JP7766926B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, gaming machines are known that, upon the execution of a jackpot game, transition the gaming state to a time-saving state (time-saving a), which is more advantageous to the player than the normal state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-74687

However, there is room for further improvement in order to increase the enjoyment of time-saving gaming on such gaming machines.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to increase the enjoyment of games.

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

[Application example 1]
a game control means capable of setting one of a plurality of game states including a normal state, a first advantageous state more advantageous than the normal state, a second advantageous state more advantageous than the first advantageous state, a third advantageous state more advantageous than the second advantageous state, and a fourth advantageous state more advantageous than the third advantageous state;
The first starting hole, which triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1 when the game ball enters,
A second starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2 when the game ball enters the hole ,
a second expected value of balls being dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the second advantageous state until the state returns to the normal state, is higher than a first expected value of balls being dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the first advantageous state until the state returns to the normal state ;
A fourth expected value of balls to be dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the fourth advantageous state until the game returns to the normal state , is higher than a third expected value of balls to be dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the third advantageous state until the game returns to the normal state ,
The first advantageous state and the second advantageous state are both time-saving states,
The second expected value of balls being higher than the first expected value of balls being higher means that at least one of the following (1) to (5) is satisfied:
A gaming machine characterized by:
(1) The second advantageous state has a greater number of time-saving continuations, which is the number of special drawing draws that continue the time-saving state, than the first advantageous state.
(2) The second advantageous state has a higher probability of winning in one special drawing than the first advantageous state.
(3) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the number of times the time-saving state continues after the winning game ends is greater than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(4) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the probability of winning in a single special drawing in the time-saving state after the winning game ends is higher than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(5) The second advantageous state has a higher average number of game balls that can be won per hit than the first advantageous state.

This invention can increase the enjoyment of games.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a sensor solenoid. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board. A diagram for explaining the memory areas of the game control microcomputer and the presentation control microcomputer. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a special symbol winning determination table and a normal symbol winning determination table. An explanatory diagram of jackpot type determination tables 1 and 2. An explanatory diagram of small win type determination tables 1 and 2. An explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table when the time is not reduced. An explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table during time-saving mode. An explanatory diagram of the electric chute opening pattern determination table and details of the electric chute opening pattern. 10 is a flowchart of a main control process. 10 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 10 is a flowchart of a special action process. 10 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. 10 is a flowchart of a hit determination process. a Flowchart of the time-saving status setting process (jackpot). a Flowchart of the time-saving status setting process (small win). 10 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 10 is a flowchart of a game status management process. This is a flowchart of the special electric device processing (jackpot). 10 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing (small win). 10 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 10 is a flowchart of a sub-side timer interrupt process. 10 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 10 is a flowchart of the variable effect start processing. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a game flow. This is a diagram to explain example 1 of presentation when a win occurs during the first time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 2 of presentation when a win occurs during the first time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 3 of presentation when a win occurs during the first time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 4 of presentation when a win occurs during the first time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 1 of the presentation when a win occurs during the second time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 2 of the presentation when a win occurs during the second time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 3 of presentation when a win occurs during the second time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 1 of the presentation when you win during the third time reduction. This is a diagram to explain example 2 of presentation when you win during the third time reduction. This is a diagram to explain an example of the presentation when you win during the fourth time reduction. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the special symbol winning determination table A of the second embodiment. A diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table A (non-time reduction) of the second embodiment. A diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table A (time reduction) of the second embodiment. A diagram for explaining the small win type determination table A (non-time reduction) of the second embodiment. A diagram for explaining the small win type determination table A (time reduction) of the second embodiment. A figure for explaining the electric chute opening pattern determination table A of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a hit determination process according to a second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a game status setting process according to a second embodiment.

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

Gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires gaming balls based on the player's firing operation, and when a gaming ball lands on a specific winning device, a predetermined number of gaming balls is paid out to the player based on that winning.

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

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

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

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

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

The game board 2 includes a play area 3, rail members 4, board lamps 5, an image display device 7, a center ornament 10, a fixed winning device (center hole) 19, a first regular variable winning device (first electric chute) 17, a second regular variable winning device (second electric chute) 22, a gate (through chucker) 28, a first big winning device (first attacker) 31, a second big winning device (second attacker) 36, a regular winning opening 27 (regular winning opening 27), an outlet 85, and a display 40.

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

The image display device 7 is located near the center of the play area 3 and has a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or other image display devices such as an organic EL display device, plasma display, projector, or dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has a performance symbol display area in which performance symbols (decorative symbols) 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a variable manner, a hold image display area in which a hold image 9A is displayed, and a hold digestion image display area in which a hold digestion image 9C is displayed. The hold image 9A is an image that represents a hold and is also referred to as a hold icon 9A. The hold digestion image 9C is an image that corresponds to the variable and is also referred to as the variable image 9C or the variable icon 9C. Note that the hold digestion image 9C is an image that corresponds to the variable and does not indicate a hold, but for convenience, the hold image 9A and the hold digestion image 9C are collectively referred to as the hold image.

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

For example, if a jackpot is won, a static display of a repeating number such as "777" will be displayed. If a loss occurs, a static display of a random number such as "637" will be displayed. This makes it easier for players to understand the progress of the game. Players can understand the results of the jackpot lottery through the image display device 7. Furthermore, the display of the dynamic display of the dynamic symbols may be vertically scrolling or in other ways. The combination of dynamic symbols displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be set arbitrarily. Hereinafter, the display of the dynamic symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will be referred to as "dynamic symbol dynamic display," "decorative symbol dynamic display," or simply "dynamic display." Note that the dynamic display of the dynamic symbols during the period from when the special symbol starts to change until it stops (also referred to as the special symbol change period) will be counted as one dynamic display. Therefore, even if the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped during the period from when the special symbol starts to change until it stops, the effect of that temporary stop is included in the decorative symbol change effect.

In addition to the effect symbol change effect, the image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a jackpot effects that are performed in parallel with the jackpot game (an example of a special game), demo effects for waiting customers, and the like. In the effect symbol change effect, in addition to the effect symbol, effect images such as background images and character images may also be displayed. Furthermore, in addition to the effect symbol, the image display device 7 may display on the display screen 7a an identification display (fourth symbol, not shown) that can indicate that a special symbol is changing or the result of a special symbol lottery. The identification display (fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light-emitting device such as an LED provided in the play area 3.

The reserved image display area includes a first reserved display area that displays reserved images 9A according to the number of reserved first special symbols, described below. By displaying reserved images 9A, the number of reserved first special symbols can be clearly displayed to the player. The reserved consumption image display area includes a reserved consumption display area that displays reserved consumption image 9C. Reserve consumption image 9C corresponds to the effect symbol (effect symbol 8L, 8C, 8R) currently changing on the display screen 7a, and by displaying reserved consumption image 9C, it is possible to clearly display to the player that the reserved first special symbol will be consumed ("consumption of reserved special symbol" described below).

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

The fixed winning device (navel) 19 is located below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and is equipped with a 1A starting hole 20 that always allows a game ball to enter. The entry of a game ball into the 1A starting hole 20 triggers a lottery for the first special symbol (jackpot lottery). In other words, the entry of a game ball into the 1A starting hole 20 triggers the acquisition of a winning random number, etc., and the determination of a jackpot, etc.

The first normal variable winning device (first electric chute) 17 is located at the top of the right play area 3B in the play area 3 and is equipped with a first-B starting hole 16. Entry of a game ball into the first-B starting hole 16 triggers a lottery for the first special symbol (jackpot lottery), similar to the first-A starting hole 20. The first electric chute 17 is equipped with a first opening/closing member 18 in front of the first-B starting hole 16, and the first-B starting hole 16 is opened and closed by the operation of the first opening/closing member 18. The first opening/closing member 18 is driven by a first electric chute solenoid 25 (Figure 3). Game balls can enter the first-B starting hole 16 when the first opening/closing member 18 is in the open position. Note that the first electric chute 17 only needs to allow balls to enter the first-B starting hole 16 more easily when the first opening/closing member 18 is in the open position than when it is in the closed position, and balls may be allowed to enter the first-B starting hole 16 when the first opening/closing member 18 is in the closed position.

The second normal variable winning device (second electric chute) 22 is located below the first electric chute 17 in the play area 3 and is equipped with a second starting hole 21. The entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 21 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (a jackpot lottery). The second electric chute 22 is equipped with a second opening/closing member 23 in front of the second starting hole 21, and the second starting hole 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the second opening/closing member 23. The second opening/closing member 23 is driven by a second electric chute solenoid 24 (Figure 3). A gaming ball can enter the second starting hole 21 when the second opening/closing member 23 is in the open position. Note that it is sufficient for the second electric chute 22 to be able to enter the second starting hole 21 more easily when the second opening/closing member 23 is in the open position than when it is in the closed position, and it may be possible for a ball to enter the second starting hole 21 when the second opening/closing member 23 is in the closed position.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is located above the first big prize device (first attacker) 31 in the gaming area 3 and is configured to allow gaming balls to pass through. The passage of a gaming ball through the gate 28 triggers a normal symbol lottery that determines whether the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 will open. In other words, the passage of a gaming ball through the gate 28 triggers the acquisition of a normal symbol random number and a win determination, etc.

Here, "special symbol lottery" refers to the process of obtaining a random number for determining the special symbol when a gaming ball enters the 1A starting slot 20, the 1B starting slot 16, or the 2nd starting slot 21, and comparing this obtained random number with a value corresponding to a predetermined "jackpot" to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred. The result of this "jackpot" lottery is not immediately notified to the player; rather, the display device 40 displays a fluctuating special symbol, and after a predetermined fluctuating time has passed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed as a static display (confirmed display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. The image display device 7 plays a pattern matching game in which the display of effect symbols fluctuates in synchronization with the fluctuating display of the special symbols, and this pattern matching game more effectively notifies the player of the jackpot lottery result.

Furthermore, "drawing a normal symbol" refers to the process of obtaining a random number for determining a normal symbol when a gaming ball passes through gate 28, and comparing this obtained random number with a predetermined value corresponding to a "win" to determine whether or not a win has occurred. The result of this normal symbol drawing is not immediately announced when the gaming ball passes through gate 28; rather, the normal symbol is displayed in a fluctuating manner on display 40, and after a predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol corresponding to the drawing result is displayed as a confirmed result (lit or extinguished), and the player is notified of the drawing result.

The first large prize device (first attacker) 31 is located below and to the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and includes a first large prize opening 30, a V area 39, a non-V area 70, and a V-shaped opening/closing member 71. The first large prize opening 30 includes an opening/closing member 32 that swings open and close to allow or block the acceptance of game balls. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize opening solenoid 33 (Figure 3). Game balls can enter the first large prize opening 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open position.

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

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

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

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

The second large prize winning device (second attacker) 36 is positioned below the center hole 19 in the play area 3 and includes a second large prize winning opening 35. The second large prize winning opening 35 includes a movable member 37 that blocks or allows the acceptance of game balls depending on its movement. The movable member 37 is driven by a second large prize winning opening solenoid 38 (Figure 3). Game balls can enter the second large prize winning opening 35 when the movable member 37 is in the open state. Winning of a prize in the second large prize winning opening 35 is detected by a second large prize winning opening sensor 35a. The second large prize winning device 36 of this embodiment further includes a second large prize winning device discharge sensor 36a (Figure 3) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the second large prize winning device 36.

The general winning opening 27 is located at the bottom of the game area 3. The outlet 85 is located at the bottom of the game area 3 and ejects game balls that do not enter any of the winning openings out of the game area 3. The display 40 is located near the center of the right side of the game board 2.

The gaming area 3 has a left gaming area 3A to the left of the center in the horizontal direction, and a right gaming area 3B to the right. Shooting a gaming ball so that it flows down through the left gaming area 3A is called a "left hit." On the other hand, shooting a gaming ball so that it flows down through the right gaming area 3B is called a "right hit." The gaming machine 1 is configured so that a left hit can aim for a win in the first A starting gate 20. On the other hand, a right hit can aim for passing through the gate 28 and winning in the first B starting gate 16, the second starting gate 21, the first large winning gate 30, and the second large winning gate 35.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the 1A start port 20, the 1B start port (hereinafter, the 1A start port 20 and the 1B start port are collectively referred to as the 1st start port), or the 2nd start port 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers, such as the winning random number, obtained for that entry are temporarily stored in the command set area 84a or the special symbol reserve memory area 84e (Figure 5). Specifically, if the game ball enters the 1st start port, it is stored as a 1st special symbol reserve in the 1st special symbol reserve memory area (Figure 5), and if the game ball enters the 2nd start port 21, a 2nd start port ball entry command is stored in the command set area 84a. There is a limit to the number of special symbol reserves that can be stored in the special symbol reserve memory area 84e, and in this embodiment, the limit is four. The special symbol reserve stored in the special symbol reserve memory area 84e is consumed when it becomes possible to change the display of a special symbol based on that special symbol reserve. "Consuming a reserved special symbol" refers to determining the winning random number or the like corresponding to that reserved special symbol and executing a variable display of a special symbol to indicate the result of that determination. Therefore, in gaming machine 1, even if the variable display of a special symbol based on a winning game ball entering the first or second starting hole 21 cannot be executed immediately after the winning, i.e., even if a winning occurs while the variable display of the special symbol is being executed or while a special game is being executed, the right to enter a jackpot lottery for that winning can be reserved up to a specified number of times.

In gaming machine 1, when a gaming ball passes through gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number obtained for that passage is temporarily stored as a normal symbol reserve in normal symbol reserve memory area 84f (Figure 5). There is an upper limit to the number of normal symbol reserves that can be stored in normal symbol reserve memory area 84f, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is four. A normal symbol reserve stored in normal symbol reserve memory area 84f is consumed when it becomes possible to variable display a normal symbol based on that normal symbol reserve. Consumption of a normal symbol reserve refers to determining the normal symbol random number corresponding to that normal symbol reserve and executing a variable display of a normal symbol to show the result of that determination. Therefore, in gaming machine 1, even if the variable display of a normal symbol based on the gaming ball's passage through gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, i.e., even if a prize is won while the variable display of a normal symbol is being executed or an auxiliary game is being executed, the right to draw a normal symbol for that passage can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

2. Electrical Configuration of the Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a main control board 80 (Figure 2), a sub-control board 90 (Figure 4), an image control board 100 (Figure 4), a lamp control board 107 (Figure 4), a sound control board 106 (Figure 4), a payout control board 110 (Figure 2), and a power supply board 116 (Figure 2).

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

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

The sensor solenoid 44 is connected to the main control board 80 via the input/output circuit 87. The sensor solenoid 44 is a general term for various sensors and solenoids. As shown in FIG. 3, examples of the sensors include the first A start opening sensor 20a, the first B start opening sensor 16a, the second start opening sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize opening sensor 30a, the second large prize opening sensor 35a, the V-area sensor 39a, the non-V-area sensor 70a, the normal prize opening sensor 27a, the first large prize device ejection sensor 31a, and the second large prize device ejection sensor 36a.

The first A starting hole sensor 20a is provided inside the first starting hole 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first starting hole 20. The first B starting hole sensor 16a is provided inside the first B starting hole 16 and detects game balls that have entered the first B starting hole 16. The second starting hole sensor 21a is provided inside the second starting hole 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second starting hole 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large winning hole sensor 30a is provided inside the first large winning hole 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large winning hole 30. The second large winning hole sensor 35a is provided inside the second large winning hole 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large winning hole 35. The V-area sensor 39a is provided in the V-area 39 and detects game balls that have passed through the V-area 39. The non-V area sensor 70a is provided in the non-V area 70 and detects game balls that pass through the non-V area 70. The normal prize opening sensor 27a is provided inside the normal prize opening 27 and detects game balls that have entered the normal prize opening 27. The first special prize device discharge sensor 31a detects game balls discharged from the first special prize device 31. The second special prize device discharge sensor 36a detects game balls discharged from the second special prize device 36.

As shown in FIG. 3, examples of solenoids include a first electric chute solenoid 25, a second electric chute solenoid 24, a first large prize opening solenoid 33, a second large prize opening solenoid 38, and a V-shaped opening/closing member solenoid 73.
The first electric chute solenoid 25 drives the first opening/closing member 18 of the first electric chute 17. The second electric chute solenoid 24 drives the second opening/closing member 23 of the second electric chute 22. The first large prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize opening solenoid 38 drives the movable member 37 of the second large prize device 36. The V-opening/closing member solenoid 73 drives the V-opening/closing member 71.

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

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

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

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

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

The image control board 100 controls the display of the image display device 7 in accordance with a program. The CPU unit of the image control board 100 stores not only the program for display control, but also still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically image data such as characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including effect designs), background images, etc.

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

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

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

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

3. Data Structure of the Gaming Machine The data structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5(A) is a diagram illustrating tables stored in the main ROM 83 of the game control microcomputer 81. Figure 5(B) is a diagram illustrating a storage area provided in the main RAM 84 of the game control microcomputer 81. Figure 5(C) is a diagram illustrating tables stored in the sub-ROM 93 of the presentation control microcomputer 91. Figure 5(D) is a diagram illustrating a storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94 of the presentation control microcomputer 91.

The main ROM 83 (Figure 5(A)) has a table storage area 83a. This table storage area 83a stores a special symbol win determination table, a reach determination table, a normal symbol win determination table, a normal symbol change pattern determination table, a jackpot type determination table, a change pattern determination table, an electric chute opening pattern determination table, and a large prize opening pattern determination table. These determination tables are referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main processing (described below) executed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main RAM 84 (Figure 5(B)) has a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a status set area 84d, a special map reserved memory area 84e, and a regular map reserved memory area 84f.

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

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

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

The status set area 84d is an area where the status for the special action processing described below, the time-saving status a, is set.

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

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

The sub-ROM 93 (Figure 5(C)) has a table storage area 93a. The table storage area 93a stores a look-ahead effect pattern determination table, a core effect pattern determination table, a chance-up effect pattern determination table, a stop symbol pattern determination table, and the like. These determination tables are referenced by the effect control microcomputer 91 in the sub-control main processing (described below) executed by the effect control microcomputer 91.

The sub-RAM 94 (Figure 5 (D)) is provided with a command memory area 94a, a display command setting area 94b, a counter setting area 94c, and a work area 94d. The command memory area 94a is an area (input buffer) where commands input from the main control unit during the sub-control main processing (described below) are stored, and includes pre-determination commands, reserved ball count commands, second starting hole ball entry commands, fluctuation start commands, fluctuation stop commands, opening commands, round designation commands, ending commands, and game state designation commands. The display command setting area 94b is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, audio control board 106, lamp control board 107, and relay board 108 during the sub-control main processing (described below) are set, and includes a fluctuation display start command, pre-fluctuation end command, fluctuation display end command, opening display start command, round display start command, ending display start command, two-fluctuation composite display command, transition suggestion display command, and the like. The counter set area 94c is an area where counters used in the sub-control main processing (described below) are set, including a random number counter, a first special symbol hold effect counter, a normal symbol hold effect counter, and a time-saving effect counter. The work area 94d is a work area that provides temporary storage for calculations, etc. All areas except the work area 94d are backed up by a power supply (not shown), and their contents are retained even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off.

Here, various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 81 is configured to acquire the "special pattern winning random number," the "special pattern winning type random number," the "reach random number," the "variable pattern random number," the "normal pattern winning random number," and the "normal pattern winning type random number" at the timings described below.
The "winning random number" is a random number used in the lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won (jackpot determination), and takes a value ranging from 0 to 65535.
The "special symbol winning type random number" is a random number used to determine the type of winning jackpot (judging the type of jackpot), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "reach random number" is a random number used to determine whether or not a reach will occur in the effect pattern variation effect that indicates a result when the jackpot determination is a miss, and takes a value ranging from 0 to 127. A reach is a state in which there is only one effect pattern remaining among multiple effect patterns (decorative patterns) that are being displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which of the effect patterns that are displayed in a variable manner stop, a combination of effect patterns that indicates a jackpot win will be formed (for example, a "7↓7" state). Note that the effect pattern that is displayed in a stopped state in the reach state may be displayed as if it is swaying on the display screen 7a.

The "fluctuation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "normal symbol winning random number" and "normal symbol winning type random number" are used in the lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to play the auxiliary game that opens the first electric chute 17 or the second electric chute 22. Both the normal symbol winning random number and the normal symbol winning type random number take values in the range of 0 to 255.
The "random number for special symbols,""random number for special symbol type,""reach random number," and "variable pattern random number" are obtained based on the ball entering the start port (first start port 20 or second start port 21). The random number group obtained based on the ball entering the first start port is stored in the first special symbol reserve memory area, and the random number group obtained based on the ball entering the second start port 21 is stored in the command set area 84a. The "random number for normal symbols" and "random number for normal symbol type" are obtained based on passing through gate 28. The obtained random number for normal symbols and random number for normal symbol type are stored in the normal symbol reserve memory area 84f.

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

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

The "chance up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance up effect during a variable effect, and takes a value ranging from 0 to 127. The "chance up random number" is obtained when a variable start command is output from the main control unit to the sub-control unit. The obtained random number value is stored in sub-RAM 94.

4. Explanation of Various Tables FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the special symbol winning determination table.
The special pattern hit determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to during the main control processing (described later) to determine whether the acquired hit random number value (any value between 0 and 65535) corresponds to a "big hit," a "small hit," or a "miss."

For the first special pattern, if the winning random number value is "0 to 655", it is determined to be a "jackpot", and if the winning random number value is "a number other than 0 to 655", it is determined to be a "miss".
That is, the probability of winning the jackpot with the first special symbol is 1/99.9.

For the second special pattern, if the winning random number value is "0 to 655", it is determined to be a "big win", and if it is "a number other than 0 to 655", it is determined to be a "small win".
That is, the probability of winning the big prize with the second special symbol is 1/99.9, and in other cases, the winning prize is a small prize.

The reach determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 references during the main control main processing (described below) to determine whether the acquired reach random number value (any value between 0 and 127) indicates "reach" or "no reach." The reach determination in the reach determination table is made based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state," if the reach random number value is "0 to 13," it is determined to be "reach," and if the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)," it is determined to be "no reach." Also, in the "time-saving state," if the reach random number value is "0 to 5," it is determined to be "reach," and if the reach random number value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)," it is determined to be "no reach."

FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining the normal symbol winning determination table.
The normal symbol win determination table is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 refers to in the main control main process (described later) to determine whether the acquired normal symbol win random number value (any of 0 to 255) corresponds to a "win" or a "lose." The determination in the normal symbol win determination table is made based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state," if the normal symbol win random number value is "0 to 1," it is determined to be a "win," and if the normal symbol win random number value is "a number other than 0 to 1 (2 to 255)," it is determined to be a "lose." Furthermore, in the "time-saving state," if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 254," it is determined to be a "win," and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)," it is determined to be a "lose."

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

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the jackpot type determination table. Figure 7(A) is a table for jackpot type determination table 1. Figure 7(B) is a table for jackpot type determination table 2. Jackpot type determination tables 1 and 2 are tables referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main process (described below) to determine the "jackpot type" according to the jackpot type random number value (any value between 0 and 127) acquired. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 is configured to determine the jackpot type based on jackpot type determination table 1 when the time-saving status a (described below) is 1, and to determine the jackpot type based on jackpot type determination table 2 when the time-saving status a (described below) is other than 1.

When the time-saving status is 1, as shown in Figure 7 (A), if the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is drawn and the random number value for the jackpot type is "0-96," the player will win a 4R type 1 jackpot A; if the random number value for the jackpot type is "97-122," the player will win a 4R type 1 jackpot B; if the random number value for the jackpot type is "123-126," the player will win a 7R type 1 jackpot; and if the random number value for the jackpot type is "127," the player will win a 10R type 1 jackpot. Also, if the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is drawn and the player wins a type 1 jackpot, it will be determined as a "10R type 1 jackpot" regardless of the random number value for the jackpot type. If the player wins a type 2 jackpot, it will be determined as a "10R type 2 jackpot" regardless of the random number value for the jackpot type.

When the time-saving status is not 1, as shown in Figure 7 (B), if the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is drawn and the random number value for the jackpot type is "0-89," the player will win a 4R type 1 jackpot A; if the random number value for the jackpot type is "90-115," the player will win a 4R type 1 jackpot B; if the random number value for the jackpot type is "116-121," the player will win a 7R type 1 jackpot; and if the random number value for the jackpot type is "122-127," the player will win a 10R type 1 jackpot. Also, if the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is drawn and the jackpot is a type 1 jackpot, it will be determined as a "10R type 1 jackpot" regardless of the random number value for the jackpot type. If the jackpot is a type 2 jackpot, it will be determined as a "10R type 2 jackpot" regardless of the random number value for the jackpot type.

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

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the small win type determination table. Figure 8(A) is a table for small win type determination table 1. Figure 8(B) is a table for small win type determination table 2. Small win type determination tables 1 and 2 are tables referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main process (described below) to determine the "type of small win" according to the acquired big win type random number value (any value between 0 and 127). In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 is configured to determine the small win type based on small win type determination table 1 when the a time-saving status (described below) is other than 4, and to determine the small win type based on small win type determination table 2 when the a time-saving status (described below) is 4.

If the time-saving status is anything other than 4 and you win a small prize in the lottery for the second special symbol (Special Symbol 2), if the random number value for the jackpot type is between 0 and 108, it will be determined as a "small prize A." If the random number value for the jackpot type is between 109 and 121, it will be determined as a "small prize B," and if the random number value for the jackpot type is between 122 and 127, it will be determined as a "small prize C."

When the time-saving status is 4 and you win a small prize in the lottery for the second special symbol (Special Symbol 2), if the random number value for the jackpot type is between 0 and 101, it will be determined as a "small prize A." Also, if the random number value for the jackpot type is between 102 and 114, it will be determined as a "small prize B," and if the random number value for the jackpot type is between 115 and 127, it will be determined as a "small prize C."

Note that small wins A to C all trigger the same type of big win, but the type of small win is referenced when setting the time-saving feature A, which is executed after a big win, as described below.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the fluctuation pattern determination table when the time-saving mode is not active. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the fluctuation pattern determination table when the time-saving mode is active. The fluctuation pattern determination table is a table referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main processing (described below) to determine the fluctuation pattern according to the acquired fluctuation pattern random number value (0 to 127).

When the first starting slot 20 is entered in the non-time-saving mode, the special symbol hit determination table determines it as a "miss," the reach determination table determines it as a "reach," the number of reserved balls is "1-2," and the fluctuation pattern random number value is "0-60," the fluctuation pattern is determined to be "P4."

In the time-saving mode, a fluctuation pattern determination table (time-saving fluctuation) is used (Figure 10). Note that in the time-saving mode, a fluctuation pattern is selected regardless of the fluctuation pattern random number value and the number of reserved balls.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, if a reach occurs, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). A super reach is a reach effect in which the fluctuation time after the reach is longer than a normal reach. Here, three types of super reaches (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different fluctuation times are set. SP1 to 3 are executed in a progressive manner after a normal reach. The difference between SP1 to 3 may be, for example, the presence or absence of pseudo-consecutive hits.

Figure 11(A) is an explanatory diagram of the electric chute opening pattern determination table. Figure 11(B) is a table showing details of the electric chute opening patterns.

The electric chute opening pattern determination table is a table referenced by the game control microcomputer 81 during the main control main processing (described below) to determine the opening pattern of the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 depending on the game state (non-time-saving state or time-saving state). In this embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state," the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern H11" regardless of the normal symbol winning type random number value. Also, in the "time-saving state" and when the a time-saving status is 1 or 2, if the normal symbol winning type random number value is "0 to 126," the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern H12," and if the normal symbol winning type random number value is "127," the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern H13." Additionally, when the "time-saving state" and the a time-saving status is 3 or 4, if the normal symbol win type random number value is "0", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern H12", and if the normal symbol win type random number value is "1 to 127", the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern H13".

As shown in Figure 11 (B), in opening pattern 11, the first electric chute 17 is opened once and for a 0.2-second opening time. In opening pattern 12, the first electric chute 17 is opened three times, with a 2.0-second opening time per opening and an interval (opening interval) of 1.0 second. In opening pattern 13, the second electric chute 22 is opened three times, with a 2.0-second opening time per opening and an interval (opening interval) of 1.0 second. Therefore, if opening pattern 11 is determined, it is difficult to win in both the first B starting hole 16 and the second starting hole 21. If opening pattern 12 is determined, it is easy to win in the first A starting hole 16 but difficult to win in the second starting hole 21. If opening pattern 13 is determined, it is difficult to win in the first A starting hole 16 but easy to win in the second starting hole 21. However, if a predetermined number of game balls have won (a maximum of 10), the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 will be closed even if there is still time left for them to be open. Details of the time-saving status a will be provided later.

As a result of the above, when the time-saving mode is active and the a-time-saving status is 1 or 2 (i.e., during the first and second time-saving modes described below), the first electric chute 17 is more likely to open, making it easier to score into the firstB starting hole 16, than when the second electric chute is open, making it easier to score into the second starting hole 21. In contrast, when the time-saving mode is active and the a-time-saving status is 3 or 4 (i.e., during the third and fourth time-saving modes described below), the second electric chute 22 is more likely to open, making it easier to score into the second starting hole 21, than when the first electric chute is open, making it easier to score into the firstB starting hole 16.

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

In the case of "4R Type 1 Big Win A" and "4R Type 1 Big Win B", the second large winning slot 35 is opened once for a long time of 29.5 seconds in the first to fourth rounds.
In the case of a "7R Type 1 jackpot", the second large prize slot 35 is opened once for a long time of 29.5 seconds in the first to seventh rounds.
In the case of a "10R Type 1 jackpot", the second large winning slot 35 is opened once for a long time of 29.5 seconds in the first to tenth rounds.
In the case of a "10R two-type jackpot," the first large prize opening 30 is opened five times in the first round for an opening time of 0.3 seconds, and the second large prize opening 35 is opened once in the second to tenth rounds for a long opening time of 29.5 seconds.
However, if a predetermined number of game balls are won (the specified number of winning balls, up to 9 balls), the facility will be closed even if there is still time left for opening.

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

When a jackpot is hit, a "jackpot game" is played. Jackpot games are an example of special games. Jackpot games include multiple rounds of play (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round of play begins, and an ending (ED) after the final round of play has finished. Each round of play begins with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play. The time (interval time) for the jackpot opening to close between rounds of play is included in the open round of play before that closure.

6. Description of Game State The game state of the gaming machine 1 will now be described. The game control microcomputer 81 can execute "variation time reduction control" for the special symbols displayed on the display 40. The state in which the game control microcomputer 81 is executing variation time reduction control for the special symbols on the display 40 is referred to as the "time reduction state," while the state in which variation time reduction control is not executed is referred to as the "non-time reduction state (normal state)." In the time reduction state, the variation time of the special symbols (the time from the start of the variation display to the derived display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time reduction state. The game control microcomputer 81 determines the variation pattern using a variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 8 and 9) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more frequently in the time reduction state than in the non-time reduction state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing variation time reduction control for the special symbols, a short variation time is more likely to be selected as the variation time for the variable display of the special symbols than when variation time reduction control is not executed. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the special reserved symbols increases, and effective winnings (winnings that can be stored as special reserved symbols) in the starting slot become more likely to occur. This allows you to aim for a jackpot while playing smoothly.

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

The game control microcomputer 81 performs probability fluctuation control for normal symbols, making hit judgments (determining normal symbols) using a normal symbol hit judgment table in which the number of normal symbol random number values (winning random number values) judged to be a hit is higher in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the probability of a hit is higher than in the normal probability state for normal symbols. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control for normal symbols, the probability that the display result (stopped symbol) of the variable display of the normal symbol by the display device 40 will be a winning symbol is higher than when probability fluctuation control is not being executed.

In the time-shortened state, the normal symbol fluctuation time is shorter than in the non-time-shortened state. Here, the normal symbol fluctuation time is 30 seconds in the non-time-shortened state, but 1 second in the time-shortened state. Furthermore, in the time-shortened state, the opening time of the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 during auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-shortened state. In other words, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to extend the opening time for the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22. In addition, in the time-shortened state, the number of times the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 open during auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-shortened state. In other words, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to increase the number of times the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 open.

When the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols on the display 40, as well as opening time extension control and opening count increase control for the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22, the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 open more frequently than when these controls are not being executed, and game balls land more frequently in the first B starting hole 16 or the second starting hole 21. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, a state in which these controls are being executed is called a "high base state," and a state in which they are not being executed is called a "low base state." In the high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. The high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control by the first electric chute 17 to support winning in the first B starting hole 16, and control by the second electric chute 22 to support winning in the second starting hole 21) is being executed.

The high base state (electric support control state) does not have to execute all of the above controls. In other words, by executing one or more of the following controls: probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols on the display 40; fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols on the display 40; opening time extension control for the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22; and opening count increase control for the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22, it is sufficient if the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 are more likely to open than when that control is not being executed. Furthermore, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time-shortening state.

In a high base state, hitting the ball to the right to enter the right play area 3B (Figure 1) can provide an advantageous gameplay experience. This is because the electric support control makes it easier for the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 to open than in a low base state, making it easier to win in the first B start port 16 or the second start port 21 than in the first A start port 20. For this reason, in a high base state, hitting the ball to the right is performed to have the ball enter the first B start port 16 or the second start port 21 while passing through the gate 28, which triggers the normal symbol lottery. This allows for more start wins (wins in the start ports) than hitting the ball to the left. In gaming machine 1, playing is performed by hitting the ball to the right even during jackpot play.

On the other hand, in a low base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the game ball from the left to enter the left play area 3A (Figure 1). Because electric support control is not being executed, the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 are less likely to open than in a high base state, making it easier to win in the first A starting hole 20 than in the first B starting hole 16 or the second starting hole 21. For this reason, in a low base state, a left-handed shot is used to get the game ball to enter the first A starting hole 20. This allows for more starting wins to be obtained than by hitting from the right.

7. Operation of the Game Control Microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 2) will be explained with reference to Figures 12 to 23. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84.

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

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

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

[Main timer interrupt processing]
13 is a flowchart of the main timer interrupt process (FIG. 12: step S005). In the main timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 10) described above. In other words, the update process of various random number counter values is performed both during the execution period of the main timer interrupt process and during other periods (the period from the end of the main timer interrupt process to the start of the next main timer interrupt process).

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs input processing (step S102). In the input processing, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the gaming machine 1 and sets payout data for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning slot in the output buffer of the main RAM 84. The various sensors include, for example, the first A starting slot sensor 20a, the first B starting slot sensor 16a, the second starting slot sensor 21a, the first large winning slot sensor 30a, the second large winning slot sensor 35a, and the normal winning slot sensor 27a (Figure 3).

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

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

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S104). In normal operation processing, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the first electric chute 17 or the second electric chute 22. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for the normal pattern is "0," and if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, it refers to the normal pattern win determination table to determine whether a win has occurred. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 refers to the normal pattern change pattern determination table to select a change pattern. The game control microcomputer 81 sets the selected normal pattern change pattern, thereby starting the change display of the normal pattern. Thereafter, it stops the change display, and in the case of a "win," it sets the electric chute opening pattern by referring to the electric chute opening pattern determination table (Figure 10), and activates the first electric chute 17 or the second electric chute 22.

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

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

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

[Special Action Processing]
14 is a flowchart of the special operation process (FIG. 13: step S105). Here, the process for the display 40 and the special prize devices (first special prize device 31 and second special prize device 36) is divided into four stages, and each stage is called "special operation status""1,""2,""3,""4," and "5." When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol standby process (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, a jackpot determination, a variation pattern selection, and the like are performed.

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

When the "special operation status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), special symbol determination processing is performed (step S1306). Details of the special symbol determination processing will be described later.

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

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

[Special symbol standby processing]
15 is a flowchart of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 13: step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether or not a second start opening ball entry command has been received (step S1401). If the command has not been received (step S1401: NO), the process proceeds to step S1407. If the second start opening ball entry command has been received (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a win determination process (step S1402). Details of the win determination process will be described later.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). In the variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern determination table (Figs. 8 and 9) is referenced, and a variation pattern is selected based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the result of the win determination process (step S1402), and the number of reserved balls (no reserved special ball 2, maximum of 4 reserved special ball 1).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol 2 variation start processing (step S1404). In the special symbol 2 variation start processing, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, the variable display of the second special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection processing is set in the variation time timer. The game control microcomputer 81 also sets the special operation status to "2". Note that the variation start command set in the special symbol 2 variation start processing (special symbol 2 variation start command) includes information related to the special symbol stop pattern data set in the hit determination processing (step S1402) and information related to the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection processing (step S1403) (including information related to the variation time).

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

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

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage locations of the various random number values stored in the first through fourth memory areas of the first special symbol reservation memory area by one position from their current location toward the read side, and clears the reserved information stored in the first special symbol reservation memory area in the location farthest from the read side (step S1411). Through these steps, the first reserved symbols are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A corresponding to the first memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory area (the rightmost reserved image 9A of the four reserved images 9A) shifts toward the reserved symbol consumption image display area and is displayed as reserved symbol consumption image 9C. Furthermore, the reserved images 9A corresponding to the second through fourth memory areas of the first special symbol reservation memory area (the second, third, and fourth reserved images 9A from the right of the four reserved images 9A) each shift one position to the right (Figure 1). This allows the player to recognize that one reserved first symbol has been consumed.

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

If the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 is "0" in step S1407 (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is a standby screen (step S1413). A standby screen is a demo screen for waiting for customers. The game control microcomputer 81 may make this determination, for example, by checking the ON/OFF status of a demo screen display flag for waiting for customers. If the screen is a standby screen (step S1413: YES), this process ends. If the screen is not a standby screen (step S1413: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse, sets a standby command for displaying the standby screen in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 (step S1414), and then ends this process. As described above, according to the special symbol standby process of this embodiment, the display of a change in the special symbol based on the reservation of the first special symbol is executed only when a change based on a ball entering the second special symbol is not being executed. In other words, the consumption of the second special symbol takes priority over the consumption of the reserved first special symbol. Furthermore, according to the jackpot type determination table of this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery results in a jackpot (a V-passing jackpot) that is more beneficial to the player than a lottery based on the reserved first special symbol.

[Collision detection processing]
16 is a flowchart of the hit determination process (FIG. 15: steps S1402 and S1408). The hit determination process for special drawing 2 (step S1402) and the hit determination process for special drawing 1 (step S1408) have similar processing flows, so they will be described together.

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

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred (step S1502). If it determines that a jackpot has occurred (step S1502: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the jackpot flag (step S1503) and determines whether the time-saving status a at this point is 1 (step S1504). If the time-saving status a is 1 (step S1504: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the jackpot type by referring to jackpot type determination table 1 (Figure 7(A)) (step S1505), and processing proceeds to step S1520. On the other hand, if the time-saving status a is not 1 (step S1504: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the jackpot type by referring to jackpot type determination table 2 (Figure 7(B)) (step S1506), and processing proceeds to step S1520.

In step S1520, the time-saving status setting process (jackpot) is executed, and the hit determination process ends. Details of the time-saving status setting process (jackpot) will be described later.

If it is determined in step S1502 that the result is not a jackpot (step S1502: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the result is a small jackpot (step S1507). If it is determined that the result is a small jackpot (step S1507: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the small jackpot flag (step S1508), and then determines whether or not the a-time-saving status at this point is 4 (step S1509). If the a-time-saving status is not 4 (step S1509: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the small jackpot type by referring to small jackpot type determination table 1 (step S1510), and processing proceeds to step S1530. On the other hand, if the a-time-saving status is 4 (step S1509: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the small jackpot type by referring to small jackpot type determination table 2 (step S1511), and processing proceeds to step S1530. In step S1530, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the time-saving status setting process (small win) a and ends the win determination process.

If it is determined in step S1507 that the winning combination is not a small win (step S1505: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the winning combination determination process. In other words, it is determined that the winning combination is a loss.
[a Time-saving status setting process (jackpot)]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the time-saving status setting process (jackpot) (FIG. 15: step S1520).

In the time-saving status setting process (jackpot), the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the special drawing that resulted in a jackpot was triggered by a ball entering the second starting hole 21, i.e., whether it is the result of the special drawing 2 (step S1701). If it is the result of the special drawing 2 (step S1701: YES), processing proceeds to step S1710. On the other hand, if it is not the result of the special drawing 2 (step S1701: NO), processing proceeds to step S1702.

In step S1702, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the special drawing that resulted in a jackpot was triggered by a ball entering the first A starting hole 20. If the trigger was a ball entering the first A starting hole 20 (step S1702: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 1 (step S1703) and terminates this processing.

On the other hand, if the hit was not triggered by the ball entering the 1A starting hole 20 (step S1702: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the hit type is a "4R Type 1 Big Hit A" (step S1704). If it is a "4R Type 1 Big Hit A" (step S1704: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 1 (step S1703) and ends this processing.

On the other hand, if the win type is not a "4R Type 1 Jackpot A" (step S1704: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the win type is a "4R Type 1 Jackpot B" (step S1705). If the win type is a "4R Type 1 Jackpot B" (step S1705: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 2 (step S1706) and ends this processing.

On the other hand, if the win type is not a "4R Type 1 jackpot B" (step S1515: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the win type is a "7R Type 1 jackpot" (step S1707). If it is a "7R Type 1 jackpot" (step S1707: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the a time-saving status to 3 (step S1708) and ends this processing. On the other hand, if it is not a "7R Type 1 jackpot" (step S1707: NO), that is, if the win type is a "10R Type 1 jackpot," the game control microcomputer 81 sets the a time-saving status to 4 (step S1709) and ends this processing.

In step S1710, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving status a at this time is 3. If the time-saving status a is not 3 (step S1710: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 3 (step S1711) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if the time-saving status a is 3 (step S1710: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 4 (step S1712) and terminates this processing.

[a time-saving status setting process (small win)]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the time-saving status setting process (small win) (FIG. 15: step S1520).

In the a time-saving status setting process (small win), the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the a time-saving status at this point is 3 (step S1751).

If the time-saving status a is 3 (step S1751: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 then determines whether the small win type is "small win A" (step S1752). If it is "small win A" (step S1752: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 3 (step S1753) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if it is not "small win A" (step S1752: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small win type is "small win B" (step S1754). If it is "small win B" (step S1754: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 5 (step S1755) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if it is not a "small win B" (step S1754: NO), that is, if the small win type is a "small win C," the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 4 (step S1756) and ends this process.

In step S1751, if the time-saving status a is not 3 (step S1751: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small win type is "small win C" (step S1757). If it is "small win C," the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 5 (step S1758) and ends this processing. On the other hand, if it is not "small win C" (step S1757: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 4 (step S1759) and ends this processing.

[Special design confirmation process]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (FIG. 14: step S1306).

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

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

After setting the opening pattern, if the time-saving flag is ON (step S1824: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 switches it to OFF (step S1825). This puts the game in a non-time-saving state while the Type 1 jackpot game is being played. Then, to start the Type 1 jackpot game, the opening command for the Type 1 jackpot game is set (step S1826), and the opening of the jackpot game begins. Then, the special operation status is set to "4" (step S1827), and this process ends.

If the big win flag is OFF in step S1822 (step S1822: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small win flag is ON (step S1830). If the small win flag is ON (step S1830: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the large prize opening according to the type of small win that has been won (step S1831). Specifically, as in step S1823 described above, the game control microcomputer 81 references the large prize opening opening pattern determination table, determines the opening pattern of the large prize opening from the special symbol stop pattern data, and sets the determined opening pattern. In addition, in addition to setting the opening pattern of the large prize opening, the value of the round counter is set to the number of rounds according to the type of small win that has been won.

After setting the opening pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 switches the V-opening/closing member operation flag to ON (step S1832). The V-opening/closing member operation flag is a flag indicating that it is the period in which the V-opening/closing member 71 is to be operated. When the V-opening/closing member operation flag is ON, the V-opening/closing member 71 is operated in a predetermined operation pattern. After that, to start the small win game, a small win opening command is set (step S1833), and the opening of the small win game begins. After that, the special operation status is set to "5" (step S1834), and this processing ends.

If the small win flag is OFF in step S1830 (step S1830: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to 1 (step S1840) and ends the special symbol determination process.

[Game Status Management Processing]
20 is a flowchart of the game status management process (FIG. 19: step S1810). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the time-saving flag is ON (step S1811). If the time-saving flag is OFF (step S1811: NO), i.e., in the non-time-saving state, the process skips to step S1816. If the time-saving flag is ON (step S1811: YES), i.e., in the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the value of the time-saving counter by 1 (step S1812). The time-saving counter counts the number of times the special symbols have changed during the time-saving state (the sum of the number of times the first special symbol has changed and the number of times the second special symbol has changed).

As a result of step S1812, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the value of the time-saving counter has become "0" (step S1813). If the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (step S1813: NO), processing skips to step S1816. If the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (step S1813: YES), the time-saving flag is switched OFF (step S1814), and the time-saving status a is set to 1 (step S1815). Step S1814 switches the game state from the time-saving state to the non-time-saving state.

In step S1816, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the game state designation command in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 and terminates the game state management process. The game state designation command contains information about the current game state that has just been set (whether or not the game is in a time-saving state, the value of the time-saving counter, etc.).

[Special electric accessory processing (jackpot)]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the special electric device process 1 (FIG. 12: step S1308). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2200). The "jackpot end flag" is a flag indicating that all openings of the first special winning device 31 based on the opening pattern have been completed in the currently running jackpot game. If the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2200: YES), processing proceeds to step S2230. If the jackpot end flag is OFF (step S2200: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the first special winning port 30 is currently open (step S2202). If it is currently open (step S2202: YES), processing proceeds to step S2210.

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

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

If the first major prize opening 30 is open in step S2202 (step S2202: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the closing condition for the first major prize opening 30 is met (step S2210). The closing condition here is met when either the number of prizes won by the first major prize opening 30 in that round of play reaches a predetermined maximum number of prizes (e.g., nine prizes per round), or the time for closing the first major prize opening 30 has arrived (i.e., a predetermined opening time (e.g., 29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the first major prize opening 30 was opened). If the closing condition for the first major prize opening 30 is not met (step S2210: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 terminates the special electric device processing (jackpot). On the other hand, if the closing condition for the first large prize opening 30 is met (step S2210: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 closes (blocks) the first large prize opening 30 (step S2211), and ends the special electric device processing (jackpot).

If, in step S2203 described above, it is not the time (timing) to open the first large prize opening 30, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round of play has ended (step S2220). Here, one round ends a predetermined time (e.g., two seconds) after the first large prize opening 30 closes. As described above, this is because the time (interval time) during which the first large prize opening 30 is closed between rounds of play is included in the open round of play before that closure. The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the round of play has ended based on whether the predetermined interval time has passed since the first large prize opening 30 closed. If the round of play has not ended (step S2220: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the special electric device processing (jackpot).

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

If the jackpot end flag is ON in step S2200 (step S2200: YES), the control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (step S2230). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S2230: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 ends the special electric device processing (jackpot). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (step S2230: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns OFF the jackpot end flag (step S2231) and the jackpot flag (step S2232). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" (step S2233), executes the game status setting process (step S2234) described below, and ends this process. The game state setting process (Figure 22) sets the game state (time-saving state) after a jackpot game and sets the time-saving counter to its initial value (number of time-saving times).

[Game Status Setting Processing]
22 is a flowchart of the game status setting process (FIG. 21: step S2234). The game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the time-saving status a is 5 (step S2301). If the time-saving status a is 5 (step S2301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving status a to 1 (step S2308), and the process proceeds to step S2309.

If the time-saving status a is not 5 (step S2301: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 turns the time-saving flag ON (step S2302) and determines whether the time-saving status a is greater than 2 (step S2303). If the value is greater than 2 (step S2303: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving counter to 100 (step S2307) and proceeds to step S2309. On the other hand, if the time-saving status a is 2 or less (step S2303: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving status a is 1 (step S2304). If the time-saving status a is 1 (step S2304: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving counter to 120 (step S2305) and proceeds to step S2309. On the other hand, if the time-saving status a is not 1 (step S2304: NO), that is, if the time-saving status a is 2, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time-saving counter to 140 (step S2306), and processing proceeds to step S2309.

In step S2309, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game state designation command and terminates this processing.

[Special electric accessory processing (small prize)]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the special electric device processing (small win) (FIG. 14: step S1309).

The game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the closing conditions for the first major prize opening 30 have been met (step S1601). The closing conditions are met when either a specified number (9) of game balls have entered the game opening or the opening time (e.g., 1.5 seconds (5 x 0.3 seconds)) has elapsed. If it is determined that the closing conditions for the first major prize opening 30 have been met (step S1601: YES), the first major prize opening 30 is closed (step S1602) and the process proceeds to step S1604. On the other hand, if it is determined that the closing conditions for the first major prize opening 30 have not been met (step S1601: NO), the first major prize opening 30 is opened (step S1603) and the process proceeds to step S1604. Note that if the first major prize opening 30 is already open, it remains open.

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

In step S1605, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball has passed through the V region 39. This determination is made based on whether the V flag in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM 84 is ON. If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the V region (step S1605: YES), a V pass command is set (step S1606), a jackpot opening command is set (step S1607), the special operation status is set to "4" (step S1608), and the process proceeds to step S1609. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the V region (step S1605: NO), the special operation status is set to 1 (step S1611), the a time-saving status is set to 1 (step S1612), and the process ends.

In step S1609, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON. If it is ON (step S1609: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns the time-saving flag OFF (step S1610) and terminates this processing. On the other hand, if it is OFF (step S1609: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 terminates this processing.

8. Operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 The operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be explained with reference to Figures 24 to 27. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94.

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

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

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

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart of the sub-side timer interrupt process (FIG. 21: step S4004). The performance control microcomputer 91 first performs a received command analysis process (step S4100). The received command analysis process will be described in detail later. After the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a variable performance process (step S4110). The variable performance process will be described later. After the variable performance process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a switch process (step S4120). After the switch process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a command transmission process (step S4130). In the command transmission process, the performance control microcomputer 91 transmits the various commands set in the performance command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 during the received command analysis process, etc., to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108. The image control board 100, which has received the various commands, uses the image display device 7 to execute display effects according to the received commands. The audio control board 106, which has received the various commands, executes audio effects by outputting audio from the speaker 67 according to the received commands. The lamp control board 107, which has received the various commands, executes lamp effects by controlling the illumination of the panel lamp 5 and frame lamp 66 according to the received commands. After the command transmission process, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4140) and ends this process. Other processes include random number update processing.

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

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

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

Next, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4240). If so (step S4240: YES), it performs a fluctuation effect end process (step S4250). The "fluctuating effect end process" is a process for stopping the fluctuation effect that is executed while the special symbol is fluctuating. In the fluctuation effect end process, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets a counter, etc. based on the analysis results of the fluctuation stop command, and sets a fluctuation effect end command to end the fluctuation effect. This causes the effect symbol corresponding to the currently fluctuating special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 to be stopped and displayed. Note that if the fluctuation stop command has not been received (step S4240: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation effect end process is skipped.

Next, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether a win-related command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4260). Win-related commands include a jackpot opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a minor win opening command, a round designation command, and an ending command. If a win-related command has been received (step S4260: YES), the effect control microcomputer 91 performs a win-related effect pattern determination process corresponding to each command (step S4270). For example, if a jackpot opening command has been received, the effect control microcomputer 91 selects a preset opening effect pattern corresponding to the jackpot type and sets an opening effect start command for starting the selected opening effect in the effect command setting area 94b of the sub-RAM 94. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command setting area 94b is sent to the image control board 100 in the command sending process (step S4130 in FIG. 22), the image control board 100 reads out a predetermined opening effect image and displays it on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The same applies to other commands. On the other hand, if not received (step S4260: NO), the process of step S4270 is skipped.
Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 executes other processing (step S4280) and terminates the received command analysis processing.

[Variable performance start processing]
27 is a flowchart of the variable effect start process (FIG. 23: step S4230). The effect control microcomputer 91 first analyzes the variable effect start command (step S4401). Here, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets information about the special symbol stop symbol data included in the variable effect start command and information about the variable pattern in the sub-RAM 94. The set information includes game status information indicating the current game status and symbol information indicating the symbol as the result of the hit determination process for special symbol 1 or special symbol 2. The game status information and symbol information acquired here can be referenced by the effect control microcomputer 91 as appropriate.

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

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

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

Next, the effect control microcomputer 91 sets the variable effect timer (step S4405) and ends the variable effect start process. The variable effect timer is set to a variable time corresponding to the variable effect pattern included in the variable effect start command.

9. Flow of Game Play in the Gaming Machine 1 of the Present Embodiment The flow of game play in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described below.

[Game Flow]
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the game flow in the gaming machine 1. For convenience of explanation, the game state (FIG. 28(A)) in which a player hits the ball left-handed to win the lottery opportunity for Special Figure 1 and aims to land the ball in the first A starting hole 20 will be referred to as the "normal state." Among the time-saving states granted after a jackpot game, the time-saving state when the a time-saving status is 1 and the number of continuations is 120 (FIG. 28(B)) will be referred to as the "first time-saving state." The time-saving state when the a time-saving status is 2 and the number of continuations is 140 (FIG. 28(C)) will be referred to as the "second time-saving state." The time-saving state with 100 continuations executed when the a time-saving status is 3 (FIG. 28(D)) will be referred to as the "third time-saving state." The time-saving state with 100 continuations executed when the a time-saving status is 4 (FIG. 28(E)) will be referred to as the "fourth time-saving state." Note that the manner of variable presentation differs depending on the mode. Each mode will be described below.

In the normal state shown in Figure 28 (A), if a Type 1 jackpot is won, the game will transition to the second time-saving mode shown in Figure 28 (B), regardless of the type of win.

As mentioned above, the first time-saving mode shown in Figure 28 (B) is a game state in which the aim is to hit the ball into the first B starting hole 16 with a right-hand hit and win. If a Type 1 jackpot is won during the first time-saving mode, and the winning type is a "4R Type 1 jackpot A," the first time-saving mode is reset as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play if the winning type is a "4R Type 1 jackpot B." If the winning type is a "7R Type 1 jackpot," the third time-saving mode is set as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play. If the winning type is a "10R Type 1 jackpot," the fourth time-saving mode is set as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play. On the other hand, if 120 special drawing draws are performed during the first time-saving mode without a jackpot being won, the game will return to the normal mode. The probability of winning a Type 1 jackpot between the start and end of the first time-saving mode is approximately 70%. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the first time-saving mode is a high base state in which the amount of game balls lost is relatively small, so the first time-saving mode is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode.

As mentioned above, the second time-saving mode shown in Figure 28 (C) is a game state in which the aim is to hit the ball into the 1B starting hole 16 with a right-hand hit and win. If a Type 1 jackpot is won during the second time-saving mode, and the winning type is a "4R Type 1 jackpot A" or a "4R Type 1 jackpot B," the second time-saving mode will be reset as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play if the winning type is a "7R Type 1 jackpot," the third time-saving mode will be set as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play. If the winning type is a "10R Type 1 jackpot," the fourth time-saving mode will be set as a time-saving mode after the jackpot play. On the other hand, if 140 special drawing lots are performed during the second time-saving mode without a jackpot being won, the game will return to the normal mode. The probability of winning a Type 1 jackpot between the start and end of the second time-saving mode is approximately 75%. Additionally, the second time reduction is a high base state in which the amount of game balls lost is relatively small, and the second time reduction has a higher probability of winning the types of wins that transition to more advantageous game states ("7R Type 1 Jackpot" and "10R Type 1 Jackpot") than the first time reduction. Therefore, the second time reduction is more advantageous for players than the first time reduction.

As mentioned above, the third time-saving mode shown in Figure 28 (D) is a game state in which the aim is to have the ball enter the second starting hole 21 and win with a right-hand hit. If a Type 2 jackpot is won during the third time-saving mode, and the Type 2 jackpot is a "small win A trigger," the third time-saving mode is reset to time-saving mode a after the jackpot play if the Type 2 jackpot is a "small win B trigger," the a time-saving mode is not set after the jackpot play, and the game returns to normal mode. If the a time-saving mode is a "small win C trigger," the fourth time-saving mode is set to time-saving mode a after the jackpot play. Although omitted from Figure 28, if a Type 1 jackpot is won, the fourth time-saving mode is set to time-saving mode a after the jackpot play. Therefore, if a jackpot is won during the third time-saving mode, there is an approximately 85% chance that the game will enter the time-saving mode again. Furthermore, if a recommended play is performed during the third time-saving mode, a special drawing 2 lottery is executed, and the result of the special drawing 2 lottery will always be a jackpot or a small win. Furthermore, both the Type 1 and Type 2 jackpots in the Special Chart 2 lottery are 10R. For these reasons, the third time reduction is more advantageous for players than the second time reduction.

The fourth time-saving mode shown in Figure 28 (E) is almost the same as the third time-saving mode, and as mentioned above, it is a game state in which the aim is to have the ball enter the second starting hole 21 and win by hitting from the right. If a Type 2 jackpot is won during the fourth time-saving mode, and the Type 2 jackpot is a "small win A trigger" or a "small win B trigger," the fourth time-saving mode will be reset to time-saving mode a after the jackpot play. If the type 2 jackpot is a "small win C trigger," the a time-saving mode will not be set after the jackpot play and the game will return to normal mode. Although omitted from Figure 28, if a Type 1 jackpot is won, the fourth time-saving mode will be reset to time-saving mode a after the jackpot play. Therefore, if a jackpot is won during the fourth time-saving mode, there is an approximately 90% chance that the game will enter the fourth time-saving mode again. Therefore, the fourth time-saving mode is more advantageous to the player than the third time-saving mode.

The above is the flow of each game state in the gaming machine 1. As described above, the gaming machine 1 can execute four different advantageous game states: the normal state and the first, second, third, and fourth time-saving modes. Furthermore, as shown in the electric chute opening pattern determination table (Figure 11(A)) and the details of the electric chute opening pattern (Figure 11(B)), during the first and second time-saving modes, the first electric chute 17 will operate with a 99% probability, making it relatively easy to score a ball into the firstB starting hole 16, and during the third and fourth time-saving modes, the second electric chute 22 will operate with a 99% probability, making it relatively easy to score a ball into the second starting hole 21. Furthermore, the game machine is configured so that the advantage to the player increases in the order of the first, second, third, and fourth time-saving modes.

The term "advantage" here is synonymous with the expected value of ball payout. The expected value of ball payout is the product of the average number of consecutive wins and the average number of balls paid out in one jackpot game. In the following explanation, it is assumed that when a jackpot game is played on gaming machine 1, 150 balls are paid out per round.

First, in the fourth time-saving mode, the probability of winning is 100% (see Figure 6 (A)), and if you win, the jackpot will always be 10R (see Figure 7 (B)). Since the probability of a jackpot without time-saving mode is 10%, which is the trigger for small jackpot C (see Figure 8 (B), Figure 18, Figure 22), the average number of consecutive wins will be about 10, and the expected number of balls will be about 15,000.

Next, in the third time-saving mode, the probability of winning is practically 100% (see Figure 6 (A)), and when a win occurs, the jackpot game is always 10R (see Figure 7 (B)). The probability of a jackpot without time-saving mode is 15%, which triggers a small jackpot B (see Figures 8 (A), 18, and 22). Therefore, the average number of consecutive wins when looping in the third time-saving mode is approximately 5 times, and when the probability of entering the fourth time-saving mode is also taken into account, the expected number of balls released is 1500 * 5 + 0.05 * 15000 = 8250 (balls). Calculating similarly, the expected number of balls released in the second time-saving mode is approximately 2790 balls, and in the first time-saving mode it is approximately 2490 balls.

From the above, it can be said that the fourth time reduction has a higher expected value of balls paid out than the third time reduction, and the second time reduction has a higher expected value of balls paid out than the first time reduction.

10. Presentation Examples of the Present Embodiment The following describes presentation examples of the present embodiment. In particular, presentation examples for the cases where a win occurs during the first time reduction, the second time reduction, the third time reduction, and the fourth time reduction will be described. Note that in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a win occurs, decorative symbols that all represent the same content are stopped and displayed in the presentation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R. In particular, in the first and second time reductions, if a "4R Type 1 Jackpot A" is won, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all be displayed as a stopped number representing any even number other than 8, if a "4R Type 1 Jackpot B" is won, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all be displayed as a stopped number representing "8", if a "7R Type 1 Jackpot" is won, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all be displayed as a stopped number representing any odd number other than 7, and if a "10R Type 1 Jackpot" is won, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all be displayed as a stopped number representing "7". In addition, when a Type 2 jackpot is won in the third time reduction, if the trigger is "small win A", the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all stop and be displayed representing any odd number other than 7, if the trigger is "small win B", the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all stop and be displayed representing any even number, and if the trigger is "small win C", the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all stop and be displayed representing "7". Furthermore, when a Type 2 jackpot is won in the fourth time reduction, if the trigger is "small win A" or "small win B", the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all stop and be displayed representing any odd number, and if the trigger is "small win C", the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will all stop and be displayed representing any even number.

[Example 1 of the performance when winning during the first time reduction]
29 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a performance when a first time-saving win is won. FIG. 29 shows a performance example when a "4R Type 1 Big Win A" is won during the first time-saving win. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting from the scene where a Type 1 big win is won in the normal state.

First, as shown in Figure 29 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in a type of jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "6," "6," and "6," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 29(B) and (C), the opening effect of the first time-saving mode is executed. In Figure 29(B), a message image OM1 is displayed saying, "Start of 120 time-saving modes!" In Figure 29(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "Win with an odd number symbol and you have a chance!? Win with a 7 and you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the first time-saving mode, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 29 (D), the first variable effect of the first time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 65 variations, including this variation, were misses, and the result of the 66th variation was a "4R Type 1 Jackpot A."

Next, as shown in Figure 29 (E), after the 66th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 4R type 1 jackpot A. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "4," "4," and "4," respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?" The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 29(F) and (G), the opening effect of the first time-saving mode is executed. This is similar to Figures 29(B) and (C), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, as shown in Figure 29 (H), the first variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 saying, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win the 4R Type 1 jackpot A during the first time reduction.

[Example 2 of the performance when winning during the first time reduction]
30 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a performance when a first time-saving win is won. FIG. 30 shows a performance example when a "4R Type 1 Big Win B" is won during the first time-saving win. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene in which a Type 1 big win is won in the normal state.

First, as shown in Figure 30 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in a type of jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "6," "6," and "6," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 30(B) and (C), the opening effect of the first time-saving mode is executed. In Figure 30(B), a message image OM1 is displayed saying, "Start of 120 time-saving modes!" In Figure 30(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "Win with an odd numbered symbol and you have a chance!? Win with a 7 and you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd numbered symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the first time-saving mode, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 30 (D), the first variable effect of the first time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 65 variations, including this variation, were misses, and the result of the 66th variation was a "4R Type 1 Big Hit B."

Next, as shown in Figure 30 (E), after the 66th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 4R type 1 jackpot B. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "8," "8," and "8," respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?" The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 30(F) and (G), the opening effect of the second time-saving feature is executed. In Figure 30(F), a message image OM5 is displayed that reads, "Start of 140 time-saving features!". In Figure 30(G), a message image OM2 is displayed that reads, "If you win with an odd number, you have a chance!? If you win with a 7, you have a big chance!?!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 30 (H), the first variable effect in the second time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win the 4R Type 1 jackpot B during the first time reduction.

[Example 3 of the performance when winning during the first time reduction]
31 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a performance when a first time-saving win is won. FIG. 31 shows a performance example when a "7R Type 1 jackpot" is won during the first time-saving win. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene in which a Type 1 jackpot is won in the normal state.

First, as shown in Figure 31 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in a type of jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "6," "6," and "6," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 31(B) and (C), the opening effect of the first time-saving mode is executed. In Figure 31(B), a message image OM1 is displayed saying, "Start of 120 time-saving modes!" In Figure 31(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "If you win with an odd numbered symbol, you have a chance!? If you win with a 7, you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd numbered symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the first time-saving mode, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 31 (D), the first variable effect of the first time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 65 variations, including this variation, were misses, and that the result of the 66th variation was a "7R Type 1 jackpot."

Next, as shown in Figure 31 (E), after the 66th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 7R type 1 jackpot. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "1", "1", and "1", respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 31 (F), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that an odd-numbered symbol has been selected (7R Type 1 jackpot) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH1 is displayed saying, "You won with 1!!! Chance!!!" Note that the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 31 (G), the opening effect of the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, a message image OM3 is displayed that reads, "Winning with a 7 is a big chance!?!?" The content of the message image OM3 suggests that if you win with the "7" symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win C), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode.

Next, as shown in Figure 31 (H), the first variable effect in the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right, and a message image CM2 saying, "If you hit 7, it's a big chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win a 7R Type 1 jackpot during the first time reduction.

[Example 4 of the performance when winning during the first time reduction]
32 is a diagram for explaining a fourth example of a performance when a first time-saving win is won. FIG. 32 shows a performance example when a "10R Type 1 jackpot" is won during the first time-saving win. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene in which a Type 1 jackpot is won in the normal state.

First, as shown in Figure 32 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in a type of jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "6," "6," and "6," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 32(B) and (C), the opening effect of the first time-saving mode is executed. In Figure 32(B), a message image OM1 is displayed saying, "Start of 120 time-saving modes!" In Figure 32(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "Win with an odd numbered symbol and you have a chance!? Win with a 7 and you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd numbered symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the first time-saving mode, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 32 (D), the first variable effect of the first time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 65 variations, including this variation, were misses, and that the result of the 66th variation was a "10R Type 1 jackpot."

Next, as shown in Figure 32 (E), after the 66th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in a 10R type 1 jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "7", "7", and "7", respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 32 (F), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that a "7" symbol has been selected (a 10R type 1 jackpot) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH7 is displayed saying, "You won with a 7!!! Big chance!!!" Note that the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 32 (G), the opening performance of the fourth time-saving feature is executed. Here, a message image OM4 is displayed stating, "If you win with an odd number, the time-saving feature will be reset!!!" The content of the message image OM4 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A or small win B, or a type 1 jackpot), the fourth time-saving feature will be reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 32 (H), the first variable effect in the fourth time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM3 saying, "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win a 10R Type 1 jackpot during the first time reduction.

[Example 1 of the performance when winning during the second time reduction]
33 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a performance when a win occurs during the second time reduction. FIG. 33 shows a performance example when a "4R jackpot A" or a "4R jackpot B" is won during the first time reduction. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting from the scene where a "4R jackpot B" is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 33 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 4R Type 1 jackpot B. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "8," "8," and "8," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 33(B) and (C), the opening effect of the second time reduction is executed. In Figure 33(B), a message image OM5 is displayed saying, "Start of 140 times of time reduction!". In Figure 33(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "If you win with an odd number symbol, you have a chance!? If you win with a 7, you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time reduction, which is more advantageous than the second time reduction, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time reduction, which is more advantageous than the third time reduction. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 33 (D), the first variable effect of the second time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 85 variations, including this variation, were misses, and that the result of the 86th variation was a "4R Type 1 Jackpot A" or a "4R Type 1 Jackpot B."

Next, as shown in Figure 33 (E), after the 86th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 4R type 1 jackpot. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "2," "2," and "2," respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?" The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 33(F) and (G), the opening effect of the second time-saving mode is executed. This is similar to Figures 33(B) and (C), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, as shown in Figure 33 (H), the first variable effect in the second time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 saying, "If you hit an odd number, you have a chance!? If you hit a 7, you have a great chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win a 4R Type 1 jackpot A or a 4R Type 1 jackpot B during the second time reduction.

[Example 2 of the performance when winning during the second time reduction]
34 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a performance when a win occurs during the second time reduction. FIG. 34 shows a performance example when a "7R type 1 jackpot" is won during the second time reduction. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene when a 4R type 1 jackpot B is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 34 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 4R Type 1 jackpot B. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "8," "8," and "8," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 34(B) and (C), the opening effect of the second time reduction is executed. In Figure 34(B), a message image OM5 is displayed saying, "Start of 140 times of time reduction!". In Figure 34(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "If you win with an odd number symbol, you have a chance!? If you win with a 7, you have a big chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time reduction, which is more advantageous than the second time reduction, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time reduction, which is more advantageous than the third time reduction. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 34 (D), the first variable effect of the second time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 85 variations, including this variation, were misses, and that the result of the 86th variation was a "7R Type 1 jackpot."

Next, as shown in Figure 34 (E), after the 86th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in the form of a 7R type 1 jackpot. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "1", "1", and "1", respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 34 (F), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that an odd-numbered symbol has been selected (7R Type 1 jackpot) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH1 is displayed saying, "You won with 1!!! Chance!!!" Note that the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 34 (G), the opening effect of the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, a message image OM3 is displayed saying, "Winning with a 7 is a big chance!?!?" The content of the message image OM3 suggests that if you win with the "7" symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win C), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode.

Next, as shown in Figure 34 (H), the first variable effect in the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM2 saying, "If you hit 7, it's a big chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win a 7R Type 1 jackpot during the second time-saving period.

[Example 3 of the performance when winning during the second time reduction]
35 is a diagram for explaining a third example of a performance when a win occurs during the second time reduction. FIG. 35 shows a performance example when a "10R type 1 jackpot" is won during the second time reduction. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene when a 4R type 1 jackpot is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 35 (A), after the variable effect in the normal state, the effect symbols stop in a type of jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "8," "8," and "8," respectively. After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figures 35(B) and (C), the opening effect of the second time reduction is executed. In Figure 35(B), a message image OM5 is displayed saying, "Time reduction 140 times starts!". In Figure 35(C), a message image OM2 is displayed saying, "If you win with an odd number symbol, it's your chance!? If you win with a 7, it's a huge chance!?!?" The content of message image OM2 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a 7R type jackpot), you will enter the third time reduction, which is more advantageous than the first time reduction, and if you win with a "7" symbol (a 10R type jackpot), you will enter the fourth time reduction, which is more advantageous than the third time reduction. The same applies below.

Next, as shown in Figure 35 (D), the first variable effect of the second time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN, which indicates the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH, which encourages the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that 85 variations, including this variation, were misses, and that the result of the 86th variation was a "10R Type 1 jackpot."

Next, as shown in Figure 35 (E), after the 86th variable effect in the first time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in a 10R type 1 jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "7", "7", and "7", respectively. Also displayed are a remaining number image JN indicating the number of remaining variable effects for which the time-saving mode will continue, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM1 that reads, "If you hit an odd number, it's your chance!? If you hit a 7, it's a big chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 35 (F), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that a "7" symbol has been hit (a 10R type 1 jackpot) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH7 is displayed saying, "I won with a 7!!! Big chance!!!" Note that the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 35 (G), the opening effect of the fourth time-saving feature is executed. Here, a message image OM4 is displayed stating, "If you win with an odd number, the time-saving feature will be reset!!!" The content of the message image OM4 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A or small win B, or a type 1 jackpot), the fourth time-saving feature will be reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 35 (H), the first variable effect in the fourth time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM3 saying, "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!"
The above is an example of the presentation when you win a 10R Type 1 jackpot during the second time-saving period.

[Example 1 of the performance when winning during the third time reduction]
36 is a diagram for explaining Example 1 of the performance when winning during the third time reduction. Figure 36 shows an example of the performance when winning a Type 2 jackpot triggered by a "small win A" during the third time reduction. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting from the scene where a Type 1 7R jackpot is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 36 (A), after the variable effect during the first time-saving period, the effect symbols stop in a 5R type 1 jackpot pattern. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "3," "3," and "3," respectively. The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (B), the opening effect of the third time-saving mode is executed. This is the same as Figure 34 (G), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (C), the first variable effect of the third time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed during the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right, and a message image CM2 that reads "If you hit 7, it's a big chance!?" The result of this fluctuation is a "small win A," and the explanation will continue assuming that the gaming ball then passes through V area 39.

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (D), after the first variable effect in the third time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in a 10R double jackpot mode triggering a small win A. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "9," "9," and "9," respectively. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM2 that reads, "If you hit 7, it's a great chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (E), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that an odd-numbered symbol has been selected as a win (a Type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH9 is displayed saying, "You won with 9!!! Your chance!!!" After this, the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (F), the opening effect of the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, a message image OM3 is displayed saying, "Winning with a 7 is a big chance!?!?" The content of the message image OM3 suggests that if you win with the "7" symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win C), you will enter the fourth time-saving mode, which is more advantageous than the third time-saving mode.

Next, as shown in Figure 36 (H), the first variable effect in the third time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right, and a message image CM2 saying, "If you hit 7, it's a big chance!?"
The above is an example of the presentation when a second-type jackpot is won in response to a small jackpot A during the third time reduction.

[Example 2 of the performance when winning during the third time reduction]
37 is a diagram for explaining a second example of a winning performance during the third time reduction. Figure 37 shows a second example of a winning performance during the third time reduction, triggered by a "small win C." The following explanation will be given in chronological order, starting with the scene where a 7R first-class winning performance is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 37(A), after the variable effect during the first time-saving period, the effect symbols stop in a 7R type 1 jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "3," "3," and "3," respectively. The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 37(B), the opening effect of the third time-saving mode is executed. This is the same as Figure 34(G), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

Next, as shown in Figure 37 (C), the first variable effect of the third time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed during the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right, and a message image CM2 that reads "If you hit 7, it's a big chance!?" The result of this fluctuation is a "small win C," and the explanation will continue assuming that the gaming ball then passes through V area 39.

Next, as shown in Figure 37 (D), after the first variable effect in the third time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in a 10R double jackpot mode with a small win C trigger. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "7," "7," and "7," respectively. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM2 that reads, "If you hit 7, it's a great chance!?"

Next, as shown in Figure 37(E), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that a "7" symbol has been hit (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win C) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH7 is displayed saying, "I won with a 7!!! Big chance!!!" Note that the explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 37 (F), the opening performance of the fourth time-saving feature is executed. Here, a message image OM4 is displayed stating, "If you win with an odd number, the time-saving feature will be reset!!!" The content of the message image OM4 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A or small win B, or a type 1 jackpot), the fourth time-saving feature will be reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 37 (H), the first variable effect in the fourth time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM3 saying, "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!"
The above is an example of the presentation when a Type 2 jackpot is won in the third time-saving mode, triggered by a small jackpot C.

[Example of a winning performance during the 4th time reduction]
Figure 38 is a diagram for explaining an example of a performance when a win occurs during the fourth time reduction. Figure 38 shows an example of a performance when a two-type jackpot is won, triggered by "small win A" or "small win B", during the fourth time reduction. The following will be explained in chronological order, starting with the scene where a 10R type one jackpot is won during the first time reduction.

First, as shown in Figure 38 (A), after the variable effect during the first time-saving period, the effect symbols stop in a 10R type 1 jackpot mode. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "7," "7," and "7," respectively. The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (B), the opening performance of the fourth time-saving feature is executed. Here, a message image OM4 is displayed stating, "If you win with an odd number, the time-saving feature will be reset!!!" The content of the message image OM4 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A or small win B, or a type 1 jackpot), the fourth time-saving feature will be reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (C), the first variable effect of the fourth time-saving mode begins. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed during the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the ball to the right, and a message image CM3 saying "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!" The result of this fluctuation is a "small win A" or "small win B," and the explanation will continue assuming that the gaming ball then passes through V area 39.

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (D), after the first variable effect in the fourth time-saving mode is executed, the effect symbols stop in a 10R two-type jackpot mode triggering small win A or small win B. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop at "5," "5," and "5," respectively. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM3 saying, "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!"

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (E), a jackpot opening effect is executed to notify the player that an odd-numbered symbol has been selected for a win (a double jackpot triggered by small win A or small win B) and that a jackpot game has been played. Here, a message image OH5 is displayed saying, "Win on 5!!! Time-saving reset!!!" The explanation will continue assuming that the jackpot game has now ended.

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (F), the opening effect of the third time-saving feature is executed. Here, a message image OM4 is displayed saying, "If you win with an odd number, the time-saving feature will be reset!!!" The content of the message image OM4 suggests that if you win with an odd number symbol (a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win A or small win B, or a type 1 jackpot), the fourth time-saving feature will be reset.

Next, as shown in Figure 38 (H), the first variable effect in the fourth time-saving mode is executed. Here, the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are rapidly varying. Also displayed are an execution count image JI indicating the number of variable effects executed in the time-saving mode, a right-hit image RH encouraging the player to hit the right, and a message image CM3 saying, "Keep hitting odd numbers!!!"
The above is an example of the presentation when a two-type jackpot is won in the fourth time shortening mode, triggered by a small jackpot A or a small jackpot B.

Second Embodiment
11. Differences Between the Second Embodiment and the First Embodiment The following describes the differences between the gaming machine 1A of the second embodiment and the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. The gaming machine 1A of the second embodiment has a configuration generally similar to that of the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, except for the points described below.

Figure 39 is an explanatory diagram of special symbol winning determination table A. The game control microcomputer 81 of the gaming machine 1A of the second embodiment uses special symbol winning determination table A instead of the special symbol winning determination table shown in Figure 6 (A) to determine whether the special symbol lottery has been won.

For the first special pattern, if the winning random number value is "0 to 204", it is determined to be a "big win", if the winning random number value is "300 to 750", it is determined to be a "small win", and if the winning random number value is "a number other than 0 to 204 or 300 to 750", it is determined to be a "miss".
That is, with the first special symbol, the probability of winning a big prize is 1/319.7, and the probability of winning a small prize is 1/145.3.

For the second special pattern, if the winning random number value is "0 to 204", it is determined to be a "big win", if the winning random number value is "300 to 60299", it is determined to be a "small win", and if it is "a number other than 0 to 204 or 300 to 60299", it is determined to be a "miss".
That is, with the second special symbol, there is a 1/319.7 probability of winning a big prize and a 1/1.1 probability of winning a small prize.

Figure 40 is an explanatory diagram of jackpot type determination table A (non-time-saving). Figure 41 is an explanatory diagram of jackpot type determination table A (time-saving). The game control microcomputer 81 of gaming machine 1A determines the jackpot type using jackpot type determination table A (non-time-saving) and jackpot type determination table A (time-saving) instead of jackpot type determination tables 1 and 2 shown in Figures 7 (A) and (B). The small jackpot counter setting value and the a-time-saving status setting value will be described later.

Figure 42 is an explanatory diagram of small win type determination table A (non-time-saving). Figure 43 is an explanatory diagram of small win type determination table A (time-saving). The game control microcomputer 81 of gaming machine 1A determines the small win type using small win type determination table A (non-time-saving) and small win type determination table A (time-saving) instead of small win type determination tables 1 and 2 shown in Figures 8 (A) and (B).

Figure 44 is a diagram illustrating electric chute opening pattern determination table A in gaming machine 1A. When a normal symbol is won, gaming machine 1A determines the electric chute opening pattern by referring to electric chute opening pattern determination table A instead of the electric chute opening pattern determination table shown in Figure 11 (A). The contents of each opening pattern are assumed to be the same as the detailed electric chute opening pattern contents shown in Figure 11 (B).

The electric chute opening pattern determination table A is a table that the game control microcomputer 81 references during the main control main processing to determine the opening pattern of the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 depending on the game state (non-time-saving state or time-saving state). In the second embodiment, in the "non-time-saving state," the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 11," in the "time-saving state" and the time-saving status a is 1, the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 12," and in the "time-saving state" and the time-saving status a is 2, the opening pattern is determined to be "opening pattern 13."

Figure 45 is a flowchart of the win determination process (steps S1402A and S1408A). The game control microcomputer 81 of gaming machine 1A executes steps S1402A and S1408A instead of steps S1402 and S1408 during the special symbol waiting process (Figure 15).

In steps S1402A and S1408A, the game control microcomputer 81 does not execute steps S1520 and S1530 in steps S1402 and S1408 of the first embodiment, but executes steps S1504A to S1514A instead of steps S1504 to S1511. Other than this, the configuration is the same, so further explanation will be omitted.

In step S1504A, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON.
If the flag is ON (step S1504A: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the type of jackpot by referring to the jackpot type determination table (time reduction) shown in FIG. 41 (step S1506A), and ends the win determination process. On the other hand, if the time reduction flag is OFF (step S1504A: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the type of jackpot by referring to the jackpot type determination table (non-time reduction) shown in FIG. 40 (step S1505A), and ends the win determination process.

In step S1509A, the game control microcomputer 81 decrements the value of the small win counter by 1 and then determines whether the value of the small win counter is 0 (step S1510A). If the value is 0 (step S1510A: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns off the time-saving flag (step S1511A) and proceeds to step S1512A. On the other hand, if the value of the small win counter is not 0 (step S1510A: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 skips step S1511A and proceeds to step S1512A.

In step S1512A, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON. If it is ON (step S1512A: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the small win type by referring to the small win type determination table (time-saving) shown in FIG. 43 (step S1514A), and ends the win determination process. On the other hand, if the time-saving flag is OFF (step S1512A: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines the big win type by referring to the small win type determination table (non-time-saving) shown in FIG. 42 (step S1505A), and ends the win determination process.
The above is the difference between steps S1402A and S1408A and steps S1402 and S1408.

Figure 46 is a flowchart of the game status setting process (step S2234A). The game control microcomputer 81 of the gaming machine 1A executes step S2234A instead of step S2234 during the special electric device processing (jackpot) shown in Figure 21.

In step S2234A, the game control microcomputer 81 first sets the time-saving flag ON/OFF according to the type of big win or small win determined in the win determination process (step S1402A or S1408A) shown in FIG. 45, and sets the time-saving counter, a time-saving status, and small win counter to their respective values (step S2301A). For example, if the small win type is determined to be small win F shown in FIG. 43 in step S1408A, the time-saving flag is set ON, the time-saving counter is set to 10,000, the a time-saving status is set to 2, and the small win counter is set to 2. After step S2301A, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a game status designation command (step S2302A) and terminates the game status setting process (step S2234A). Details of the game status designation command are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

These are the differences between the gaming machine 1A of the second embodiment and the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. This gaming machine 1A can also provide the same gameplay as the gaming machine 1, and the game flow is as shown in Figure 28, except for the number of rounds of jackpot play and the probability of transitioning to each time-saving state after a jackpot play. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can execute four different advantageous game states: a normal state and the first, second, third, and fourth time-saving states. Furthermore, as shown in the electric chute opening pattern determination table (Figure 11(A)) and the details of the electric chute opening pattern (Figure 11(B)), during the first and second time-saving states, the first electric chute 17 is activated with a 99% probability, making it relatively easy to score a ball into the firstB starting hole 16. During the third and fourth time-saving states, the second electric chute 22 is activated with a 99% probability, making it relatively easy to score a ball into the second starting hole 21. Furthermore, the advantage to the player increases in the order of the first time reduction, second time reduction, third time reduction, and fourth time reduction.

12. Examples of Effects, Modifications, and Aspects of the Present Embodiment [Examples of Effects]
Examples of the effects of this embodiment are shown below.
[Effect 1]
The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment includes a game control microcomputer 81 that can be set to one of a plurality of game states including a normal state, a first time reduction that is more advantageous than the normal state, a second time reduction that is more advantageous than the first time reduction, a third time reduction that is more advantageous than the second time reduction, and a fourth time reduction that is more advantageous than the third time reduction, a first B start hole 16 that triggers a special drawing lottery when a game ball enters, a second start hole 21 that triggers a special drawing lottery when a game ball enters, and an opening pattern 1 in which, when the normal drawing lottery result is a winning, it is relatively easy for a game ball to enter the first B start hole 16 and relatively difficult for a game ball to enter the second start hole 21. The game machine is equipped with a first electric chute 17 and a second electric chute 22 that can execute pattern 12, which makes it relatively difficult for the game ball to enter the first B starting hole 16 and relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 21. In the first and second time-saving modes, pattern 12 is more likely to be selected than pattern 13 when a normal game is won, and in the third and fourth time-saving modes, pattern 13 is more likely to be selected than pattern 12 when a normal game is won. Furthermore, the second time-saving mode has a higher expected ball output value than the first time-saving mode, and the fourth time-saving mode has a higher expected ball output value than the third time-saving mode (Figures 1, 11, and 28). This configuration allows players to enjoy a unique and innovative game using four advantageous game states with different degrees of advantage, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a jackpot is won during the first time reduction, the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the first time reduction again, transition to the second time reduction, or transition to the third time reduction after the jackpot game ends. When a jackpot is won during the second time reduction, the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the second time reduction again, transition to the third time reduction, or transition to the fourth time reduction after the jackpot game ends. When a jackpot is won during the third time reduction, the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the third time reduction again or transition to the fourth time reduction after the jackpot game ends. When a jackpot is won during the fourth time reduction, the game control microcomputer 81 may execute the fourth time reduction again after the jackpot game ends (FIG. 28). This configuration increases the player's anticipation for a transition to a more advantageous game state, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[Effect 3]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the first B starting hole 16 and the second starting hole 21 are respectively positioned so that a gaming ball shot by a player toward the right gaming area 3B of the gaming area 3 can enter either one of them (FIG. 1). This configuration makes it possible to provide a novel game to the player in the gaming machine shown in Effect 1 or Effect 2, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the first time-saving state corresponding to the first advantageous state and the second time-saving state corresponding to the second advantageous state are both time-saving states, and when a win occurs in the second time-saving state, the average number of times the time-saving state continues after the end of a winning game is greater than when a win occurs in the first time-saving state (FIG. 28). This configuration increases the likelihood that the player will have expectations for a transition to a more advantageous game state, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

Furthermore, in a gaming machine where any of the following variants 1, 2, 3, and 4 are implemented, the gaming state corresponding to the second advantageous state can be configured to satisfy one of the following: a greater number of times the time-saving mode continues than the gaming state corresponding to the first advantageous state; a higher probability of winning in one special drawing; a greater number of times the time-saving mode continues after the winning game ends if a winning game is won; or a higher average number of gaming balls that can be won in one win. In this case too, the player is more likely to have anticipation for transitioning to a more advantageous gaming state, thereby increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the third time-saving state corresponding to the third advantageous state and the fourth time-saving state corresponding to the fourth advantageous state are both time-saving states, and when a win occurs in the fourth time-saving state, the average number of times the time-saving state continues after the winning game ends is configured to be higher than when a win occurs in the third time-saving state (FIG. 28). This configuration increases the likelihood that the player will have expectations for a transition to a more advantageous game state, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

Furthermore, in a gaming machine where any of the following variants 1, 2, or 3 is implemented, the gaming state corresponding to the fourth advantageous state can be configured to satisfy one of the following: a greater number of times the time-saving mode continues than the gaming state corresponding to the third advantageous state; a higher probability of winning in a single special drawing; or a greater number of times the time-saving mode continues after the winning game ends if a winning combination is won. In this case too, the player is more likely to have expectations of moving to a more advantageous gaming state, which can increase the enjoyment of the game.

[Modification]
A modified example of this embodiment will be described.
[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the game was configured to be played according to the game flow shown in FIG. 28 . In contrast, in each of the normal state, the first time reduction, the second time reduction, the third time reduction, and the fourth time reduction, the combination of the winning type and the game state after the winning game may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the third time reduction, if a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win B is won, the first time reduction may be set after the jackpot game. Furthermore, for example, in the fourth time reduction, if a type 2 jackpot triggered by a small win C is won, the second time reduction may be set after the jackpot game.

[Modification 2]
In the first and second embodiments, the special drawing 2 lottery was configured to always result in a big win or a small win trigger to win a type 2 big win. In contrast, by making it possible to have one or more reserved special drawing 2 lotteries and lowering the probability of winning a small win in the special drawing 2 lottery, the third and fourth time reductions may not be effectively time-saving states that continue until the next big win, but may be playable like ST in a probability-changing machine.

For example, the number of special drawing lots during which the third time reduction continues is set to 100, the number of special drawing lots during which the fourth time reduction continues is set to 150, and the probability of a small win in the special drawing lottery is set to 1/55. Furthermore, in a Type 1/2 hybrid machine in which the third and fourth time reductions have the above-mentioned gameplay characteristics, the reserved balls for the special drawing lottery at the time of the final change in the third or fourth time reduction will be consumed in the normal state, but winning in this reserved ball is not considered to be included in the return to the normal state in the "expected value of balls expected before returning to the normal state" set forth in claim 1.

[Modification 3]
The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment is a type 1/type 2 mixed machine. However, for example, the gaming machine 1 may be a V-variable machine in which the first time reduction is a low-probability time reduction state and the second and third time reduction states are high-probability time reduction states.

[Modification 4]
In the configurations of the first and second embodiments, the number of rounds of the jackpot game when a type 1 jackpot or type 2 jackpot is won may be configured to increase as the time reduction progresses from the first time reduction to the second time reduction and the third time reduction. For example, when a jackpot is won with the first time reduction, the number of rounds is always 2 rounds, with the second time reduction it is always 4 rounds, with the third time reduction it is always 7 rounds, and with the fourth time reduction it is always 10 rounds.

[Modification 5]
In the first and second embodiments, the first electric chute 17 and the second electric chute 22 are configured so that one of them is opened by the activation of a solenoid when the result of the normal symbol lottery for the ball that enters the gate 28 is a winning symbol. In contrast, it is also possible to have only one electric chute, with the flow path inside the electric chute branching into two, with a distribution device installed at the branching point, so that passing through one flow path activates the non-electric device corresponding to the first B starting hole 16, and passing through the other flow path activates the non-electric device corresponding to the second starting hole 21. In this case, the distribution device corresponds to the "starting hole switching means" recited in claim 1.

[Modification 6]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the opening pattern of the first electric chute 17 or the second electric chute 22 is selected from among patterns corresponding to the game state and time-saving status a when a normal symbol is won (FIG. 11). In contrast, it may be configured so that one opening pattern that is predetermined to correspond to the game state and time-saving status a when a normal symbol is won is selected. For example, when the time-saving state is in effect and the time-saving status a is 1, opening pattern H12 is always selected.

[Modification 7]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, in both the third and fourth time reduction modes, the type of small prize when a small prize is won is selected from three types: small prize A, small prize B, and small prize C (FIGS. 7 and 28). In contrast, different types of small prizes may be won depending on the time reduction mode. Also, the number of types of small prizes that can be won may be different depending on the time reduction mode. For example, in the third time reduction mode, any of the three types of small prize A, small prize B, and small prize C may be won, and in the fourth time reduction mode, any of the four types of small prize D, small prize E, small prize F, and small prize G may be won.

[Modification 8]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, regardless of the small win type, the type 2 jackpot type is always configured to be a 10R type 2 jackpot (FIG. 7). In contrast, there may be multiple type 2 jackpot types, and the type 2 jackpot type may be selected corresponding to the small win type. Also, there may be only one type of small win, and after the type 2 jackpot type is selected by lottery using a win type random number, the time-saving status a may be selected in correspondence with the type 2 jackpot type.

[Modification 9]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, when a first or second type jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game is determined based on the jackpot type or minor jackpot type of the win (FIG. 28). In contrast, when a first or second type jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game may be configured so that the player can freely select it.

[Modification 10]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the third time reduction is configured to be more advantageous to the player than the second time reduction ( FIG. 28 ). However, the second time reduction may be configured to be more advantageous to the player than the third time reduction.

[Example of embodiment]
The gaming machine of this embodiment can achieve the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
a game control means capable of setting one of a plurality of game states including a normal state, a first advantageous state more advantageous than the normal state, a second advantageous state more advantageous than the first advantageous state, a third advantageous state more advantageous than the second advantageous state, and a fourth advantageous state more advantageous than the third advantageous state;
The first starting hole, which triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1 when the game ball enters,
A second starting hole that triggers the drawing of special chart 2 when a game ball enters;
and a start port switching means that can switch between a first mode in which it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the first start port and relatively difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port when the result of the regular lottery is a winning one, and a second mode in which it is relatively difficult for the game ball to enter the first start port and relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second start port,
In the first advantageous state and the second advantageous state, when a normal winning occurs, the first mode is more likely to occur than the second mode,
In the third advantageous state and the fourth advantageous state, when a normal winning occurs, the second mode is more likely to occur than the first mode,
During the second advantageous state, the expected value of balls to be dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed before returning to the normal state, is higher than the expected value of balls to be dispensed during the first advantageous state,
The expected value of balls to be dispensed during the fourth advantageous state is higher than the expected value of balls to be dispensed during the third advantageous state.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Aspect 2]
A gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The game control means
When a winning game is won in the first advantageous state, after the winning game ends, the game state may be reset to the first advantageous state or may be set to the second advantageous state,
When a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, after the winning game ends, the game state may be reset to the second advantageous state or may be set to the third advantageous state,
When a winning game is won in the third advantageous state, after the winning game ends, the game state may be reset to the third advantageous state or may be set to the fourth advantageous state,
When a winning game is won in the fourth advantageous state, the game state may be reset to the fourth advantageous state after the winning game ends.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Aspect 3]
A gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The first starting hole and the second starting hole are respectively arranged at positions where a game ball shot in a predetermined direction by a player can enter either one of them.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Aspect 4]
A gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
The first advantageous state and the second advantageous state are both time-saving states,
The high expected value of balls means that at least one of the following (1) to (5) is satisfied:
A gaming machine characterized by:
(1) The second advantageous state has a greater number of time-saving continuations, which is the number of special drawing draws that continue the time-saving state, than the first advantageous state.
(2) The second advantageous state has a higher probability of winning in one special drawing than the first advantageous state.
(3) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the number of times the time-saving state continues after the winning game ends is greater than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(4) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the probability of winning in a single special drawing in the time-saving state after the winning game ends is higher than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(5) The second advantageous state has a higher average number of game balls that can be won per hit than the first advantageous state.
[Aspect 5]
A gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
The third advantageous state and the fourth advantageous state are both time-saving states,
The term "high average value" means that at least one of the following conditions (1) to (5) is satisfied:
A gaming machine characterized by:
(1) The fourth advantageous state has a greater number of time-saving continuations, which is the number of special drawing draws that continue the time-saving state, than the third advantageous state.
(2) The fourth advantageous state has a higher probability of winning in one special drawing than the third advantageous state.
(3) If a winning game is won in the fourth advantageous state, the number of times the time-saving state continues after the winning game ends is greater than if a winning game is won in the third advantageous state.
(4) If a winning game is won in the fourth advantageous state, the probability of winning in a single special drawing in the time-saving state after the winning game ends is higher than if a winning game is won in the third advantageous state.
(5) The fourth advantageous state has a higher average number of game balls that can be won per hit than the third advantageous state.

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

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

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

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

This aspect has been described above based on embodiments and modifications, but the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of this aspect and are not intended to limit this aspect. This aspect may be modified or improved without departing from its spirit or the scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are also included in this aspect.

1... Gaming machine 3... Play area 3B... Right play area 7... Image display device 7a... Display screen 16... First B start gate 17... First electric chute 21... Second start gate 22... Second electric chute 28... Gate 81... Game control microcomputer 91... Performance control microcomputer

Claims (1)

a game control means capable of setting one of a plurality of game states including a normal state, a first advantageous state more advantageous than the normal state, a second advantageous state more advantageous than the first advantageous state, a third advantageous state more advantageous than the second advantageous state, and a fourth advantageous state more advantageous than the third advantageous state;
The first starting hole, which triggers the drawing of the special drawing 1 when the game ball enters,
A second starting hole that triggers the drawing of the special drawing 2 when the game ball enters the hole ,
a second expected value of balls being dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the second advantageous state until the state returns to the normal state, is higher than a first expected value of balls being dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the first advantageous state until the state returns to the normal state ;
A fourth expected value of balls to be dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the fourth advantageous state until the game returns to the normal state , is higher than a third expected value of balls to be dispensed, which is the number of balls expected to be dispensed during the third advantageous state until the game returns to the normal state ,
The first advantageous state and the second advantageous state are both time-saving states,
The second expected value of balls being higher than the first expected value of balls being higher means that at least one of the following (1) to (5) is satisfied:
A gaming machine characterized by:
(1) The second advantageous state has a greater number of time-saving continuations, which is the number of special drawing draws that continue the time-saving state, than the first advantageous state.
(2) The second advantageous state has a higher probability of winning in one special drawing than the first advantageous state.
(3) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the number of times the time-saving state continues after the winning game ends is greater than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(4) If a winning game is won in the second advantageous state, the probability of winning in a single special drawing in the time-saving state after the winning game ends is higher than if a winning game is won in the first advantageous state.
(5) The second advantageous state has a higher average number of game balls that can be won per hit than the first advantageous state.