JP7703502B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening.

In addition, some gaming machines of this type have a gaming state that transitions between multiple types of gaming states (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2022-109617 A

However, with gaming machines, there is a need to prevent a decline in interest in the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that prevents a decline in interest in gaming.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine having a gaming area (e.g., a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (e.g., a special symbol lottery means 230) that performs a lottery (e.g., a first special symbol lottery) when a gaming medium enters a first area (e.g., a first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
and a state transition control means (e.g., a game state transition control means 250) for controlling transition of a game state among a plurality of game states including a special state, a first state (e.g., a minute time-saving state), a second state (e.g., a second time-saving state), and a special game state.
the special state and the first state are states in which playing a game in the first game method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second game method,
the second state is a state in which playing the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing the first gaming method;
In the special state, if the result of the lottery is a first result (e.g., C time reduction 1), the game moves to the first state, and if the result of the lottery is a second result (e.g., C time reduction 2), the game moves to the second state, which is more advantageous than the first state;
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is the second result, the state is not transitioned to the second state;
If the result of the lottery is the third result (e.g., big win 3 or small win C), a transition is made to the special game state, in which a special game is executed in which a specific movable object (e.g., special device 56) operates in a state that allows the game medium to enter a predetermined area (e.g., big prize opening 50) provided in the game area, and after the special game state ends, a transition is made to the first state.
If the result of the lottery is the third result, and a transition to a special state occurs after the special game state ends, the frequency of transition to the second state (a state in which playing with the second game method is more advantageous than playing with the first game method) will be relatively high, since the special state is a state in which a transition to the second state, which is more advantageous than playing with the first game method, occurs when the result of the lottery is the second result. In this case, in order to prevent the payout rate of the gaming machine from becoming excessive due to the high frequency of transition to the second state, it is conceivable to reduce the number of gaming media paid out when playing with the second game method, but such a configuration may lead to a decrease in interest in the game.
In the present invention, if the result of the lottery is the third result, the game is transitioned to the first state after the special game state ends. In the first state, the game is not transitioned to the second state even if the result of the lottery is the second result. Therefore, if the result of the lottery is the third result, the game is transitioned to the micro-time-saving state after the special game state ends, and the frequency of transition to the special state can be suppressed from increasing, and the frequency of transition to the second state can be suppressed from increasing. This can suppress the decrease in interest in the game that occurs when the number of game media paid out is reduced when playing with the second game method. In other words, the number of game balls (number of prize balls) paid out in a game played with a right hand hit can be relatively increased.
In addition, in the above configuration, a common transition effect is executed in the case where the lottery result is the first result and the lottery result is the third result and the game state is changed to the first state. Therefore, the processing is simplified and the processing load can be reduced compared to the case where the lottery result is determined and a different transition effect is executed depending on the case. In addition, the capacity of the storage means can be suppressed from being compressed compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the case. In addition, compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the case, the game state is changed to the first state and the game state is changed to the first state. In addition, compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the case, the game state is changed to the first state and the game state is changed to the first state. In addition, compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the case, the game state is changed to the first state and the game state is changed to the third result ...

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (e.g., a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (e.g., a special symbol lottery means 230) that performs a lottery (e.g., a first special symbol lottery) when a gaming medium enters a first area (e.g., a first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A state transition control means (e.g., a game state transition control means 250) that controls transition of a game state among a plurality of game states including a special state, a first state (e.g., a minute time-saving state), a second state (e.g., a second time-saving state), and a special game state;
A guide area (e.g., a guide passage 29) between an outer rail (e.g., the outer rail 27) and an inner rail (e.g., the inner rail 28) that guides the launched game medium to the game area;
A ball return prevention mechanism (e.g., a ball return prevention mechanism 50) that prevents the game medium from returning from the game area to the guide area,
the special state and the first state are states in which playing a game in the first game method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second game method,
the second state is a state in which playing the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing the first gaming method;
In the special state, when the result of the lottery is a first result, a transition is made to the first state, and when the result of the lottery is a second result, a transition is made to the second state which is more advantageous than the first state;
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is the second result, the state is not transitioned to the second state;
The ball return prevention mechanism has a displacement portion that is displaceable between a first state, a second state, and a third state,
The displacement portion has a side portion (e.g., a first side portion 540b) facing the outer rail and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion,
A distance from the tip portion to the outer rail is set to a specific distance,
A game medium to be guided from the guide area to the game area is defined as a first game medium;
If the game medium returning from the game area to the guide area is a second game medium,
the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the second state,
the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state,
the third state is a state in which the first game medium is in contact with the side portion, the outer rail, and the second game medium, and the second game medium is in contact with the tip portion, the outer rail, and the first game medium;
In the third state, the specific distance is longer than in the first state and shorter than in the second state, and the specific distance is equal to or shorter than the distance from the lowest point of the second game medium to the outer rail.
Even if the first game medium and the second game medium collide with each other, the second game medium can be prevented from returning to the guide area. In other words, the game medium can be prevented from returning to the guide area two consecutive times. This can improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area from returning to the guide area.

The present invention can prevent a decline in interest in games.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. This is a diagram showing the normal winning lottery table. FIG. 13 shows the normal symbol lottery table. FIG. 13 shows the jackpot lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the symbol lottery table of the same. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. This is a diagram to explain the display of the performance patterns and reserved patterns. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the special display effects. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a demo display. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the predetermined processing performed by the performance control means. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a case where a demo performance is started in a special state. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table of a modified example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table of a modified example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. This is a state transition diagram of the game state, and is a reference diagram for explaining the task. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a ball return prevention mechanism, showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in a closed state. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in the open state. The same is a figure showing the state in which a game ball that has entered the game area is attempting to return to the boundary area when the ball return prevention member is in a state between the closed state and the open state. 22 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 21. 22 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 21. The same figure shows a state in which a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area collides with the ball return prevention member. The same figure shows a state in which a game ball that has returned from the game area to the boundary area collides with the ball return prevention member. 1A is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in an open state. FIG. 4 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism when the ball return prevention member is in the open state.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right." This embodiment will be described taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines and may be applied to other gaming machines.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media, gaming value) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so that it can be opened and closed. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so that it can be opened and closed. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that blocks the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to liven up the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound device, sound output means) that output special sounds to liven up the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

At the center of the bottom of the front frame 10 is an upper tray 16 for storing game balls, and at the left part of the inner side of the upper tray 16 is a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player. A grip unit 20 is provided at the bottom right of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

At the center of the game board 6, there is a presentation unit 36 that includes a liquid crystal display 32 (presentation display device, display means) that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. At the center above the liquid crystal display 32, there is a lighting device 38 (lighting means) that constitutes the presentation unit 36 and outputs presentation light and the like to liven up the game.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls through the game area 4a on the left side of the LCD display 32 or the game area 4b on the right side. In addition, numerous game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the movement direction of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

In addition, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling through the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, and game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth from left to right on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

Below the center of the stage 44, a first start opening 46 (first area) is provided, through which a game ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. In addition, a first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 4) that detects a game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is arranged in the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a first special pattern lottery (first lottery) as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 (see FIG. 4) to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100. In addition, the game ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

To the left of the first starting hole 46 in the game area 4, multiple (three) general winning holes 47 (upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, and lower left general winning hole 47c) are provided. In addition, a general winning hole switch 101 (see FIG. 4) is arranged on the game board 6 to detect a game ball that has entered the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c. When the general winning hole switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning hole 47a, middle left general winning hole 47b, or lower left general winning hole 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of the prize ball based on the input of the detection signal from the general winning hole switch 101. In addition, one general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (e.g., three) general prize openings 47. In addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

In addition, a pass gate 48 is provided in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of a game ball is provided inside the pass gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (the game ball passing through the pass gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

In addition, in the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a second start port 49 (second area) is provided below the passing gate 48. In addition, a second start port switch 103 (see FIG. 4) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start port 49 is arranged in the second start port 49. When the second start port switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 executes a second special pattern lottery (second lottery) as a special pattern lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out prize balls based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. In addition, the game ball that has entered the second start port 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

The second starting hole 49 is provided with a normal role 54 (movable object, first movable object) that can move between a reduced state (closed state) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 (a state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49) and an expanded state (open state) in which it is easy for a game ball to enter (a state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49). The normal role 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under specified conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery.

In addition, the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 is provided with a large prize opening 50 (third area, specified area). In addition, a count switch 104 (see FIG. 4) that detects game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 is arranged in the large prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. In addition, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a prize ball payout operation based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104. In addition, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104. In addition, the game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

The big prize opening 50 is provided with a special role 56 (movable object, second movable object, specific movable object) that can move between a closed state (non-entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 50 and an open state (entry state) in which the game ball can enter. The special role 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a big prize is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery). The special role 56 is also controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a small prize game state that starts when a small prize is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery).

The large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area (not shown), a discharge area (not shown), and a distribution means (not shown) for distributing the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area or the discharge area. A specific area switch 107 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the specific area. The specific area switch 107 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a game ball passing through the specific area (passage of the game ball through the specific area). The distribution means can be switched between a specific area passing state in which the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area, and a non-specific area passing state in which the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. In other words, when the distribution means is switched to the specific area passing state, the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area. This makes it impossible for the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 to pass through the discharge area. On the other hand, when the distribution means is displaced to the non-specific area passing state, the game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is distributed to the discharge area. This makes it impossible for the game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 to pass through the specific area. The distribution means is displaced by the specific area solenoid. The game ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is first detected by the count switch 104, and then distributed by the distribution means to either the specific area or the discharge area, and after passing through that area, is discharged to the discharge path. At this time, the game ball that has been distributed to the specific area is detected by the specific area switch 107.

At the bottom of the game area 4, an outlet 62 is provided to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Here, inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the discharge path. That is, the game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning holes 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, the game balls that have entered each winning hole 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 arranged in the winning holes, and then guided to the discharge path. The game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a game ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a game ball from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4a (first game area 4a, left hitting area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4b (second game area 4b, right hitting area) on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, the passage 42, and the stage 44 to win the first starting hole 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins the second starting hole 49 or wins the big winning hole 50 (right hit). In this embodiment, left hit is the first game method, and right hit is the second game method.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second starting opening 49 or the large winning opening 50. In addition, when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first starting opening 46 or the general winning opening 47.

As shown in FIG. 2, a status display unit 70 is provided at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in Figure 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

The normal pattern display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal pattern lottery is being held, the two lamps are made to flash to display the normal pattern in a variable manner, and the normal pattern is displayed stationary by turning on or off the two lamps to display the result of the normal pattern lottery.

The normal reserve display unit 74 is made up of two lamps, and when the normal symbol is already in a changing or stationary display when the game ball passes through the passage gate 48, and the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved because the normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is obtained, the normal reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved random numbers for the normal symbol lottery is displayed, and a normal reserve number of 0 to 4 is displayed by a combination of turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps.

The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a game ball entering the first starting hole 46, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as the first special random number value because it is not possible to perform a special pattern selection even if the random number value for special pattern selection (lottery information) is obtained, such as when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and displays a first special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The second special pattern display unit 81 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a game ball entering the second starting hole 49, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different manners to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when the random number value for special pattern selection is reserved as a second special random number value because a special pattern selection cannot be performed even if the random number value for special pattern selection is obtained, such as when the first or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when the game ball enters the second starting hole 49. By combining turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps, it is possible to display 0 to 4 second special reserve numbers. Note that in this embodiment, the second special random number value is never reserved, and the upper limit of the second special reserve number is 0.

The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, multiple game states can be set, including a special state, a slight time-saving state, a time-saving state (first time-saving state and second time-saving state), and a special game state. Compared to the special state and the slight time-saving state, the time for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change is shortened in the time-saving state, and the opportunity to execute the special symbol lottery occurs frequently.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (game control means) and a sub-control board 202. The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start port switch 100, the second start port switch 103, the general winning port switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the normal role 54, the special role 56, and the payout device 130 based on the calculation results.

The sub-control board 202 also receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the effect devices such as the front frame lamp 12, speaker 14, LCD display 32, and lighting device 38 based on the results of the calculations.

The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol selection means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special symbol selection means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random number values" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that, even if their generation is regular, can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

(Regular design lottery)
Based on a detection signal input from the gate switch 102 which detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, the ordinary pattern lottery means 220 obtains a random number value for ordinary pattern lottery from the random number generating means 210 and stores it in the ordinary random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs an ordinary pattern lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been obtained based on the random number value for ordinary pattern lottery read from the ordinary random number storage means 2912.

In detail, the normal random number memory means 2912 is provided with four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired random number values for the normal pattern lottery, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the random number values for the normal pattern lottery read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used for the normal pattern lottery until the changing and stopping display of the normal pattern ends.
Then, when the normal pattern lottery means 220 acquires the normal pattern lottery random number value from the random number generating means 210, if the normal pattern lottery random number value is not stored in any of the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the normal pattern lottery means 220 first stores the acquired normal pattern lottery random number value in the normal reserve memory area 1. Then, when the normal pattern lottery random number value is stored in the normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the normal pattern lottery random number value is not stored in the normal reserve memory area and control to open the normal role 54 is not being executed, the normal pattern lottery random number value is read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 immediately to perform the normal pattern lottery, and the normal pattern lottery random number value used for the normal pattern lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., when a random number value for the normal symbol selection is stored in the normal pending memory area, or when control for opening the normal device 54 is being executed, the random number value for the normal symbol selection is reserved in the normal pending memory area 1.

When a random number value for normal pattern selection is reserved in normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from gate switch 102 to obtain a random number value for normal pattern selection, normal reserve memory area 220 stores the random number value for normal pattern selection in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which a random number value for normal pattern selection is not reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values for normal pattern selection reserved in normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the normal reserve number is less than four.

Then, when the normal pattern variable display and the stop display of the normal pattern are finished, the normal pattern selection means 220 erases the normal pattern selection random number stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if the normal pattern selection random number is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads out the normal pattern selection random number from the normal reserve memory area 1 to select the normal pattern, provided that the control to open the normal role 54 is not being executed, and stores the normal pattern selection random number obtained by the normal pattern selection in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if the normal pattern selection random number remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining normal pattern selection random number is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the ordinal number one smaller. For example, if the normal pattern selection random number remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it is moved to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

In this way, in the normal random number storage means 2912, the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has been performed is reserved in the normal reserved memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has not been performed is reserved in the normal reserved memory area 1 to normal reserved memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

The details of the normal symbol lottery are explained below. The normal symbol lottery means 220 performs normal winning determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, etc. as the normal symbol lottery.

The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol selection means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal win selection table stored in the selection table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

Figure 5 shows a normal winning lottery table. In this embodiment, in the normal winning lottery table, a normal winning is associated with each of the 100 random number values for normal symbol lottery from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery is 1/1 (100/100). In other words, in the normal winning lottery table, the correspondence between the normal winning and the random number value is set so that a normal winning is won with a probability of 1/1. The normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the normal winning lottery table and determines whether one random number value for normal symbol lottery read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 is associated with a normal winning, thereby determining whether a normal winning has been won.

In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal winning lottery table regardless of the game state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal hit is won in the normal hit determination process, and is a process for determining which of multiple normal hit symbols the normal hit symbol (type of normal hit) will be. In this embodiment, the types are set as "normal symbol 1", "normal symbol 2", and "normal symbol 3". In the normal symbol determination process, the probability of "normal symbol 1" being determined (winning probability) is 64880/65536, the probability of "normal symbol 2" being determined (winning probability) is 358/65536, and the probability of "normal symbol 3" being determined (winning probability) is 298/65536.

In this embodiment, when a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the normal role 54 is opened (opened and closed) in an opening pattern (opening mode/opening and closing mode) according to the type of the normal winning that has been determined. In this embodiment, a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern) are set as the types of opening patterns of the normal role 54. The short opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the short opening pattern, the time during which the normal role 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set shorter than in the long opening pattern. In the short opening pattern, for example, the number of openings of the normal role 54 is set to one, and the opening time of the normal role 54 is set to about 0.05 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the long opening pattern, the time during which the normal role 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set longer than in the short opening pattern. In the long opening pattern, for example, the number of times that the normal feature 54 is opened is set to four, and the total opening time of the normal feature 54 each time is set to about 5.5 seconds. Therefore, when the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern of the normal feature 54, if the game is played by hitting the ball to the right, it is almost certain that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 49.

In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of a plurality of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the game state at the time when the normal symbol lottery is performed.
When the game state is a special state, the normal symbol lottery table 1 shown in Fig. 6(a) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the special state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.

When the game state is the micro-time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery table 2 shown in FIG. 6(b) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the micro-time-saving state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.
In this embodiment, the control of the operation of the normal role 54 is different between the special state and the very short time-saving state. Specifically, in the very short time-saving state, a short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1, as in the special state, but a short opening pattern different from the short opening pattern in the special state is set, and the opening time of the normal role 54 is set slightly longer than the short opening pattern in the special state. Note that the opening pattern of the normal role 54 may be the same in the special state and the very short time-saving state.
The micro-time-saving state may be different from the special state in any one or more of the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the opening pattern of the normal role 54, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol. For example, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery and the opening pattern of the normal role 54 may be the same in the micro-time-saving state and the special state, but the fluctuation time of the normal symbol may be different. In that case, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol may be set to be slightly shorter in the micro-time-saving state than in the special state.

When the game state is the first time-saving state, the normal symbol selection table 3 shown in FIG. 6(c) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" are selected in the normal symbol selection process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol selection in the first time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1.

When the game state is the second time-saving state, the normal symbol selection table 4 shown in FIG. 6(d) is selected. In this case, if "normal symbol 1" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is selected, if "normal symbol 2" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected, and if "normal symbol 3" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol selection in the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/99.902.

As described above, the probability of the long opening pattern being selected in the case of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery differs between the first and second time-saving states. The probability is higher in the first time-saving state than in the second time-saving state, making it more advantageous for the player. Also, in the first and second time-saving states, the normal device 54 is operated so that the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49 more easily than in the special and slight time-saving states, making it more advantageous for the player than the special and slight time-saving states.

The normal symbol selection means 220 determines the normal symbol fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) according to the game state at the time the normal symbol selection is performed (normal fluctuation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the normal symbol fluctuation time is set shorter than when the game state is a special state (slight time-saving state). Note that the normal symbol fluctuation time may differ between the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, and in that case, the normal symbol fluctuation time in the first time-saving state may be set to the shortest.

The normal display control means 222 performs normal pattern display control processing and normal hold display control processing based on the results of the normal pattern lottery.

In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays the normal symbol by blinking the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the change time corresponding to the normal symbol change pattern determined in the normal change pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the normal symbol in a stopped state by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 depending on whether or not a normal hit has been won in the normal win determination process, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72.

In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays a normal hold number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74 according to the number of random numbers for normal pattern selection stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

The normal role control means 224 (movable object control means) is a means for controlling the normal role drive device based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal role control processing. In the normal role control processing, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal role drive device is performed so that the normal role 54 opens (opens and closes) in the determined opening pattern (opening mode, opening and closing mode).

In the normal symbol lottery, the decision to open the normal feature 54 may be made based on the game state or other conditions, and the lottery process may not be executed. In such a configuration, for example, the decision to open the normal feature 54 may be made only when the gate switch 102 detects the passage of the game ball through the passage gate 48 in the time-saving state.

(Special design lottery)
The special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery means) acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 that detects each game ball entering the first start port 46, and stores the random number value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special symbol lottery means 230 also acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 that detects each game ball entering the second start port 49, and stores the random number value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special symbol lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number value, and one first special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern ends.

When the special symbol selection means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol selection based on the input of a detection signal from the first start switch 100, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4, the special symbol selection means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for special symbol selection as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped at the time the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, i.e., the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol selection means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and stores the first special random number value used for the special symbol selection in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserved memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserved memory area 1.

When the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start switch 100 to obtain a random number value for the special symbol selection, the special symbol selection means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and in which the first special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the first special reserve number is less than four.

The special random number memory means 2914 is provided with four second special reserve memory areas, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one second special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the second special random number value read from second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the changing and stopping display of the second special pattern ends.
When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, in a state where the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for special symbol lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reservation memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, if the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reservation memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used for the special symbol lottery in the second special reservation memory area. On the other hand, when the second special symbol is being displayed in a varying or stopped state, i.e., when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is not reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.
In addition, when the special symbol selection means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol selection based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol selection means 230 may select a special symbol using the acquired random number value for special symbol selection (second special random number value), and store the second special random number value used for the special symbol selection in the second special reserve memory area. In other words, the second special reserve memory area may not be provided.

The special pattern lottery means 230 may also be configured to acquire a random number value for special pattern lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, and reserve the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1 if, at the time of storing the acquired random number value for special pattern lottery in the second special reserve memory area 1 as a second special random number value, the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stopped manner, i.e., the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being executed. Then, when a detection signal is input from the second start switch 103 and a random number value for the special symbol selection is obtained while the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1, the special symbol selection means 230 may store the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the second special reservation number is less than four.

When the variable display and the stationary display of the first special symbol are finished, the special symbol selection means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and the first special random number value used for the special symbol selection is stored in the first special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed.
In addition, the special symbol selection means 230 erases the second special random number value stored in the second special reservation memory area when the variable display and stop display of the second special symbol are completed. In addition, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, the second special random number value may be read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to select a special symbol, and the second special random number value obtained by the special symbol selection may be stored in the second special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. In this embodiment, since the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, the variable display of the second special symbol may be started during the variable display of the first special symbol, or the variable display of the first special symbol may be started during the variable display of the second special symbol.

In addition, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to draw a special symbol, provided that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4. When the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to draw a special symbol, even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reservation memory areas 1 to 4. In other words, the second special random number value may be consumed in preference to the first special random number value. In addition, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to draw a special symbol. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the game ball enters the first start hole 46 or the second start hole 49.

If the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, or if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to the special reserve memory area with the ordinal number one smaller. For example, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

In the special random number storage means 2914, the first special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed is reserved up to a maximum of four in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4. In this embodiment, the second special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed is not reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, but the second special random number value for which a special symbol lottery has not been performed may be reserved up to a maximum of four in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4.

The details of the special symbol lottery will now be described. The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a jackpot determination random number value and a pattern determination random number value, as random number values for special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and stores these multiple types of random number values in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value. The special symbol lottery means 230 then performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, and the like, as the special symbol lottery.

The jackpot determination process is a process of reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether or not a jackpot has been won. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the jackpot determination process, the special symbol selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the one jackpot determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a jackpot lottery table A shown in FIG. 7(a) and a jackpot lottery table B shown in FIG. 7(b). In each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot or the like is associated with each of the 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535.

The jackpot lottery table A is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the first special random number, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the jackpot determination random number is set so that the probability of the "jackpot" being won is 1/219.919 (298/65536) and the probability of the "time reduction" being won is 218.919/219.919 (65238/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether the "jackpot" or the "time reduction" has been won by referring to the jackpot lottery table A and determining whether the jackpot determination random number read from the first reserved memory area 1 is associated with the "jackpot" or the "time reduction". In this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery is set to always win either the "jackpot" or the "time reduction".
In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "time-saving" in the first special pattern lottery does not change depending on the game state.
In the first special symbol lottery, there are cases where a winner (big win or small win) is won and cases where a winner is not won, and in this case, the latter case where a winner is not won (which may be called a miss) includes a case where a time-saving (C time-saving 1 or C time-saving 2) is won. In addition, cases where a winner is not won may also include a case where a time-saving is not won (in other words, a complete miss).

The jackpot lottery table B is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the second special random number, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the jackpot determination random number is set so that the probability of the "jackpot" being won is 0.005/1.005 (298/65536) and the probability of the "small jackpot" being won is 1/1.005 (65238/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the jackpot lottery table B and determines whether the jackpot determination random number read from the second reserved memory area 1 is associated with the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot", thereby determining whether the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot" has been won. In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery is set to always win either the "jackpot" or the "small jackpot".
In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "big win" or a "small win" in the second special pattern lottery does not change depending on the game state.
In the second special pattern lottery, there is a case where a winning prize (a big winning prize or a small winning prize) is won, but there is no case where a winning prize is not won (a case where a winning prize is not won and a time-saving prize (C time-saving prize 1 or C time-saving prize 2) is won). In addition, in the second special pattern lottery, there may be a case where a winning prize is not won, but even in that case, it is preferable to avoid a case where a winning prize is not won and a time-saving prize (C time-saving prize 1 or C time-saving prize 2) is won.

The pattern determination process is a process that is performed when a jackpot, time-saving, or small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process. The pattern determination process reads out one pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and when a jackpot is won, it determines which of multiple jackpot patterns the jackpot pattern (type of jackpot) will be, when a time-saving pattern is won, it determines which of multiple time-saving patterns the time-saving pattern (type of time-saving) will be, and when a small jackpot is won, it determines which of multiple small jackpot patterns the small jackpot pattern (type of small jackpot) will be. Here, one pattern determination random number value is obtained from 200 pattern determination random number values from 0 to 199 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 and the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the pattern determination process, the special pattern selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the one pattern determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a pattern lottery table A shown in FIG. 8(a), a pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 8(b), a pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 8(c), and a pattern lottery table D shown in FIG. 8(d). In each pattern lottery table, a predetermined pattern is associated with each of the pattern determination random number values.

The pattern selection table A shown in Figure 8 (a) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values has been stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "jackpot 1" (10R time reduction 1000) is won with a probability of approximately 20%, "jackpot 2" (3R time reduction 70) is won with a probability of approximately 40%, and "jackpot 3" (3R time reduction 0) is won with a probability of approximately 40%.
The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to a symbol lottery table A and judges which of a plurality of kinds of big winning symbols a single read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of a plurality of kinds of big winning symbols has been won.

The pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 8(b) is selected when the time-saving bonus is won and one of the read pattern-determining random number values is stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern-determining random number value is set so that "C time-saving 1" (C time-saving 1 pattern) has a winning probability of approximately 85%, and "C time-saving 2" (C time-saving 2 pattern) has a winning probability of approximately 15%.
The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to a symbol lottery table B and judges which of the multiple types of time-saving symbols the one read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of time-saving symbols has been won.

The pattern selection table C shown in FIG. 8(c) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values has been stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "jackpot 4" (10R time reduction 1000) has a probability of being won of approximately 10% and "jackpot 5" (10R time reduction 70) has a probability of being won of approximately 90%.
The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to a symbol lottery table C and judges which of the multiple types of big winning symbols the one read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of big winning symbols has been won.

The pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 8(d) is selected when a small win is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "small win 1" has a probability of being won of approximately 10% and "small win 2" has a probability of being won of approximately 90%.
The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to a symbol lottery table D and judges which of a plurality of types of small winning symbols a single read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of a plurality of types of small winning symbols has been won.

(Jackpot design)
The special game state is initiated based on winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery) and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of times the special game is played) have been played according to the type (category) of the jackpot symbol (FIGS. 8(a) and 8(c)). When the special game state is initiated based on winning "jackpot 1,""jackpot4," or "jackpot 5" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that ten rounds of special games from the first round to the tenth round have been played. When the special game state is initiated based on winning "jackpot 2" or "jackpot 3" in the special symbol lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that three rounds of special games from the first round to the third round have been played. Details will be described later, but if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving times corresponding to the jackpot pattern is set and the first or second time-saving state is initiated, or a number of time-saving times (a predetermined number of micro-time-saving times) is set according to the jackpot pattern and a micro-time-saving state is initiated.

(Time-saving design)
In the special state, if "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" (if the first special pattern is confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) triggers a predetermined number of time-saving times corresponding to the time-saving pattern to be set and a transition to the second time-saving state is made, or a number of time-saving times (a predetermined number of micro-time-saving times) is set according to the time-saving pattern and a transition to the micro-time-saving state is made.
In addition, in a game state other than the special state, if the first special symbol lottery results in the winning of "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" and the first special symbol is displayed (confirmed), the stop display (confirmation) triggers a transition to the second time-saving state or the small time-saving state. In addition, the "not transitioning" includes not resetting the predetermined number of time-saving times when the game state is already in the game state. The time-saving symbol "C time-saving 2" is a time-saving symbol that does not grant a transition to a game state (special game state or small win game state) in which it is easy to insert a game ball into the large prize slot 50, and can transition to the second time-saving state without passing through the special game state or small win game state.

(Small winning pattern)
The small win game state is started based on winning a small win in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery), and ends when a predetermined number of small win games (one in this embodiment) have been played. In the small win game, the special role 56 is in an open state that allows the game ball to enter the large prize winning hole 50, and the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. Specifically, in the small win game, the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that the game ball that entered the large prize winning hole 50 during the execution of the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area. As a result, if either "small win 1" or "small win 2" is won in the second special symbol lottery, the game ball can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area in the small win game state. Then, when the passage of a game ball through a specific area is detected during the small win game state (when the passage of a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 50 during the execution of a small win game is detected through a specific area), a special game state is initiated based on the end of the small win game state.

In the second special symbol lottery, if "small win 1" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games have been played.
In the second special symbol lottery, if "small win 2" is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games have been played.
Although the details will be described later, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving times corresponding to the small win symbol is set, and the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state) is started. Also, if the passage of the game ball through a specific area is not detected in the small win game state (if the passage of the game ball that entered the large winning port 50 through a specific area during the execution of the small win game is not detected), the special game state is not started, and the special state is started.

In this embodiment, in the special game of each round (including the small win game), when the opening timer of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 opens, or when the value of the large prize counter of the main memory 290, which is incremented by a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches an upper limit value (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device is controlled to close the special feature 56.

The special display control means 240 performs a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process based on the results of the special pattern lottery.

The first special symbol display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special symbol to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the first special symbol to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the display mode of the seven-segment display is determined in advance in correspondence with each of the big win symbols, the time-saving symbols, and the small win symbols.
The special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a stopped state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a manner corresponding to whether or not a jackpot or time-saving feature has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the jackpot feature determined in the feature determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the time-saving feature determined in the feature determination process if the time-saving feature has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

The second special symbol display control process is a process that is performed when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special symbol to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the seven-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the second special symbol to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the seven-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

The special display control means 240 stops and displays the second special pattern by lighting the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a manner according to whether a big win or a small win has been won in the big win determination process, in a manner according to the big win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big win has been won in the big win determination process, and in a manner according to the small win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a small win has been won in the big win determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 81 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a first special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 according to the number of the first special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

In this embodiment, if the second special random number value for which a special pattern lottery has not been performed is not reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, but the second special random number value for which a special pattern lottery has not been performed is reserved up to a maximum of four in the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, in the second special reserve display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a second special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special reserve display unit 82 according to the number of second special random number values stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

As shown in FIG. 9, the game state transition control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between each game state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (transition condition). In this embodiment, the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state) ends based on the establishment of any one of the following first to third end conditions.

(First End Condition)
The first end condition is based on the number of times (number of rotations) that the normal symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving period reaches the "first time-saving period" that is set at the end of the special game state, the first end condition is established. The number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving period is the number of times that the normal symbol changes during the time-saving period.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a first time-saving counter 2932 that counts the number of times the normal pattern changes. At the end of the special game state, the main control board 200 sets the first time-saving number of times according to the winning pattern (type), as the value of the first time-saving counter 2932, and subtracts "1" from the value of the first time-saving counter 2932 each time the normal pattern changes. Then, when the value of the first time-saving counter 2932 reaches "0" with the start of the final change display of the normal pattern, it is determined that the first end condition has been established, and the time-saving state is terminated at the start of the final change of the normal pattern and the special state is started. When the first end condition is established, the time-saving state is terminated and the special state is started at the start of the change display of the normal pattern that triggered the establishment of the first end condition.

(Second End Condition)
The second end condition is based on the number of times the second special symbol changes. In this embodiment, when the number of times the special symbol 2 changes during the time-saving period reaches the "second time-saving number" set at the end of the special game state, the second end condition is established. The number of times the special symbol 2 changes during the time-saving period is the number of times the second special symbol changes during the time-saving period.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a second time-saving counter 2933 that counts the number of times the special symbol 2 changes. When the special game state ends, the main control board 200 sets the second time-saving number of times according to the winning symbol (type), as the value of the second time-saving counter 2933, and subtracts "1" from the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 every time the variable display of the second special symbol starts. Then, when the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 reaches "0", it is determined that the second end condition has been established, and at the start of the variable display of the second special symbol that triggered the establishment of the second end condition, the time-saving state is ended and the special state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the second special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the second time-saving counter 2933, and when the value of the second time-saving counter 2933 reaches "0", it is determined that the second termination condition has been met, and the time-saving state may be ended and the special state may be started at the end of the varying display of the second special pattern that triggered the satisfaction of the second termination condition (when the display stops).

(Third End Condition)
The third end condition is based on the number of times the special symbol changes. In this embodiment, the third end condition is met when the total number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving period reaches the "third time-saving period" set at the end of the special game state. The total number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving period is the sum of the number of times the first special symbol changes during the time-saving period and the number of times the second special symbol changes during the time-saving period.
The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a third time-saving counter 2934 that counts the total number of times the special symbols change. When the special game state ends, the main control board 200 sets the third time-saving number of times according to the winning symbol (type), as the value of the third time-saving counter 2934, and subtracts "1" from the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 every time the variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts. Then, when the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 reaches "0", it is determined that the third end condition has been established, and at the start of the variable display of the special symbol that triggered the establishment of the third end condition, the time-saving state is ended and the special state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the third time-saving counter 2934, and when the value of the third time-saving counter 2934 reaches "0", it is determined that the third termination condition has been met, and the time-saving state may be ended and the special state may be started at the end of the varying display of the special pattern that triggered the fulfillment of the third termination condition (when the display stops).

In the present embodiment, the very short time-saving state ends when the very short time-saving ending condition is met.
(Conditions for ending the micro-time saving)
The micro-time-saving end condition is based on the number of times the special symbols change. In this embodiment, when the total number of times the special symbols change (the sum of the number of times the first special symbol changes and the number of times the second special symbol changes) reaches the "micro-time-saving number of times" set by a predetermined opportunity, the micro-time-saving end condition is established.
In this embodiment, when "C time reduction 1" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the special state and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 1", the "micro time reduction number" is set in response to the stopped display, and the micro time reduction state is started. The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a micro time reduction counter 2935 that counts the total number of times the special pattern changes. The main control board 200 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of times (first value: for example, 1000) to the micro time reduction counter 2935 in response to the fact that "C time reduction 1" is won in the first special pattern lottery in the special state and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 1", starts the micro time reduction state, and subtracts "1" from the value of the micro time reduction counter 2935 every time the special pattern change display is started. Then, when the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 reaches "0", it is determined that the micro-time-saving end condition has been met, and at the start of the varying display of the special pattern that triggered the meeting of the micro-time-saving end condition, the micro-time-saving state is ended and a special state is started.
In this embodiment, at the end of the special game state based on winning "Big Win 3" in the special symbol lottery, a predetermined value (second value: for example, 10,000) is set in the micro-time-saving counter 2935, and the micro-time-saving state is started. In the micro-time-saving state, the main control board 200 subtracts "1" from the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 every time the variable display of the special symbol is started. Then, when the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 reaches "0", it is determined that the micro-time-saving end condition is established, and at the start of the variable display of the special symbol that triggered the establishment of the micro-time-saving end condition, the micro-time-saving state is ended and the special state is started.
In addition, each time the varying display of the special pattern ends, "1" is subtracted from the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935, and when the value of the micro-time-saving counter 2935 reaches "0", it is determined that the micro-time-saving end condition has been met, and the micro-time-saving state is ended and the special state is started at the end of the varying display of the special pattern that triggered the fulfillment of the micro-time-saving end condition (when the display stops).

In this embodiment, the values set in the various counters are decremented at a predetermined time, and when the value reaches "0", it is determined that the predetermined condition is met. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The values of the various counters may be incremented at a predetermined time, and when the value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the predetermined condition is met.

In this embodiment, if a big win is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery), a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. Also, if a small win is won in the second special pattern lottery, a small win game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, and if the passage of a specific area by a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 50 in the small win game state is detected, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. By getting a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, the player can win many prize balls.

In this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the second special pattern lottery is higher than the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the first special pattern lottery. Specifically, in the first special pattern lottery, a small win is not set as a lottery result, and transition to the special game state occurs only when a big win is won. The probability of winning a big win in the first special pattern lottery is 1/219.919. On the other hand, in the second special pattern lottery, a big win and a small win are set as lottery results, and transition to the special game state occurs when a big win is won, and transition to the special game state occurs when a small win is won and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state. In the second special pattern lottery, either a small win or a big win is always won.

The second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol lottery. Therefore, the player is more likely to transition to the special game state if he or she wins the opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery than if he or she wins the opportunity to win the first special symbol lottery, which is advantageous for the player. In order to win the opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery, it is necessary to enter a game ball into the second starting hole 49 when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery and the normal role 54 (normal electric role) is in an open state (open state). As described above, in this embodiment, a short opening pattern and a long opening pattern are provided as opening patterns for the normal role 54, and when the short opening pattern is selected, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49, while when the long opening pattern is selected, it is easy for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49.

(Special Status)
The special state (normal state) is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of game states. In the special state, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery, a short opening pattern is set for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/1. Therefore, it is difficult (impossible) to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. As a result, in the special state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to get an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball from the right. In other words, the special state is a game state in which the player should hit the ball from the left.

As shown in Fig. 9, if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the special state, the game moves to the special game state. At this time, as shown in Fig. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "jackpot 1" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game moves to the first time-saving state.
Also, as shown in Fig. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery and "jackpot 2" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the state transitions to the second time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special pattern lottery and "jackpot 3" is also won, the number of micro-time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state (the first to third time-saving times are set to 0). Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the micro-time-saving state.

As shown in Figures 9 and 8 (b), in the special state, if a time reduction is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and "C time reduction 1" is also won, and the first special pattern is displayed stopped (confirmed) in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 1", the stopped display (confirmation) triggers the number of micro-time reductions to be set to 1,000 (the first to third time reductions are set to 0), and a transition to the micro-time reduction state is made.
Also, as shown in Figures 9 and 8 (b), in a special state, if a time reduction is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and "C time reduction 2" is also won, and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 2" (confirmed), then, as a trigger for the stopped display (confirmation), the first time reduction count is set to 70, the second time reduction count is set to 1, and the third time reduction count is set to 10, and a transition to the second time reduction state is made.
In this embodiment, if "C time-saving 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the special state, a transition to the second time-saving state will occur, but it is also possible to transition to the first time-saving state based on the winning.

(Slight time saving state)
In the micro time-saving state, when a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery, a short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1/1 for the normal role 54. Therefore, it is difficult (impossible) to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. As a result, in the micro time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to get an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball from the right. In other words, the special state is a game state in which the player should hit the ball from the left.

As shown in Fig. 9, if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) in the micro time-saving state, the state transitions to the special game state. As shown in Fig. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery and "jackpot 1" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the state transitions to the first time-saving state.
Also, as shown in Fig. 8(a), if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery and "jackpot 2" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the state transitions to the second time-saving state.
Also, as shown in FIG. 8(a), if the player wins a jackpot in the special symbol lottery and also wins "jackpot 3", the number of micro-time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state (the first to third time-saving times are set to 0). Then, the game moves to the micro-time-saving state based on the end of the special game state.

In the micro-time-saving state, if a time-saving (C time-saving 1 or C time-saving 2) is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) will not trigger the micro-time-saving state or the second time-saving state to start (set) (a new number of time-saving times will not be set). In other words, the game state at the time of the win will continue. Note that in the micro-time-saving state, if a time-saving (C time-saving 1 or C time-saving 2) is won as a result of the first special pattern lottery and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) may be configured to trigger the setting of a new number of time-saving times.

If, during the micro-time-saving state, the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) does not result in a jackpot win and the above-mentioned micro-time-saving end condition is met, the micro-time-saving state ends and the special state begins.

In the special state, if the player wins a jackpot in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "jackpot 2", or if the player wins a time-saving lottery in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "C time-saving 2", the player will transition to the second time-saving state. In contrast, in the micro time-saving state, the player will transition to the second time-saving state only if the player wins a jackpot in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins "jackpot 2". For this reason, the special state has a higher probability of transitioning to the second time-saving state (the most advantageous game state for the player) than the micro time-saving state, which is more advantageous for the player. In other words, compared to the micro time-saving state, the special state has a higher probability of transitioning to the second time-saving state because it is possible to transition to the second time-saving state if "C time-saving 2" is won, which makes it more advantageous for the player. In this embodiment, when the power to the gaming machine is turned on or when the RAM clear switch on the main control board 200 is operated, RAM clear (a process that clears (initializes) a specific area in the main memory 290) is executed, and the gaming state is set to a special state. This special state is the so-called "morning state."

(First time-saving state)
In the first time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/1. Therefore, compared to the special state (or the micro time-saving state), it is easier to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49. In the first time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the opportunity for the second special pattern lottery can be acquired with a probability of 1/1. The probability of winning a normal winning in the normal pattern lottery is 1/1, and the probability of winning a small winning in the second special pattern lottery is 1/1.005 (the second special pattern lottery always wins either a small winning or a big winning). Therefore, when the first time-saving state is entered, it is almost certain that the special game state can be entered based on one normal pattern lottery. In other words, in the first time-saving state, the probability (1/1) of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is essentially the probability of winning the second special symbol lottery and transitioning to the special game state (including via the small prize game state). As a result, in the first time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit from the right than from the left, so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 in order to have a chance at the normal symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery). In other words, the first time-saving state is a game state in which right-handed hitting is recommended.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a big win or a small win is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the first time-saving state, a transition to a special game state occurs.
As shown in Fig. 8(c), if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery and "jackpot 4" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the state transitions to the first time-saving state.
Also, as shown in Fig. 8(c), if the player wins a jackpot in the special symbol lottery and also wins "jackpot 5", at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving state.
8(d), if a small win is won in the special symbol lottery, "small win 1" is won, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, at the end of the special game state. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the first time-saving state.
8(d), if a small win is won in the special symbol lottery, and "small win 2" is won, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving state.

In the first time-saving state, if the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) does not result in a big win or small win, and any of the first to third ending conditions described above is met, the first time-saving state ends and the special state begins based on that condition being met.

(Second time-saving state)
In the second time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the normal role 54 with a probability of 1/99.902. Therefore, it is easier to make the game ball enter the second starting hole 49 compared to the special state (or the small time-saving state). In the second time-saving state, if a normal winning is won in the normal pattern lottery, the player can get a chance to win the second special pattern lottery with a probability of 1/99.902. In the second time-saving state, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal pattern lottery (1/99.902) is essentially the probability of winning the second special pattern lottery and transitioning to the special game state (including via the small win game state). As a result, in the second time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right than to hit the ball to the left so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 in order to get a chance to win the normal pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery). In other words, the second time-saving state is a gaming state in which right-hand hits should be performed.

As shown in FIG. 9, if a big win or a small win is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the second time-saving state, a transition to a special game state occurs.
As shown in Fig. 8(c), if a jackpot is won in the special symbol lottery and "jackpot 4" is won, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the state transitions to the first time-saving state.
Also, as shown in Fig. 8(c), if the player wins a jackpot in the special symbol lottery and also wins "jackpot 5", at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving state.
8(d), if a small win is won in the special symbol lottery, "small win 1" is won, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 1000, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10, at the end of the special game state. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the first time-saving state.
8(d), if a small win is won in the special symbol lottery, and "small win 2" is won, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, at the end of the special game state, the first time-saving number of times is set to 70, the second time-saving number of times is set to 1, and the third time-saving number of times is set to 10. Then, based on the end of the special game state, the game transitions to the second time-saving state.

In the second time-saving state, if the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) does not result in a big win or small win, and any of the first to third ending conditions described above is met, the second time-saving state ends and the special state begins based on that condition being met.

In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, if the time-saving ("C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2") is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), the slight time-saving state or the second time-saving state will not be started (set) as a trigger for the stopped display (confirmation) (a new number of time-saving times will not be set). In other words, the game state at the time of the winning will continue. Note that in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, if the first special pattern lottery results in the winning of "C time-saving 1" or "C time-saving 2" and the first special pattern is stopped (confirmed), a new number of time-saving times may be set as a trigger for the stopped display (confirmation).

Returning to FIG. 4, the special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the results of the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the special game.

The small win game execution means 262 is a means for executing a small win game based on a small win being won in the special pattern lottery, and performs the execution processing of the small win game, etc.

The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a number of prize balls that is predetermined for each detection signal, based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100, the detection signal from the second start port switch 103, the detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, and the detection signal from the count switch 104.

The payout device 130 performs the operation of paying out the number of game balls instructed by the payout control means 270. The payout device 130 has a payout motor in a game ball tank that stores the game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 also has a payout sensor that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout sensor.

The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in response to various calculation results in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a manner that allows only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, and the sub-control board 202 cannot transmit information to the main control board 200.

Next, we will explain the sub-control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302, and controls the performance device to perform effects to liven up the game or assist the game, such as turning on or blinking the front frame lamp 12 or the lighting device 38, displaying a performance image on the LCD display 32, controlling the audio device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance object. By controlling the performance device, the performance device executes effects to liven up the game or assist the game.

The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws images in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 for each frame (1/30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn images on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display 32.

The performance control means 300 executes a performance in which a performance pattern (demo pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stopped display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stopped display of the normal pattern in the normal pattern display section 72, and notifies the result of the first special pattern lottery or the normal pattern lottery. In the special state (or the slight time-saving state), the performance control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 a performance pattern corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the first special pattern, and in the time-saving state (the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state), displays on the liquid crystal display 32 a performance pattern corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the normal pattern.

The display of the performance symbols in the special state will be explained. FIG. 10(a) shows the state before the first special symbol starts to change. In the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed as performance symbols. The left performance symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle performance symbol 352 is displayed in the center of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right performance symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 each constitute nine types of performance symbol strings representing the numbers "1" to "9". Note that each performance symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may be composed of a decorative part such as a character in addition to the number.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the display of the effect pattern (variable display effect) begins based on the start of the display of the first special pattern. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the effect pattern is being displayed vertically at high speed (scrolling).

As shown in FIG. 10(c), the effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern based on the stopped display of the first special pattern. The effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern in a manner according to the result of the first special pattern lottery. For example, if a jackpot is won in the first special pattern lottery, the effect pattern is displayed as a stopped pattern in a manner according to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process. Although not shown, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the effect pattern is displayed as a changed or stopped pattern in response to the changed and stopped display of the normal pattern, just like in the special state (as shown in FIG. 10(a), FIG. 10(b), and FIG. 10(c)).

The performance control means 300 also executes a performance in which an image showing the first special hold number or the normal hold number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the first special hold number or the normal hold number in the main control board 200. In the special state (or the slight time-saving state), as shown in Figs. 10(a) to 10(c), a first hold image 420 (first hold pattern) corresponding to the first special hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. In the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), as shown in Fig. 10(d), a second hold image 422 (second hold pattern) corresponding to the normal hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

As described above, the special state and the slight time-saving state are game states in which left-handed hits are more advantageous than right-handed hits, and the time-saving state (first time-saving state and second time-saving state: right-handed hit time-saving state) is a game state in which right-handed hits are more advantageous than left-handed hits. In the time-saving state (first time-saving state and second time-saving state), it is easier to get the game ball into the second starting hole 49 than in the special state and the slight time-saving state, and the second special pattern lottery based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 is more likely to determine a transition to the special game state than the first special pattern lottery. In other words, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are more likely to determine a transition to the special game state than the special state and the slight time-saving state. The first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may be called high base states, and the special state and the slight time-saving state may be called low base states.

In this embodiment, at a predetermined timing after the end of the special game state (for example, after the end of the second time-saving state), the game state transitions to the special state (FIG. 9). In other words, the game state transitions (may transition) to the special state when the high base state transitions to the low base state. In this special state, if the result of the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) is the first result (winning "C time-saving 1"), that is, if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 1" (in other words, if the C time-saving 1 symbol is stopped), the game state transitions to the micro time-saving state (first state). On the other hand, in the special state, if the result of the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) is the second result (winning "C time-saving 2"), that is, if the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time-saving 2" (in other words, if the C time-saving 2 symbol is stopped), the game state transitions to the second time-saving state (second state).
In this embodiment, when the result of the first special symbol drawing in the special state is the second result, the state transitions to the second time-saving state, but when the result of the first special symbol drawing in the special state is the second result, the state transitions to the first time-saving state may be made. In that case, the first time-saving state may be the "second state."

In this embodiment, in the micro-time-saving state, the first time-saving state, and the second time-saving state, even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result, the state does not transition to the micro-time-saving state (first state). Also, in the micro-time-saving state, the first time-saving state, and the second time-saving state, even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the second result, the state does not transition to the second time-saving state (second state). Comparing the special state and the micro-time-saving state, the special state transitions to the second time-saving state (second state) based on the result of the first special symbol lottery being the second result, but the micro-time-saving state does not transition to the second time-saving state (second state) even if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the second result. For this reason, the special state can be said to be a more advantageous state than the micro-time-saving state.

The performance control means 300 executes a special performance in the special state (causes the performance device to execute the special performance). In other words, the performance control means 300 starts a special performance upon transition to the special state. The special performance can be described as a performance that is executed while staying in the special state, or a performance that suggests (notifies) that the player is staying in the special state.

The performance control means 300 displays a display (special performance display S described below) corresponding to the special performance on the liquid crystal display 32 (display area 32a) as a special performance. The performance control means 300 may also light up the lighting device (front frame lamp 12 or lighting device 28) in a lighting (light emission) mode corresponding to the special state as a special performance. The performance control means 300 may also output a sound (sound effect, voice) corresponding to the special state from the speaker 14 as a special performance.

(Special effect display S)
11 is a diagram showing an example of the special effect display S. The special effect display S shown in FIG. 11 is a window image having a substantially rectangular frame, and is configured to include an image showing the first start hole 46 and its surrounding area on the game board 6, an arrow pointing to the first start hole 46 in the image, and the word "Aim!". The special effect (special effect display S) is specifically an effect (display) that instructs (informs) the player to aim at the first start hole 46 and launch the game ball (to get a chance to draw the first special symbol).

The special effect is executed with the transition to the special state, and the special effect display S is displayed, so that the player can clearly be informed that the player is in the special state. The player can recognize that the player is in the special state in one game immediately after the end of the time-saving state (second time-saving state). The special effect display S is a display that encourages the player to shoot the game ball with the left hand and aim at the first starting hole 46 to get an opportunity to draw the first special pattern. As described above, the lottery result of the first special pattern lottery includes "C time-saving 1" (first result) and "C time-saving 2" (second result), but the lottery result of the second special pattern lottery does not include "C time-saving 1" and "C time-saving 2". In other words, the C time-saving pattern can be won in the first special pattern lottery, but the C time-saving pattern will not be won in the second special pattern lottery. Therefore, even if the player gets an opportunity to draw the second special pattern in the special state, the C time-saving pattern will not be won as a result of the lottery. In the special state, if the player fires the game ball aiming at the first starting hole 46 and gets a chance to draw the first special symbol, he or she may win the C time-saving symbol.

(Demo display T)
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the state where the player does not play continues for a predetermined time (i.e., at a predetermined timing after the end of the game), a demo performance can be executed. In other words, when the performance control means 300 determines that a predetermined condition (demo transition condition) is established, it executes a demo performance (makes the performance device execute a demo performance). When the performance control means 300 determines that, for example, no operation is performed on the operation means of the gaming machine for a certain time (e.g., one minute) (a certain time has passed without any operation on the operation means of the gaming machine), it determines that the demo transition condition is established. The demo performance can be said to be a performance executed during standby, a performance that notifies the user that a game is being waited for, and the like. The performance control means 300 displays, for example, a demo display T on the liquid crystal display 32 as a demo performance. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a demo display T.

The demo display T includes a demo image TM. The demo image TM is designed to attract the player's interest, and is, for example, a movie of a predetermined length of time (e.g., about one minute) in which a character is introduced. While the demo performance is being performed, the movie may be displayed in a loop. Furthermore, the demo image TM is not limited to a video image, and may be a still image.

The demo display T includes a display TS related to the gaming machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the effect button 26 is provided around the upper tray 16, and in addition to the effect button 26, various buttons (buttons related to predetermined settings) such as a cross key, a volume control button, and a light control button are provided. In FIG. 12, as the display TS related to the game, an image TS1 imitating the effect button 26, an image TS2 imitating a cross key, an image TS3 imitating a volume control button, and an image TS4 imitating a light control button (displays related to predetermined settings) are displayed. Note that images TS3 and TS4 include a level display, which notifies the range (stages) of levels that can be set and the current setting level. Images TS1 to TS4 can be said to be displays that notify that the corresponding buttons can be operated.

The display TS relating to the gaming machine is not limited to images corresponding to various buttons, and may be, for example, a display that notifies information related to the gaming machine. The display that notifies information related to the gaming machine may be, for example, a character string explaining the operation method, or a code that can be read by the player using a smartphone, etc. The display TS relating to the gaming machine may also include a warning display for the player (a display to prevent addiction).

The demo display T may also include displays other than the demo image TM and the display TS relating to the gaming machine. The performance control means 300 may also light (or turn off) the lighting device (front frame lamp 12 or lighting device 28) in a predetermined pattern (demo pattern) as a demo performance. The performance control means 300 may also output (or mute) a predetermined sound (demo performance sound) from the speaker 14 as a demo performance.

Here, an example of the processing performed by the presentation control means 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of this processing. Note that, at the start of this flowchart, it is assumed that a state has started in which no player is playing on the gaming machine.

The performance control means 300 determines whether or not a demo transition condition (a predetermined condition) has been met (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the demo transition condition has been met (step S1: YES), the performance control means 300 then determines whether or not a special performance is being executed (whether or not the game state is in a special state) (step S2). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the demo transition condition has not been met (step S1: NO), the processing of step S1 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S2 that the special effect is not being executed (step S2: NO), the effect control means 300 starts the demo effect (step S3). At this time, the effect control means 300 prioritizes the demo effect over the effect being executed and starts the demo effect. For example, the liquid crystal display 32 displays the demo display T shown in FIG. 12. Note that the effect being executed (i.e., the effect having a lower priority than the demo effect) may be interrupted with the start of the demo effect, or may continue to be executed in a state of lower priority than the demo effect. For example, an image related to the effect may be placed in a lower layer, and an image related to the demo display T may be placed higher than the layer, so that the image placed in the lower layer cannot be seen. Also, when it is determined in step S2 that the special effect is not being executed (the game state is not a special state) (step S2: NO), if the game state is a predetermined game state (for example, the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state), the demo effect may not be started.

If it is determined in step S2 that a special effect is being executed (step S2: YES), the effect control means 300 continues the execution of the special effect and starts a demo effect (step S4). In other words, the effect control means 300 executes the special effect and the demo effect.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display that is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 as a result of the processing of step S4. The performance control means 300 continues the execution of the special performance and starts a demo performance. Specifically, the performance control means 300 displays a special performance display S and a display TS related to the gaming machine as a demo display T.

When executing a demo performance while a special performance is being performed (while in a special state), the performance control means 300 sets the priority of the currently executing performance (i.e., the special performance) higher than when executing a demo performance when a special performance is not being performed. For example, on the liquid crystal display 32, the priority of the display of the special performance display S is set higher than the priority of the display of a predetermined demo display T (demo image TM), and the special performance display S becomes visible as shown in FIG. 14. Here, the demo performance executed when a special performance is not being performed is the first demo performance, and the demo performance executed while a special performance is being performed is the second demo performance. The performance control means 300 can make the performance mode of the second demo performance different from the performance mode of the first demo performance. For example, the performance control means 300 sets the second demo performance to a state in which the demo image TM (movie) is not displayed. Not displaying the demo image TM may mean not placing (drawing) the demo image TM in a layer, or may mean placing the demo image TM in a layer while placing an image with a higher priority than the demo image TM in a layer above the layer so as to overlap the demo image TM, thereby preventing the demo image TM from being displayed. Note that in this embodiment, the demo image TM is not displayed while the special effect is being performed (second demo effect), but the demo image TM may be displayed while the special effect is being performed, for example, a reduced demo image TM may be displayed in a position that does not overlap the special effect display S.

In addition, the presentation control means 300 can, for example, make the display mode (size and display position) of the displays TS1 to TS4 relating to the gaming machines in the second demo presentation different from that in the first demo presentation. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the presentation control means 300 changes the display mode (display position) of the displays TS1 to TS4 relating to the gaming machines from the display mode (display position) in the first demo presentation, and adjusts the display TS relating to the gaming machines so that it covers a part (corner) of the special presentation display S but does not cover at least the essential part of the special presentation display S. The essential part of the special presentation display S is, for example, the part including the first start opening 46 and the arrow pointing to the first start opening 46 in the image. Note that the presentation control means 300 may adjust the display TS relating to the gaming machines so that it does not cover the special presentation display S at all.

Even if the demo transition condition is met (i.e., even if the demo performance has started) during the transition from the second time-saving state to the special state, when a special performance is executed in the special state and the special performance display S corresponding to the special state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, the special performance continues and the state in which the special performance display S can be seen is maintained. Therefore, even if the demo performance has started, it is possible to clearly notify that the player is in the special state.
In this embodiment, when the demo transition condition is satisfied in the special state (during the execution of the special effect), the second demo effect is executed. However, when the demo transition condition is satisfied in the special state (during the execution of the special effect), no demo effect may be executed (the display related to the demo display T is not displayed). Even if no demo effect is executed, the performance control means 300 may internally set a demo performance state as the performance state based on the satisfaction of the demo transition condition. The demo performance state is, for example, a state in which the performance control means 300 can determine whether or not to execute a demo performance based on the game state (according to the game state).

Note that if a demo transition condition is met while a special performance is being executed in a special state and the lighting device (front frame lamp 12 or lighting device 28) is turned on in a lighting mode (pattern) corresponding to the special state, the performance control means 300 may continue the special performance without turning on the lighting device in the demo pattern, and may continue to turn on the lighting device in the pattern corresponding to the special state. In this case, it is possible to more clearly notify that the user is in a special state.

In addition, if a demo transition condition is met while a special performance is being executed in a special state and a sound (sound effect, voice) corresponding to the special state is being output from the speaker 14, the performance control means 300 may continue the special performance without outputting the demo performance sound from the speaker 14, and may continue outputting the sound corresponding to the special state. In this case, it is possible to more clearly notify the player that they are in a special state.

"If a predetermined condition (demo transition condition) is met while remaining in the special state, the special effect will continue to be executed" means that at least the special effect display S will continue to be displayed on the LCD display 32.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for performing a lottery (first special symbol lottery) when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
A state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) that controls transition of a game state among a plurality of game states including a special state, a first state (a minute time-saving state), a second state (a second time-saving state), and a special game state;
A performance control means (performance control means 300) for controlling the execution of the performance,
If the result of the lottery is a specific result (specific winning), the game transitions to the special game state, and in the special game state, a special game is executed in which a specific movable object (special role object 56) operates in a state in which the game medium can enter a predetermined area (large prize opening 50) provided in the game area,
The special game state can be transitioned to at a predetermined timing after the special game state ends,
In the special state, if the result of the lottery is the first result (C time reduction 1), the game is shifted to the first state, and if the result of the lottery is the second result (C time reduction 2), the game is shifted to the second state which is more advantageous than the first state;
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is the second result, the state is not transitioned to the second state;
In the special state, a special effect is executed to suggest that the player is in the special state,
When a certain condition is met after the game ends, a demo performance can be executed.
Even if the predetermined condition is met while the player remains in the special state, the special performance is continued.

The special state is a state in which a transition to the second state, which is more advantageous than the first state, is possible if the result of the lottery is the second result, and is more advantageous for the player than the first state, which does not transition to the second state if the result of the lottery is the second result. In this special state, a special effect is executed that suggests that the player is in the special state, so that the player can be clearly notified that the player is in the special state. In addition, even if the specified condition (demo transition condition) is met while the player is in the special state (while the special effect is being executed), the special effect is continued to be executed. In other words, the effect that suggests that the player is currently in the special state is continued. Therefore, even if the specified condition is met, the player can be clearly notified that the player is in the special state. By clearly notifying the player that the player is in the special state, the frequency with which the player has expectations (the frequency with which the player is excited) can be increased, and the player can be more attracted. This can increase the operating rate of the gaming machine.

If a demo effect is started in a special state based on the satisfaction of the specified condition (demo transition condition) and the special effect is interrupted, the player will not be notified that he or she is in a special state, making it difficult for the player to recognize that he or she is in a special state. According to this embodiment, even if the specified condition is satisfied in a special state, the special effect continues, so the player can recognize that he or she is in a special state.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the special effect is an effect that notifies the player that the gaming medium will be fired aiming at the first area. The special state is a state that can be transitioned to the first state or the second state as a result of the lottery. By executing a special effect in the special state and notifying the player that the gaming medium will be fired aiming at the first area, the player can be encouraged to have a chance to enter the lottery.

In this embodiment, there are two cases where the game moves to the micro-time-saving state: a case where the game moves from the special state to the micro-time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 1" in the first special symbol lottery (first case); and a case where the game moves from the special game state to the micro-time-saving state based on winning "jackpot 3" in the first special symbol lottery (second case). Note that the number of micro-time-saving times set in the second case is greater than that in the first case. In this embodiment, the game moves to the same micro-time-saving state in the first and second cases. The same micro-time-saving state refers to the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the opening pattern of the normal role 54, and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol being the same, and the performance executed in the micro-time-saving state being the same.
However, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to transition to different micro-time-saving states in the first and second cases. That is, in the first case, transition to the first micro-time-saving state (1000 micro-time-saving times), and in the second case, transition to the second micro-time-saving state (10000 micro-time-saving times). In that case, any one or more of the winning probability of the normal pattern lottery, the opening pattern of the normal role object 54, and the fluctuation time of the normal pattern may be slightly different between the first micro-time-saving state and the second micro-time-saving state. In that case, the performance executed in the first micro-time-saving state and the second micro-time-saving state may be the same, or different performances may be executed in the first micro-time-saving state and the second micro-time-saving state. When the first micro-time-saving state and the second micro-time-saving state are provided, the "micro-time-saving state (first state)" may collectively refer to the first micro-time-saving state and the second micro-time-saving state, or may refer to any one of them.

In this embodiment, the presentation control means 300 may execute a presentation (e.g., a judge presentation) according to the winning jackpot symbol selected in the special symbol drawing while in the special game state. For example, the presentation control means 300 may execute a first presentation when "jackpot 1" (10R time reduction 1000) is selected in the first special symbol drawing, and execute a second presentation when "jackpot 2" (3R time reduction 70) is selected in the first special symbol drawing. In this case, the first presentation may be a presentation that suggests something more pleasing to the player than the second presentation.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the period of the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are managed by the number of times that the normal pattern changes (the first time-saving number) and the number of times that the special pattern changes (the second time-saving number and the third time-saving number). The various controls by the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 of this embodiment are not limited to such gaming machines, but can also be applied to gaming machines in which the period of the time-saving state (the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state) is managed by the number of times that the special pattern (for example, the second special pattern) changes. In this gaming machine, for example, "big win", "time-saving", and "miss" are provided as the lottery results of the first special pattern lottery, and "big win", "small win", and "miss" are provided as the lottery results of the second special pattern lottery. FIG. 15 shows a pattern lottery table of this gaming machine. The special symbol lottery means 230 determines which of "Big Win 1" to "Big Win 3" has been won when a big win is won in the first special symbol lottery. At this time, for example, when "Big Win 1" is won, 1000 times is set as the number of time-saving times (the number of times that the special symbol 2 is displayed) at the end of the special game state, and the state transitions to the first time-saving state based on the end of the special game state. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 determines which of "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2" has been won when a time-saving time is won in the first special symbol lottery. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 determines which of "Big Win 4" or "Big Win 5" has been won when a big win is won in the second special symbol lottery. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 determines which of "Small Win 1" or "Small Win 2" has been won when a small win is won in the second special symbol lottery.

In the gaming machine, the presentation control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display presentation patterns corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the first special pattern in the special state and the minute time-saving state, and causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display presentation patterns corresponding to the varying and stopped display of the second special pattern in the time-saving state (first time-saving state and second time-saving state). Also, the presentation control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display a first reserved image corresponding to the first special reserved number in the special state and the minute time-saving state, and causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display a second reserved image corresponding to the second special reserved number in the time-saving state (first time-saving state and second time-saving state).

The various controls by the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 of this embodiment can also be applied to a gaming machine in which the lottery result of the special symbol lottery does not include a big win, and the special game state is started only when the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in a small win game state based on winning a small win in the special symbol lottery. In this gaming machine, for example, "small win", "time reduction", and "miss" are provided as the lottery results of the first special symbol lottery, and "small win" and "miss" are provided as the lottery results of the second special symbol lottery. FIG. 16 shows a symbol lottery table of this gaming machine. Note that, in this gaming machine, the period of the time reduction state (first time reduction state and second time reduction state) may also be managed by the number of times the special symbol (for example, the second special symbol) is displayed.

When a small win is won in the first special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 determines whether a small win A, a small win B, or a small win C has been won. At this time, for example, when a "small win A" is won in the first special pattern lottery and the passage of a game ball in a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds are executed with the small win game as the first round game. Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games have been executed. In this case, at the end of the special game state, the number of time-saving times (the number of times that the special game state 2 is displayed) is set to 1000, and the transition to the first time-saving state is made based on the end of the special game state. In addition, the special pattern lottery means 230 determines whether a time-saving time 1 or a time-saving time 2 has been won in the first special pattern lottery. In addition, if a small win is won in the second special pattern lottery, the special pattern selection means 230 determines whether small win 1 or small win 2 has been won.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), in this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery results in the possibility of winning "Big Win 3". In other words, "Big Win 3" (third result) is provided as a type of big win in the first special symbol lottery. If "Big Win 3" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game will transition to a micro-time-saving state without going through a time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state) after the special game state ends. In other words, "Big Win 3" is a big win symbol (micro-time-saving win) that transitions to a micro-time-saving state without transitioning to a time-saving state after the special game state ends. In addition, in a gaming machine equipped with the symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 16, "Small Win 3" (third result) is a small win symbol (micro-time-saving win) that transitions to a micro-time-saving state without transitioning to a time-saving state after the special game state ends. A hit that transitions to a micro-time-saving state after the end of the special game state is a more disadvantageous hit for the player than a hit that transitions to a first time-saving state (right-hit time-saving state) after the end of the special game state (e.g., jackpot 1) or a hit that transitions to a second time-saving state (right-hit time-saving state) after the end of the special game state (e.g., jackpot 2). Note that a disadvantage may mean not transitioning to a right-hit time-saving state after the end of the special game state, or a smaller number of rounds in the special game state compared to other hits. In this embodiment, the most disadvantageous hit among hits in the first special pattern lottery (jackpot, or jackpot via a small hit) transitions to a micro-time-saving state after the end of the special game state.

Now, consider the case where the most unfavorable hit is one that will result in a transition to a special state (normal state) after the special game state ends. For example, if the hit is won in the first special pattern lottery, then a transition to the special state will occur after the special game state ends, as shown by the thick arrow in FIG. 17. As described above, the special state is a game state in which a transition to a time-saving state (second time-saving state) is possible based on winning "C time-saving 2" in the first special pattern lottery. For this reason, if a transition to the special state occurs after the special game state ends based on the winning of the hit, the frequency of transition to the special state will be relatively high, and as a result, the frequency of transition to the second time-saving state will also be relatively high.

The second time-saving state is a state in which the probability of transitioning to the special game state is higher than the special state or the micro time-saving state, so as the frequency of transitions to the second time-saving state increases, the frequency of transitions to the special game state also increases accordingly. In this case, it is necessary to prevent the payout rate of the gaming machine from becoming excessive, so it is possible to reduce the number of game balls paid out in right-hand play (number of prize balls). Specifically, it is possible to reduce the probability of transitioning to the special game state in right-hand play and the expected payout rate in the special game state transitioned to based on right-hand play. However, such a configuration could lead to a decrease in interest in the game.

In this embodiment, if a specific win (the most unfavorable win) is won in the first special symbol lottery, the player transitions to the micro-time-saving state rather than the special state after the special game state ends (Figure 9). The micro-time-saving state is a state in which the player does not transition to the second time-saving state even if "C time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery. In other words, the micro-time-saving state is a state that is more unfavorable to the player than the special state.

In this embodiment, the type of winning in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) is set to a winning type that transitions to a micro-time-saving state after the special game state ends. In other words, a specific winning (the most unfavorable winning) in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) is set to a winning type that transitions to a micro-time-saving state after the special game state ends. Therefore, the frequency of transitions to the special state can be suppressed from becoming relatively high by the amount of transition to the micro-time-saving state after the special game state ends based on the winning of the winning. Therefore, the frequency of transitions to the second time-saving state can be suppressed from becoming high, and the frequency of transitions to the special game state can be suppressed from becoming high. This can suppress a decrease in interest in the game that occurs when the number of game balls (number of prize balls) paid out in a game with a right hit is reduced. In other words, the number of game balls (number of prize balls) paid out in a game with a right hit can be relatively large.

In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned special effects are executed in the special state, but if the configuration shown in FIG. 17 is used and the frequency of transitions to the special state becomes relatively high, the frequency of special effects being executed will also become relatively high. In this case, when a special effect is executed, the player will feel less special (the special effect will become boring), which may result in a decrease in interest in the game. According to this embodiment, the frequency of transitions to the special state is prevented from increasing, and the frequency of special effects being executed is prevented from increasing. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in interest in the game due to the special effects being executed too frequently.

In this embodiment, there are two cases of transition to the micro-time-saving state: a case where a special state transitions to the micro-time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 1" in the first special symbol lottery (first case), and a case where a special game state transitions to the micro-time-saving state based on winning a specific hit (the most unfavorable hit) in the first special symbol lottery (second case). The performance control means 300 executes a performance (micro-time-saving transition performance, micro-time-saving entry performance) that suggests a transition to the micro-time-saving state at the time of transition to the micro-time-saving state. For example, the performance control means 300 starts the micro-time-saving transition performance when the variable display of the pattern (special pattern) that triggered the decision to transition to the micro-time-saving state starts. In this embodiment, a common (same) micro-time-saving transition performance is executed at the time of transition to the micro-time-saving state whether in the first case or the second case. As the micro-time-saving transition performance, for example, a display suggesting a transition to the micro-time-saving state (for example, an icon including the characters "XX stage") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. For example, the icon may be displayed with movement, and may become increasingly clearer as time passes.

By executing a common micro-time-saving transition performance in the first and second cases, the processing can be simplified and the processing load can be reduced compared to a case where a different micro-time-saving transition performance is executed according to each case by determining which case it is. Also, compared to a case where a different micro-time-saving transition performance is executed according to each case, the capacity of the performance data storage means 303 can be prevented from being overloaded.
In addition, by executing a common micro-time-saving transition effect in the first and second cases, the player can more clearly recognize that a transition to a micro-time-saving state (a situation in which a transition to a micro-time-saving state can occur) compared to a case in which a different micro-time-saving transition effect is executed for each case. For example, if a different micro-time-saving transition effect is executed for each case, the player may recognize that a transition to a different game state occurs when one effect is executed and when the other effect is executed, but by executing a common effect, it becomes easier to understand that the situation is one in which a transition to the same micro-time-saving state can occur.

After the variable display of the pattern (special pattern) that triggered the decision to transition to the micro-time-saving state is finished (after the stop display), the performance control means 300 executes (starts) a performance (micro-time-saving performance) corresponding to the micro-time-saving state. That is, the performance control means 300 sets the performance state to a performance state corresponding to the micro-time-saving state (micro-time-saving stage where the micro-time-saving performance is executed). The micro-time-saving performance can be said to be a performance executed while staying in the micro-time-saving state, or a performance that suggests staying in the micro-time-saving state. In addition, an ending performance may be executed between the start of the variable display of the pattern and the stop display, and the micro-time-saving stage may be set after the ending performance is finished. In addition, the ending performance may end after the stop display of the pattern. In addition, the ending performance may be executed only in either the first case or the second case (for example, the second case via the special game state).

In this embodiment, a common transition effect (micro-time-saving transition effect) is executed when transitioning from the special state to the micro-time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 1" in the first special symbol lottery (first case), and when transitioning from the special game state to the micro-time-saving state based on winning a specific hit (the most unfavorable hit) in the first special symbol lottery (second case). However, different transition effects (micro-time-saving transition effects) may be executed when transitioning to the micro-time-saving state in the first and second cases. In addition, since the micro-time-saving state is a disadvantageous state for the player compared to other game states, the transition effect may be an effect (failure effect) that suggests that the player is not happy. In this case, since the number of micro-time-saving times is set larger in the second case (10,000 micro-time-saving times) than in the first case (1,000 micro-time-saving times), a micro-time-saving transition effect may be executed that suggests that the second case is more disadvantageous than the first case. By executing different micro-time-saving transition effects in the first and second cases and increasing the variety of effects, the interest of the game can be improved.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (a gaming area 4) in which a gaming medium moves, and launching a gaming medium into the gaming area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for performing a lottery (first special symbol lottery) when a gaming medium enters a first area (first starting hole 46) provided in the gaming area;
and a state transition control means (game state transition control means 250) for controlling transition of a game state among a plurality of game states including a special state, a first state (a slight time-saving state), a second state (a second time-saving state), and a special game state.
the special state and the first state are states in which playing a game in the first game method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second game method,
the second state is a state in which playing the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing the first gaming method;
In the special state, if the result of the lottery is the first result (C time reduction 1), the game is shifted to the first state, and if the result of the lottery is the second result (C time reduction 2), the game is shifted to the second state which is more advantageous than the first state;
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is the second result, the state is not transitioned to the second state;
If the result of the lottery is the third result (big win 3, small win C), a transition is made to the special game state, in which a special game is executed in which a specific movable object (special device 56) operates in a state that allows the game medium to enter a specified area (big prize opening 50) provided in the game area, and after the special game state ends, a transition is made to the first state.

If the result of the lottery is the third result, and a transition to a special state occurs after the special game state ends, the frequency of transition to the second state (a state in which playing with the second game method is more advantageous than playing with the first game method) will be relatively high, since the special state is a state in which a transition to the second state, which is more advantageous than playing with the first game method, occurs when the result of the lottery is the second result. In this case, in order to prevent the payout rate of the gaming machine from becoming excessive due to the high frequency of transition to the second state, it is conceivable to reduce the number of gaming media paid out when playing with the second game method, but such a configuration may lead to a decrease in interest in the game.
Therefore, in this embodiment, if the result of the lottery is the third result, the game is transitioned to the first state after the special game state ends. In the first state, the game is not transitioned to the second state even if the result of the lottery is the second result. Therefore, if the result of the lottery is the third result, the game is transitioned to the micro-time-saving state after the special game state ends, and the frequency of transition to the special state can be suppressed from increasing, and the frequency of transition to the second state can be suppressed from increasing. This can suppress the decrease in interest in the game that occurs when the number of game media paid out is reduced when playing with the second game method. In other words, the number of game balls (number of prize balls) paid out in a game played with a right hand hit can be relatively increased.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a common transition effect is executed in the case where a transition to the first state occurs based on the result of the lottery being the first result, and in the case where a transition to the first state occurs based on the result of the lottery being the third result. This simplifies the processing and reduces the processing load compared to the case where a determination is made as to which case it is and a different transition effect is executed depending on the respective case. Also, compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the respective case, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the storage means from being strained. Also, compared to the case where a different transition effect is executed depending on the respective case, it becomes easier for the player to understand that the situation may transition to the same first state.

(Modification)
Next, a game board that can be applied to the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in Fig. 19, the game board has an outer rail 27 and an inner rail 28. A guide passage (guide area) 29 that guides the game balls launched from the launching device to the game area 4 is formed between the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28. As shown in Figs. 18 and 19, a ball return prevention mechanism 50 that prevents the game balls from returning from the game area 4 to the guide passage 29 (launching device side) is provided at the upper end of the guide passage 29. Specifically, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided at the upper end of the inner rail 28. In other words, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is provided in a boundary area 700 that is a boundary portion between the guide passage 29 and the game area 4.

The ball return prevention mechanism 50 has a main body case 52, a cover 53, a ball return prevention member 54, and a support shaft 56.

The main body case 52 has a bottom surface 52a on which the ball return prevention member 54 is placed on the front side and a wall portion 52b that covers the part of the ball return prevention member 54 on the play area side 4, and a stopper wall 52c that restricts the rotation of the ball return prevention member 54 toward the play area 4. In this embodiment, the wall portion 52b and the stopper wall 52c (stopper portion) are integrally formed, and it can be said that the upper portion (upper end portion) of the wall portion 52b is the stopper wall 52c. In this embodiment, the main body case 52 is integrally formed with the inner rail 28, but a gap is formed between the upper end of the inner rail 28 and the stopper wall 52c. The main body case 52 has a cutout portion S as a space surrounded by the bottom surface portion 52a and the wall portion 52b, and a part of the ball return prevention member 54 (weight portion 54c described later) can be accommodated. In addition, a part of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b, described later) protrudes from the upper side of the cutout S, in other words, from the gap (the upper opening of the cutout S) between the upper end of the wall 52b (stopper wall 52c) and the upper end of the inner rail 28.

The bottom surface portion 52a is formed with a first bearing portion 52d into which one end of the support shaft 56 can be inserted (supported), and a guide groove 52e into which an engagement pin of the ball return prevention member 54 described later can be inserted. The bottom surface portion 52a is also provided with a boss having a screw hole 52f and protruding forward, and a positioning pin 52g that allows the positioning of the cover 53.

The cover 53 is generally plate-shaped. The cover 53 has a screw insertion hole 53a into which the screw 55 can be inserted, a pin insertion hole 53b into which the positioning pin 52g of the main case 52 can be inserted, and a second bearing portion 53c into which the other end of the support shaft 56 can be inserted (supported). The positioning pin 52g of the main case 52 is inserted into the pin insertion hole 53b, and the screw inserted into the screw insertion hole 53a is screwed into the screw hole 52f of the main case 52, whereby the cover 53 is attached to the main case 52. The cover 53 covers the front side of the cutout portion S when attached to the main case 52.

The ball return prevention member 54 has an axial hole 54a, an on-off valve 54b, and a weight portion 54c. The on-off valve 54b and the weight portion 54c are formed so as to bend in an L-shape with the axial hole 54a as the boundary. A support shaft 56 is inserted into the axial hole 54a, and one end of the support shaft 56 is engaged with the first bearing portion 52d of the bottom surface portion 52a, and the other end is engaged with the second bearing portion 53c of the cover 53. In this way, the ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53.

The opening/closing valve 54b is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and its longitudinal (vertical) length is long enough for a game ball returning from the game area 4 to the boundary area 700 to collide with it. The opening/closing valve 54b has a first side portion 540b that faces the guide passage 29, and a second side portion 541b that is opposite the first side portion 540b and faces the game area 4 (left hitting area 4a) (see FIG. 18). The first side portion 540b is the portion that collides with a game ball that has been launched from the launching device and passed through the guide passage 29. The second side portion 541b is the portion that collides with a game ball that is returning from the game area 4 to the guide passage 29.

The tip of the opening/closing valve 54b is tapered. Specifically, the vertical length of the first side portion 540b is longer than the vertical length of the second side portion 541b, and slopes downward from the tip of the first side portion 540b to the tip of the second side portion 541b. In addition, a protrusion 541c that protrudes toward the play area 4 is formed in the center of the second side portion 541b.

The weight portion 54c is thicker and heavier than the opening/closing valve 54b. An engagement pin is protruded from the back side of the weight portion 54c, and this engagement pin is inserted into the guide groove 52e of the bottom surface portion 52a. The ball return prevention member 54 is rotatably supported by the main body case 52 and the cover 53 as described above, and can be displaced between the open state and the closed state. In the normal state, the ball return prevention member 54 is biased to rotate in one direction (counterclockwise) around the support shaft 56 by the weight of the weight portion 54c, and the engagement pin abuts against one end of the guide groove 52e. As a result, the ball return prevention member 54 cannot rotate any further and maintains the closed state. On the other hand, when the ball return prevention member 54 comes into contact with the game ball launched from the launching device, the contact force causes it to rotate in the other direction (clockwise) around the support shaft 56, and abuts against the above-mentioned stopper wall 52c, thereby opening the state. It should be noted that the ball return prevention member 54 does not have to be restricted from rotating toward the play area 4 by the stopper wall 52c. In other words, the stopper wall 52c only needs to be in contact with the ball return prevention member 54 in the open state. In addition, "in contact" means that it abuts or is close to the ball return prevention member 54.

Next, referring to Figures 19 and 20, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in a closed state (first state) and when it is in an open state (second state) will be described. Figure 19 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in a closed state, and Figure 20 is a front view of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in an open state.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state (first state), the opening/closing valve 54b protrudes in a substantially vertical position from the upper opening of the notch S toward the outlet of the boundary area 700. In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the diameter of the game ball B and is the shortest. Note that this distance means the shortest distance from the tip of the opening/closing valve 54b (first side portion 540b) of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27. Therefore, even if the game ball B that once enters the game area 4 collides with a game nail 36 or the like arranged in the game area 4 and is bounced back toward the boundary area 700, it will collide with the ball return prevention member 54. In addition, the ball return prevention member 54 maintains the closed state even when it is collided with the game ball B, and does not rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, it prevents the game ball B that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29.

When the game ball B launched from the launching device toward the game area 4 in the state shown in FIG. 19 rises up the guide passage 29, enters the boundary area 700, and contacts the opening and closing valve 54b, the contact force can displace the ball return prevention member 54 from the closed state to the open state. Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the ball return prevention member 54 rotates in the direction of opening the exit of the boundary area 700, and when it collides with the stopper wall 52c, further rotation is restricted and it becomes the open state (second state). In this state, the distance (specific distance) from the tip of the opening and closing valve 54b (first side portion 540b) to the outer rail 27 is longer than the diameter of the game ball B and is the longest. Therefore, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the open state, it allows the game ball launched by the launching device to enter the game area 4 from the boundary area 700. After the ball return prevention member 54 is displaced to the open state, it is instantly rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) by the biasing force of the weight portion 54c and displaced again to the closed state shown in FIG. 19.

As described above, the ball return prevention mechanism 50 is configured to prevent a game ball that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, but in this embodiment, it is further configured to prevent the game ball from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 even when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the middle of changing from the closed state to the open state (third state).

Figure 21 shows a state in which a game ball that has entered the game area 4 (left hitting area 4a) is about to return to the boundary area 700 when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from a closed state to an open state, and Figures 22 and 23 are enlarged views of the area surrounded by the dotted line in Figure 21.

In FIG. 21, a game ball B1 (first game ball) launched from the launching device toward the game area 4 enters the boundary area 700 from the guide passage 29 and comes into contact with the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b), the outer rail 27, and another game ball B2 (second game ball). In FIG. 22, the contact point between the game ball B1 and the first side portion 540b of the opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P1, the contact point with the outer rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P2, and the contact point with the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P3.

The other game ball B2 enters the boundary area 700 from the game area 4 and comes into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54, the outer rail 27, and the first game ball B1. In FIG. 22, the point of contact between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P4, the point of contact with the outer rail 27 is indicated by the symbol P5, and the lowest point of the other game ball B2 is indicated by the symbol P6.

In the state shown in FIG. 22, the distance (specific distance, first specific distance) from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is longer than that in the closed state (see FIG. 19) and shorter than that in the open state (see FIG. 20). In other words, it is the distance between the closed state and the open state. Moreover, the distance H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27. In other words, the distance H1 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27. In other words, the length H1 of the perpendicular line L1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 to the outer rail 27 is shorter than the length H2 of the perpendicular line L2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27.
The distance H1 may be equal to or less than the distance H2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 23, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the distance H3 from the contact point P4 between the other game ball B2 and the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the contact point P3 between the other game ball B2 and one game ball B1 is shorter than the distance H4 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball to the contact point P3. In other words, the length of the line segment L3 connecting the contact point P4 and the contact point P3 is shorter than the length of the line segment L4 connecting the lowest point P6 and the contact point P3.

Also, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the intermediate state described above, the ball return prevention member 54 has not rotated enough for its tip to reach the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2. Specifically, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located higher than the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 in the vertical direction, and is located to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B2 (towards the guide passage 29) in the horizontal direction. In other words, the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 is located to the upper left of the lowest point P6.

After the collision between the game balls B1 and B2 as described above, even if the game ball B2 tries to return to the guide passage 29, it will come into contact with the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) from the game area 4 side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 is likely to rotate counterclockwise due to the contact force from the game area 4 side toward the guide passage 29 side. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 blocks the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game balls B1 and B2 collide, making it difficult for the game ball B2 to return to the guide passage 29. As a result, even when the game balls B1 and B2 collide as shown in FIG. 21, the game ball B2 can be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29. In other words, it is possible to prevent two consecutive game balls from returning to the guide passage 29.

When the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide as shown in FIG. 21, if the distance (specific distance) H1 from the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) to the outer rail 27 is longer than the distance H2 from the lowest point P6 of the other game ball B2 to the outer rail 27, the game ball B2 can enter between the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 and the outer rail 27 after the collision. In this case, the game ball B2 can contact the tip of the ball return prevention member 54 from above, so that the ball return prevention member 54 is more likely to rotate clockwise. Therefore, the ball return prevention member 54 opens the exit of the boundary area 700 more than when the game ball B1 and the game ball B2 collide, and the game ball B2 cannot be prevented from returning to the guide passage 29.

As described above, the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment is sufficiently improved in preventing game balls that have entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29 compared to conventional pachinko game machines, but as described below, further improvements are made in preventing the game ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50. Therefore, with reference to Figure 24, prevention of the game ball from getting caught in the ball return prevention mechanism 50 will be described. Figure 24 is a diagram showing a state in which game ball B that has returned from the game area 4 to the boundary area 700 collides with the ball return prevention member 54.

As shown in FIG. 24, game ball B has returned from game area 4 to boundary area 700 and is in contact with opening/closing valve 54b of ball return prevention member 54 and main body case 52. Specifically, game ball B is in contact with protrusion 541c of opening/closing valve 54b in the closed state, and also in contact with the upper end (stopper wall 52c) of main body case 52. In FIG. 24, the point of contact between game ball B and protrusion 541c of opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by symbol P7, the point of contact with the upper end of main body case 52 is indicated by P8, and the leftmost point of game ball B is indicated by P9.

In this state, the contact point P7 between the game ball B and the protruding portion 541c of the opening/closing valve 54b is located vertically below the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B. Also, the contact point P8 between the game ball B and the upper end of the main body case 52 is located horizontally to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B, and vertically above the lowest point P6 of the game ball B. In other words, the contact point P8 is located above and to the left of the lowest point P6. Also, the distance H5 (first distance) from the contact point P7 to the contact point P8 is shorter than the distance H6 (second distance) from the leftmost point P9 to the lowest point P6 of the game ball B.
The first distance H5 may be equal to or less than the second distance H6.
Therefore, the game ball B cannot enter the gap area SP between the opening on the upper surface side facing the boundary area 700 in the main case 52 (see FIG. 18) and the part of the second side surface part 541b of the opening/closing valve 54b that is closer to the base end than the protruding part 541c. Moreover, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. 24, when the game ball B collides with the ball return prevention member 54, a force is applied to the right from the protruding part 541c of the opening/closing valve 54b, and a force is applied diagonally upward to the right from the upper end of the main case 52, so that the game ball B bounces back to the game area 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball B from entering the gap area SP and getting caught between the opening/closing valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main case 52. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by the game ball B getting caught is not impaired. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, thereby further improving the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

The opening/closing valve 54b does not necessarily have to have the protrusion 541c. In that case, the contact point between the game ball B and the second side surface portion 541b of the opening/closing valve 54b is indicated by the symbol P7. The contact point P7 between the game ball B and the second side surface portion 541b is located lower than the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B in the vertical direction. The distance H5 from the contact point P7 to the contact point P8 is shorter than the distance H6 from the leftmost point P9 to the lowest point P6 of the game ball B (second distance).
The first distance H5 may be equal to or less than the second distance H6.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball B from entering the gap area SP and getting caught between the opening/closing valve 54b of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 and the main body case 52. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by such a catch of the game ball B is not impaired. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, and it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29.
The upper end portion (stopper wall 52c) of the main body case 52 can be called the "contact portion." The contact point P8 can be called the contact point between the game ball B and the contact portion. Also, the contact point P7 can be called the contact point between the game ball B and the side portion (the second side portion 541b or the protruding portion 541c). In FIG. 24,
(1) The point of contact P7 is closer to the point of contact P8 than the leftmost point (P9) of the gaming ball. In other words, when comparing the distance to the point of contact P8, the point of contact P7 is closer to the point of contact P8 than the leftmost point P9 of the gaming ball.
(2) The point of contact P8 is closer to the point of contact P7 than the lowest point (P6) of the gaming ball. In other words, when comparing the distance to the point of contact P7, the point of contact P8 is closer to the point of contact P7 than the lowest point P6 of the gaming ball.
It is desirable that the contact point P7 be located vertically below the leftmost point P9 of the game ball B, and the contact point P8 be located horizontally to the left of the lowest point P6 of the game ball B. However, as long as the first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6 or the first distance H5 is equal to or shorter than the second distance H6, the positions of the contact points P7 and P8 are not limited thereto.

The pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment configured in this way can achieve the following effects:

The ball return prevention mechanism 50 not only prevents a game ball that has entered the play area 4 from returning when the ball return prevention member 54 is in the closed state, but also suppresses a game ball that has entered the play area 4 from returning to the guide passage 29 even while the ball return prevention member 54 is in the process of changing from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, it is possible to improve the prevention of a game ball that has entered the play area 4 returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29.

In addition, the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment is provided with a guide passage (guidance area) 29 which is an area between the outer rail 27 and the inner rail 28 and which guides the launched game ball to the game area 4, and a ball return prevention mechanism 50 which prevents the game ball from returning from the game area 4 to the guide passage 29, and the ball return prevention mechanism 50 has an opening/closing valve (displacement member) 54b which can be displaced between a closed state (first state) and an open state (second state), and a main body case (holding member) 52 which can hold the opening/closing valve 54b, and the opening/closing valve 54b has a second side portion (side portion) 541b which faces the game area 4, and a tip portion on the tip side of the second side portion 541b, and when the distance from the tip portion to the outer rail 27 is a specific distance, the closed state is a specific distance, and the specific distance is a specific distance. The open state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than the closed state, and the main case 52 has a stopper wall (contact portion) 52c that abuts against the second side portion 541b of the opening/closing valve 54b in the open state, and when the game ball is in contact with the main case (holding member) 52 (specifically, the stopper wall 52c of the main case 52) and the second side portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) in the closed state, the distance from the contact point P8 of the game ball and the main case 52 (the stopper wall 52c) to the contact point P7 of the game ball and the second side portion 541b (the protrusion 541c) is the first distance H5, and the distance from the lowest point P6 of the game ball to the leftmost point P9 is the second distance H6. The first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 returning to the guide passage (guide area) 29.

25, a protective section (protective member) 68 that covers the main case 52 may be provided on the right side (play area 4 side) of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 (main case 52). The protective section 68 has the function of protecting the side (right side) of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 (main case 52) and preventing the game ball B from colliding with the main case 52 and damaging the main case 52. The protective section 68 is, for example, configured with a plate-shaped base section and a wall section that is perpendicular to the base section and rises from the base section toward the front side (the front side of the paper), and is fixed by screws at two points with the base section in contact with the acrylic plate (board surface).

Figure 25 shows a state in which game ball B has returned from game area 4 (Figure 19) to boundary area 700 (Figure 19) and is in contact with opening/closing valve 54b and protective portion 68 of ball return prevention member 54. In this way, in the closed state, game ball B may be in contact with the side portion (protruding portion 541c) of opening/closing valve 54b at contact point P7, and may also be in contact with protective portion 68 (at its upper end) at contact point P8.

25, the distance from the tangent point P7 to the tangent point P8 is defined as a first distance H5. Also, the distance from the leftmost point P9 to the lowest point P6 of the game ball B is defined as a second distance H6. The first distance H5 is shorter than the second distance H6. Note that the first distance H5 may be equal to or shorter than the second distance H6.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball B from entering the gap and getting caught between the opening/closing valve 54b and the protective portion 68. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 caused by such a catch of the game ball B is not impaired. Therefore, the return prevention of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably ensured, and it is possible to further improve the prevention of the game ball that has entered the game area 4 from returning to the guide passage (guidance area) 29.

18, at least one of the main case 52, the cover 53 and the support shaft 56 (for example, the main case 52) can be referred to as a "holding member (support portion)" of the ball return prevention member 54. Also, the ball return prevention member 54 can be referred to as a "displacement member (displacement portion)." The support portion supports the displacement portion so that it can be displaced.
The ball return prevention member 54 is long and has a plate-shaped opening/closing valve 54b (plate-shaped portion) on one end side and a weight portion 54c that is thicker than the opening/closing valve 54b on the other end side.
The surface (first side surface portion 540b) of the on-off valve 54b that faces the outer rail 27 can be referred to as the "plate side surface portion."
The surface of the weight portion 54c that faces the outer rail 27 can be referred to as the "weight side surface portion."
As shown in Fig. 18, the main body case 52 is provided with an opening 60 (opening 60, gap 60) that allows (a part of) the ball return prevention member 54 to appear (be exposed) (protrude) outside the main body case 52. The opening 60 faces the outer rail 27. This opening 60 can also be said to be an opening that allows the ball return prevention member 54 to rotate. This opening 60 has an end (upper end 61) on the stopper wall 52c side (contact side) and an end (lower end 62) on the inner rail 28 side. The lower end 62 may also be called the upper end of the inner rail 28.

FIG. 26(a) shows a case where the ball return prevention member 54 (opening/closing valve 54b) is in a closed state (first state), and the game ball B (a game ball being guided (to be guided) from the guide area to the game area) moving through the guide passage 29 is in contact with the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) of the ball return prevention member 54 (first state). In this way, the game ball B may be able to contact the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) of the ball return prevention member 54 (first state). At this time, the point where the game ball B contacts the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) is defined as a contact point Q1 (first contact point, first A contact point). Also, the contact point where the game ball B contacts the support portion (the lower end portion 62 of the opening portion 60) is defined as a contact point Q2 (second contact point, second A contact point). Also, the distance from the contact point Q1 to the contact point Q2 is defined as a third distance (third A distance). The distance from the lowest point of the game ball B to the rightmost point of the game ball B is set as a fourth distance. The third distance is smaller (shorter) than the fourth distance. Note that the third distance may be equal to or shorter than the fourth distance.
Therefore, the game ball B does not get into the gap between the weight portion 54c and the lower end portion 62 (support portion). This makes it possible to prevent the return prevention function of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 from being impaired due to the game ball B getting into the gap. In other words, the return prevention function of the ball return prevention mechanism 50 can be stably secured.
It is preferable that the contact point Q2 is located to the right of the lowest point of the game ball B. It is also preferable that the contact point Q1 is located below the rightmost point of the game ball B. However, this is not the case as long as the third distance is shorter than the fourth distance.

26(b) shows a state in which the ball return prevention member 54 (on-off valve 54b) is in an open state (second state), and the weight portion 54c of the ball return prevention member 54 (second state) protrudes (bulges, protrudes) the most from the main body case 52 through the opening portion 60 (FIG. 18). In this state, if the distance (shortest distance, width) from the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) to the outer rail 27 is distance T1 (second specific distance), distance T1 is smaller (shorter) than the distance from the tip of the on-off valve 54b to the outer rail 27 (T2 in FIG. 26(b)).
In the closed state (first state) shown in FIG. 19, the first specific distance H1 is shorter than that in the open state (second state), and the second specific distance T1 is longer than that in the open state (second state).
In addition, in the open state (second state) shown in FIG. 20, the first specific distance H1 is longer than in the closed state (first state), and the second specific distance T1 is shorter than in the closed state (first state).
In the third state shown in FIG. 21, the first specific distance H1 is longer than that in the closed state (first state) and shorter than that in the open state (second state).
In the open state (second state), the second specific distance T1 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball B. That is, in the second state, the passage width between the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) and the outer rail 27 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the game ball B. When the game ball B moves through the guide passage 29 while contacting the outer rail 27 in the state where the weight portion 54c is at its most protruding, the game ball B can move without contacting the weight portion 54c because there is a gap between the game ball B and the weight portion 54c. In other words, the movement of the game ball B can be prevented from being impeded by the weight portion 54c. Even in the second state, the game ball B that is being guided to the game area can be made less likely to be accidentally obstructed by the weight side portion of the weight portion 54c.

27 shows a state in which the game ball B moving through the guide passage 29 is in contact with the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) of the ball return prevention member 54 (second state) in the state shown in FIG. 26(b) (second state). At this time, the point where the game ball B (a game ball to be guided from the guide area to the game area) is in contact with the weight portion 54c (weight side portion) is defined as a contact point Q11 (third contact point, first B contact point). Also, the point where the game ball B is in contact with the support portion (the lower end portion 62 (or the vicinity of the lower end portion 62) of the open portion 60) is defined as a contact point Q12 (fourth contact point, second B contact point). Also, the straight line (virtual straight line) connecting the center X of the game ball B and the contact point Q11 is defined as a straight line Y1, the straight line (virtual straight line) connecting the center X of the game ball B and the contact point Q12 is defined as a straight line Y2, and the angle between the straight lines Y1 and Y2 is defined as an angle α. Also, the forwardmost point of the game ball B in the direction of travel is defined as point P10.
The distance from the contact point Q11 (third contact point, first B contact point) to the contact point Q12 (fourth contact point, second B contact point) is defined as a fifth distance (third B distance). The distance from the contact point Q11 (third contact point) to the frontmost point P10 of the game ball B is defined as a sixth distance.
In addition, the direction from the launch device (guide passage 29) toward the game area 4 is defined as the direction of travel of the game ball B, and the side of the game area 4 is defined as the "front" in the direction of travel.

In the traveling direction of the game ball B, the tangent point Q11 is located behind the point P10 (the foremost point in the traveling direction). In other words, the tangent point Q11 does not reach the foremost point P10 in the traveling direction of the game ball B. In other words, the angle α is less than 90°. In addition, the fifth distance is shorter than the sixth distance. Note that the fifth distance may be equal to or shorter than the sixth distance.
Therefore, even if the game ball B moving toward the game area 4 comes into contact with the weight portion 54c in the second state, it is possible to suppress (reduce) the obstruction of the movement of the game ball B caused by the contact. Even in the second state, it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball B being guided to the game area to be accidentally obstructed by the weight side portion of the weight portion 54c.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
a guide area (29) between the outer rail (27) and the inner rail (28) for guiding the launched game ball to the game area;
A ball return prevention mechanism (50) that prevents the game ball from returning from the game area to the guide area,
The ball return prevention mechanism includes a displacement member (54b) displaceable between a first state and a second state, and a holding member (52) capable of holding the displacement member,
The displacement member includes a side portion (541b) facing the play area and a tip portion on the tip side of the side portion,
If the distance from the tip end to the outer rail is a specific distance,
the first state is a state in which the specific distance is shorter than the specific distance in the second state,
the second state is a state in which the specific distance is longer than that in the first state,
the retaining member includes a contact portion (52c) that contacts the side surface portion of the displacement member in the second state,
When the displacement member is in the first state and the game ball is in contact with the contact portion and the side portion,
If the distance from the contact point (P8) between the game ball and the contact portion to the contact point (P7) between the game ball and the side portion is a first distance (H5), and the distance from the lowest point (P6) of the game ball to the leftmost point (P9) of the game ball is a second distance (H6), the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

The first distance is shorter than the second distance. Therefore, the ball return prevention mechanism does not lose its ability to prevent the ball from returning due to the game ball getting caught. This ensures stable return prevention by the ball return prevention mechanism, improving the ability of the game ball that has entered the game area to be prevented from returning to the guide area.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the various controls are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention allows for free combinations, modifications to each component, or the omission of components, within the scope of the invention. The present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as controlled pachinko machines that are designed so that players can play without touching the game balls.

4 Play area 27 Outer rail 28 Inner rail 29 Guide passage (guide area)
50 Ball return prevention mechanism 540b First side portion (side portion)
46 First starting hole (first area)
56 Special movable objects (specified movable objects)
59. Large prize slot (specified area)
230 Special pattern lottery means (lottery means)
250 Game state transition control means (state transition control means)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a game area in which a game medium moves, and launching the game medium into the game area in response to an operation by a player,
A lottery means for conducting a lottery when a game medium enters a first area provided in the game area;
a state transition control means for controlling transition of a game state among a plurality of game states including a special state, a first state, a second state, and a special game state;
A performance control means capable of controlling the execution of a performance according to the state of the gaming machine;
the special state and the first state are states in which playing a game in the first game method is more advantageous than playing a game in the second game method,
the second state is a state in which playing the second gaming method is more advantageous than playing the first gaming method;
In the special state, if the result of the lottery is a first result, the state transitions to the first state;
If the result of the lottery is a second result, a transition is made to the second state which is more advantageous than the first state;
In the first state, if the result of the lottery is the second result, the state is not transitioned to the second state;
When the result of the lottery is the third result, a transition is made to the special game state, in which a special game is executed in which a specific movable object moves to a state in which a game medium can enter a predetermined area provided in the game area, and after the special game state ends , a transition is made to the first state;
The performance control means is capable of starting a standby performance when a predetermined condition is established in a situation in which the lottery is not executed by the lottery means in the special state and the first state,
In the standby performance in the first state, a series of moving image performances that are displayed only in the standby performance and a performance environment setting image related to a setting operation of the performance environment can be displayed,
In the standby performance in the special state, a display related to the game in the special state, which is different from the video performance, and the performance environment setting image can be displayed.
Amusement machine.

Images