JP7771129B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A well-known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, which includes a gaming area through which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launcher that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. Pachinko gaming machines have a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when a gaming ball is detected entering the starting port, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. During each special game, a large prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the large prize opening.

Furthermore, some gaming machines of this type transition between multiple gaming states, including a normal state, and the normal state may be a morning state that is more advantageous to the player than a predetermined time-saving state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2023-43790 A

By the way, gaming machines are expected to give players a sense of satisfaction.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can give players a sense of satisfaction.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and in which gaming media are released into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, the gaming machine having lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230), state control means (game state transition control means 250), special game execution means (special game execution means 260), presentation control means (presentation control means 300), and a specific memory area (specific memory area 304),
The lottery means performs a first lottery (a first special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a first area (a first start opening 46) provided in the game area, and performs a second lottery (a second special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a second area (a second start opening 49) provided in the game area,
The state control means controls the transition of a gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a normal gaming state (normal state), a first specific gaming state (time-shortened state), a second specific gaming state (slightly time-shortened state), and a special gaming state;
The special game execution means controls the execution of the special game in the special game state, and in the special game, a specific movable object (special device 56) operates in a state in which a game medium can enter a predetermined area (big prize opening 50) provided in the game area,
The performance control means controls the execution of performance on the performance display device (liquid crystal display 32),
The state control means
When a specific result is obtained in the first lottery or the second lottery, the gaming state can be shifted to the special gaming state, and after the special gaming state ends, the gaming state can be shifted to the first specific gaming state;
When a predetermined condition is met in the first specific gaming state, the first specific gaming state can be ended and the gaming state can be transitioned to the normal gaming state,
When a first result (C time reduction 2) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the first specific gaming state,
When a second result (C time reduction 1) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the second specific gaming state,
In the second specific gaming state, even if the first result is obtained in the first lottery, the gaming state is not shifted to the first specific gaming state,
The effect control means is capable of causing the effect display device to display, in the first specific game state, performance information based on the fact that the special game has been executed in the special game state to which the transition has been made after the specific result has been obtained in at least the first specific game state;
the specific memory area is capable of retaining information relating to the performance information, and is configured to retain information relating to the performance information displayed at the end of the first specific gaming state;
The presentation control means is capable of displaying the performance information based on the information stored in the specific memory area when the first result is obtained in the normal gaming state after the end of the first specific gaming state and a transition is made to the first specific gaming state.

In the first specific game state, performance information based on the execution of a special game can be displayed. Furthermore, after the first specific game state ends, the game transitions to the normal game state, and if a first result is obtained in the normal game state, the game transitions to the first specific game state. Furthermore, once the first specific game state ends and the game transitions to the first specific game state via the normal game state, performance information based on the information stored in the specific memory area is displayed. By displaying this performance information, the player can perceive a series of periods in which the first specific game state is repeatedly executed via other game states as continuing without interruption. Furthermore, since performance information based on the information stored at the end of the previous first specific game state is displayed (the amount of performance information carried over), the value (number) indicated by the performance information is more likely to be a relatively large value (number). This can give the player the impression that they have earned a large amount of profit during the series of periods. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can give players a sense of satisfaction.

This invention provides a gaming machine that can give players a sense of satisfaction.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the jackpot lottery table. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table. FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. This is a diagram to explain the display of the performance patterns and reserved patterns. This is a diagram to explain the winning effects and time-saving effects. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a time-saving end image. This is a diagram to explain the preparation performance. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the special effects. This is a diagram to explain the pre-reading effect. This is a diagram to explain the restrictions on the pre-reading performance.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and back" basically means, when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means the left-hand side of the player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right-hand side is "right."

Unlike conventional pachinko gaming machines, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment allows players to play without touching the gaming balls. The gaming machine 1 is of an enclosed circulation type, in which a fixed number of gaming balls (gaming media) circulates inside the gaming machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses gaming value as electronic information, and the gaming value is consumed and paid out through play. In gaming machine 1, the payment of gaming value means electronically paying out (granting) the gaming value. The invention according to this embodiment is not limited to the gaming machine 1, but can also be applied to conventional pachinko gaming machines, i.e., pachinko gaming machines that allow players to physically touch gaming balls and in which gaming balls are paid out to a tray when they enter a predetermined winning slot.

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

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

A grip unit 20 (handle) is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) installed inside the gaming machine is activated, launching gaming balls into the gaming area 4. The launcher in this embodiment is capable of launching 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

The front frame 10 is provided with a performance button 26 (performance operation means), and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

As shown in FIG. 2, a dedicated unit 400 (game value lending device, specified device) is provided on the side (left side) of the gaming machine 1 as a device for lending game value, and is connected to the gaming machine 1. The front of the dedicated unit 400 is provided with a bill insertion slot 406 into which bills can be inserted, a card insertion/ejection slot 402 into which a card (game value management medium) can be inserted/ejected, a lending button (lending operation means) 403, a replay button (lending operation means) 404, and a card return button 405. The card is used to manage the number of game values owned by the player. In other words, the card makes it possible to keep track of the number of game values owned by the player. The card may also be capable of storing a prepaid balance. Management of the number of play values by card may be performed by storing the number of play values on the card itself, or by storing the number of play values in a predetermined management device installed in an amusement facility or the like, and linking the number of play values stored in the management device with identification information stored on the card (such as the player's ID or each card's unique identification number).

In the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the loan button 403 is accepted as a loan operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the loan button 403 is pressed, a predetermined number (e.g., 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming a stored value stored as a prepaid balance on a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 406 or a card. In addition, in the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the replay button 404 is accepted as a loan operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the replay button 404 is pressed, a predetermined number (e.g., 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming a game value owned by the player and managed by the card (game value linked to the card). That is, in this embodiment, an operation on the lending button 403 or replay button 404, which serve as lending operation means, is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation), and based on the lending operation, a predetermined amount of game value is transferred (lent) from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, a game value number display device (game ball number display device) 211 and a count button (count operation means) 212 are provided on the left side of the front frame 10 (the dedicated unit 400 side). Based on the lending operation on the dedicated unit 400, in the gaming machine 1, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values is stored in the game value number memory area of the frame control board 201 described below. Hereinafter, the value (stored value) indicated by the game value number memory area will be referred to as the "number of balls in possession" (number of balls in possession). The number of balls in possession can be said to be the number of game values available for play. The number of balls in possession is displayed on the game value number display device 211. The game value number display device 211 has a 6-digit 7-segment display, and the number of balls in possession is displayed by the 7-segment display.

The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a frame control board 201 (see Figure 5), which controls the value (number of held balls) stored in the game value number memory area. The frame control board 201 decreases the number of held balls when a game ball is detected. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when prize balls are paid out. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when a foul ball is detected. When game value is transferred from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 201 increases the number of held balls by the amount of game value being transferred. When game value is transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400, the frame control board 201 decreases the number of held balls by the amount of game value being transferred. The frame control board 201 also controls the display of the number of held balls on the game value number display device 211, and changes the display content of the game value number display device 211 according to the increase or decrease in the number of held balls.

The counting button 212 is operated when sending (returning, transferring) all or part of the number of balls held (the game value stored in the game value number memory area) to the dedicated unit 400. The counting button 212 has a pressing portion (operation portion) that is designed to be pressed. When the player wants to end play, for example, the player operates (presses) the counting button 212 as a counting operation (return operation). When the counting button 212 is operated, a predetermined number of game values are transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400. After the game value has been transferred to the dedicated unit 400, when the card return button 405 of the dedicated unit 400 is operated (pressed), a card that allows the number of game values owned by the player to be determined is ejected from the dedicated unit 400 (card insertion/ejection port 402).

Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6. The gaming board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 where the gaming balls move. Furthermore, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided at the left end of the gaming area 4, running along the outer rail 28. The outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) located below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

In the center of the game board 6, there is a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device, display means) that displays effect images and other images to enhance the game, and a performance unit 36 that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. Above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, there is a lighting device 38 (lighting means) that constitutes the performance unit 36 and outputs effect lights and other images to enhance the game.

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

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

Below the center of the stage 44 is a first start opening 46 (first area) through which game balls (including game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44) can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see Figure 5) is disposed within the first start opening 46 to detect game balls that have entered the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a game ball (entering the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery (first lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes the payout of prize balls. Game balls that have entered the first start opening 46 are collected inside the gaming machine.

To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the game area 4, there are multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c). The game board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see Figure 5) that detects game balls that enter the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then pays out prize balls based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the middle left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (e.g., three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the middle left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

In the gaming area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32, there is a pass gate 48 through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. A gate switch 102 (see Figure 5) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is also provided within the pass gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passing through the pass gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery to determine whether a normal win has been won.

In the game area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32, a second start opening 49 (second area) is provided below the passing gate 48. A second start opening switch 103 (see Figure 5) is provided within the second start opening 49 to detect game balls that have entered the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entering the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery (second lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 executes the payout of prize balls. Game balls that have entered the second start opening 49 are collected inside the gaming machine.

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

In addition, a large prize opening 50 (third area, predetermined area) is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the LCD display 32. A count switch 104 (see Figure 5) is disposed within the large prize opening 50 to detect game balls that enter the large prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the large prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then pays out prize balls (e.g., 15 balls) based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. The main control board 200 also counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. Game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are then collected inside the gaming machine.

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

The large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area (not shown), a discharge area (not shown), and a distribution means (not shown) that distributes game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area or the discharge area. A specific area switch 107 (see Figure 5) is disposed in the specific area. The specific area switch 107 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a game ball passing through the specific area (a game ball passing through the specific area). The distribution means can be switched between a specific area passing state, in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area, and a non-specific area passing state, in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. In other words, when the distribution means is switched to the specific area passing state, game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area. This prevents game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 from passing through the discharge area. On the other hand, when the distribution means is displaced to the non-specific area passing state, gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. This prevents gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 from passing through the specific area. The distribution means is displaced by the specific area solenoid. A gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is first detected by the count switch 104, and then distributed by the distribution means to either the specific area or the discharge area. After passing through that area, the gaming ball is discharged to the discharge path. At this time, gaming balls distributed to the specific area are detected by the specific area switch 107.

At the bottom of the play area 4, an outlet 62 is provided, which collects game balls that fall through the play area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 and are then guided into the game machine. Inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the play area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls launched into the play area 4 (all game balls collected from the play area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls launched into the play area 4 are collected from the play area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering one of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, or 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each winning opening 46, 47, 49, or 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed within the winning opening and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see Figure 5) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a game ball passing through the discharge path (a game ball being discharged from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the detection signal input from the out switch 106.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch output of the game balls can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game balls are launched so that they fall in the game area 4a (first game area 4a, left-hitting area) on the left side of the LCD display 32; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game balls are launched so that they fall in the game area 4b (second game area 4b, right-hitting area) on the right side of the LCD display 32.

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

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

As shown in Figure 3, a status display unit 70 is provided at the bottom right of the gaming board 6, outside the playing area 4, which indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. The status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal symbol lottery is held, the two lamps are flashed to display a variable normal symbol, and the normal symbol is displayed stationary by turning the two lamps on or off, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery.

The normal hold display unit 74 is made up of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of reserved random numbers for the normal symbol lottery when the random numbers for the normal symbol lottery are reserved because a normal symbol lottery cannot be held even if the random numbers for the normal symbol lottery are obtained, such as when the normal symbol is already in a changing or stopped display when the gaming ball passes through the passing gate 48. By combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps, a normal hold number of 0 to 4 is displayed.

The first special symbol display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a first special symbol lottery is held when a gaming ball enters the first starting hole 46, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the first special symbol in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special symbol lottery.

The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays the first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values when, for example, the first or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stationary state when the gaming ball enters the first starting hole 46, and the special pattern lottery random number value (lottery information) cannot be performed even after the special pattern lottery random number value has been obtained, and the special pattern lottery random number value is reserved as the first special random number value. A first special reserve number of 0 to 4 is displayed by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps.

The second special symbol display unit 81 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a game ball enters the second starting hole 49 and a second special symbol lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the second special symbol in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special symbol lottery.

The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays the second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when, for example, the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 49, and the special pattern lottery random number value is reserved as a second special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be performed even if the special pattern lottery random number value is obtained. The second special reserve number, which can range from 0 to 4, is displayed by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps.

The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the six lamps. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, multiple game statuses can be set, including a normal status, a slightly time-saving status, a time-saving status, and a special game status. Compared to the normal status and the slightly time-saving status, the time required for the first special symbol or second special symbol to fluctuate is shortened in the time-saving status, and the opportunity to execute the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (main control means), a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means), and a frame control board 201. The functions of the main control board 200, the sub-control board 202, and the frame control board 201 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROMs, etc.

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

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

The frame control board 201 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the counting button 212, controls the number of balls held (number of game balls), and controls the game value number display device 211, etc. The frame control board 201 is capable of bidirectional communication with the main control board 200.

The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generation means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal accessory control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery means), a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250 (state control means), a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

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

Based on the detection signal input from the gate switch 102, which detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, the normal symbol lottery means 220 obtains a normal symbol lottery random number value from the random number generation means 210 and stores it in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290. The normal symbol lottery is then performed to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

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

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

Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the normal symbols have ended, the normal symbol lottery means 220 erases the random number value for the normal symbol lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area. If a random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved in normal reserve memory area 1, and if control to open the normal device 54 is not being executed, it reads the random number value for the normal symbol lottery from normal reserve memory area 1, performs a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random number value for the normal symbol lottery obtained after the normal symbol lottery in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if a random number value for the normal symbol lottery remains in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining random number value for the normal symbol lottery is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the next smaller ordinal number. For example, if a random number value for the normal symbol lottery remains in normal reserve memory area 2 to normal reserve memory area 3, it is moved to normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 2.

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

The normal symbol lottery means 220 performs normal symbol lottery processing, such as determining whether a normal symbol will win.

The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether a "normal win" has been won. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects, depending on the game state, which normal symbol lottery table to reference when performing the random number determination process, from among the multiple types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290. Here, each normal symbol lottery table associates a "normal win" or a "lose" with each of the 100 normal symbol lottery random number values from 0 to 99. The normal symbol lottery means 220 then references the selected normal symbol lottery table to determine whether one normal symbol lottery random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912 is associated with a normal win, thereby determining whether a "normal win" has been won.

The normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is in the time-saving state (excluding the slight time-saving state, the same applies below) is set to have a higher probability of winning a "normal win" compared to the normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is not in the time-saving state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery held when the game state is in the time-saving state has a higher probability of winning a "normal win" compared to the normal symbol lottery held when the game state is not in the time-saving state.

The normal display control means 222 controls the display of the status display unit 70 based on the results of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

In the normal symbol display control process, the normal symbol display control means 222 causes the two lamps on the normal symbol display unit 72 to flash until a predetermined variation time has elapsed, causing the normal symbol to be displayed in a variable manner, and then causes the normal symbol to be displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps on the normal symbol display unit 72 depending on whether a "normal symbol win" has been won in the normal symbol win determination process, thereby causing the normal symbol display unit 72 to display the result of the normal symbol lottery.

In this embodiment, the normal pattern variation time is determined according to the game state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed. Specifically, when the game state is in the time-saving state, the normal pattern variation time is set shorter than when the game state is not in the time-saving state. For example, when the game state is not in the time-saving state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed, the normal pattern variation time is set to a first time (e.g., 20 seconds), and when the game state is in the time-saving state at the time the normal pattern lottery is performed, the normal pattern variation time is set to a second time (e.g., 1 second) that is shorter than the first time. Therefore, when the game state is in the time-saving state, the opportunity to perform the normal pattern lottery occurs more frequently.

In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74 in combination, depending on the number of random numbers for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

The normal device control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal device 54 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the gaming state is not in the time-saving state, the normal device control means 224 controls the normal device 54 to operate so that the normal device 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until time A (e.g., 0.1 seconds) has elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a "normal win." Furthermore, when the gaming state is in the time-saving state, the normal device control means 224 controls the normal device 54 to operate so that the normal device 54 expands and then returns to the reduced state until time B (e.g., 6 seconds) longer than time A has elapsed, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a "normal win."

Therefore, when a "normal win" is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, if the game state is not in the time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so that the ease with which the game ball can enter the second start hole 49 is hardly increased. However, if the game state is in the time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so that the ease with which the game ball can enter the second start hole 49 is increased. In this embodiment, in the time-saving state, the operation of the normal device 54 is controlled so that the game ball can enter the second start hole 49 more easily than in the normal state and the slight time-saving state. Therefore, the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the slight time-saving state.

In this embodiment, the control of the operation of the normal device 54 differs between the normal state and the short-time-saving state. In the short-time-saving state, the opening time of the normal device 54 (the time during which it is in an expanded state) is set slightly longer than in the normal state. In the short-time-saving state, it is sufficient that one or more of the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol fluctuation time, or the opening time of the normal device 54 is different from that of the normal state. For example, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery and the opening time of the normal device 54 may be the same in the short-time-saving state and the normal state, but the normal symbol fluctuation time may be different. In this case, the normal symbol fluctuation time may be slightly shorter in the short-time-saving state than in the normal state.

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

The special random number storage means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and one first special reserve memory area which is used to store the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the first special pattern ends.

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

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

The special random number storage means 2914 has four second special reserve memory areas, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one second special reserve memory area which is used to store the second special random number value read from second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the variable and stationary display of the second special pattern ends.

When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the second start switch 103, if a second special random number value is not stored in any of second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as a second special random number value in second special reserve memory area 1. Then, if the second special symbol is not being displayed in a variable or stationary manner at the time the second special random number value is stored in second special reserve memory area 1, i.e., if a second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, it immediately reads the second special random number value from second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used for the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary state, i.e., if the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

If a second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the second start switch 103 to obtain a random number value for the special symbol lottery, the special symbol lottery means 230 stores the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the second special reserve number is less than four.

When the variable display and static display of the first special symbol has ended, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area. If the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. Furthermore, when the variable display and static display of the second special symbol has ended, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the second special random number value stored in the second special reserve memory area. Then, if a second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, and provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed, the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, a special symbol lottery is performed, and the second special random number value used in the special symbol lottery is stored in the second special reserve memory area. In this embodiment, because the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, the second special symbol variable display may start while the first special symbol variable display is in progress, or the first special symbol variable display may start while the second special symbol variable display is in progress.

In addition, if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special random number value may be read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery may be conducted, provided that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4. If the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value may be read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery may be conducted, even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4. In other words, the second special random number value may be consumed preferentially over the first special random number value. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is the first or second special random number value, the first or second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number memory means 2914 and a special symbol lottery may be conducted. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the gaming ball enters the first start opening 46 or the second start opening 49.

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

In the special random number storage means 2914, first special random number values for which no special symbol lottery has been performed are reserved up to a maximum of four in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4. Also, second special random number values for which no special symbol lottery has been performed are reserved up to a maximum of four in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4.

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores jackpot lottery table A shown in FIG. 6(a) and jackpot lottery table B shown in FIG. 6(b). In each jackpot lottery table, jackpots and other outcomes are associated with each of the 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535.

Jackpot lottery table A is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the first special random number value. The correspondence between each determination result and the jackpot determination random number value is set so that a "jackpot" is won with a probability of 1/350 (187/65536) and a "C time reduction" is won with a probability of 349/350 (65349/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether a "jackpot" or a "C time reduction" has been won by referencing jackpot lottery table A and determining whether the jackpot determination random number value read from the first reserved memory area 1 corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "C time reduction." In this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery always results in a win for either a "jackpot" or a "C time reduction." Note that, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "C time reduction" in the first special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state. In the first special symbol lottery, there are cases where a winner (jackpot) is won or where a winner is not won, and the latter case (which may be called a miss) includes winning the C time reduction (C time reduction 1 or C time reduction 2, described below). Note that "not winning" may also include not winning the time reduction either (in other words, a complete miss).

Jackpot lottery table B is selected when performing the jackpot determination process for the second special random number value. The correspondence between each determination result and the jackpot determination random number value is set so that a "jackpot" is won with a probability of 1/350 (187/65536) and a "minor jackpot" is won with a probability of 1/139.8 (469/65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether a "jackpot" or "minor jackpot" has been won by referencing jackpot lottery table B and determining whether the jackpot determination random number value read from the second reserved memory area 1 corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "minor jackpot." Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "minor jackpot" in the second special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game status. In the second special symbol lottery, there are cases where a jackpot (jackpot or minor jackpot) is won or where a jackpot is not won. Please note that the latter "if you do not win" does not include cases where you win the C time reduction option without winning the prize.

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

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

In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores pattern lottery table A shown in FIG. 7(a), pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 7(b), pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 7(c), and pattern lottery table D shown in FIG. 7(d). In each pattern lottery table, a predetermined pattern is associated with each pattern determination random number value.

The symbol lottery table A shown in FIG. 7(a) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one read-out symbol determination random number value is stored as the first special random number value. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number value is set so that "Jackpot 1" (10R time reduction 10000) is won with a probability of 0.005/100, "Jackpot 2" (7R time reduction 110) is won with a probability of 59.997/100, and "Jackpot 3" (7R time reduction 0) is won with a probability of 39.998/100. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table A and determines which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols the read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols has been won.

The pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 7(b) is selected when "C Time Reduction" is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values is stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "C Time Reduction 1" (slight time reduction 1329) is won with a probability of 80.5/100 (approximately 80%), and "C Time Reduction 2" (time reduction 1329) is won with a probability of 19.5/100 (approximately 20%). The special pattern lottery means 230 refers to the pattern lottery table B and determines which of the multiple types of time-saving patterns the read pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of time-saving patterns has been won.

The symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 7(c) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one read-out symbol determination random number value is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number value is set so that "Jackpot 4" (10R time reduction 10000) is won with a probability of 12.8/100, and "Jackpot 5" (10R time reduction 110) is won with a probability of 87.2/100. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table C and determines which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols the read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols has been won.

The pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 7(d) is selected when a "small win" is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "small win 1" (10R time reduction 10000) is won with a 50/100 probability, and "small win 2" is won with a 50/100 probability (10R time reduction 110). The special pattern lottery means 230 refers to the pattern lottery table D and determines which of the multiple types of small win patterns the read pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which of the multiple types of small win pattern has been won.

The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the results of the special symbol lottery, and performs processing for executing the special game. Furthermore, the special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a small win game based on the result of a "small win" in the special symbol lottery, and performs processing for executing the small win game. Note that the term "special game" may also include a small win game.

The special game state is initiated upon winning a "jackpot" in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery) and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special games have been played depending on the type (category) of the jackpot pattern. When the special game state is initiated upon winning "jackpot 1," "jackpot 4," or "jackpot 5" in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends once 10 rounds of special games (rounds 1 through 10) have been played. When the special game state is initiated upon winning "jackpot 2" or "jackpot 3" in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends once 7 rounds of special games (rounds 1 through 7) have been played. Details will be explained later, but if a "jackpot" is won in the special symbol lottery, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving cycles corresponding to the jackpot symbol will be set and the time-saving state will begin, or a predetermined number of minute time-saving cycles corresponding to the jackpot symbol will be set and the minute time-saving state will begin.

The small win game state is initiated upon winning a "small win" in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) and ends when a predetermined number of small win games have been played (one in this embodiment). During small win games, the special device 56 opens, allowing game balls to enter the large prize opening 50, and the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. Specifically, during small win games, the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 during the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area. As a result, if either "small win 1" or "small win 2" is won in the second special pattern lottery, game balls can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area in the small win game state. Then, if the passage of a gaming ball through a specific area is detected during the small win gaming state (if the passage of a gaming ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through a specific area is detected during the execution of a small win gaming state), a special gaming state is initiated upon the end of the small win gaming state.

If "Small Win 1" is won in the second special pattern lottery and the passage of the gaming ball through a specific area is detected during the small win gaming state, the number of special games (round games) is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game. The special gaming state ends once 10 rounds of special games have been played. Furthermore, if "Small Win 2" is won in the second special pattern lottery and the passage of the gaming ball through a specific area is detected during the small win gaming state, the number of special games (round games) is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game. The special gaming state ends once 10 rounds of special games have been played. As will be described in more detail below, at the end of the special gaming state, a predetermined number of time-saving games corresponding to the small win pattern is set, and the time-saving game state begins. Furthermore, if the passage of the gaming ball through a specific area is not detected during the small win gaming state (if the passage of the gaming ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through a specific area is not detected during the execution of the small win gaming state), the special gaming state will not be initiated, and the normal state will be initiated.

In this embodiment, during the special game of each round (including the small win game), when the opening timer in the main memory 290 counts a predetermined time (29 seconds) after the special feature 56 is opened, or when the value of the large prize counter (not shown) in the main memory 290, which adds a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches an upper limit value (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device is controlled to close the special feature 56.

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

The first special symbol display control process is performed when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is conducted. The special display control means 240 causes the first special symbol to fluctuate by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the fluctuating time has elapsed, and then causes the first special symbol to be displayed statically by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

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

The second special symbol display control process is performed when a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special symbol lottery is conducted. The special display control means 240 causes the second special symbol to fluctuate by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 until the fluctuating time has elapsed, and then causes the second special symbol to be displayed stationary by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

The special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a manner corresponding to whether a "big hit" or "small hit" has been won in the big hit determination process, in a manner corresponding to the big hit pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a "big hit" has been won in the big hit determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the small hit pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a "small hit" has been won in the big hit determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 81 to display the results of the special pattern lottery.

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

In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, depending on the number of second special random number values stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

In this embodiment, if a "jackpot" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery), a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. Furthermore, if a "small prize" is won in the second special pattern lottery, a small prize game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. In the small prize game state, if a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 50 is detected passing through a specific area, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. By having a game ball enter the large prize opening 50, a player can win many prize balls. In this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the second special pattern lottery is higher than the probability of transitioning to the special game state based on the first special pattern lottery. Specifically, in the first special symbol lottery, a "small win" is not set as a lottery result, and the game will transition to the special game state only if a "big win" is won. On the other hand, in the second special symbol lottery, a "big win" and a "small win" are set as lottery results, and the game will transition to the special game state if a "big win" is won, and if a "small win" is won and the game ball is detected passing through a specific area in the small win game state, the game will transition to the special game state.

In this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state is higher when an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery is won than when an opportunity for the first special symbol lottery is won. As mentioned above, in order to win an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery, it is necessary to win a "normal win" in the normal symbol lottery and to cause the game ball to enter (advance) into the second start opening 49 when the normal device 54 (normal electric device) is in the open state (open state). Furthermore, the ease with which the game ball can enter (ease of making the ball enter) the second start opening 49 varies depending on the game state.

As shown in Figure 8, the game state transition control means 250 performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between each game state based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions).

(Normal state)
The normal state (normal game state) is a game state corresponding to the initial state among multiple game states. As described above, in the normal state, the probability of winning a "normal hit" in the normal symbol lottery is lower than in the time-saving state. Furthermore, even if a "normal hit" is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 operates so as to barely increase the likelihood of the game ball entering the second starting hole 49. Therefore, in the normal state, it is difficult (impossible) to get the game ball into the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. In the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball left-handed to get the game ball into the first starting hole 46 in order to get an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball right-handed. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which left-handed hitting is recommended.

As shown in Figure 8, a transition to the special game state occurs when a "jackpot" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) in the normal state. As shown in Figure 7(a), if "jackpot 1" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "jackpot 2" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 110 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "jackpot 3" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times (micro-time-saving times) is set to 1,329 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the micro-time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state.

Also, as shown in Figure 7(b), in the normal state, if "C Time Reduction 1" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time Reduction 1" (when the first special pattern is confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) will trigger a time-saving count (1,329 micro-time-saving count) corresponding to the time-saving pattern, and a transition to the micro-time-saving state. Also, in the normal state, if "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time Reduction 2" (when the first special pattern is confirmed), the stopped display (confirmation) will trigger a time-saving count (1,329 micro-time-saving count) corresponding to the time-saving pattern, and a transition to the time-saving state.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery in normal mode always results in either a "jackpot" or a "C time reduction," and based on the first special symbol lottery being executed in normal mode, the game will transition to either a slight time reduction state, a time reduction state, or a special game state.

The time-saving symbol "C Time-saving 2" does not trigger a transition to a game state (special game state or small win game state) that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the large prize slot 50, and is a time-saving symbol that allows a transition to the time-saving state without passing through the special game state or small win game state. Furthermore, if "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery in a game state other than the normal state and the first special symbol is displayed in a stopped state, the stopped display will not trigger a transition to the time-saving state or the slight time-saving state. This "not transitioning" includes the fact that the specified number of time-saving times (slight time-saving number of times) will not be reset if the player is already in that game state.

(Slight time saving state)
As described above, in the slight time-saving state (second specific game state), the probability of winning a "normal win" in the normal symbol lottery is lower than in the time-saving state (or is equivalent to the time-saving state). Furthermore, even if a "normal win" is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 operates to barely increase the likelihood of the game ball entering the second starting hole 49. Therefore, in the slight time-saving state, at least some of the functions constituting the time-saving state are activated, making it slightly easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole 49 compared to the normal state. However, even if the player hits the ball right, it is difficult (impossible) for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to obtain an opportunity to enter the second special symbol lottery. In the slight time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball left so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to obtain an opportunity to enter the first special symbol lottery than to hit the ball right. In other words, the slight time-saving state is a gaming state in which left-handed shots should be made.

As shown in Figure 8, a transition to the special game state occurs when a "jackpot" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) during the slight time-saving state. As shown in Figure 7(a), if "jackpot 1" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the slight time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "jackpot 2" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 110 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the slight time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "jackpot 3" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times (slight time-saving times) is set to 1,329 at the end of the special game state, and a transition to the slight time-saving state occurs upon the end of the special game state.

When the number of times the first special symbol has been displayed in a variable manner during the variable time-saving state reaches 1,329, the game state transition control means 250 determines that the conditions for terminating the variable time-saving state have been met, terminates the variable time-saving state, and transitions to the normal state. In this embodiment, when the special game state ends based on winning "Jackpot 3" in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery), the number of variable time-saving periods is set to the value stored in the variable time-saving counter 2916 of the main memory 290. Furthermore, if "C Variable Time-saving Period 1" is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery) during the normal state and the first special symbol is displayed in a static manner corresponding to "C Variable Time-saving Period 1," the number of variable time-saving periods is set to the value stored in the variable time-saving counter 2916 in response to the static display. In the variable time-saving state, "1" is subtracted from the value stored in the variable time-saving counter 2916 each time the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. When the value stored in the minute time-saving counter 2916 reaches "0," the minute time-saving end condition is met, the minute time-saving state ends, and the normal state begins. Note that in this embodiment, the minute time-saving end condition is met when the value stored in the minute time-saving counter 2916 is decremented and reaches a predetermined value of "0," but this is not limiting; the minute time-saving end condition may also be met when the value stored in the minute time-saving counter 2916 is incremented and reaches a predetermined value (for example, "1329").

In the slight time-saving state, if "C Time-saving" ("C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2") is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2," that stopped display will not trigger the start (setting) of the slight time-saving state or the time-saving state (no new number of time-saving periods will be set). In other words, the game state at the time of the winning will continue. Note that in the slight time-saving state, if "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2" is won as a result of the first special pattern lottery and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2," that stopped display may be configured to trigger the setting of a new number of time-saving periods.

(Time-saving mode)
As described above, in the time-saving state (first specific game state), the probability of winning a "normal win" in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the normal state or the slight time-saving state. Furthermore, if a "normal win" is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 operates to increase the likelihood of the game ball entering the second starting hole 49. Therefore, in the time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball into the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state or the slight time-saving state. In other words, it is easier to obtain an opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery. In the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 in order to obtain an opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery than to hit the ball to the left. In other words, the time-saving state is a game state in which right-handed hits are recommended.

As shown in Figure 8, if a "big win" or "small win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) during the time-saving state, the game will transition to the special game state (including via the small win game state). As shown in Figure 7 (c), if "big win 4" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state, and the game will transition to the time-saving state upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "big win 5" is won in the special pattern lottery, the number of time-saving times is set to 110 at the end of the special game state, and the game will transition to the time-saving state upon the end of the special game state. Furthermore, if "small win 1" is won in the special pattern lottery and the game ball is detected passing through a specific area during the small win game state, the number of time-saving times is set to 10,000 at the end of the special game state, and the game will transition to the time-saving state upon the end of the special game state. Additionally, if "Small Win 2" is won in the special symbol lottery and the game ball is detected passing through a specific area during the small win game state, the number of time-saving times will be set to 110 at the end of the special game state, and the game will transition to the time-saving state upon the end of the special game state.

When the number of times the second special symbol is displayed variably in the time-saving state reaches 110 (or 10,000), the game state transition control means 250 determines that the time-saving state termination condition (predetermined condition) is met, terminates the time-saving state, and transitions to the normal state. In this embodiment, when the special game state ends, the number of time-saving times corresponding to the type of winning symbol is set in the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 of the main memory 290, and each time the second special symbol is displayed variably in the time-saving state, "1" is subtracted from the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915. Then, when the value of the time-saving counter 2915 reaches "0," the time-saving termination condition is met, the time-saving state ends, and the normal state begins. In this embodiment, the time-saving end condition is met when the stored value of the time-saving counter 2915 is subtracted and reaches a predetermined value of "0", but this is not limited to this, and the time-saving end condition may be met when the stored value of the time-saving counter 2915 is added and reaches a predetermined value of "110" (or "10000").
In addition, in this embodiment, the time-saving counter 2915 and the minute time-saving counter 2916 are provided, but this is not limited to this, and they may be managed (controlled) by either one of the counters.

In the time-saving state, if "C Time-saving" ("C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2") is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2," that stopped display will not trigger the initiation (setting) of a micro-time-saving state or time-saving state (no new number of time-saving periods will be set). In other words, the game state at the time of the winning is continued. Note that in the time-saving state, if "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2" is won as a result of the first special pattern lottery and the first special pattern is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time-saving 1" or "C Time-saving 2," a new number of time-saving periods may be set in response to that stopped display.

Referring back to Figure 5, the payout control means 270 controls the (electronic) payout of a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, a detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, and a detection signal from the count switch 104.

The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in response to the results of various calculations performed on the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 and frame control board 201. In this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a manner that allows only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, and prevents the sub-control board 202 from transmitting information to the main control board 200.

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

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

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

The effect control means 300 executes an effect in which an effect pattern (demo pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 81, and is capable of announcing the results of the first special pattern lottery or the second special pattern lottery. In the slight time-saving state, the effect control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 an effect pattern corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern, and in the time-saving state, displays on the liquid crystal display 32 an effect pattern corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the second special pattern.

The display of the effect symbols in the micro-time-saving mode will be explained. Figure 9(a) shows the state before the first special symbol begins to change display. The effect symbols displayed in the display area 32a of the LCD display 32 are left effect symbol 350, middle effect symbol 352, and right effect symbol 354. The left effect symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the LCD display 32, the middle effect symbol 352 is displayed in the center of the display area 32a of the LCD display 32, and the right effect symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the LCD display 32. The left effect symbol 350, middle effect symbol 352, and right effect symbol 354 each form nine different effect symbol sequences representing the numbers "1" to "9." Note that each effect symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may include decorative elements such as characters in addition to the numbers.

As shown in Figure 9(b), the display of the effect patterns (variable display effect) begins based on the start of the display of the first special pattern. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the effect patterns are being displayed vertically at high speed (scrolling).

As shown in Figure 9(c), the effect pattern is displayed as a static display based on the static display of the first special pattern. The effect pattern is displayed as a static display in a manner that corresponds to the result of the first special pattern lottery. For example, if a "jackpot" is won in the first special pattern lottery, the effect pattern is displayed as a static display in a manner that corresponds to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process. Although not shown, even in the time-saving state, the effect pattern is displayed as a dynamic display or static display in accordance with the dynamic display and static display of the second special pattern, just as in the slight time-saving state (as shown in Figures 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c)).

In addition, the presentation control means 300 executes a presentation (hold presentation) in which an image indicating the first special hold number or the second special hold number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the first special hold number (first special random number value stored (held) in the special random number storage means 2914) or the second special hold number (second special random number value stored (held) in the special random number storage means 2914) in the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. 9(a), etc., four hold display areas (display areas), namely, the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414, are provided below the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 or the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4 of the special random number storage means 2914.

Figure 9(a) shows a hold effect executed in the slight time-saving state, where a first special random number value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 3, and a first hold image 420 (three first hold images 420) is displayed in the first hold display area 411 to the third hold display area 413. Figure 9(d) shows a hold effect executed in the time-saving state, where a second special random number value is stored in the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 2, and a second hold image 422 (two second hold images 422) is displayed in the first hold display area 411 to the second hold display area 412.

In addition, in the hold effect, one hold display area 430 is displayed in the area to the left of the first hold display area 411 at the bottom of the display area 32a of the LCD display 32, corresponding to the special hold memory area of the special random number memory means 2914. When a first special random number value is read from the first special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area, the hold display area 430 displays a first hold image 420 (Figure 9 (b)). When a second special random number value is read from the second special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area, the second hold image 422 is displayed.

In this embodiment, in the normal state, if "Jackpot 1" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), if "Jackpot 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), or if "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), the game will transition to the time-shortened state. In contrast, in the slight time-shortened state, if "Jackpot 1" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), or if "Jackpot 2" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery), the game will transition to the time-shortened state. For this reason, the normal state has a higher probability of transitioning to the time-shortened state (a game state that is advantageous to the player) than the slight time-shortened state, making it advantageous to the player. In other words, the normal state has a higher probability of transitioning to the time-shortened state when "C Time-Shortened 2" is won, compared to the slight time-shortened state, making it more advantageous for the player. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when RAM clearing (a process that initializes at least a portion of the RAM area of the main memory 290) is performed, the gaming state is set to the normal state. The normal state is what is known as the "morning state."

As described above, the normal state and the slight time-saving state (left-hit time-saving state) are game states in which left-handed hits are more advantageous than right-handed hits, and the time-saving state (right-hit time-saving state) is a game state in which right-handed hits are more advantageous than left-handed hits. In the time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state and the slight time-saving state, and the second special pattern lottery based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 is more likely to determine a transition to the special game state than the first special pattern lottery. In other words, the time-saving state has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the normal state and the slight time-saving state. Note that in this embodiment, the time-saving state and the slight time-saving state, in which it is easier to get the ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, may be referred to as a high base state, and the normal state may be referred to as a low base state.

As shown in Figure 8, if a "jackpot" is won in the first special symbol drawing while in the slight time-saving mode (or normal mode), the machine transitions to a special game mode, where a predetermined number of special games are played. Furthermore, if the type of the "jackpot" (jackpot symbol) won is a predetermined type ("jackpot 1" or "jackpot 2"), the machine transitions to a time-saving mode after the special game mode ends. Furthermore, if a "jackpot" or "small jackpot" is won in the second special symbol drawing while in the time-saving mode, the machine transitions to a special game mode (including via a small jackpot game mode), where a predetermined number of special games (including small jackpot games) are played, and then transitions back to the time-saving mode after the special game mode ends. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, periods of alternating between the special game mode and the time-saving mode (periods during which the game mode repeatedly transitions between the special game mode and the time-saving mode) can occur. Furthermore, if the conditions for ending the time-saving state are met during the time-saving state, the game will transition to the normal state. However, if "C Time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery during this normal state, the game will transition back to the time-saving state. In other words, a return to the time-saving state can occur during the normal state. Hereinafter, a series of periods in which the special game state (including via a small win game state) and the time-saving state alternate will be referred to as a "continuous period" (successive win period). Furthermore, if a return to the time-saving state is determined during the normal state after the time-saving state has ended, the continuous period will continue without interruption. Note that the normal state after the time-saving state has ended refers to the normal state that begins when the conditions for ending the time-saving state have been met.

In addition, in this embodiment, winning "C Time Reduction 2" in the first special pattern lottery may be referred to as having obtained the first result, and winning "C Time Reduction 1" in the first special pattern lottery may be referred to as having obtained the second result. Furthermore, winning a "jackpot" (any of "Jackpot 1" to "Jackpot 3") in the first special pattern lottery may be referred to simply as having won a "hit," and winning that "hit" may be referred to as having obtained the third result. Note that the third result includes specific results (winning "Jackpot 1" or "Jackpot 2"). Furthermore, winning a "jackpot" or "minor hit" in the second special pattern lottery may be referred to simply as having won a "hit" (a specific result being obtained).

In addition, the special gaming state based on winning the first special symbol lottery is sometimes called the "first special gaming state," and the special gaming state based on winning the second special symbol lottery (including via a small win gaming state) is sometimes called the "second special gaming state."

(First winning performance)
In a first special game state based on winning a "win" in the first special symbol lottery in the slight time-saving mode (or normal mode), the effect control means 300 can execute an effect (first win effect) corresponding to the first special game state. As shown in FIG. 10( a), the effect control means 300 can display, as the first win effect, on the liquid crystal display 32 (display area 32 a) a display indicating the number of special games (round games) (round number display S1) and a display encouraging the player to hit the right (right hit display S2). Furthermore, the effect control means 300 executes, as the first win effect, an effect suggesting a transition to the time-saving mode (an effect encouraging a transition to the time-saving mode) via the liquid crystal display 32 or the like. As the first winning effect, an effect (PUSH effect) is executed at a predetermined trigger to prompt the player to press the effect button 26, and the player may be notified of whether or not to transition to the time-shortened state based on the pressing of the effect button 26. In the PUSH effect, an image (an image imitating the effect button 26) prompting the player to press the effect button 26 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32.

(Second winning performance)
In the second special game state based on winning the second special symbol lottery in the time-shortened state, the effect control means 300 can execute an effect (second win effect) corresponding to the second special game state. The second win effect is an effect of a different type from the first win effect, and at least the displayed object displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 is different.

Figure 10 (b) shows the state in which the second win effect has been executed in the second special game state. The effect control means 300 can display, as the second win effect, on the liquid crystal display 32 (display area 32a) a display indicating the number of special games (round games) played (round number display S1), a display urging the player to hit the ball to the right (right hit display S2), a display indicating the total number of prize balls won in special games (including small win games) over a consecutive period (cumulative number of prize balls won display S4), and a display indicating the type (kind) of the win won (win icon S6).

The presentation control means 300 receives information indicating the type of winning combination from the main control board 200 and, based on that information, determines which winning icon S6 to display in the second winning combination. If the winning combination is a combination that sets the number of time-saving cycles at the end of the special game state to 10,000 (first winning combination: "Big Win 4" or "Small Win 1"), the presentation control means 300 displays the first winning icon. If the winning combination is a combination that sets the number of time-saving cycles at the end of the special game state to 110 (second winning combination: "Big Win 5" or "Small Win 2"), the presentation control means 300 displays the second winning icon. The first winning icon includes, for example, the string "ABC Bonus," and the second winning icon includes, for example, the string "DEF Bonus." In Figure 10(b), the winning combination is a second winning combination, and the second winning icon is displayed as the winning icon S6. The winning icon S6 is not limited to a different icon type for each set number of time-saving times, and may be different depending on, for example, the number of rounds.

The sub-memory 302 is provided with a specific memory area 304 (see Figure 5) that can store information regarding balls dispensed during a consecutive period (information regarding game results during a consecutive period), and a first counter (not shown) is provided in the specific memory area 304. The sub-control board 202 receives information indicating the number of prize balls from the main control board 200, updates the stored value of the first counter based on that information, and manages the total number (total) of prize balls paid out in special games during a consecutive period. The stored value of the first counter indicates the total number of prize balls paid out in special games during a consecutive period, and the sub-control board 202 adds a value corresponding to the number of prize balls to the stored value of the first counter. The stored value of the first counter is "0" at the start of the consecutive period. The presentation control means 300 displays the cumulative number of prize balls won display S4 based on the stored value of the first counter. In Figure 10(b), the value stored in the first counter is "1470," and so the string "TOTAL 1470" is displayed as the cumulative number of winning balls display S4.

In this embodiment, the cumulative number of winning balls displayed S4 and the winning icon S6 are displayed during the second winning effect, but the cumulative number of winning balls displayed S4 and the winning icon S6 are not displayed during the first winning effect.

(Time-saving effect)
In the time-saving state, the effect control means 300 can execute an effect (time-saving effect) corresponding to the time-saving state. Figure 10(c) shows a state in which the time-saving state begins after the first special game state ends based on winning "Big Hit 2" (7R time-saving 110) in the first special symbol lottery during the slight time-saving state. The effect control means 300 can display, as time-saving effects, on the liquid crystal display 32 (display area 32a) a display urging the player to hit the right (right-hit display S2), a display indicating the number of remaining variable displays of the second special symbol until the time-saving state ends (remaining time-saving count display S3), a display indicating the total number of prize balls won in the special game during the consecutive period (cumulative prize ball count display S4), and a display indicating the number of times the game has transitioned to the time-saving state during the consecutive period (continuous count icon S5). Although not shown in the figure, the effect control means 300 can display a background (time-saving background) according to the time-saving state as a time-saving effect on the liquid crystal display 32. In Fig. 10(c), the stored value of the first counter is "1050", and therefore the character string "TOTAL 1050" is displayed as the cumulative number of winning balls display S4.

The presentation control means 300 also displays the remaining number of time-saving times display S3 based on the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 in the main memory 290. In Figure 10(c), the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 is "110," so the string "110 remaining" is displayed as the remaining number of time-saving times display S3. Depending on the type of winning prize, the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 may be set to "10000." In a time-saving state in which the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 is set to "10000" (when the value stored in the time-saving counter 2915 is greater than a predetermined value (e.g., "1000")), the presentation control means 300 may display a predetermined symbol (e.g., a symbol representing infinity) as the remaining number of time-saving times display S3.

A second counter (not shown) is also provided in the specific memory area 304 of the sub-memory 302. The sub-control board 202 receives information indicating a transition in the game state from the main control board 200, updates the value stored in the second counter based on that information, and manages the number of transitions to the time-shortened state during a continuous period. The sub-control board 202 adds "1" to the value stored in the second counter each time a time-shortened state begins during a continuous period. The value stored in the second counter indicates the number of transitions to the time-shortened state during a continuous period. The value stored in the second counter is "0" at the start of the continuous period. The presentation control means 300 displays the consecutive count icon S5 based on the value stored in the second counter. In Figure 10(c), because the value stored in the second counter is "1," an icon containing the string "XYZ time x 1" ("XYZ time" is the name of the time-shortened state) is displayed as the consecutive count icon S5. For example, if the value stored in the second counter is "15," a consecutive count icon S5 containing the string "XYZ time x 15" is displayed, as shown in Figure 10(d).

The presentation control means 300 can also store information indicating the type of win and the number of wins during the consecutive period (information regarding the win icon S6 displayed during the consecutive period) in the specific memory area 304 as information regarding the number of balls dispensed during the consecutive period. The presentation control means 300 can refer to the specific memory area 304 when starting the time-saving presentation, and as a time-saving presentation, display the win icons S6 displayed during the consecutive period (at least the win icons displayed in the second special game state) side by side on the LCD display 32, as shown in FIG. 10(d). As a time-saving presentation, a win icon S6 corresponding to the win won during the consecutive period is displayed, and the type of win and the number of wins won during the consecutive period are notified. For example, if the first win icon (ABC bonus) is displayed four times during the consecutive period, a win icon S6 reading "ABC bonus x 4" may be displayed. Furthermore, the "win icon S6 displayed during the continuous period" is not limited to a win icon corresponding to the second special game state, but may also include a win icon corresponding to the first special game state (i.e., the first win).

Although not shown in the figures, if it is decided to return to the time-saving state in the normal state after the time-saving state has ended (if "C Time-saving 2" is won in the first special pattern lottery), the effect control means 300 may display a pull-back icon as a time-saving effect in the time-saving state. The pull-back icon is an icon that indicates that a pull-back to the time-saving state has occurred in the normal state (can notify that the pull-back has been successful). The pull-back icon may also be displayed alongside the win icon S6. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the number of pull-back icons displayed may correspond to the number of pull-backs that have occurred.

In this embodiment, the cumulative number of winning balls display S4 and the winning icon S6 can be said to be performance information (performance information updated based on) based on "the fact that a special game was executed in the second special game state to which the player entered after winning the second special pattern lottery at least in the time-saving state."
The cumulative number of winning balls display S4 (the value stored in the first counter) is based on "the execution of a special game in the second special game state to which the game was transitioned after winning the second special symbol lottery at least in the time-saving state" (the payout of prize balls in the special game in the second special game state), but it may also be based on the execution of a special game in the first special game state (first win) to which the game was transitioned after winning the first special symbol lottery (the payout of prize balls in the special game in the first special game state). It may also be updated based on the increase or decrease in the number of balls held in the time-saving state or the increase or decrease in the number of balls held in the slight time-saving state.
The win icon S6 is (displayed) based on "the fact that a special game has been executed in the second special game state to which a transition has been made after winning "win" in the second special symbol lottery at least in the time-shortened state," but it may also be (displayed) based on the fact that a special game has been executed in the first special game state (first win) to which a transition has been made after winning "win" in the first special symbol lottery. In other words, it may include the first win icon.
In addition, the consecutive number icon S5 (the stored value of the second counter) indicating the number of times the transition to the time-saving state occurs during a consecutive period is based on the number of times a "hit" was won in the second special pattern lottery (however, this includes the number of times "C time-saving 2" was won in the first special pattern lottery), and can be said to be performance information based on "the fact that special play was executed in the second special play state, which was transitioned to after winning a "hit" in the second special pattern lottery at least during the time-saving state."

Specific memory area 304 is capable of retaining (storing) information related to performance information that is updated as needed, and information related to performance information that was displayed when the conditions for terminating the time-saving state were met (when the time-saving state ended) is retained in specific memory area 304. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the transition to the normal state based on the conditions for terminating the time-saving state being met is triggered by a changeover to the normal state, and the information stored in specific memory area 304 is not initialized (reset). The information stored in specific memory area 304 is initialized when a symbol other than "C Time-saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery (a result other than the first result is obtained) in the normal state after the time-saving state ends. Therefore, after the time-saving state ends, the normal state begins with the information stored in specific memory area 304 retained (not cleared).

If the first result (winning "C Time-Shortened 2") is obtained in the first special symbol lottery during this normal state, the time-shortened state begins with the information stored in the specific memory area 304 retained and not erased. The effect control means 300 starts the time-shortened effect upon the start of this time-shortened state, and at that time it can refer to (read) the information stored in the specific memory area 304 and display performance information based on that information. In other words, if a return to the time-shortened state occurs during this normal state, the performance information displayed on the LCD display 32 during this time-shortened state can be performance information that is a continuation of the performance information that was displayed at the end of the previous time-shortened state (for example, performance information that will be described later with reference to Figure 11) (performance information that takes over from the previous performance information).

On the other hand, if the second result (winning "C Time Reduction 1") is obtained in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state, the information stored in the specific memory area 304 is erased and the slight time-reduction state is initiated. Note that in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the first special symbol lottery is configured to always result in either the first or second result except in the case of a jackpot; however, if the first special symbol lottery is configured to result in a predetermined result (winning a "miss"), the normal state will continue for multiple first special symbol lotteries if that predetermined result is won. In this case, the information stored in the specific memory area 304 will continue to be retained until the second result (winning "C Time Reduction 1") is obtained in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state.

As with conventional gaming machines, if the information stored in the specific memory area 304 is reset when the transition to the normal state occurs based on the fulfillment of the conditions for terminating the time-saving state, and if a return to the time-saving state occurs in the normal state, the performance information displayed in that time-saving state cannot be performance information that continues from the previous time-saving state. For this reason, the player may perceive a new time-saving state as having begun. In other words, the continuous period may be perceived as having ended (been interrupted).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if a return to the time-saving state occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state has ended, the performance information displayed in that time-saving state will be a continuation of the performance information displayed in the previous time-saving state. This allows the player to perceive that a series of advantageous periods (continuous periods) is continuing without interruption. Furthermore, because the performance information is a continuation of the performance information, there is a higher probability that the value (number) indicated by the performance information will be a relatively large value (number), which can give the player a sense of satisfaction that they have earned a lot of profit over the series of periods.

(Selecting the performance mode)
In this embodiment, during the special game state (during a predetermined period while the special symbol is displayed as a stop symbol related to a winning (specific result)), multiple types of icons are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, allowing selection of a presentation mode to be executed in the time-saving state that begins after the special game state ends. In this embodiment, the presentation modes include Mode A and Mode B, and Icon A corresponding to Mode A and Icon B corresponding to Mode B are displayed. Note that Mode A and Mode B have different presentation styles, and for example, different backgrounds or different characters are displayed. The player can select the presentation mode to be executed in the time-saving state by, for example, operating the presentation button 26 and aligning the cursor with Icon A or Icon B.

In this embodiment, the presentation mode selected in the time-saving state is stored in the specific memory area 304 as performance information. Furthermore, in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, presentation mode selection icons (icon A and icon B) are displayed for a predetermined period while the first special symbol is displaying a variable effect related to the first result (winning C time-saving 2). When displaying the presentation mode selection icons in the normal state, the presentation control means 300 references the information stored in the specific memory area 304 and, based on the presentation mode selected in the previous time-saving state, aligns the cursor with the icon corresponding to that presentation mode. Therefore, if a return to the time-saving state occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state ends (if "C time-saving 2" is won) and the player desires the same presentation mode as in the previous time-saving state, that presentation mode is selected without the player having to perform any operation (without aligning the cursor). This reduces the burden on the player.

The above describes the case where "C Time-Saving 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state after the time-saving state has ended, and the game transitions to the time-saving state (returns). However, in the normal state after the time-saving state has ended, there is a possibility that a "big win" (hit) will be won in the first special symbol lottery (the third result will be obtained). If a "hit" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state, the first special game state will begin, and after the first special game state ends, the game will transition to the time-saving state or the slight time-saving state. In this embodiment, in the first special game state, the first win presentation, in which performance information is not displayed, is executed, rather than the second win presentation, in which performance information is displayed.

Now, consider the case where the second win effect (Figure 10(b)) is executed in the first special game state. In other words, the second win effect is executed, and in the first special game state, performance information that is a continuation of the performance information (total number of prize balls won display S4) that was displayed at the end of the previous time-saving state is displayed. The second win effect is an effect that is executed when transitioning from the time-saving state (right-hit time-saving state) to the second special game state. In this embodiment, 10 rounds of special play are always executed in the second special game state, and the time-saving state always occurs after the end of the second special game state. Therefore, if the second win effect is executed in the first special game state and the continuation of the total number of prize balls won display S4 is displayed, the player is likely to believe that a favorable period (continuous period) is continuing and that the time-saving state will occur after the end of the first special game state. However, in this embodiment, the type of "jackpot" in the first special symbol lottery is "jackpot 3," which transitions to a slight time-saving state after the first special game state ends. If "jackpot 3" is won, the game does not transition to a time-saving state after the first special game state ends (it transitions to a slight time-saving state). Therefore, if the second win effect is executed but the game does not transition to the time-saving state, the player may feel a great sense of loss.

In this embodiment, in the first special game state based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the normal mode after the time-saving mode has ended, the effect control means 300 executes the first win effect instead of the second win effect. In other words, in the first special game state, the same effect as the effect executed when the first special symbol lottery is executed in the slight time-saving mode (first win effect) is executed, rather than the effect executed when the second special symbol lottery is executed in the time-saving mode (second win effect), and performance information is not displayed. This reduces the likelihood that the player will believe that a favorable period (continuous period) is continuing. This reduces the sense of loss felt by the player when the game transitions to the slight time-saving mode after the first special game state has ended.

In this embodiment, the second special game state always executes 10 rounds of special game, but the first special game state has a higher probability of executing 7 rounds of special game than 10 rounds of special game. In other words, there is a higher probability that the number of special games executed in the first special game state and the second special game state will be different. Therefore, in the first special game state based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, the same effect (first win effect) executed in the first special game state based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the short-time state is executed, rather than the effect (second win effect) executed in the second special game state based on winning the second special symbol lottery in the time-saving state, thereby simplifying processing. In other words, the first special game state allows for the selection of seven rounds of special play that cannot be selected in the second special game state. If an effect similar to that executed in the second special game state is to be performed in the first special game state, it would be necessary to prepare a separate effect with a time that matches the seven rounds of special play, but this can be avoided with the configuration of this embodiment.

The main control board 200 is capable of controlling (changing the length of) the execution time (control time) of the special game state depending on the game state at the time the special symbol lottery is executed (for example, whether the game state is in a time-saving state, and which time-saving state the player is in). In this embodiment, the main control board 200 sets the execution time of the first special game state to the same length whether the game state at the time of winning the first special symbol lottery is the normal state or the slight time-saving state.

Here, the execution time of the first special game state is referred to as the first hit time. The first hit time can be divided into a start demo time, a special game time, and an end demo time. The start demo time is, for example, the time during which the text "XX Bonus" (XX is, for example, a character name) is displayed as a display indicating the start of the first special game state (part of the first hit effect). The end demo time is, for example, the time during which the text "XYZ Time GET" is displayed as a display indicating the transition to a time-saving state (part of the first hit effect). The special game time is the time between the start demo time and the end demo time, and is, for example, the time during which the special game is being played (while a round is being played).

The execution time of the second special game state is the second hit time. The start demo time and end demo time in the second hit time are set to be shorter than the start demo time and end demo time in the first hit time. Note that "a short time is set" includes the case where "0" is set.

When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, if the game state is in the slight time-saving state, the main control board 200 may set the execution time of the first special game state as the first win time, but if the game state is in the normal state, the execution time of the first special game state may be set as the second win time. In other words, if a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state after the time-saving state has ended, the time values of the start demo time and end demo time in the first special game state may be set to the same as the time values of the start demo time and end demo time in the second special game state.

Furthermore, in this case, the presentation control means 300 may execute a second win presentation in the first special game state based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the normal mode after the time-saving mode has ended, and the performance information displayed on the LCD display 32 may be performance information that is a continuation of the performance information displayed at the end of the previous time-saving mode. In other words, the execution time of the first special game state based on winning the first special symbol lottery in the normal mode may be set as the second win time, and the second win presentation may be executed in the first special game state. If the second win presentation is executed after setting the time as the second win time, the sense of discomfort felt by the player can be reduced. Note that in this case, the information stored in the specific memory area 304 is not initialized when a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal mode after the time-saving mode has ended.

Specifications that execute a second win effect in the first special game state based on a "win" in the first special symbol drawing during the normal game state after the time-saving state has ended are more preferably employed in gaming machines that do not include a win (jackpot 3) that does not transition to the time-saving state after the first special game state has ended among the types of wins that can be won in the first special symbol drawing. Furthermore, these specifications are more preferably employed in gaming machines that execute the same number of special games (e.g., 10 rounds) as in the second special game state, regardless of which "win" in the first special symbol drawing that is the first special game state. In other words, this specification is preferably employed in gaming machines that always transition to a specific gaming state (note that there may be multiple specific gaming states) that is advantageous to the player after both the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state have ended, or gaming machines in which there is no different allocation of the number of rounds between the first special gaming state and the second special gaming state.

The presentation control means 300 displays a time-saving end image (Figure 11) on the LCD display 32 when the time-saving state ends. The time-saving end image includes information (achievement information) showing the results of play over the continuous period, such as a display showing the total number of prize balls won in special play over the continuous period, a display showing the number of times the time-saving state was entered over the continuous period, and a display showing the type of win and the number of wins won over the continuous period. In other words, when the time-saving state ends, the various pieces of information (achievement information) managed in the specific memory area 304 are displayed.

(Preparatory performance)
The effect control means 300 can execute a preparation effect in a normal state. The preparation effect encourages the player to use a left-handed shot to aim the game ball at the first starting hole 46 (to obtain an opportunity to draw the first special symbol). In other words, the preparation effect is executed while waiting for the game ball to enter the first starting hole 46 (to execute the first special symbol drawing). FIG. 12 shows an example of a preparation effect, showing a display S related to the preparation effect displayed on the LCD display 32. The display S is a window image with a roughly rectangular frame, and includes an image (enlarged image) showing the first starting hole 46 and its surrounding area on the gaming board 6, an arrow pointing from the left side toward the first starting hole 46 in the image, and the text "Aim!" The text may be, for example, "Aim for the start chucker!" Although not shown, the display S may also include a display encouraging the player to use a left-handed shot (a left-handed shot display).

(Special performance)
The effect control means 300 executes a special effect (shutter effect) when the first result (winning C time reduction 2) or the second result (winning C time reduction 1) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery under normal conditions. As shown in FIG. 13 , the special effect begins with the appearance (display) of a shutter (door). Specifically, a left shutter and a right shutter appear from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction, and the shutters stop in a half-open state. During the first half of the special effect (at least the period from when the shutters appear until they stop in a half-open state), the same effect is executed whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result or the second result.

In the second half of the special effect, different effects are executed depending on whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result or the second result. If the result of the first special symbol lottery is the first result, the effect control means 300 executes a special effect of the success pattern; if the result of the first special symbol lottery is the second result, the effect control means 300 executes a special effect of the failure pattern (first failure pattern or second failure pattern). The success pattern is an effect in which a decision to transition to the time-shortened state is finally announced; for example, the shutter closes, then an effect encouraging a transition to the time-shortened state is executed, then a push effect is executed, and the decision to transition to the time-shortened state is announced based on the effect button 26 being pressed. The first failure pattern is an effect in which a decision to transition to the time-shortened state is finally announced; for example, the shutter closes, then an effect encouraging a transition to the time-shortened state is executed, then a push effect is executed, and the decision to transition to the time-shortened state is announced based on the effect button 26 being pressed. The second failure pattern is an effect in which it is announced that the transition to the time-saving mode has not been decided, and the effect ends without the shutter closing (without proceeding to the next effect). In the second failure pattern, the effect execution time is shorter than in the first failure pattern.

Special effects can occur in two ways: the shutter closes and the effect continues (success pattern or first failure pattern), or the shutter does not close and the effect ends (second failure pattern). In this embodiment, if a special effect starts and the shutter closes, there is an approximately 50% chance that the game will transition to the time-saving mode. Therefore, when a special effect starts, the player can hope that the shutter will close.

(Big hit effect)
If the third result (winning the jackpot) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state, the effect control means 300 executes a jackpot effect instead of a special effect. The jackpot effect is an effect in which the background (normal background) displayed in the short-time mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, and the liquid crystal display 32 displays a variable display of the effect symbol based on the variable display of the first special symbol (variable display effect), a reach effect is executed during the variable display effect, and after the reach effect, a stop display effect is executed in which the effect symbol is displayed in a manner corresponding to a jackpot. Note that the normal background may be one depicting a landscape or a cityscape. The jackpot effect is the same as the effect that can be executed if a "jackpot" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the short-time mode.

In this embodiment, the game transitions to the normal state after the time-saving state ends, but two situations can occur: when the time-saving state ends, there is no reserved first special random number value (first situation), and there is a reserved first special random number value (second situation). In the first situation, the presentation control means 300 executes a preparation presentation, and executes a special presentation or a jackpot presentation based on the detection of a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 46 and the execution of a first special symbol lottery. In the second situation, the presentation control means 300 does not execute a preparation presentation, and executes a special presentation or a jackpot presentation based on the execution of a first special symbol lottery based on the reserved first special random number value.

In this embodiment, after the time-saving state ends, the game transitions to the normal state, and the preparatory effect (or special effect) is executed, preventing the time-saving end image (Figure 11) from being displayed. However, the following configuration may also be used. For example, when the time-saving state ends, a closed shutter (door) is displayed. Then, in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, a lottery for a first special symbol is executed. If the result of the lottery is the second result, the closed shutter remains closed and information indicating the results of play over the continuous period (achievement information) (the result exemplified in Figure 11) is displayed. On the other hand, if the result of the lottery is the first result, the closed shutter opens, proceeds to the next effect, and ultimately, it is announced that a transition to the time-saving state (pullback) has been decided. In the normal state after the time-saving state ends, the game may be configured so that information indicating the results of play over the continuous period (achievement information) can be displayed during a portion of the variable display period of the first special symbol.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and in which gaming media are released into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, the gaming machine having lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230), state control means (game state transition control means 250), special game execution means (special game execution means 260), presentation control means (presentation control means 300), and a specific memory area (specific memory area 304),
The lottery means performs a first lottery (a first special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a first area (a first start opening 46) provided in the game area, and performs a second lottery (a second special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a second area (a second start opening 49) provided in the game area,
The state control means controls the transition of a gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a normal gaming state (normal state), a first specific gaming state (time-shortened state), a second specific gaming state (slightly time-shortened state), and a special gaming state;
The special game execution means controls the execution of the special game in the special game state, and in the special game, a specific movable object (special device 56) operates in a state in which a game medium can enter a predetermined area (big prize opening 50) provided in the game area,
The performance control means controls the execution of performance on the performance display device (liquid crystal display 32),
The state control means
When a specific result is obtained in the first lottery or the second lottery, the gaming state can be shifted to the special gaming state, and after the special gaming state ends, the gaming state can be shifted to the first specific gaming state;
When a predetermined condition is met in the first specific gaming state, the first specific gaming state can be ended and the gaming state can be transitioned to the normal gaming state,
When a first result (C time reduction 2) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the first specific gaming state,
When a second result (C time reduction 1) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the second specific gaming state,
In the second specific gaming state, even if the first result is obtained in the first lottery, the gaming state is not shifted to the first specific gaming state,
The effect control means is capable of causing the effect display device to display, in the first specific game state, performance information based on the fact that the special game has been executed in the special game state to which the transition has been made after the specific result has been obtained in at least the first specific game state;
the specific memory area is capable of retaining information relating to the performance information, and is configured to retain information relating to the performance information displayed at the end of the first specific gaming state;
The presentation control means is capable of displaying the performance information based on the information stored in the specific memory area when the first result is obtained in the normal gaming state after the end of the first specific gaming state and a transition is made to the first specific gaming state.

In the first specific game state, performance information based on the execution of a special game can be displayed. Furthermore, after the first specific game state ends, the game transitions to the normal game state, and if a first result is obtained in the normal game state, the game transitions to the first specific game state. Furthermore, once the first specific game state ends and the game transitions to the first specific game state via the normal game state, performance information based on the information stored in the specific memory area is displayed. By displaying this performance information, the player can perceive a series of periods in which the first specific game state is repeatedly executed via other game states as continuing without interruption. Furthermore, since performance information based on the information stored at the end of the previous first specific game state is displayed (the amount of performance information carried over), the value (number) indicated by the performance information is more likely to be a relatively large value (number). This can give the player the impression that they have earned a large amount of profit during the series of periods. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can give players a sense of satisfaction.

Next, we will explain what happens when a power outage (a power cut to the gaming machine) occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, before the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery begins, or while the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery is in progress.

When the power is restored after a power outage (power failure), a process to recover from the power outage is performed. Recovery from a power outage may or may not involve a RAM clear. The main control board 200 is equipped with a RAM clear switch (not shown) that can be pressed. When the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch pressed (recovering from a power outage), a RAM clear (RAM clear process) is performed, and at least a portion of the information stored in the RAM of the main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is initialized (reset). Note that the RAM clear process may also initialize (reset) at least a portion of the information stored in the RAM of the memory in the frame control board 201. In this embodiment, when a RAM clear is performed, the game state is reset and the game state is set to the normal state. Hereinafter, when recovery from a power outage (power is restored), it simply refers to recovery from a power outage without a RAM clear.

The main control board 200 stores and manages information related to the game (at least information related to the game status of the gaming machine and information related to the variable display of special symbols) in the RAM of the main memory 290. When a power outage occurs and power is restored (when power is restored without clearing the RAM), the main control board 200 does not execute the process of initializing this information.

On the other hand, when a power outage occurs and power is restored (whether the power recovery is accompanied by a RAM clear or not), the sub-control board 202 performs a process to initialize (set to an initial state) at least a portion of the information stored in the RAM of the sub-memory 302, and in this embodiment, the information stored in the specific memory area 304 is initialized. Therefore, the information stored in the specific memory area 304 (information regarding balls paid out during a consecutive period, information regarding game results during a consecutive period) is not retained (carried over) across a power outage. Specifically, for example, the stored values of the first and second counters mentioned above are set to the initial value of "0".

When the power is restored after a power outage, the main control board 200 performs processing to return the gaming machine to the state it was in before the power outage occurred, based on information stored in the main memory 290, etc. In the normal state after the time-saving state ends, if power is cut off before the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery begins and the power is restored, that state (normal state) will be set again. Also, in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, if power is cut off while the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery is in progress and the power is restored, that state (normal state) will be set again.

If the first result (winning C time-saving 2) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state after power is restored, the game state transition control means 250 transitions the game state to the time-saving state. Furthermore, the presentation control means 300 executes a time-saving presentation (Figure 10(c)) in the time-saving state. At this time, based on the fact that the information stored in the specific memory area 304 of the sub-memory 302 has been initialized, the presentation control means 300 sets a state in which at least some of the performance information (cumulative number of winning balls display S4, consecutive number of times icon S5, win icon S6, etc.) is not displayed. In other words, if the specific memory area 304 is in its initial state when transitioning to the time-saving state, the presentation control means 300 executes a time-saving presentation in which at least some of the performance information is not displayed. In this embodiment, if the first result is obtained in the first special symbol drawing in the normal state after power is restored and the game transitions to the time-saving state, and the value stored in the first counter is "0," the cumulative prize ball count display S4 is not displayed in the time-saving state. This not displaying the cumulative prize ball count display S4 also includes not displaying the cumulative prize ball count display S4, which indicates that the cumulative prize ball count is "0." The cumulative prize ball count display S4 is displayed in the second special game state based on a "win" in the second special symbol drawing in the time-saving state, and in the time-saving state transitioned to after the second special game state ends. In the second special game state, the presentation control means 300 executes the second winning presentation (FIG. 10(b)) and can display performance information (the cumulative prize ball count display S4).

In this embodiment, when the specific memory area 304 of the sub-memory 302 is initialized in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the time-saving state based on the first result being obtained in the first special symbol lottery, the performance information (at least a portion of it) is not displayed until the second special game state is initiated via the time-saving state.

Here, we will explain the effects that are executed in (1) the normal state after the time-saving state ends, (2) the normal state that is set when a power outage occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state ends and before the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery begins, and then the normal state is set when the power is restored from the power outage, and (3) the normal state that is set after a RAM clear is performed (after a power outage is restored and the RAM is cleared). Note that in the above (1), it is assumed that there is no first special random number value pending at the end of the time-saving state.

(1) When the game enters the normal state after the time-shortening state has ended, the presentation control means 300 executes a presentation (preparation presentation (Figure 12)) that corresponds to that normal state. The preparation presentation is not executed in game states other than the normal state, and can be said to be a presentation that suggests that the game is remaining in the normal state. When the preparation presentation is being executed on the LCD display 32, the player can understand that the game state is the normal state (a game state in which a transition to the time-shortening state is determined when the first result is obtained, and which is a game state that is more advantageous than the slight time-shortening state).

(2) When a power outage occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state ends and before the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery begins, and the normal state is established when the power is restored, the effect control means 300 executes a low-probability effect rather than a preparatory effect. The low-probability effect is an effect in which the background (normal background) that is displayed in the slight time-saving state is displayed on the LCD display 32, and is an effect that does not suggest that the normal state is being maintained. In other words, the low-probability effect is an effect that can be executed when the variable display of the special symbol is not being executed in the slight time-saving state. When a low-probability effect is executed, it is difficult for the player to understand that the game state is normal.

(3) In the normal state established after a RAM clear, the effect control means 300 executes a low-probability effect (displaying a normal background) rather than a preparation effect. By executing a low-probability effect, it becomes difficult for the player to grasp that a RAM clear has been executed and the game state has returned to the normal state. In other words, it is difficult for the player to grasp that a RAM clear has been executed.

In the normal states (2) and (3) above, when a low probability effect (normal background display) is being executed, if the first result (winning C time-saving 2) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery, a special effect (FIG. 13) is executed (started). In this case, the special effect executes a successful pattern, and it is announced that a transition to the time-saving state has finally been decided. In other words, if a special effect is executed in the normal states (2) and (3) above, a transition to the time-saving state is always made.
In addition, in a configuration in which a display showing the number of times "C Time Reduction 2" has been won in the first special pattern lottery in the normal state (for example, a number of pull-back icons corresponding to the number of pull-backs; in other words, the number of pull-backs) is displayed as a time-saving effect, winning "C Time Reduction 2" in the first special pattern lottery in the normal state after power is restored (for example, after the RAM is cleared) may not be reflected in the display.

In addition, if the low probability effect (normal background display) is being executed in the normal state of (2) and (3) above, and the third result (a jackpot) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery, the jackpot effect will be executed (started).

Furthermore, in a situation where a low-probability effect (display of a normal background) is being executed in the normal state of (2) and (3) above, if the second result (winning C time reduction 1) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery, if the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined to be time A, effect A is executed, and if the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined to be time B, which is longer than time A, effect B is executed. In effect A, the normal background is displayed on the LCD display 32, a fluctuation display of the effect symbol based on the fluctuation display of the first special symbol (fluctuating display effect) is performed on the LCD display 32, and a stop display effect is executed in which the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the second result. In effect B, the normal background is displayed on the LCD display 32, a fluctuation display of the effect symbol based on the fluctuation display of the first special symbol (fluctuating display effect) is performed on the LCD display 32, and a reach effect is executed during the fluctuation display effect, and after the reach effect, a stop display effect is executed in which the effect symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the second result. This reach effect is the same as the reach effect that can be executed when the first special symbol lottery is executed during the short time-saving mode.

In addition, if a power outage occurs in the normal state after the time-saving state ends and before the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery begins, and the normal state is established when the power is restored from the power outage (above (2)), the preparatory effect may be executed instead of the low-probability effect. Also, in the normal state established after the RAM is cleared (above (3)), the preparatory effect may be executed instead of the low-probability effect. By executing the preparatory effect, the player can understand that the gaming state is normal. The state in which the preparatory effect is being executed can attract players and increase the operating rate of the gaming machine.

Next, we will explain what happens when, in the normal state after the time-saving state ends, the first result (winning C time-saving 2) is obtained in the first special symbol lottery, a power outage occurs while the first result of the first special symbol is being displayed, and the power is restored. After the power is restored, the sub-control board 202 receives information from the main control board 200 indicating that the first special symbol is being displayed and information indicating that the game state is normal. Based on this information, the presentation control means 300 displays the normal background on the LCD display 32 and displays a presentation symbol change based on the display of the first special symbol change (high-speed change display presentation) on the LCD display 32. Note that if a special presentation (Figure 13) was being executed immediately before the power outage, that special presentation will not be executed (resumed) after the power is restored.

Next, the sub-control board 202 receives information (symbol confirmation information) relating to the stopped display of the first special symbol from the main control board 200. Here, information indicating that the first special symbol is to be stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 2" is received. Based on this information, the effect control means 300 executes a stopped display of the effect symbol (stop display effect) on the LCD display 32, and causes the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C time reduction 2". For example, a left effect symbol 350 indicating "3", a middle effect symbol 352 indicating "5", and a right effect symbol 354 indicating "7" are displayed.

Next, the sub-control board 202 receives information regarding the transition of the game state from the main control board 200 after the confirmation display period of the first special symbol (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed. Here, information indicating that the game state will transition to a time-saving state is received. Based on this information, the presentation control means 300 executes (starts) a time-saving presentation and displays a background corresponding to the time-saving state on the LCD display 32. The LCD display 32 switches from a state in which the presentation symbol is displayed frozen against the normal background to a state in which a background corresponding to the time-saving state (time-saving background) is displayed.

When power is restored after the power outage, the effect control means 300 may not display the normal background or a variable display effect of the effect symbols (stop display effect), but may instead display a monochromatic background (monochromatic image) and the words "Restoring." In other words, it may execute an effect (return effect) that notifies players that power is being restored after the power outage. The effect control means 300 may execute the return effect until it receives information indicating a transition to the time-shortened state, and then execute the time-shortened effect based on the reception of that information. By executing the return effect after power is restored and then executing the time-shortened effect (time-shortened background), the sense of discomfort experienced by the player may be reduced compared to when the normal background is (suddenly) switched to the time-shortened background as described above.

Furthermore, after power is restored from the power outage and while the first special symbol is being displayed (until symbol confirmation information is received), the presentation control means 300 cannot determine whether "C Time-Shortening 2" has been won. For this reason, the presentation control means 300 cannot display the above-mentioned icons A and B, which allow the player to select the presentation mode in the time-shortening state. In this case, the presentation control means 300 starts the time-shortening presentation based on receiving information indicating that the game state will transition to the time-shortening state, but in the time-shortening presentation, the presentation of the presentation mode (e.g., mode A) that is predetermined as the initial setting (basic setting) is executed.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and in which gaming media are released into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, the gaming machine having lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230), state control means (game state transition control means 250), special game execution means (special game execution means 260), and presentation control means (presentation control means 300),
The lottery means performs a first lottery (a first special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a first area (a first starting hole 46) provided in the game area, and performs a second lottery (a second special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a second area provided in the game area,
The state control means controls transition of a gaming state among a plurality of gaming states including a normal gaming state, a first specific gaming state (time-shortened state), and a special gaming state;
The special game execution means controls the execution of the special game in the special game state, and in the special game, a specific movable object (special device 56) operates in a state in which a game medium can enter a predetermined area (big prize opening 50) provided in the game area,
The performance control means controls the execution of performance on the performance display device (liquid crystal display 32),
The state control means
When a specific result is obtained in the first lottery or the second lottery, the gaming state can be shifted to the special gaming state, and after the special gaming state ends, the gaming state can be shifted to the first specific gaming state;
When a predetermined condition is met in the first specific gaming state, the first specific gaming state can be ended and the gaming state can be transitioned to the normal gaming state,
When a first result (C time reduction 2) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the first specific gaming state,
The performance control means
It is possible to display on the performance display device in the first specific game state performance information based on the fact that the specific result has been obtained in at least the first specific game state and the special game has been executed in the special game state to which the transition has been made,
When a transition to the first specific game state is made based on the first result being obtained in the normal game state, and the specific memory area (specific memory area 304) that stores information related to the performance information is in an initial state, at least a part of the performance information that can be displayed on the performance display device is not displayed in the first specific game state.

In the first specific gaming state, performance information based on the execution of a special game can be displayed. Furthermore, if a first result is obtained in the normal gaming state, a transition to the first specific gaming state occurs. Furthermore, if the specific memory area that stores performance information is in its initial state when transitioning to the first specific gaming state, at least a portion of the performance information is not displayed in the first specific gaming state. If performance information is not held when transitioning to the first specific gaming state, the number of performance information items displayed can be reduced to provide a display that is easy for the player to view. Furthermore, if performance information indicating a performance of "0" is displayed in the first specific gaming state (an advantageous state), this may give the player the impression that it is disappointing, but this embodiment reduces this possibility.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
The specific storage area is reset to its initial state when a power outage occurs.

As described above, when transitioning to the normal state based on the fulfillment of the termination condition for the time-saving state, and if there is a first special random number value reserved at the end of the time-saving state, the special effect (shutter effect) is executed (started) without the preparatory effect being executed in the normal state. Also, in this embodiment, when transitioning to the normal state based on the fulfillment of the termination condition for the very short time-saving state, and if there is a first special random number value reserved at the end of the very short time-saving state, the special effect (shutter effect) is executed (started) without the preparatory effect being executed in the normal state. By starting the special effect based on the transition to the normal state, a sense of anticipation (excitement, thrill) can be created in the player.

Here, we will explain the look-ahead effects that can be executed by the effect control means 300. Note that control related to the look-ahead effects may also be executed by a pre-determination effect control means (not shown) included in the effect control means 300. As described above, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for the special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, which detects each gaming ball entering the first start port 46, and stores this value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special symbol lottery means 230 also reads the first special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914 and performs processes such as a jackpot determination process and a symbol determination process as a special symbol lottery.

The special symbol lottery means 230 also performs pre-determination processing, such as jackpot determination processing and symbol determination processing, when storing the first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. When the special symbol lottery means 230 (pre-determination means) acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the detection signal input from the first start switch 100, it performs pre-determination processing, such as jackpot determination processing and symbol determination processing, on the first special random number value according to the game status and number of reserved balls at that time before storing the first special random number value as the first special random number value in one of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 4. Note that the pre-determination processing may be configured to include dedicated pre-determination processing (jackpot pre-determination processing, symbol pre-determination processing) rather than the same processing (e.g., lottery processing based on the same table data) as the jackpot determination processing or symbol determination processing executed when a variation is executed based on the random number value for special symbol lottery actually stored as reserved. Additionally, the advance determination process may be configured to perform an advance determination regarding the variation time of the special symbol.

The special symbol lottery means 230 transmits the preliminary determination results, including the results of each of the preliminary determination processes, such as the jackpot determination process and the symbol determination process, to the sub-control board 202 (performance control means 300) as preliminary determination result information, and stores the results in one of first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in association with the first special random number value that was the subject of the preliminary determination process. If other first special random number values are stored in the special random number memory means 2914 at the time a first special random number value is acquired, the performance control means 300 can execute a pre-reading performance via the LCD display 32 or the like, depending on the preliminary determination result information corresponding to the acquired first special random number value, during the period from when the first special random number value is acquired until the display of the varying first special symbol for that first special random number value has ended, or during the period from when the display of the varying first special symbol for the first special random number value acquired before that first special random number value has ended.

One example of a predictive effect (specific effect) is one in which the display mode (color, etc.) of the first reserved image 420 (Figure 9(a)) corresponding to the first special random number value is changed depending on the results of the pre-determination process, thereby suggesting the result of the first special symbol lottery (expected jackpot) in advance. In other words, the predictive effect is an effect that suggests the result of the first special symbol lottery in advance. The color of the first reserved image 420 represents the expectation that the result of the first special symbol lottery will be a positive one for the player, with the expectation increasing in the order of white, blue, green, red, and gold, for example.

If another first special random number value is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 at the time the first special random number value is acquired, the performance control means 300 performs a pre-reading performance lottery at the time the first special random number value is acquired to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading performance for the acquired first special random number value. If the pre-reading performance lottery is won, the performance control means 300 decides to execute a pre-reading performance.

The performance control means 300 performs a lottery for the first special random number value to determine whether a pre-reading performance should be performed. Based on this determination, if there is no first special random number value among the first special random number values held in the special hold memory area and first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 that was obtained before the first special random number value for which it was determined that a pre-reading performance should be performed, and the result of the jackpot determination process included in the preliminary determination result is a jackpot, the performance control means 300 determines that the start conditions for the pre-reading performance are met and executes (starts) the pre-reading performance.

For example, when a first special random number value is stored in first special reserve memory area 1 and first special reserve memory area 2, if the first special random number value is acquired and the execution of a pre-reading performance is determined in the pre-reading performance lottery at the time of acquisition, the performance control means 300 will start the pre-reading performance based on that determination, and will change the color of the first reserve image 420 corresponding to the first special random number value for which the execution of the pre-reading performance has been determined (for example, from white to red) while the first special pattern is changing based on the first special random number value prior to the first special random number value for which the execution of the pre-reading performance has been determined).

Hereinafter, when "C Time-saving 2" is selected in the first special symbol lottery in normal mode and a transition to time-saving mode is determined, this may be referred to as "success in normal mode" or "success in normal mode."

When the first special game state ends and a transition to the micro-time-saving state occurs based on winning "Jackpot 3" in the first special symbol lottery, or when a transition to the micro-time-saving state occurs based on winning "C Time-saving 1" in the first special symbol lottery during the normal state, the number of times the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner during the micro-time-saving state reaches a predetermined number (1,329 times), and the conditions for ending the micro-time-saving state are met, resulting in a transition to the normal state. In the micro-time-saving state, the presentation control means 300 can execute a presentation (first hold presentation) in which a first hold image 420 (Figure 9(a)) corresponding to the reserved first special random number value is displayed on the LCD display 32. Furthermore, the presentation control means 300 can execute a pre-reading presentation for the first special random number value during the micro-time-saving state.

In the normal state after RAM is cleared, there is no reserved first special random number value because the memory (main memory 290) has been initialized. In the normal state after RAM is cleared, the first reserved image 420 corresponding to the first special random number value is not displayed.

Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the effect control means 300 can execute an effect (second hold effect) in which a second hold image 422 (Figure 9(d)) corresponding to the reserved second special random number value is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. In the time-saving state, the second hold effect is executed, the first hold effect is not executed, and the pre-reading effect for the first special random number value is not executed. A transition to the normal state is made upon the establishment of the termination condition for the time-saving state, but in the time-saving state, an effect is executed in which the second hold image 422 corresponding to the reserved second special random number value is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. Therefore, the first hold image 420 of the first special random number value, which could be the target of a special effect in the normal state, is not displayed, and no display suggesting success in the normal state (such as a red hold) is displayed.

When a predetermined period (the number of times the first special symbol changes is 1,329) has elapsed in the micro-time-saving state, the game transitions to the normal state. Here, we will explain what happens when a pre-reading effect is executed in the period immediately before the predetermined period has elapsed in the micro-time-saving state.
FIG. 14 shows an example of a display when the pre-reading effect is executed. In FIG. 14, the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 is not determined to be used for the pre-reading effect, and a white (normal color) first reserve image 420 is displayed in the first reserve display area 411 corresponding to the first special reserve memory area 1. Note that the first reserve image 420 corresponds to the 1327th change in the first special symbol during the micro-time-saving state. Also, the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 2 is not determined to be used for the pre-reading effect, and a white (normal color) first reserve image 420 is displayed in the first reserve display area 412 corresponding to the first special reserve memory area 2. Note that the first reserve image 420 corresponds to the 1328th change in the first special symbol during the micro-time-saving state. In addition, the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 3 is not determined to execute the pre-reading effect, and a white (normal color) first reserve image 420 is displayed in the first reserve display area 413 corresponding to the first special reserve memory area 3. Note that the first reserve image 420 corresponds to the 1,329th (last) variable display of the first special symbol in the micro-time shortening state. In addition, the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 4 is determined to execute the pre-reading effect, and as a result of the pre-reading effect being executed, a red first reserve image 420 is displayed in the first reserve display area 414 corresponding to the first special reserve memory area 4. Note that the first reserve image 420 corresponds to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state.

During the short-time-saving state, the player can see the number of times the first special symbol has changed during the short-time-saving state through the number of changes displayed (not shown) on the display (LCD 32) or the data counter located on the top of the gaming machine, and can determine how long it will take for the short-time-saving state to end and transition to the normal state. Therefore, if a pre-reading effect is executed just before the short-time-saving state ends and the red first pending image 420 is displayed, the player may think that this pre-reading effect is suggesting that the normal state will be successful, and may have excessive expectations in advance that there may be a high probability of success in transitioning to the normal state.

As shown in Figure 7(b), the probability of successfully entering the normal state, i.e., the probability of winning "C Time Reduction 2" in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state and deciding to transition to the time-saving state, is approximately 20% (approximately 1/5). Therefore, if players are made to have excessive expectations before the lottery, the sense of loss they will feel if they do not succeed in entering the normal state may be significant.

(Slight time saving state)
In the very short time-saving state, the effect control means 300 does not decide to execute the look-ahead effect (limits the execution of the look-ahead effect) for the first special random number value obtained after the start of the 1,326th time of the first special symbol variable display, which is before the last first special symbol variable display in the very short time-saving state (four variations before the end of the very short time-saving state). Note that "not deciding to execute the look-ahead effect" may mean that the probability of winning the look-ahead effect lottery based on the first special random number value is 0%, or may be configured so that the look-ahead effect lottery based on the first special random number value is not executed.

Figure 15(a) shows an example of a case where, after the 1,326th display of the first special symbol has begun during the micro-time-saving mode, a first special random number value is acquired (a new first special random number value is reserved) based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 46. This example shows a case where first special random number values are stored in first special reserve memory areas 1 to 3, and the newly acquired first special random number value is stored in first special reserve area 4. This first special random number value corresponds to the display of the first special symbol in the normal mode, but the execution of a pre-reading effect is not determined for this first special random number value. Furthermore, the execution of a pre-reading effect is not determined for this first special random number value or any subsequent first special random number values. As shown in Figure 15(a), a white (normal color) first reserved image 420 is displayed in the first reserve display area 414 corresponding to the first special reserve memory area 4. In other words, the first reserved image 420 does not change to red or any other color. Furthermore, even when the first special random number value corresponding to the first reserved image 420 is moved to a first special reserved memory area with an ordinal number one smaller, the color of the first reserved image 420 does not change (the pre-reading effect is not executed). For this reason, in the short-time state, an effect that suggests in advance the result of the first special symbol lottery in the normal state (the pre-reading effect) is not executed.

In Figure 15(a), the first special random number values stored in first special reserve memory areas 1 to 3 are first special random number values obtained before the execution of the pre-reading effect was restricted, and are capable of executing the pre-reading effect.

15(b) shows another example of a case where, after the 1,326th variable display of the first special symbol has begun in the micro-time-saving state, a first special random number value is acquired based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 46 (a new first special random number value is reserved), and shows a case where the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, and the newly acquired first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 2. At this time, the execution of the look-ahead effect is not determined for the first special random number value. Note that the execution of the look-ahead effect is also not determined for the first special random number value and any first special random number values acquired thereafter.
As shown in FIG. 15(b), a white (normal) first reserved image 420 is displayed in the first reserved display area 412 corresponding to the first special reserved memory area 2. The first special random number value corresponds to the 1,328th variable display of the first special symbol in the micro-time-saving state. In this case, the execution of the pre-reading effect is not determined for the first special random number value obtained after the first special random number value, and therefore the execution of the pre-reading effect is not determined for the first special random number value corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state. Therefore, in the micro-time-saving state, the effect (pre-reading effect) that suggests the result of the first special symbol lottery in the normal state in advance is not executed.

The effect control means 300 controls the micro-time-saving state so that it does not decide to execute a look-ahead effect for at least the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state. Therefore, in the micro-time-saving state, an effect (look-ahead effect) that suggests in advance the result of the first special symbol lottery in the normal state is not executed. This prevents the player from having excessive expectations in advance for success in the normal state. Furthermore, if an effect (look-ahead effect) that suggests in advance the result of the first special symbol lottery in the normal state is executed in the micro-time-saving state, and this effect suggests that the level of expectation is not high (low), this could damage the player's expectations when the state transitions to the normal state and the special effect begins. Therefore, by preventing the look-ahead effect from being executed, it is possible to prevent the player's expectations from being damaged when the special effect is executed.

When the presentation control means 300 exercises control so as not to determine the execution of a look-ahead presentation for first special random number values acquired after the 1,326th display of the first special symbol has begun in the very short time state, a look-ahead presentation may be executed for the first special random number value corresponding to the last predetermined number of display changes of the first special symbol in the very short time state, as shown in FIG. 15(a), for example. Therefore, given that four first special random number values can be stored in first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, the presentation control means 300 may exercise control so as not to determine the execution of a look-ahead presentation for first special random number values acquired after the 1,322nd display change of the first special symbol has begun in the very short time state.

Figure 15(c) shows an example of a case where a first special random number value is acquired (a new first special random number value is reserved) based on the game ball entering first starting hole 46 after the 1,322nd display of the first special symbol has begun during the very short time state. This example shows a case where first special random number values are stored in first special reserve memory areas 1 to 3, and the newly acquired first special random number value is stored in first special reserve area 4. In this case, a decision is not made to execute a look-ahead effect for that first special random number value. Furthermore, a decision is not made to execute a look-ahead effect for that first special random number value and any first special random number values acquired thereafter. In other words, a decision is not made to execute a look-ahead effect for the first special random number value corresponding to the 1,326th display of the first special symbol during the very short time state, or for any first special random number value acquired after that first special random number value.

In Figure 15(a), for example, suppose a pre-reading effect is executed for the first special random number value corresponding to the 1,328th display of the first special symbol during the short-time saving mode. The player may mistakenly believe (misunderstand) that the display of the first special symbol corresponding to that first special random number value is the display of the first special symbol during the normal mode, and may develop excessive expectations in advance regarding success during the normal mode. Therefore, by configuring the system so that the pre-reading effect is not executed (with certainty) for the first special random number value corresponding to the display of the first special symbol during the final predetermined number of times (four times) during the short-time saving mode (just before the end of the short-time saving mode), the possibility of the player being mistaken and developing such expectations can be reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of a player who makes such a mistake ending play without executing the first special symbol lottery during the normal mode can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the effect control means 300 does not determine to execute a look-ahead effect for first special random number values obtained after the 1,326th variable display of the first special symbol has begun in the micro-time-saving state. Therefore, the execution of a look-ahead effect is not determined for first special random number values obtained after (immediately after) the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state.

Here, consider, for example, a case where a look-ahead effect is executed for a first special random number value that is acquired (reserved) two numbers later than the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state. In this case, the player may feel a sense of anticipation for the success of the normal state based on the execution of the look-ahead effect. However, a special effect in the normal state begins with the variable display of the first special symbol related to the first special random number value acquired two numbers earlier than the first special random number value. This could confuse the player. According to this embodiment, the look-ahead effect is not executed for a first special random number value acquired after the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state, thereby reducing the possibility of player confusion.

Next, consider a case where a look-ahead effect is executed for a first special random number value acquired after (for example, two after) the first special random number value associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state, and the first reserved image 420 corresponding to that first special random number value turns red (red reserved) (when a high expectation is indicated in advance), and "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state. In this case, a transition to the time-saving state occurs based on the winning of "C Time Reduction 2," and a period (continuous period) may begin in which the game state repeatedly transitions between the time-saving state and the special game state. However, for example, in a configuration in which the second special random number value is consumed preferentially over the first special random number value, the player may execute a strategy of winning the jackpot by executing the first special symbol lottery associated with the first special random number value associated with the red first reserved image 420 at a desired timing during that period. Therefore, by preventing the pre-reading effect from being executed for the first special random number value obtained after the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special pattern in the normal state, it is possible to prevent the player from carrying out a predetermined strategy using the first special random number value whose expected value has been suggested in advance.
While the above description states that "the pre-reading effect is not determined for the first special random number value acquired after the first special random number value associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state," the "first special random number value acquired after the first special random number value associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state" may be (1) a first special random number value acquired during the period up to the timing at which the second result (C time-saving 1) of the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state is not announced. In other words, the period up to the acquisition of the first special random number value may be set as a period during which the pre-reading effect is not determined. Furthermore, (2) it may be a first special random number value acquired during the variable display of the first special symbol associated with the "first special random number value associated with the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state" up to the fourth variable display of the first special symbol in the new micro-time-saving state (the first special random number value associated with the 1,334th variable display of the first special symbol when counted consecutively from the previous micro-time-saving state). In other words, the period until the first special random number value is obtained may be set as a period during which the pre-reading effect is not determined.

(Normal state)
In the normal state, the effect control means 300 does not execute an effect (first hold effect) that displays the first hold image 420 ( FIG. 9( a) ) corresponding to the reserved first special random number value on the liquid crystal display 32. Furthermore, in the normal state, the effect control means 300 does not execute a look-ahead effect for the first special random number value. Furthermore, the effect control means 300 controls so as not to determine whether to execute a look-ahead effect for the first special random number value acquired in the normal state. In the normal state, the preparation effect ( FIG. 12 ) is executed, and when the game value enters the first start slot 46, a first special symbol lottery is executed and a special effect ( FIG. 13 ) is initiated. However, while the special effect is being executed (during the variable display of the first special symbol), a game ball may enter the first start slot 46. In other words, the first special random number value may be stored (held) in any of the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4. In the normal state, the first special random number value stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is not determined to be a pre-reading effect because the game state at the time of acquisition is normal. Therefore, if the game transitions to the minute time-saving state based on winning "C time-saving 1" in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state, the pre-reading effect is not executed in the minute time-saving state for the first special random number value stored in the normal state. Note that the pre-reading effect may be executed for the first special random number value acquired after the transition to the minute time-saving state. In this embodiment, the execution of the pre-reading effect is not determined for the first special random number value acquired in the normal state (the pre-reading effect lottery is not executed), but the execution of the pre-reading effect may be determined for the first special random number value acquired in the minute time-saving state (the pre-reading effect lottery may be executed).

Next, we will explain what happens when a first special symbol lottery is executed in the normal state, and the first special random number value is stored (reserved) in the first special reserve memory area 1, and the first special symbol lottery results in "C Time Reduction 2." In this case, the transition to the time-saving state occurs when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time Reduction 2." However, a special situation may occur in which the first special symbol lottery based on the reserved first special random number value is executed (started) before the second special symbol lottery is executed based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting hole 49 in the time-saving state (before the second special random number value is stored (reserved)). Note that in this special situation, because the gaming state is the time-saving state, a small "Right Hit" indicator is displayed on the LCD display 32 to encourage the player to hit the right.

In special circumstances, if "Jackpot 3" is won in the first special symbol lottery based on the reserved first special random number value, the special game state will begin. However, if the game transitions to the slight time-saving state instead of the time-saving state after the special game state ends, the player may feel dissatisfied (feel a sense of loss) because the game will not transition to the time-saving state even though "C Time-saving 2" was won in the first special symbol lottery under normal conditions.

The main control board 200 can change the number of time-saving times (Figure 7(a)), which is set based on winning a "jackpot" in the first special symbol lottery, depending on the game state at the time of the lottery. In this embodiment, if "Jackpot 3" is won in the first special symbol lottery during a special situation (time-saving state), the main control board 200 sets a predetermined number of time-saving times (110 times) at the end of the special game state based on that win. Therefore, if "Jackpot 3" is won in the first special symbol lottery during a special situation, the game will transition to the time-saving state rather than the slight time-saving state after the special game state ends. Therefore, even if "Jackpot 3" is won, the game will transition to the time-saving state, reducing the possibility of the player feeling dissatisfied (feeling lost).

In special circumstances, if "Jackpot 3" is won in the first special symbol lottery, and it is not possible to set the specified number of time-saving times (110 times) at the end of the special game state based on that win (if a transition to a slight time-saving state is unavoidable), the following configuration may be used.

When a first special symbol lottery is executed in the normal state and a first special random number value is stored (reserved) in the first special reserve memory area 1, if "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery and the reserved first special random number value is associated with a pre-determined result of winning a "jackpot," the performance control means 300 will set the special performance executed during the variable display related to the winning of "C Time Reduction 2" for the first special symbol related to the first special symbol lottery to a failure pattern rather than a success pattern (change from a success pattern to a failure pattern). In other words, even if "C Time Reduction 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery, control is performed so that the performance announcing that a transition to the time-shortened state has been decided is not executed.

If a special effect for a successful pattern is executed, the player will assume that they will transition to the time-saving mode, which could lead to a great sense of loss if they subsequently win "Jackpot 3" in the first special symbol drawing and do not transition to the time-saving mode. Therefore, by executing a special effect for a failed pattern instead of a special effect for a successful pattern and not announcing the decision to transition to the time-saving mode, it is possible to reduce the sense of loss felt by the player if they win "Jackpot 3" but do not transition to the time-saving mode.

In this embodiment, as described above, the special effect is the appearance of a shutter, and there are two patterns available: a success pattern in which after the shutter closes, it is announced that a transition to the time-shortened state has finally been decided, and a first failure pattern in which after the shutter closes, it is announced that a transition to the time-shortened state has not finally been decided. If a first special symbol lottery is executed in normal mode, and while the first special symbol is displaying a variable value related to a win of "C Time-Shortened 2," a first special random number value associated with a "jackpot" is withheld, it is possible to change (rewrite) the special effect to be executed from the success pattern to the first failure pattern.

In this case, a special effect for the failure pattern is executed, but when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to "C Time Reduction 2," the game state internally transitions to a time-saving state. Therefore, in this case, too, in the time-saving state, a small right-hit indicator encouraging the player to hit the right may be displayed on the LCD display 32.

In this embodiment, the effect control means 300 does not determine whether to execute a pre-reading effect for the first special random number value acquired after the 1,326th time the variable display of the first special symbol has begun in the very short time state. However, the effect may be configured as follows: The special symbol selection means 230 performs a pre-determination process when the first special random number value is acquired, and determines in which game state the variable display of the first special symbol based on the first special random number value will be executed. The effect control means 300 can execute a pre-reading effect lottery when the first special random number value is acquired, but if the game state at that time is the very short time state and the acquired first special random number value is the first special random number value related to the variable display of the first special symbol in the normal state, the effect control means 300 controls so as not to determine whether to execute a pre-reading effect for the first special random number value. As a result, an effect (pre-reading effect) that suggests the outcome of the first special symbol lottery in the normal state is not executed in the very short time state.

The micro-time-saving state begins with the value stored in the micro-time-saving counter 2916 set to "1329," and "1" is subtracted from the value stored in the micro-time-saving counter 2916 each time the first special symbol is displayed as a variable. When the gaming machine is powered on and the game state is in the micro-time-saving state upon recovery from a power outage (power outage that does not involve a RAM clear), the presentation control means 300 determines that a condition has been met based on the execution of a predetermined number of (e.g., 100) variable displays of the first special symbol in the micro-time-saving state after power recovery, and may cause the LCD display 32 to display the number of games remaining until the normal state begins. In this case, the presentation control means 300 displays a remaining number of games based on the value stored in the micro-time-saving counter 2916, and the remaining number of games displayed may include, for example, a string of characters such as "200G left until Judge X" (where X is, for example, a character name, and Judge X is the name of the normal state presentation). When the remaining number of plays is displayed, it can increase players' motivation to play and increase the operating rate of the gaming machine compared to when the remaining number of plays is not displayed.

If the remaining number of plays is displayed immediately after power is restored, there is a possibility that players will look at the remaining number of plays immediately after the amusement center opens and decide whether or not to play on that gaming machine. In other words, there is a possibility that players will look at the remaining number of plays immediately after the amusement center opens and avoid playing on that gaming machine, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine. Therefore, by not displaying the remaining number of plays until the first special symbol has been displayed in a predetermined number of variations (e.g., 100 times) after power is restored, it is possible to prevent players from avoiding playing immediately after the amusement center opens and increase the operating rate of the gaming machine.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and in which gaming media are released into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, the gaming machine having lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230), state control means (game state transition control means 250), special game execution means (special game execution means 260), and presentation control means (presentation control means 300),
The lottery means performs a first lottery (a first special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a first area (a first start opening 46) provided in the game area, and performs a second lottery (a second special symbol lottery) based on the game medium entering a second area (a second start opening 49) provided in the game area,
The state control means controls the transition of a gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a normal gaming state (normal state), a first specific gaming state (time-shortened state), a second specific gaming state (slightly time-shortened state), and a special gaming state;
The special game execution means controls the execution of the special game in the special game state, and in the special game, a specific movable object (special device 56) operates in a state in which a game medium can enter a predetermined area (big prize opening 50) provided in the game area,
The state control means
When a specific result is obtained in the first lottery or the second lottery, the gaming state can be shifted to the special gaming state, and after the special gaming state ends, the gaming state can be shifted to the first specific gaming state;
When a first result (C time reduction 2) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the first specific gaming state,
When a second result (C time reduction 1) is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the second specific gaming state,
In the second specific gaming state, even if the first result is obtained in the first lottery, the gaming state is not shifted to the first specific gaming state,
When a predetermined period of time has elapsed in the second specific gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the normal gaming state,
The performance control means
A special effect can be executed in the normal gaming state to notify whether or not a transition to the first specific gaming state is possible;
In the second specific gaming state, when a gaming medium enters the first area, a performance can be executed that suggests in advance the result of the first lottery corresponding to the entry of the gaming medium;
In the second specific gaming state, at least an effect suggesting in advance the result of the first lottery executed in the normal gaming state after the predetermined period has elapsed is not executed.

The normal gaming state is a gaming state that can transition to the first specific gaming state depending on the result of the first lottery (if the first result is obtained). Furthermore, in the normal gaming state, a special effect is executed to notify the player of whether or not the transition to the first specific gaming state is possible. If an effect suggesting the result of the first lottery executed in the normal gaming state in advance were executed in the second specific gaming state, the player may have excessive expectations in advance that the transition to the first specific gaming state would be decided in the normal gaming state (the special effect would notify the decision to transition to the first specific gaming state). If a player transitions to the normal gaming state with excessive expectations and the result of the first lottery is the second result and the game does not transition to the first specific gaming state, the player may feel a great sense of loss. Furthermore, if the result of the first lottery executed in the normal gaming state is suggested in advance in the second specific gaming state, the player's expectations may be diminished when the game transitions to the normal gaming state and the special effect begins. Therefore, in the second specific gaming state, by not executing effects that suggest the outcome of the first lottery that is executed in the normal gaming state in advance, it is possible to prevent the player from having excessive expectations in advance and to prevent the player's expectations in the normal gaming state from being damaged. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player's expectations for the normal gaming state from becoming too high or low in advance (it is possible to stabilize expectations). This makes it possible to prevent a decline in interest in the game.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the various controls are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention allows for free combinations, modifications to each component, or the omission of components, all within the scope of the invention.

4. Game area 32: LCD display (performance display device)
46 First starting hole (first area)
49 Second starting hole (second area)
50. Large prize slot (specified area)
56 Special movable objects (specified movable objects)
230 Special pattern lottery means (lottery means)
250 Game state transition control means (state control means)
260 Special game execution means 300 Presentation control means 304 Specific memory area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine having a game area in which game media move, and in which game media are released into the game area in response to a player's operation, the gaming machine comprising: a lottery means, a state control means, a special game execution means, a performance control means, and a specific memory area;
the lottery means performs a first lottery based on the game medium entering a first area provided in the game area, and performs a second lottery based on the game medium entering a second area provided in the game area;
the state control means controls transition of a gaming state among a plurality of gaming states including a normal gaming state, a first specific gaming state, a second specific gaming state, and a special gaming state;
The normal gaming state and the second specific gaming state are gaming states in which playing a game using a gaming method that allows a game medium to be placed in the first area is more advantageous than playing a game using a gaming method that allows a game medium to be placed in the second area,
the first specific gaming state is a gaming state in which playing a game using a gaming method that allows a gaming medium to land in the second area is more advantageous than playing a game using a gaming method that allows a gaming medium to land in the first area;
The special game execution means controls the execution of the special game in the special game state, and in the special game, a specific movable object operates in a state in which the game medium can enter a predetermined area provided in the game area,
The performance control means controls the execution of performance in the performance display device,
The state control means
When a specific result is obtained in the first lottery or the second lottery, the gaming state can be shifted to the special gaming state, and after the special gaming state ends, the gaming state can be shifted to the first specific gaming state;
When a predetermined condition is met in the first specific gaming state, the first specific gaming state can be ended and the gaming state can be transitioned to the normal gaming state,
When a first result is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the first specific gaming state,
When a second result is obtained in the first lottery in the normal gaming state, the gaming state can be transitioned to the second specific gaming state,
In the second specific gaming state, even if the first result is obtained in the first lottery, the gaming state is not shifted to the first specific gaming state,
The effect control means is capable of causing the effect display device to display, in the first specific game state, performance information based on the fact that the special game has been executed in the special game state to which the transition has been made after the specific result has been obtained in at least the first specific game state;
the specific memory area is capable of retaining information relating to the performance information, and is configured to retain information relating to the performance information displayed at the end of the first specific gaming state;
The presentation control means of the gaming machine is capable of displaying the performance information based on the information stored in the specific memory area when the first lottery is executed in the normal gaming state after the end of the first specific gaming state based on the fulfillment of the specified condition, and when the first result is obtained in the first lottery and the game transitions to the first specific gaming state.