3) In the above-mentioned pinball gaming machine, all of the second specific effects may be effects in which the presentation mode changes according to the operation accepted by the operation acceptance means during the second specific effect. According to this type of pinball gaming machine, in all of the second specific effects that may result in the easy-to-score state, the presentation mode changes according to the operation from the player, so that the player's interest in winning the easy-to-score state can be further attracted.

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

As described above, according to the present invention, since the variation of the second special symbol in the normal state may result in a win due to the time-saving c feature, which is a win due to a specific symbol, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation by changing the presentation of the variation accordingly.

1 is a front view showing the configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the game board of a pachinko game machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; 4 is a flowchart showing a main routine executed by a main control device. This is a flowchart showing the special chart start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. This is a flowchart showing the normal start goal confirmation processing executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the special drawing match determination process executed by the main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the jackpot game processing executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the normal map correctness determination process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal power operation process executed by the main control device. 2 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a main control device and a sub integrated control device. FIG. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a first specific presentation during a special probability game. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first specific presentation during time-saving play. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first specific presentation during time-saving play. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a first specific presentation during time-saving play. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance. An explanatory diagram showing an example of a second specific performance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The a-time shortening game (a-time shortening state) is a time shortening game (time shortening state) that is granted according to the type of jackpot pattern after the jackpot game based on the first special pattern is finished. The duration of the a-time shortening game is the period until the next jackpot game is played, or the period until a specified number of times (100 times in this embodiment) of special pattern lottery drawings are played. The specifications of the a-time shortening game in this embodiment are as follows. <Normal game><a-time shortening game> Opening time of a normal electric device 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from the start of the normal pattern fluctuation to its opening 8.0 seconds 0.5 seconds Number of times it opens per win 1 time 2 times Winning probability of a normal pattern 4/20 19/20

The b time-saving game (b time-saving state) is a time-saving game (time-saving state) that is granted when the number of times that the special symbols miss with the normal probability (low probability) reaches a predetermined number (950 times in this embodiment). The duration of the b time-saving game is the period until the next big win game is executed, or the period until the number of times that the special symbols are drawn a predetermined number of times (1000 times in this embodiment). In this embodiment, after the b time-saving game is granted once, the b time-saving game will not be granted again unless a big win game is played. The specifications of the b time-saving game in this embodiment are as follows. <Normal game><b time-saving game> Opening time of a normal electric role device once 0.2 seconds 2.0 seconds Average time from the start of the normal symbol fluctuation to its opening 8.0 seconds 0.5 seconds Number of openings per hit 1 time 2 times Winning probability of a normal symbol 4/20 4/20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the main control device 210 and the sub integrated control device 220. The main control device 210 is equipped with a win/lose determination means 212, a special game means 214, a sure-win game means 215, a time-saving game means 216, b time-saving game means 217, and c time-saving game means 218 as components related to the control of game progress. The main control device 210 is equipped with a command output means 219 as components related to the control of presentation. Each component of the main control device 210 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the main control device 210 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The hit/miss determination means 212 of the main control device 210 includes a first hit/miss determination means 212a and a second hit/miss determination means 212b. The first hit/miss determination means 212a executes a first hit/miss determination, which is a hit/miss determination for the first special symbol, based on the ball entering the first starting hole 451. The first hit/miss determination means 212a is a means for executing a hit/miss determination for the first special symbol in the special symbol hit/miss determination process (steps S230 and S235 in FIG. 8). The second hit/miss determination means 212b executes a second hit/miss determination, which is a hit/miss determination for the second special symbol, based on the ball entering the second starting hole 452. The second hit/miss determination means 212b is a means for executing a hit/miss determination for the second special symbol in the special symbol hit/miss determination process (steps S230 and S235 in FIG. 8).

When the special symbol is judged to be a jackpot (first condition), the special game means 214 of the main control device 210 opens the big prize opening 460 to execute a jackpot game (special game) that is more advantageous to the player than normal game. The special game means 214 is a means for executing the jackpot game process (FIGS. 13, 14, and 15).

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

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

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

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

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

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

The sub-integrated control device 220 includes a win/lose presentation means 222 as a configuration related to presentation control. Each component of the sub-integrated control device 220 is realized in software based on a computer program. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the various means of the sub-integrated control device 220 may be realized in hardware based on a circuit configuration.

The win/lose presentation means 222 of the sub-integrated control device 220 executes a win/lose presentation that suggests the result of the win/lose judgment of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. The win/lose presentation means 222 is configured to be able to receive an output signal from the presentation button 160, which is an operation reception means that receives operations from the player. The win/lose presentation means 222 is configured to be able to change the win/lose presentation according to the player's operation received by the presentation button 160.

Among the winning/losing effects executed by the winning/losing effect means 222, the first specific effect SE1, which suggests the result of the judgment by the winning/losing judgment of the second special pattern executed in the easy-to-win state (electric support) including during the probability change game and the time-saving game, mainly includes an effect in which the performance mode changes according to the fluctuation pattern of the performance pattern. The performance in which the performance mode changes according to the fluctuation pattern of the performance pattern in the first specific effect SE1 performs a performance of whether or not a reach is established according to the fluctuation pattern of the performance pattern, and if a reach is established, performs a performance of whether or not a win is established according to the fluctuation pattern of the performance pattern. In this way, since there are two major types of performance, by providing a wide variety of performance mode patterns (for example, 300 patterns), the player does not get bored. In addition, the first specific effect SE1 also has a variety of advance notice performances in addition to the performance mode. In addition, the first specific effect SE1 mainly includes an effect (invalid operation effect) in which the effect mode does not change depending on the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the first specific effect SE1. In this embodiment, more than 90% of the win/lose effects executed as the first specific effect SE1 are invalid operation effects, and in other embodiments, all of the win/lose effects executed as the first specific effect SE1 may be invalid operation effects.

Among the hit/miss effects executed by the hit/miss effect means 222, the second specific effect SE2, which suggests the result of the hit/miss determination of the second special symbol executed during normal play, mainly includes an effect (operation-enabled effect) in which the presentation mode changes according to the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the second specific effect SE2. In this embodiment, all of the hit/miss effects executed as the second specific effect SE2 are operation-enabled effects, and in other embodiments, 90% or more of the hit/miss effects executed as the second specific effect SE2 may be operation-enabled effects. In the first place, the situation in which the hit/miss determination of the second special symbol is performed during normal play is mostly due to the second reserved memory remaining when the time-saving play ended. Therefore, the number of times the second specific effect is performed consecutively is limited, but in this embodiment, since the c time reduction game is executed by winning the c time reduction based on the hit/miss judgment of the second special pattern in the normal game state, each change of the second specific effect SE2 is considered to be more important than the first specific effect SE1. Therefore, in the second specific effect SE2, it is considered that the effect of whether or not a reach is established is omitted, and all changes start from the effect of whether or not a win is established. In the second specific effect SE2, the number of opportunities for the change is limited, and the effect of whether or not a reach is established is omitted, so the pattern of the effect mode is also fewer than that of the first specific effect SE1. In the second specific effect SE2, the effect mode is limited, so the advance notice effect is also fewer than that of the first specific effect SE1. By making the second specific effect SE2 relatively simple and with a small number of patterns, the difference in presentation from the first specific effect SE1 stands out, and the second specific effect SE2 also feels special.

In this embodiment, the operation-enabled effect in the second specific effect SE2 is an effect in which the effect mode indicating whether or not the player will win the c time-saving game changes according to the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the second specific effect SE2. In another embodiment, the operation-enabled effect in the second specific effect SE2 may be an effect in which the effect mode indicating whether or not the player will win at least one of a big win, a small win, and a c time-saving game changes according to the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the second specific effect SE2.

In this embodiment, the game configuration is such that no ball will enter the second starting hole 452 during normal play. Therefore, the second specific effect SE2 is executed as a win/lose effect corresponding to the second reserved memory remaining when the special probability play ends without a jackpot win, or as a win/lose effect corresponding to the second reserved memory remaining when the time-saving play (time-saving play a, time-saving play b, and time-saving play c) ends without a jackpot win.

Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific effect SE1 during high probability play. The effect screen 550 is a screen that constitutes a series of win/lose effects that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 during high probability play. The win/lose effect by the effect screen 550 is an effect (operation invalid effect) in which the effect mode does not change depending on the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the win/lose effect. The effect screen 550 comprises an effect pattern display area 501, a right hit suggestion image 552, a state suggestion image 554, and a character image 556.

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

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

The right hit suggestion image 552 on the presentation screen 550 is an image that suggests to the player to hit the game ball to the right side of the game area GA (so-called "right hit"). In this embodiment, the right hit suggestion image 552 is an image that is arranged along the top edge of the presentation screen 550, and the letters "right hit" and arrows pointing to the right, which are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction, move horizontally from the left edge to the right edge of the presentation screen 550 one after another. In a game by hitting the right, the ball is expected to enter the normal pattern operation gate 430, the second start hole 452, and the large prize hole 460, and it is difficult to enter the first start hole 451. In a game by hitting the game ball to the left side of the game area GA (so-called "left hit"), the ball is expected to enter the first start hole 451, and it is difficult to enter the normal pattern operation gate 430, the second start hole 452, and the large prize hole 460.

The state suggestion image 554 on the presentation screen 550 is an image suggesting that the game state is in a high probability state. In this embodiment, the state suggestion image 554 is an image that displays the characters "High Probability Tatsukichi Chance," which is the name of the high probability state, and characters indicating the number of times the special pattern will change until the end of the high probability state. The character image 556 on the presentation screen 550 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear," an anthropomorphized bear. In this embodiment, the character image 556 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear" with a happy expression.

Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific effect SE1 during time-saving play a. The effect screen 510 is a screen that configures a series of win/lose effects that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 during time-saving play a. The win/lose effect on the effect screen 510 is an effect (operation invalid effect) in which the presentation mode does not change depending on the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the win/lose effect.

The presentation screen 510 includes a presentation pattern display area 501, a right hit suggestion image 512, a state suggestion image 514, and a character image 516. The presentation pattern display area 501 of the presentation screen 510 is similar to the presentation pattern display area 501 of the presentation screen 550. The right hit suggestion image 512 of the presentation screen 510 is similar to the right hit suggestion image 552 of the presentation screen 550.

The state suggestion image 514 on the presentation screen 510 is an image suggesting that the game state is in the a time-saving state. In this embodiment, the state suggestion image 514 is an image that displays the characters "Tatsukichi Chance", which is the name of the a time-saving state, and characters indicating the number of times the special pattern will change remaining until the end of the a time-saving state. The character image 516 on the presentation screen 510 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear", an anthropomorphized bear. In this embodiment, the character image 516 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear" with no expression.

Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific effect SE1 during b time-saving play. The effect screen 520 is a screen that configures a series of win/lose effects that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 during b time-saving play. The win/lose effect by the effect screen 520 is an effect (operation invalid effect) in which the presentation mode does not change depending on the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the win/lose effect.

The presentation screen 520 includes a presentation pattern display area 501, a right hit suggestion image 522, a state suggestion image 524, and a character image 526. The presentation pattern display area 501 of the presentation screen 520 is similar to the presentation pattern display area 501 of the presentation screen 550. The right hit suggestion image 522 of the presentation screen 520 is similar to the right hit suggestion image 552 of the presentation screen 550.

The state suggestion image 524 on the presentation screen 520 is an image that suggests that the game state is in the b time-saving state. In this embodiment, the state suggestion image 524 is an image that displays the characters "Yu Time", which is the name of the b time-saving state. The character image 526 on the presentation screen 520 is an image that shows an anthropomorphized cat.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the first specific effect SE1 during c time-saving play. The effect screen 530 is a screen that constitutes a series of win/lose effects that are displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 during c time-saving play. The win/lose effect by the effect screen 530 is an effect (operation invalid effect) in which the presentation mode does not change depending on the player's operation accepted by the effect button 160 during the win/lose effect.

The presentation screen 530 includes a presentation pattern display area 501s, a right hit suggestion image 532, a state suggestion image 534, and a character image 536. The presentation pattern display area 501s of the presentation screen 530 is similar to the presentation pattern display area 501 of the presentation screen 550, except that it is a smaller area than the presentation pattern display area 501. The right hit suggestion image 532 of the presentation screen 530 is similar to the right hit suggestion image 552 of the presentation screen 550.

The state suggestion image 534 on the presentation screen 530 is an image that suggests that the game state is in the c time-saving state. In this embodiment, the state suggestion image 534 is an image that displays the characters "Super Tatsukichi Chance", which is the name of the c time-saving state, and an image that indicates that if the rock is destroyed in the presentation by the character image 536, a jackpot will be won. The character image 526 on the presentation screen 530 is an image that displays a presentation in which a karateka attempts to destroy a rock.

25 and 26 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the second specific effect SE2. The effect screens 540a, 540b, and 540c in FIG. 25 are screens constituting a series of winning/losing effects displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 when the result of the winning/losing judgment of the second reserved memory remaining when the probability change game or the time-saving game is ended is a loss. The effect screens 540a, 540b, and 540d in FIG. 26 are screens constituting a series of winning/losing effects displayed on the effect pattern display device 480 when the result of the winning/losing judgment of the second reserved memory remaining when the probability change game or the time-saving game is ended is a win in the c time-saving game. The winning/losing effects in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are effects (operation-enabled effects) in which the performance mode changes depending on the player's operation accepted by the performance button 160 during the winning/losing effect. In this embodiment, the winning/losing effects in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are performance modes indicating whether or not the c time-saving game will be won.

25 and 26 is a screen displayed at the start of the second specific effect SE2. The effect screen 540a includes an effect pattern display area 502s, a reserved pattern display area 503, a left hit suggestion image 542, and a character image 546. The effect pattern display area 502s is similar to the effect pattern display area 501s, except that the three effect patterns are displayed simultaneously without being temporarily stopped. The reserved pattern display area 503 is an area that displays reserved patterns indicating the presence of a second reserved memory. The reserved pattern display area 503 displays one reserved pattern for each second reserved memory. When the preceding second reserved memory is consumed, the reserved pattern display area 503 erases the reserved pattern corresponding to that second reserved memory and slides the reserved pattern corresponding to the subsequent second reserved memory to the left. The left hit suggestion image 542 is an image that suggests to the player to hit left. In this embodiment, the left hit suggestion image 542 is arranged along the top edge of the presentation screen 540a, and is an image in which the letters "left hit" and arrows pointing to the left are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction and move horizontally from the right edge to the left edge of the presentation screen 540a one after another. The character image 546 is an image showing "Tatsukichi the Bear" with his eyes closed. The character image 546 includes an image indicating that if Tatsukichi opens his eyes, the player will win the Super Tatsukichi Chance (c time-saving game).

25 and 26 is a screen displayed following the presentation screen 540a. The presentation screen 540b includes the reserved symbol display area 503 and the left hit suggestion image 542, as in the presentation screen 540a, as well as an operation suggestion image 548 and a level display image 549. The operation suggestion image 548 is an image that prompts the player to operate the presentation button 160, and in this embodiment, includes an image depicting the presentation button 160, the word "Press!", and an arrow that prompts the player to press the presentation button 160. The level display image 549 is an image that displays a presentation in which the inside of the frame is filled from the left to the right with each press of the presentation button 160. If the result of the judgment of the success or failure of the second reserved memory is a failure, the level display image 549 displays an image in which the inside of the frame is not completely filled and remains at a predetermined level. If the result of the judgment of the second reserved memory wins the c time-saving play, the level display image 549 displays an image in which the inside of the frame is completely filled based on pressing the effect button 160 a predetermined number of times or more within the time limit.

The presentation screen 540c in FIG. 25 is a screen that is displayed following the presentation screen 540b when the result of the judgment of the hit/miss judgment of the second reserved memory is a miss. The presentation screen 540c has a character image 547x in addition to the presentation pattern display area 502s, the reserved pattern display area 503, and the left hit suggestion image 542, just like the presentation screen 540a. When the presentation screen 540c is displayed, the presentation pattern display area 502s changes from a state in which the three presentation patterns are displayed variably to a state in which the three presentation patterns are simultaneously displayed as fixed without being temporarily stopped, and displays a combination of presentation patterns corresponding to the miss pattern. The character image 547x is an image showing "Tatsuji the Bear" with his eyes closed, just like the character image 546. The character image 547x includes an image that displays the word "unfortunate" to suggest that the judgment result is a miss.

The presentation screen 540d in FIG. 26 is a screen that is displayed following the presentation screen 540b when the judgment result of the second reserved memory hit/miss judgment is a win in the c time-saving game. The presentation screen 540d has a character image 547z in addition to the presentation pattern display area 502s and the reserved pattern display area 503, as in the presentation screen 540a. When displaying the presentation screen 540d, the presentation pattern display area 502s displays the three presentation patterns simultaneously without temporarily stopping them from the state in which they are displayed variably, and displays a combination of presentation patterns corresponding to the winning pattern of the c time-saving game (in this embodiment, a combination in which the central presentation pattern 501b is a "T" pattern). The character image 547z is an image showing "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" with his eyes open and happy. The character image 547z includes an image that displays letters suggesting that the judgment result is a win in the c time-saving game. The c time-saving win occurs when the special chance state or time-saving state (a, b, c time-saving) ends and the game returns to normal play, and the remaining reserved memory of the second special chart is used to win. This means that when the player thinks that the favorable state has ended, they can move back to the favorable time-saving state (300 times in this embodiment), giving the player great joy.

Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing that the first specific performance and the second specific performance have different performance contents depending on the game state. In the easy-to-enter state, it is easy to enter the second special pattern starting hole, so the lottery for winning or losing in this state is mainly the second special pattern. Therefore, in order to enhance the performance, a variable performance with multiple performance periods is performed, including a "performance indicating whether or not a reach is established" and a "performance indicating the result of the judgment of the win or loss judgment" when the reach is established. This allows the player to enjoy multiple stages, first expecting a change every time whether or not the reach is established, and then expecting whether or not they will win when the reach is established. On the other hand, in the normal game state, it is difficult to enter the second special pattern starting hole, so the lottery for winning or losing in this state is mainly the first special pattern. In such a situation, the lottery for winning or losing in the second special pattern is mostly performed when the easy-to-enter state ends and the normal game state is entered, and the reserved memory of the second special pattern remains and changes. Therefore, the fluctuations caused by the second special chart during normal gameplay are limited.

However, in the case of this embodiment, in the normal game state, the second special chart has the possibility of winning the c time reduction in addition to winning the jackpot. Therefore, although there are few opportunities to change it, it is a special change that allows the player to expect a win and c time reduction, so by omitting the effect of whether or not the reach is established and starting with the effect of showing the result of the hit/fail judgment (it can also be said that all the change effects are reach effects), the sense of expectation is further increased. In addition, since the second specific effect does not perform the effect of whether or not the reach is established, the change effect due to the effect pattern is not very important in terms of the effect, so it is possible to display it small when it is displayed. Also, if the reserved pattern is displayed on the effect display device in the normal game state, the reserved pattern may not be displayed during the second specific effect. Since it is difficult to enter the second special chart starting hole, reserved memories are not added and the number of changes due to the second special chart is limited, there is no big problem even if the reserved memory number is not notified, and conversely, by not notifying it, it is possible to give the player a sense of tension by not knowing how many times the second specific effect, which is a special effect state, will be performed. Conversely, a configuration is also conceivable in which the reserved symbols are displayed in the second special performance to clearly notify the number of times, and the reserved symbols are not displayed in the first special performance. By doing this, when it is easy to enter the second special performance starting hole, the reserved memory number is unlikely to be interrupted, so there is no problem in omitting to display the reserved symbols, and since the first special performance is a performance with a limited number of times, the number of times can be clearly notified to inform the player of how many chances there are to win the c time-saving bonus.

28 and 29 are explanatory diagrams showing the respective presentation patterns of the first and second specific presentations. The first specific presentation has a "miss" as a presentation indicating whether or not a reach is established, and has multiple patterns (variation times) for 0, 1, and 2 to 4 reserved pieces as a variation presentation until the presentation pattern reaches (for example, a reach is established when two of the three patterns temporarily stop with the same pattern). There are various reaches even after the reach is established, and each of them has a number of presentation patterns (subcategories) in detail. The second specific presentation only has "SP reach" as a major category because it is a presentation that indicates only the result of the hit/miss judgment. However, since there is also a c time-saving winning, a presentation pattern for the c time-saving winning is added to the middle category. Note that even if a presentation pattern (subcategory) for the c time-saving winning is added. The number of presentation patterns (total number of subcategories) is smaller than the number of presentation patterns (total number of subcategories) of the first specific presentation. The first specific performance has more stages and a variety of winning or losing patterns compared to the second specific performance, such as (1) whether a reach is reached or not, (2) if the reach is reached, whether it will be a win or a loss, or whether it will develop into an SP reach, (3) if it develops into an SP reach, whether it will be a win or a loss, and (4) if it is a loss, whether it will be a win in a revival performance, or whether a loss will be confirmed without a revival performance being performed, and has entertainment value in terms of how the variable performance will develop, whereas the second specific performance has fewer stages, such as (1) whether it will be a win, a c-time-saving winning, or a loss, and (2) if it is a loss, whether it will be a win in a revival performance, or a revival winning and a c-time-saving winning, or whether a loss will be confirmed without a revival performance being performed, and although the variable performance itself has a smaller number of patterns, there are a variety of winning or losing judgment results, and the announcement of the result itself can entertain. It is not the case that the first specific mode always includes a presentation of whether or not a reach is achieved, and the second specific mode does not always include a presentation of whether or not a reach is achieved, but rather that the main presentation configuration is the above configuration.

30, 31, and 32 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a goal achievement effect (mission effect). When the effect screen 560a shown in FIG. 30(1) starts to change, an effect in which the character image 566 faces a large rock starts. At that time, the effect pattern display area 504s is displayed small. Then, a text image of "Get c time reduction if you can destroy the rock!" is displayed, and if the character image 566 can destroy the large rock, it is indicated that the c time reduction will be activated. The effect screen 560b shown in FIG. 30(2) and the effect screen 560c shown in FIG. 30(3) show an example of a successful mission effect. An effect in which the character image 566 tries to destroy the rock is performed, and if the rock is destroyed, a text image of "Destruction successful!" is displayed, and the c time reduction is activated. In this case, the c time reduction state will be entered from the next change. Also, if the c time reduction is not won but a hit is won, a text image such as "Big hit!" may appear from the destroyed rock to notify the player. In this embodiment, the second special chart changes in the normal game state when the reserved memory of the second special chart remains when the ball-scoring state ends and the game transitions to the normal game state, and since the probability of winning the c-time shortening is higher than the probability of winning a jackpot, the main purpose of the change presentation is to see whether or not the c-time shortening is won, and a jackpot is treated as a rare case. Of course, the presentation may be based on whether or not a jackpot has been won depending on the difference in the winning probability or the number of time shortening times granted by the c-time shortening.

The presentation screen 560d shown in FIG. 31(4) and the presentation screen 560e shown in FIG. 31(5) show an example of a failed mission presentation. A presentation is made in which the character image 566 attempts to destroy a rock, but is unable to destroy the rock and a text image saying "Destruction Failed" is displayed. In this embodiment, if the mission presentation fails, the presentation symbols stop in a row of losing symbols, and the variable presentation ends.

As explained above, when the upper limit of reserved memories is four, the second specific performance may change up to four times in a row (in the case of second special chart priority change), so it may be performed as a goal achievement performance (mission performance) with four challenges (or a number of challenges according to the number of reserved memories in the second special chart at the end of the easy-to-score state). In addition, when performing with four challenges, it is also possible to entertain the player by having different goals and related mission contents, such as the first challenge being to destroy the rock, the second challenge being to search for the enemy boss (mission successful if found), the third challenge being to defeat the enemy boss (mission successful if defeated and defeated), and the fourth challenge being to revive (mission successful if the player stands up again after kneeling after being defeated by the enemy boss in the third challenge).

Figure 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a different goal achievement presentation (mission presentation). As in Figure 30 (1), it starts with a presentation in which a character image 566 faces a large rock, and the presentation image 570b shown in Figure 32 (2) prompts the player to operate the presentation button, and if the button is operated during the valid period, the result is displayed as to whether it was successful or not. When the valid period for button operation ends, the result is displayed even if the button is not operated. Then, as in the presentation screen 560c shown in Figure 30 (3), if it is successful, the c time reduction is activated. In this way, since the second specific presentation is rarely performed but the c time reduction can be expected along with a hit, it is also possible to enable the operation of the every-change presentation button and configure the player to actively request the display of the judgment result. This can increase the player's expectations for the second specific presentation.

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

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

In the above-described embodiment, all of the second specific effects SE2 may be effects in which the presentation mode changes in response to the operation from the player received by the presentation button 160 during the second specific effect ES2. This causes the presentation mode to change in response to the operation of the presentation button 160 by the player in all of the second specific effects ES2 that may result in winning the c time-saving game (presentation screens 540a to 540d in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26), further piquing the player's interest in winning the c time-saving game.

The operation-enabled effect in the second specific effect SE2 is not limited to the effect in the embodiment described above, but may be another effect whose presentation mode changes depending on the player's operation.

The operation-enabled effect in the second specific effect SE2 may be executed only when the judgment result of the hit/miss judgment of the remaining second reserved memory when the probability variable game or time-limited game is ended is displayed, or it may be executed exceptionally when the ball enters the second starting hole 452 during normal game. If only the remaining reserved memory when the probability variable game or time-limited game is ended is executed, the sub-integrated control device can be configured to select a dedicated effect content when the second special chart changes immediately after the probability variable game or time-limited game is switched to the normal game state, and select another effect content when the second special chart changes at any other timing, so that the second specific effect can be treated as a special effect that is performed only after the probability variable game or time-limited game is ended. In addition, if the second specific effect is used whenever the second special chart changes during normal game, it can be a game that has the possibility of switching to the second specific effect not only at the end of the probability variable game or time-limited game, but also during normal game. Also, although a configuration has been described in which a c time-saving win is invalidated when the ball is in an easy-to-score state, a configuration in which a c time-saving win is valid is also acceptable. In that case, it is conceivable to provide the possibility of a c time-saving win as a variable effect in the first specific effect as well. In that case, a configuration in which a c time-saving win is invalidated when the ball is in a normal game state is also acceptable. In that case, it is conceivable to reverse the first specific effect and the second specific effect.

10... Pachinko game machine 80... Card unit 90... Hall computer 110... Outer frame 112... Hinge 120... Inner frame 120s... Inner frame opening switch 122... Hinge 124... Upper tray 126... Lower tray 126s... Full switch 128... Keyhole 130... Front frame 130s... Front frame opening switch 132... Transparent plate 134... Illumination (frame illumination) 136... Speaker 140... Handle 140b... Handle volume 140m... Firing motor 140s... Firing stop switch 140t... Touch switch 152... Balance display device 154... Ball lending switch 156... Settlement switch 160... Performance button 172... Game ball tank 172s... Ball out switch 174... Payout device 174d... Payout motor 174s...Payout switch 210...Main control device 210m...RAM 212...Win/lose determination means 212a...First win/lose determination means 212b...Second win/lose determination means 214...Special game means 215...Probability change game means 216...a time-saving game means 217...b time-saving game means 218...c time-saving game means 219...Command output means 220...Sub-integrated control device 222...Game state determination means 230...Performance pattern control device 240...Payout control device 250...Launch control device 260...Back wiring relay terminal board 265...External connection terminal board 270...Payout relay terminal board 280...Card unit terminal board 290...Power supply board 292...Power switch 294...RAM clear switch 302...Setting change switch 304...Setting change switch 400...Game board 402...Board surface 404...Guide rail 408...Game nail 409...Windmill nail 410...Center case 414...Illumination (Board illumination) 420s...General winning port switch 421...Normal winning port 430...Normal symbol activation gate 430s...Activation gate switch 440...Normal electric role 440d...Normal electric role solenoid 451...First start port 451s...First start port switch 452...Second start port 452s...Second start port switch 460...Large prize port 460d...Large prize port solenoid 460s...Count switch 471...Normal symbol display device 472...Normal symbol reservation display device 473...First special symbol display device 474...First special symbol reservation display device 475...Second special symbol reservation display device 476...Second special symbol reservation display device 480...Performance pattern display device 501, 501s, 502s...Performance pattern display area 501a...Left side performance pattern 501b...Central performance pattern 501c...Right side performance pattern 503...Reserved pattern display area 510...Performance screen 512...Right hit suggestion image 514...Status suggestion image 516...Character image 520...Performance screen 522...Right hit suggestion image 524...Status suggestion image 526...Character image 530...Performance screen 532...Right hit suggestion image 534...Status suggestion image 536...Character image 540a...Performance screen 540b...Performance screen 540c...Performance screen 540d...Performance screen 542...Left hit suggestion image 546...Character image 547x...Character image 547z...Character image 548...Operation suggestion image 549...Level display image 550... Presentation screen 552... Right hit suggestion image 554... Status suggestion image 556... Character image 560a... Presentation screen 560b... Presentation screen 560c... Presentation screen 560d... Presentation screen 560e... Presentation screen 566... Character image 505s... Presentation pattern display area 570a... Presentation screen 570b... Presentation screen 570c... Presentation screen

Claims (1)

A first hit/miss determination means for performing a first hit/miss determination based on the ball entering the first starting hole;
A first reserved storage means for reserving and storing data used in the first correct/incorrect judgment;
A second hit/miss determination means for performing a second hit/miss determination based on the ball entering the second starting hole;
A second reserved storage means for reserving and storing data used in the second correct/incorrect determination;
a special game means for executing a special game which is more advantageous to a player than a normal game based on a result of the first win/loss determination or the second win/loss determination;
a ball entry facilitating means for setting a ball entry facilitating state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole than in the normal game;
A winning/losing display means for suggesting the result of the first winning/losing judgment or the second winning/losing judgment using a display pattern;
Equipped with
When a specific judgment result different from the special game is selected by at least the second winning/losing judgment, if the game state is the normal game, the game state is switched to the ball-scoring easy state, and if the game state is the ball-scoring easy state, the game state is not switched.
Among the hit/miss effects, a first specific effect suggesting a result of the second hit/miss determination executed in the easy-to-score state performs an effect of whether or not a reach is established using the effect pattern, and performs an effect suggesting the result of the determination when the reach is established, and has a first number of patterns as an effect mode;
Among the hit/miss effects, a second specific effect suggesting a result of the second hit/miss determination executed during the normal game does not show whether the reach is established or not, but shows a result of the determination with a second number of patterns which is smaller than the first number of patterns;
The pinball game machine is characterized in that the first specific performance does not notify the player of the reserved memory, and the second specific performance does not notify the player of the reserved memory.

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