JP2024060772A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To increase a player's motivation to play at an optimal timing with a simple configuration.
[Solution] This is a gaming machine that executes advantageous games that are more advantageous to the player than normal games due to the establishment of predetermined advantageous game conditions, and counts each time the predetermined conditions are established, and switches the presentation mode to the first presentation mode or the second presentation mode when the count reaches a predetermined value. Also, after the advantageous game ends, the presentation mode switches to the first presentation mode for a predetermined period, and transitions to the second presentation mode after the predetermined period.
[Selection] Figure 17

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and can be suitably applied to "pinball gaming machines" and "slot machine gaming machines."

Typically, gaming machines (pinball-type gaming machines, reel-type gaming machines) are equipped with an identification information display means (special pattern display device) that displays changing identification information (special patterns, etc.) as a means for notifying the results of a win/lose determination, as well as a presentation means (presentation pattern display device, speaker, illumination device, etc.).
Furthermore, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a special presentation mode different from the normal presentation mode is prepared during the normal state, and by switching to the special presentation mode under specified conditions, the variety of presentation is increased, eliminating boredom and the feeling of monotony in the presentation, and creating a sense of something special, preventing the player from quitting the game.

JP 2007-159905 A JP 2021-137305 A

As described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a special presentation mode is entered due to certain conditions, such as after an advantageous game state or a lottery after a certain number of spins, the game can be played with a presentation different from the normal presentation mode, preventing the player from quitting the game. However, if the advantageous game state or the lottery after a certain number of spins is won many times, the special presentation mode will be played many times, and if the same special presentation mode is experienced many times, it will not solve the feeling of boredom or the feeling of the presentation becoming stale, and the player will stop playing. Also, if there are many special presentation modes, it will take a lot of time and cost to create them.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to increase players' motivation to play at an appropriate time with a simple configuration.

The invention of claim 1, which was made in consideration of the above problem, is characterized in that the game machine includes an advantageous game control means for executing an advantageous game that is more advantageous to the player than normal game due to the establishment of a predetermined advantageous game condition, and a plurality of presentation modes, and performs presentation in a manner corresponding to one of the presentation modes, the presentation modes being a normal game mode, an advantageous game mode, a first presentation mode, and a second presentation mode, a counting means for counting each time a predetermined condition is established, and a change means for switching the current presentation mode to the first presentation mode or the second presentation mode when the value counted by the counting means reaches a specified value, and the presentation mode is switched to the first presentation mode for a predetermined period after the advantageous game ends, and is switched to the second presentation mode after the predetermined period.

According to the above configuration, when the predetermined condition reaches a specified value, the presentation mode can be switched to the first presentation mode or the second presentation mode. Therefore, since the presentation mode is either the first presentation mode or the second presentation mode, which is a presentation mode different from the normal presentation mode, it is possible to eliminate boredom and the feeling of monotony in the presentation and to create a sense of specialness. In addition, by switching the presentation mode to the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode after the advantageous play ends, the player will think that it is a special presentation mode and will continue playing even after the advantageous play ends, and unlike the presentation mode that switches when the predetermined condition reaches a specified value, it is possible to play in both the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode, which further enhances the sense of specialness. In addition, since the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode are performed, they can be reused in production, so the production period and cost can be minimized.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine. This is a flowchart for the starting gate winning confirmation process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the correct/incorrect determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a flowchart showing jackpot game processing. 13 is a display example of a presentation mode. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a count start process. 13 is a flowchart of a counting process.

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

Speakers 66 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 52, which output game sounds to improve the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 52 is also provided with frame side decorative lamps 65 that emit light according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.
An upper tray 55 and a lower tray 63 are integrally formed at the bottom of the front frame 52. A launching handle 64 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 63. By operating the launching handle 64 clockwise, the launching device is activated and the game balls supplied from the upper tray 55 are launched toward the game board 1.

The lower tray 63 is configured to receive prize balls that have spilled over from the upper tray 55, and by operating a ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated in the lower tray 63 can be transferred to a coin box provided in the game parlor. In addition, a game button 67 is provided in the center of the upper tray 55.
This pachinko machine 50 is a so-called CR machine, and is equipped with a prepaid card unit (CR unit) 56 that reads and writes prepaid cards, and is provided with a ball loan button 57, a settlement button 58, and a settlement display device 59 on the right side of the upper tray 55.

In addition, reference numeral 49 in Figure 1 denotes a cylinder lock that locks the front frame 52 and the inner frame to the outer frame 51. When a specified key is inserted into the cylinder lock 49 and the key is turned clockwise, the inner frame is opened, and when the key is turned counterclockwise, the front frame 52 is opened.
2, a substantially circular play area 3 surrounded by an outer rail 2a and an inner rail 2b is formed on the game board 1. A center case 5 is attached to the center of the play area 3, and a normal symbol activation gate 22 is installed on the right side of the center case 5. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 22, multiple types of random numbers for the lottery of normal symbols are sampled, and a win/loss judgment (normal symbol lottery) is made based on the sampled random numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, below the center case 5 and to the left of the first starting hole 11, general winning holes 25 to 27 are located.
A large number of game nails are set in the game area 3 of the game board 1, and an outlet 13 is provided at the bottom of the board. Of the game balls that are shot by the launching device and reach the game area 3, all game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes will enter the outlet 13 and be guided to the outside of the game area 3.

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

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

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

The main control device 80 receives detection signals from the first start gate SW 11a, which detects game balls that have entered the first start gate 11, the second start gate SW 12a, which detects game balls that have entered the second start gate 12, the normal symbol operation SW 22a, which detects game balls that have entered the normal symbol operation gate 22, and the general winning gate SW 25a, which detects game balls that have entered the general winning gates 25 to 27. In addition to the above, the main control device 80 also receives detection signals from the count SW 20a, which counts the game balls that have entered the special winning gate 20.

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

Furthermore, the main control unit 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 20 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 20b, and also controls the opening and closing of the second starting opening 12 by controlling the normal power device solenoid 12b.
The output signal from the main control device 80 is also output to the test signal terminal, and signals for managing pattern changes, jackpots, etc. are output to the external connection terminal board 78 and sent to the hall computer 87.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The functional unit as a voice control device controls the voice output from the speaker 66 by activating the sound LSI based on data for voice control, and the functional unit as a lamp control device controls various LEDs and lamps 28 by activating a lamp driver based on data for lamp control.
In addition, the game button 67 is connected to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when a player operates the game button 67, the signal is input to the sub-integrated control device 83. In addition, the outlet SW 13a is connected to the sub-integrated control device 83, and when a game ball enters the outlet 13, a detection signal from the outlet SW 13a is input to the sub-integrated control device 83.

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

[Operation Description]
(1) Overview Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 50 in this embodiment will be described.
(1-1) About the jackpot game In the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is played. In the jackpot game, the jackpot winning hole 20 is opened for a predetermined total number of rounds. In each round, game balls can easily enter the opened jackpot winning hole 20, and a predetermined number of prize balls (hereinafter also referred to as S) are awarded for each game ball that enters the jackpot winning hole 20. Then, when the number of balls entering the jackpot winning hole 20 in each round reaches an upper limit value (hereinafter also referred to as M) or a predetermined opening time has elapsed after the start of the round, the jackpot winning hole 20 is closed and the round ends. Note that, as an example, M may be 10.

Here, in each round, after M game balls have entered the large prize opening 20, more game balls may enter the large prize opening 20 before the large prize opening 20 is closed. In other words, in each round, an over-entry may occur in which more than M game balls enter the large prize opening 20. Even in such a case, the player is awarded a number of prize balls equal to the actual number of balls that entered the large prize opening 20 in the round multiplied by S.

Hereinafter, the number of prize balls that a player can win in a jackpot game will be referred to as the number of winnable prize balls. As an example, the number of winnable prize balls may be a value calculated by multiplying the total number of rounds by M by S. If the open time of a round is short, it is considered that the probability that the number of balls entering the jackpot opening 20 during a round will reach M is low. For jackpot games that include such rounds, a predicted value for the number of prize balls that a player can win can be calculated based on the total number of rounds and the value of S, and the open time of the round, and this predicted value can be used as the number of winnable prize balls.

In addition, even if a game ball enters a winning hole other than the big winning hole 20 during a big win game, a prize ball is awarded according to the ball that enters.
In addition, the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a plurality of types of jackpot games with different total numbers of rounds and different opening times of the jackpot opening 20 in each round. Each type of jackpot game has a unique number of winable prize balls, and a plurality of types of jackpot games with different winable prize balls are provided. Note that a plurality of types of jackpot games with different total numbers of rounds but the same winable prize balls may be provided.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, a plurality of types of special symbols (hereinafter, also referred to as winning symbols) are provided to be displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 when a jackpot occurs. The type of jackpot game is determined according to the winning symbol.
(1-2) About the bonus state The pachinko machine 50 is equipped with a probability variable function and an electric support function, and after the end of a jackpot game, a bonus is given to the player by activating both or either of the electric support function and the probability variable function. Hereinafter, the game state in which both or either of the electric support function and the probability variable function are activated is also described as a bonus state. In addition, the game state in which the electric support function is activated is also described as an electric support. In addition, the game state in which neither the electric support function nor the probability variable function is activated is described as a normal state. In addition, the period in which the game state is a bonus state is also described as a bonus period. The bonus period may be configured as a so-called ST, and the bonus period may continue until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are performed. Of course, this is not limited to this, and for example, the bonus period may be continued until a jackpot occurs in a new jackpot lottery.

The probability of winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery is increased by the high probability function. Hereinafter, the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is activated will be referred to as the probability of winning state or high probability state, and the game state in which the probability of winning the jackpot function is not activated will be referred to as the low probability state. On the other hand, the electric support function is a function that increases the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery, lengthens the opening time of the second starting hole 12 when the normal symbol lottery is won, and further shortens the variable display time on the normal symbol display device 7 when the normal symbol lottery is held, thereby making it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole 12. In addition, during electric support, the variable display time of the special symbol on the special symbol display device may also be shortened. In addition, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery does not have to be increased during electric support.

In the case of electric support, it is easy to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, so a game is played by hitting to the right and aiming for the ball to land in the second starting hole 12. On the other hand, in the case of no electric support, it is difficult to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, so a game is played by hitting to the left and aiming for the ball to land in the first starting hole 11.
In addition, in the pachinko machine 50, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, whether or not to activate the electric support function or the probability variation function after the jackpot game (in other words, whether or not and what kind of benefit is given to the player) is determined according to the winning symbol. That is, in this embodiment, there may be cases where the normal state is transitioned to after the jackpot game ends, and cases where the benefit state is transitioned to. Of course, it is also possible to always transition to the benefit state after the jackpot game. Also, the content of the benefit state may change while the benefit state continues. Specifically, for example, at the start of the benefit period, the probability variation function and the electric support function are activated, and then the probability variation function is stopped, and only the electric support function is activated.

In addition, there are two types of misses in the jackpot lottery: a specific miss and a normal miss. The type of miss is also determined by the special symbol (hereafter, the miss symbol) that is confirmed and displayed on the first and second special symbol display devices 9 and 10 at the time of the miss. When a specific miss occurs, the system transitions to a specific miss state in which it becomes easier to land the ball in the second starting hole 12, for example by activating the electric support function. The specific miss state continues until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries have been held.

In addition, the pachinko machine 50 transitions to a continuous miss state when normal misses occur consecutively for a predetermined number of consecutive misses in the jackpot lottery after the RAM is cleared by the main control device 80 or after the jackpot game ends. In the continuous miss state, for example, the electric support function is activated, making it easier to enter the second starting hole 12. The continuous miss state continues until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are performed. In addition, the pachinko machine transitions to a continuous miss state when normal misses occur consecutively for a predetermined number of consecutive misses in the jackpot lottery, but the predetermined number of consecutive misses may be measured in the jackpot lottery outside of the special state, or the predetermined number of consecutive misses may be measured in the jackpot lottery only when the special function is not activated. Although it is described that normal misses occur consecutively for a predetermined number of consecutive misses in the jackpot lottery, it may also be described that the continuous miss state occurs when a non-jackpot occurs consecutively for a predetermined number of times.

(2) Main Routine First, the main routine in the main control device 80 of the pachinko machine 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5. In the pachinko machine 50, when the power is turned on with a RAM clear switch (not shown) operated, the main control device 80 performs a RAM clear to initialize the RAM provided in the main control device 80. Then, after the RAM clear is performed, the main routine is started. On the other hand, when the power is turned on without the RAM clear switch being operated, the main control device 80 starts the main routine without performing a RAM clear. This main routine is started as a timer interrupt process with a 2 ms cycle.

In S10, the main control unit 80 determines whether the main routine has been started by a normal timer interrupt, and if a positive determination is obtained (S10: Yes), the process proceeds to S20, and if a negative determination is obtained (S10: No), the process proceeds to S15.
In S15, the main control device 80 performs initial settings for the CPU, I/O, etc., and then proceeds to S70.

On the other hand, if a positive judgment is obtained in S10, the main control device 80 updates the initial value random number (S20), updates the random number for determining a jackpot (S25), updates the random number for determining a jackpot pattern (S30), updates the random number for determining a win (S35), updates the random number for reaching a reach (S40), and updates the random number for determining a variation pattern (S45). In addition to the above, the random number for determining a losing pattern is also updated.

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

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

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

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

In S110, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot used in the jackpot lottery, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern to determine a winning pattern, random numbers for reaching a target in the pattern presentation to determine whether a target will be reached, random numbers for determining a change pattern to determine the change time of a special pattern, and random numbers for determining a losing pattern to determine a losing pattern. The extracted random numbers are then stored as the first reserved memory, and a first reserved number command indicating how many first reserved memories have been created is generated and sent to the sub integrated control device 83, and processing proceeds to S115.

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

In S115, the main control device 80 determines whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12 based on the detection signal of the second start hole SW 12a. If the determination is affirmative (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S120, and if the determination is negative (S115: No), the process ends.
In S120, the main control device 80 judges whether the number of reserved memories (second reserved memories) for the special chart corresponding to the second starting port 12 has reached a maximum value (for example, 4). If the judgment is affirmative (S120: Yes), this process is terminated, and if the judgment is negative (S120: No), the process proceeds to S125.

In S125, the main control device 80 extracts random numbers for determining a jackpot, random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern, random numbers for reaching a limit, random numbers for determining a variation pattern, random numbers for determining a losing pattern, etc. Then, the main control device 80 stores the extracted random numbers as second reserved memories, generates a second reserved number command indicating how many second reserved memories have been generated, and transmits it to the sub-integrated control device 83, and ends this process.
In addition, the main control device 80 performs a look-ahead to determine whether a jackpot determination random number or the like (in other words, numerical data) related to the second reserved memory is a specific value, and determines whether a jackpot will occur in the jackpot lottery based on the second reserved memory and whether a specific reach will occur in the pattern presentation that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, for each of the high probability state and the low probability state. Then, a look-ahead command indicating the look-ahead result is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

(4) Win/lose determination process Next, the win/lose determination process for performing a jackpot lottery using the jackpot determination random numbers related to the reserved memory will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 7 to 10. This process is executed from the main routine. After this process is completed, the jackpot game process for playing the jackpot game is executed.

7, in S200, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being played. If the judgment is affirmative (S200: Yes), the process ends, and if the judgment is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S205.
In S205, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S280 in FIG. 9. If the judgment is negative (S205: No), the process proceeds to S210.

In S210, the main control device 80 judges whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed. If the judgment is affirmative (S210: Yes), the process proceeds to S290 in Fig. 10, and if the judgment is negative (S210: No), the process proceeds to S215 in Fig. 8.
Next, with regard to Figure 8, in S215, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a first pending memory and a second pending memory exist, and if either pending memory exists (S215: Yes), the process proceeds to S220, and if not (S215: No), the process terminates.

In S220, if the second reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated second reserved memory, and if the second reserved memory does not exist and only the first reserved memory exists, the main control device 80 selects the first generated first reserved memory. Note that the configuration may be such that the first generated first or second reserved memory is selected.
In S225, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating that the game is in a high probability state is set, and if the determination is positive (S225: Yes), the process proceeds to S230, and if the determination is negative (S225: No), the process proceeds to S235.

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

In S240, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not a jackpot has occurred in the jackpot lottery, and if the determination is positive (S240: Yes), the process proceeds to S245, and if the determination is negative (S240: No), the process proceeds to S260.
In S245, the main control device 80 determines the winning symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol related to the reserved memory that has been consumed. As a result of the determination based on the random number for determining the winning symbol, each winning symbol corresponding to the first special symbol and the second special symbol is randomly selected according to a predetermined distribution ratio. Then, the process proceeds to S250.

In S250 and S255, the main control unit 80 determines the time for the special pattern to change based on the random number for determining the change pattern related to the reserved memory that has been consumed, and determines the type of jackpot, the total number of rounds of jackpot play, the game status after the jackpot play, the conditions for ending the bonus period, etc. based on the winning pattern, and then transitions to S270.
On the other hand, in S260, which is entered when the jackpot lottery is not successful, the main control unit 80 determines the special pattern change time and the losing pattern, etc., based on the random number for reach judgment, the random number for determining the change pattern, the random number for determining the losing pattern, etc., related to the pending memory that has been consumed, and then transitions to S265.

In S265, the main control device 80 performs operations such as updating a counter indicating the remaining number of jackpot lotteries that can be executed during the bonus period, and then transitions to S270.
In S270, the main control device 80 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 83 a first reserved number command indicating the number of first reserved memories after the big win lottery and a second reserved number command indicating the number of second reserved memories after the big win lottery. In addition, the main control device 80 starts the variable display of the special symbol corresponding to the consumed reserved memory, and transmits a variable start command indicating the variable time of the special symbol and the result of the big win lottery to the sub-integrated control device 83 to start the symbol performance. In addition, a symbol designation command indicating the performance symbol to be stopped and displayed is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83, and this process ends.

Next, with regard to FIG. 9, in S280, which is entered during the varying display of the first or second special chart, the main control unit 80 determines whether the variation time of the special chart has elapsed or not, and if the determination is positive (S280: Yes), the process proceeds to S285, and if the determination is negative (S280: No), the process is terminated.
In S285, the main control unit 80 ends the varying display of the special chart, displays the confirmed pattern of the special chart, and sends a pattern confirmation command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to cause the confirmed display of the performance pattern, and ends this processing.

10, in S290, which is performed during the confirmation display of the special image, the main control device 80 judges whether the duration of the confirmation display of the special image has ended. If the result is positive (S290: Yes), the process proceeds to S295, and if the result is negative (S290: No), the process ends.
In S295, the main control unit 80 terminates the confirmation display of the special chart and transitions to S300.

In S300, the main control unit 80 determines whether the special symbol that was displayed as confirmed is the one that will be displayed at the time of a jackpot, and if the determination is positive (S300: Yes), the process proceeds to S305, and if the determination is negative (S300: No), the process proceeds to S335.
In S305, the main control device 80 refers to the high probability flag which indicates that the game is in a high probability state, and if the high probability flag is set, clears the high probability flag (S310), and then proceeds to S315.

In S315, the main control device 80 refers to an electric support flag indicating electric support, and if the electric support flag is set, clears the electric support flag (S320), and then transitions to processing at S325.
Then, the main control unit 80 executes a condition device operation start process (S325) and a role continuous operation device operation start process (S327), and sends a command to the sub-integrated control unit 83 notifying the player of the win in the jackpot lottery, as well as a command to notify the player of the type of jackpot game and the contents of the bonus, etc. (S330), and then ends this process.

On the other hand, in S335, which is reached when a negative judgment is obtained in S300, the main control unit 80 refers to the high probability flag, and if the flag is set (S335: Yes), it judges whether or not the end condition of the high probability state has been met (S340). Specifically, the end condition of the high probability state may be that the number of jackpot lotteries held during the high probability state reaches a predetermined value. Then, if the end condition is met (S340: Yes), the high probability flag is cleared (S345), and processing proceeds to S350.

In S350, the main control device 80 refers to the electric support flag, and if the electric support flag is set (S350: Yes), it determines whether or not the electric support end condition has been met (S355). Specifically, the electric support end condition may be that the number of jackpot draws performed during electric support reaches a predetermined value. Then, if the end condition is met (S355: Yes), the electric support flag is cleared (S360) and processing proceeds to S365.

In S365, the main control device 80 executes a state designation command transmission process to transmit a state designation command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to notify the sub-integrated control device 83 of the current game state, etc., and then ends this process.
(5) Big Win Game Processing Next, the big win game processing for performing the big win game will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 11 to 14. This processing is executed following the win/loss determination processing.

In S500, the main control device 80 judges whether the consecutive operation device of the role object is in operation, i.e., whether a big win game is being executed. If the judgment is affirmative (S500: Yes), the process proceeds to S510, and if the judgment is negative (S500: No), the process ends.
In S510, the main control unit 80 determines whether the large prize opening 20 is open or not, and if the determination is positive (S510: Yes), the processing proceeds to S550 in FIG. 12, and if the determination is negative (S510: No), the processing proceeds to S515.

In S515, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not it is during the interval between each round in the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S515: Yes), the processing proceeds to S600 in FIG. 13, and if the determination is negative (S515: No), the processing proceeds to S520.
In S520, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the end presentation of the jackpot game is in progress, and if the determination is positive (S520: Yes), the processing proceeds to S645 in FIG. 14, and if the determination is negative (S520: No), the processing proceeds to S525.

In S525, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the presentation time for the jackpot start presentation, which is performed after a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery and before the jackpot game starts, has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S525: Yes), the process proceeds to S530, and if the determination is negative (S525: No), the process ends.
In S530, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the winning symbol (executes the large prize game of the first round), sets the opening counter indicating the number of rounds to 1 (S535), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may send a command indicating that the first round is about to start to the sub integrated control device 83.

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

In S560, the main control unit 80 executes a large prize opening closing process to close the large prize opening 20, and then transitions to S565.
In S565, the main control unit 80 executes a jackpot interval process to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and then ends this process.
Next, with regard to FIG. 13, in S600, which is entered during the interval between each round, the main control unit 80 determines whether or not the final round has been reached based on the opening counter and the opening pattern of the jackpot game, and if the determination is positive (S600: Yes), the processing proceeds to S605, and if the determination is negative (S600: No), the processing proceeds to S615.

In S605, the main control device 80 executes a jackpot end presentation process to present the end of the jackpot game, and clears the opening counter (S610), and ends this process.
On the other hand, in S615, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the interval time for the jackpot game has elapsed, and if the determination is positive (S615: Yes), the process proceeds to S620, and if the determination is negative (S615: No), the process ends.

In S620, the main control device 80 executes a large prize opening process to open the large prize opening 20, and increments the opening counter indicating the number of rounds (S625), and ends this process. At this time, the main control device 80 may transmit a command indicating a new round to the sub integrated control device 83.
Next, with regard to Figure 14, in S645, which is entered during the end presentation of the jackpot game, the main control device 80 determines whether or not the time for the end presentation has ended, and if the determination is positive (S645: Yes), the process proceeds to S650, and if the determination is negative (S645: No), the process terminates.

In the following steps S650 and S655, the main control device 80 stops the reel continuous operation device and the condition device, and transfers processing to S660.
In S660 and S665, the main control device 80 sets the probability variable flag and the electric support flag according to the contents previously determined according to the winning symbol, and sets the end condition of the privilege period. This determines the game state after the big win game according to the winning symbol, and determines the duration of the privilege period if the game transitions to the privilege state after the big win game.

In S670 and S675, the main control unit 80 sends to the sub-integrated control unit 83 a jackpot end command to end the presentation related to the jackpot game, and a state designation command to notify the sub-integrated control unit 83 of the game state after the jackpot game ends and the number of STs, and then ends this processing.
(6) About the performance In the pachinko machine 50, the sub-integrated control device 83 controls the performance pattern control device 82 and the like based on a command from the main control device 80, and performs various performances through the performance screen of the performance pattern display device 6 and the speaker 66. Specifically, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a pattern performance that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery on the performance screen based on a variation start command from the main control device 80. In the pattern performance, after the variation display of the performance pattern is performed in multiple variable areas on the performance screen, the performance pattern is confirmed and displayed in each variable area, and the result of the jackpot lottery is notified by the combination of the confirmed and displayed performance patterns. In addition, in the pattern performance, a reach is reached, suggesting a win in the jackpot lottery whose result is notified by the pattern performance. In addition, in this embodiment, multiple types of reach are provided, and each type of reach has a unique expectation degree, which is the probability of winning the jackpot lottery.

In addition, when a new reserved memory is generated, the sub-integrated control device 83 displays a reserved pattern on the display screen corresponding to the reserved memory. In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 performs a look-ahead performance using the reserved pattern corresponding to the reserved memory to suggest or notify that a jackpot lottery based on the reserved memory will be won before the jackpot lottery is performed. Of course, the look-ahead performance may be performed without using the reserved pattern, for example, by performing a cut-in performance or displaying a specified character.

When the reserved memory is consumed, a changing pattern is displayed in place of the reserved pattern corresponding to the reserved memory. The changing pattern corresponds to a big win lottery and is displayed together with a pattern presentation informing the result of the big win lottery.
In addition, the sub-integrated control device 83 may perform a preview performance during the pattern performance, which suggests the result of the big win lottery whose result is announced in the pattern performance. As the preview performance, for example, a pseudo consecutive, a group preview, a cut-in preview, etc. may be performed, and in the preview performance, for example, a predetermined character, etc. may be displayed. Note that the pseudo consecutive is a performance in which the variable display is pseudo-stopped in the pattern performance and then the variable display is started again, so that it appears as if multiple pattern performances are performed in one pattern performance. Also, the group preview is a performance in which a group of multiple performance elements is displayed on the performance screen, and the cut-in preview is a performance in which a predetermined image is temporarily displayed on the performance screen.

In addition, the pachinko machine 50 is provided with a plurality of presentation modes, and each presentation is performed in a manner corresponding to the current presentation mode. In other words, the presentation mode determines the manner of presentation that suggests or notifies the result of the jackpot lottery, and depending on the presentation mode, at least some of the background of the presentation screen, the presentation pattern, the pattern variation of the presentation pattern in the pattern presentation, the reach and super reach, etc., and the appearance rate of the presentation change. In addition, each presentation mode continues over a plurality of pattern presentations. As an example, in this embodiment, at least a normal mode and a bonus mode may be provided as the presentation mode. And, when the game state is in the normal state, the presentation mode may be the normal mode, and when the game state is in the bonus state, the presentation mode may be the bonus mode. Also, a plurality of types of normal modes may be provided, and when a condition is satisfied during the normal mode, such as a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries being performed, the presentation mode may be switched to another type of normal mode. Similarly, multiple types of bonus modes may be provided, and the type of bonus mode to transition to may be determined based on, for example, the type of jackpot game or whether or not a special bonus function or electric support function is activated. Alternatively, if a certain condition is met during a bonus mode, the mode may be switched to another type of bonus mode.

(7) Regarding the presentation mode switching function In this embodiment, when a predetermined number of changes occur in the number of jackpot lotteries during the normal state, the sub-integrated control device 83 transitions to a specific mode different from the normal mode or the bonus mode.
There are also multiple types of specific modes, and in this embodiment there are three types of specific modes: a complete notification mode, a button presentation mode, and a simple mode.

The full notification mode is a mode that is highly likely to notify the player of a jackpot at the start of or during the fluctuation before the result is announced, and as a notification, a sound indicating a jackpot is confirmed is generated at the start of or during the fluctuation, or a display indicating a jackpot is confirmed before a display indicating a jackpot is displayed. Any notification method can be used as long as it notifies the player of a jackpot.
The button performance mode is a mode where many performances using buttons occur, and examples of performances using buttons include a preview performance where the button is pressed to suggest the expectation level, a suggestion of the expectation level of a big hit during a reach performance, and a performance where the button is pressed at the end of a reach performance to notify the winner when the button is pressed. Any other performances that use buttons are acceptable, and they may be not only a single press, but also a press that involves repeated presses, long presses, etc.
In simple mode, the frequency of previews and other teasers is low, and the expectation of each preview is higher than in other modes. In simple mode, previews may not appear at all, rather than lowering their frequency.

These specific modes each have different gameplay characteristics in terms of the effects, and one or all of the effects, appearance rates, patterns, backgrounds, etc. differ for each mode, and the name of each mode is displayed during the specific mode.
As shown in FIG. 15, the normal mode is the basic mode in the normal state, and a bear character is displayed in the upper right corner, and a changing effect pattern is displayed below it (FIG. 15(1)).
In the specific mode, full notification mode, an image of a cat is displayed in the background, "full notification mode" is displayed in the upper left, and the image is displayed smaller than in normal mode (Fig. 15(2)). In the button presentation mode, two men are displayed in the background, "button presentation mode" is displayed in the upper left, and the image is displayed smaller in the upper right (Fig. 15(3)). In the simple mode, widely varying numbers are displayed, and "simple mode" is displayed in the upper left (Fig. 15(4)).
It has been stated that the playability of each specific mode differs depending on the effects, and that one or all of the effects, their appearance rate, patterns, backgrounds, etc. are different for each mode, but it is preferable that at least the appearance rate of the effects and the effects that appear for each mode are different. Although simply changing the background or patterns can change the atmosphere of the effects, by varying the appearance rate of the effects and the effects that appear for each mode, the playability can be significantly changed for each mode, eliminating the feeling of monotony.

Regarding the switching of the presentation mode, the sub-integrated control device 83 counts the number of variations of the lottery for the big win during the normal state. When the counted number of variations reaches a specified value, the sub-integrated control device 83 is equipped with a presentation mode switching function that sets the presentation mode to a specific mode. When the presentation mode is switched, the count value of the number of variations is cleared and the count is started again.
During the specific mode, for example, when 10 big wins are drawn, the specific mode ends and transitions to the normal mode. The count value is cleared after switching the presentation mode, and a new number of fluctuations is counted. When the specified value is reached, the mode is switched back to the specific mode, and these steps are repeated. In the above, the mode is switched back to the specific mode, but once the specific mode is entered, the count may not be restarted or the specified value may not be set until a big win occurs or the RAM is cleared.
The condition for ending the specific mode is not limited to 10 times, but may be another number of times, may be a different number each time the specific mode is performed, or may be determined by lottery at a timing such as when a specified value is reached. By making the period of the specific mode not constant, the player does not know when it will end, which provides an element of surprise to the player.
Also, while the number of fluctuations is counted during the normal state, it may not be counted during the specific mode or the special effect mode described later. In other words, the count is started again after the effect mode is switched, but the count is started when the specific mode or the special effect mode ends. The count is also started during the specific mode, and if the specific mode is long, there is a possibility that the specific mode will be changed to the specific mode immediately after the specific mode ends, and especially if the period of the specific mode or the special effect mode is not constant, there is a possibility that the specific mode will be changed to the specific mode immediately after the specific mode or the special effect mode ends.
The count value of the number of fluctuations may also be cleared when a jackpot is hit or the RAM is cleared.

In this embodiment, as an example, the specified value during the counting period is the number of times the jackpot lottery can change during normal operation, which is 100 times. When the number of changes reaches 100, the game transitions to a specific mode, which is then repeated every 100 spins.

Of course, the specified value does not have to be 100 times and can be another value, and the specified value can be changed each time a reset is performed. The specified value can be determined by the number of resets, or can be determined randomly by lottery or the like when counting begins, such as when the RAM is cleared or a jackpot is hit. By not setting a fixed specified value, the player does not know when a specific mode will be entered, which gives the player the element of surprise that a specific mode will be entered.

In this embodiment, the specific mode is provided with multiple types of specific modes, and when the presentation mode switching function is activated, the specific mode may be selected randomly from multiple types of specific modes and the player may transition to the selected type of specific mode. This increases the variety of specific modes, allowing the player to enjoy the game, and reduces the possibility of the same specific mode being selected each time, so that the player does not become bored. In addition, when multiple types are selected randomly, the previously selected specific mode may not be selected, and when there are three specific modes, the previously selected specific mode may not be selected as described above. However, in order to ensure that three presentation modes are selected when transitioning to a specific mode three times, the specific modes may be set to three times in one set, and a mode selected once in the three times may not be selected in the set, or multiple types of specific modes may be selected in sequence. By doing so, the same specific mode will not be selected every time. In the above, three types were used, but even if there are four or more types, one set may be four or more types, and the same mode may not be selected in one set as described above.

In this embodiment, when the game state returns to the normal state after the RAM is cleared or after the end of a jackpot game, the count period begins and the number of fluctuations is counted. In other words, when a bonus state is entered after the end of a jackpot game, the count period begins when the bonus state ends and the normal state begins, regardless of whether the special bonus function or the electric support function is activated in the bonus state. On the other hand, when a bonus state is entered after the end of a jackpot game, the count period begins when the jackpot game ends.

It is assumed that the contents of the privilege state may change during the privilege period. That is, at the start of the privilege period, the probability variable function and the electric support function are in operation, and in the middle of the privilege period, the probability variable function may stop operating and only the electric support function may be in operation. Even in such a case, the count period will start at the end of the privilege state.
In addition to this, for example, the electric support may be always activated during the bonus state.

Also, for example, the count period may be set to start when the electric support function is not activated after the end of the jackpot game. In other words, even if the bonus state is entered after the end of the jackpot game, for example, if only the variable probability function is activated in the bonus state and the electric support function is not activated, the count period may be started at the end of the jackpot game. Also, for example, it is assumed that the bonus state is entered after the end of the jackpot game, the variable probability function and the electric support function are activated in the bonus state, and then the operation of the electric support function is terminated while the bonus state continues, resulting in a state in which only the variable probability function is activated. In such a case, the count period may be started at the end of the electric support function.
In this case, the electric support function is not activated, so although the special bonus function is activated, the game is played in the same way as in normal play, and it is necessary to play with fewer game balls than when the electric support function is activated. This can make the player feel disgusted if they do not win a jackpot for a long period of time, so by switching to a specific mode, this disgust can be alleviated.

Moreover, regardless of the game state, the counting period may start immediately after the end of a big win game.
The counting period ends when a jackpot occurs in the jackpot lottery during the counting period. After the jackpot game ends, a new counting period in which the specified value is used begins.

In addition, during the counting period, the game may transition to a specific miss state due to a specific symbol being selected or a continuous miss state which occurs when multiple variations do not result in a jackpot, and the electric support function may be activated without going through a jackpot. In such a case, while these states continue, the count of the number of variations may be temporarily suspended while maintaining the count value. Then, after these states end, the count of the number of variations may be resumed. Of course, in this case, when the sum of the count values of the number of variations before transitioning to the specific miss state or the continuous miss state and after the specific miss state or the continuous miss state ends reaches a specified value, the game will transition to the specific mode. In this way, even if the electric support function ends without a jackpot, the count is not reset by the electric support function, so that the game can enter the specific mode at a relatively early stage, eliminating the feeling of boredom and the feeling of monotony in the performance, and creating a sense of something special, so that the player will not end the game. In addition, although the count value is not reset when the electric support function is activated, it may be reset. The count may start after resetting or when the electric support function ends.

(8) Count Period Start Processing Next, the count period start processing for starting the count period will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 16. Note that this processing is periodically executed by the sub integrated control device 83.
In S700, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether or not the start condition of the count period is satisfied. If the result is affirmative (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, and if the result is negative (S700: No), the process ends.

In this embodiment, the count period begins after the RAM is cleared, or when the jackpot game ends and the game state is normal. Also, when the count value reaches a specified value and a specific mode is selected, the count period begins again. If the game state becomes a bonus state after the jackpot game ends, the start condition of the count period may be considered to be satisfied when the bonus state ends. More specifically, the start condition of the count period may be considered to be satisfied, for example, when the last jackpot lottery is performed during the bonus state, when the variable display that notifies the result of the jackpot lottery begins or ends, during the execution of the variable display, when the special bonus state flag or electric support flag that indicates the bonus state is cleared, or immediately before or after the first jackpot lottery is performed after the bonus state ends and the game transitions to the normal state.

In addition, if the game state returns to the normal state after the end of a jackpot game, the start condition of the count period may be considered to be satisfied when the jackpot game ends. More specifically, for example, the start condition of the count period may be considered to be satisfied at the end of the final round of the jackpot game, at the end of the jackpot end presentation for the jackpot game, or immediately before or after the execution of the first jackpot lottery that is performed after the end of the jackpot game.

As described above, the pachinko machine 50 may be configured so that the count period begins when the jackpot game ends and the electric support function is not activated. Even in such a configuration, if the electric support function is activated after the jackpot game ends, the start condition for the count period may be considered to be satisfied in the same way when the operation of the electric support function ends, and if the electric support function is not activated after the jackpot game ends, the start condition for the count period may be considered to be satisfied in the same way when the jackpot game ends.

In addition, regardless of the game state, when a big win game ends, the start condition of the counting period may be considered to be satisfied in the same manner.
In S705, which is entered when the start condition of the count period is satisfied, the sub-integrated control device 83 sets a specified value for the count period. In this embodiment, the specified value is set to 100 times, but the specified value may be set randomly by lottery, may be set based on the symbol or type of the jackpot that was won immediately before, or may be set based on the number of times a specific mode was played.
The specified value may be set before the start condition of the count period is satisfied. Specifically, for example, the specified value may be set at the start or end of the immediately preceding big win game.

In the next S710, the sub integrated control device 83 initializes a fluctuation number counter used for counting the number of fluctuations during the count period, and proceeds to S715.
In S715, the sub integrated control device 83 starts the counting period and ends this process.

In S705 of FIG. 16, the specified value is set to 100 times, and in S710 the fluctuation count is initialized to start the fluctuation count period. Even when the presentation mode is switched, the conditions for starting the count period are satisfied and the fluctuation count is initialized so that the count period begins again. This makes it possible to transition to a specific mode after the 100th time in the normal state, or even at the 200th or 300th spin; however, it is also possible to set multiple specified values in S705, such as the 100th, 200th, and 300th spins, and not initialize the specified value when the presentation mode is switched.
(9) Counting Process Next, the counting process of counting the number of fluctuations during the counting period will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. This process is periodically executed by the sub-integrated control device 83.

In S800, the sub integrated control device 83 judges whether or not it is in the counting period. If a positive judgment is obtained (S800: Yes), the process proceeds to S805, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S800: No), the process ends.
In S805, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether a new change in the special pattern 1 or the second special pattern has occurred. If a positive judgment is obtained (S805: Yes), the process proceeds to S810, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S805: No), the process ends.

In S810, the sub-integrated control device 83 updates the fluctuation number counter, adds the newly displayed fluctuation to the number of fluctuations in the counting period, and proceeds to S815.
In S815, the sub-integrated control device 83 judges whether the number of fluctuations in the counting period has reached a specified value. If a positive judgment is obtained (S815: Yes), the process proceeds to S820, and if a negative judgment is obtained (S815: No), the process ends.

In S820, the sub-integrated control device 83 selects which of multiple specific modes to select, changes the current presentation mode to the specific mode (S825), ends the counting period (S830), and ends this process.

In S805, it is determined whether a new change in the special chart 1 or the second special chart has occurred, but it is also possible to not count either the special chart 1 or the second special chart depending on the game state. For example, in the normal state, the second starting hole 12 is located in the area (right-hitting area) where the game ball launched by right-hitting (hitting by aiming at the right side of the center case 5) mainly flows down, so if the electric support function is not activated, the second special chart will not basically change. If the second special chart changes in the normal state, it may be because the player is hitting the ball incorrectly or is cheating, so it is also possible not to count the change in the second special chart when the electric support is not activated. Also, while the second special chart was used as an example, if a starting hole for changing the first special chart configured as a normal electric device is provided in the right-hand hitting area, a starting hole for changing the first special chart can also be provided in the area (left-hand hitting area) where the game ball released by left-hand hitting (aiming at the left side of the center case 5) mainly flows down, so that the change in the first special chart in the right-hand hitting area is not counted.

In this embodiment, the special presentation mode is set to prevent the player from quitting the game when the game state returns to normal after the big win game ends.

The special presentation mode is a mode that alternates between three specific modes: complete announcement mode, button presentation mode, and simple mode. More specifically, after a jackpot game ends, the normal state is reached; or, if the game state becomes a bonus state after a jackpot game ends, the normal state is reached when the bonus state ends. From there, the complete announcement mode is initiated, and when a predetermined number of jackpot draws have been performed, the button presentation mode is reached, when a predetermined number of jackpot draws have been performed in the button presentation mode, the simple mode is reached, and when a predetermined number of jackpot draws have been performed in the simple mode, the normal mode is reached.
The above-mentioned predetermined number of times may be 10 times, which is the same number as the specific mode. In the normal state, only one of the multiple specific modes can be played once every 100 spins, but in the special effect mode, multiple specific modes can be played, and since the effects of each specific mode executed in the special effect mode are executed for the same period of time, each of the multiple specific modes can be played, and since there are few changes from the specific modes, production costs can be minimized.
Also, although the number of times is set in advance, it may be set randomly by lottery, or may be set based on the symbol or type of the most recent big win, and the number of times each specific mode is performed may be different. By having different numbers of times, it is possible to provide an element of surprise to the player.

In the special performance mode, the performance of the performance mode selected in the specific mode is used, and while the specific mode transitions to one specific mode from multiple specific modes, it is different from the specific mode in that multiple specific modes are played in sequence. Therefore, since the performance is different from normal and all the specific modes are played, it is possible to give the player a sense of specialness and make it difficult for them to quit playing, and since the performance of the specific mode is used, the time and cost required for creating new performances can be minimized, and it is possible to prevent the player from quitting the game when the game state returns to normal state after the end of the jackpot game.

In this embodiment, the special presentation mode is a mode in which all three types of modes, full announcement mode, button presentation mode, and simple mode, are presented in sequence, but it is also possible to use only two of the three types, in which case the two types may be predetermined, or the two types may be selected randomly by lottery or the like. In this embodiment, the full announcement mode, button presentation mode, and simple mode are presented in this order, but the order of these may be different each time a jackpot is hit, or the order may be random.

In this embodiment, when the game state becomes normal after the end of the jackpot game, the special performance mode is set so that the player does not end the game. However, even if it is not after the jackpot, the player may end the game when the electric support function ends, because the player may end the game when the electric support function ends when the electric support function is activated without going through the jackpot, and the special mode may be set to switch to the special mode or the special performance mode. In addition, the special mode or the special performance mode may be set to switch to the special mode or the special performance mode at a timing when the player may lose his willingness to play and end the game, even if it is not at the time of the jackpot or the end of the electric support function. Specifically, it is considered that the player's willingness to play decreases when a high expectation notice or a reach occurs and the fluctuation is missed, and the special mode or the special performance mode may be set to switch to the special mode or the special performance mode from the next fluctuation after the fluctuation is missed.
In the case where there are multiple timings for the special performance mode, such as when the electric support function ends when the electric support function is activated without going through a jackpot, or when a highly anticipated reach is missed, the contents of the special performance mode may be different for each mode. For example, the order of the performance of each specific mode may be different, or the types of performance of the specific mode may be three types after a jackpot and two types other than after a jackpot. In this way, each special performance mode becomes a different special performance mode, which can eliminate boredom and a sense of monotony in the performance and create a special feeling.

In this embodiment, the number of times the special pattern changes is counted and a transition to a specific mode is made, and the specific mode and special performance mode are performed a predetermined number of times, but the number of times the special pattern changes does not have to be a condition, and a transition to a specific mode may also be made when the number of times the normal pattern changes or the number of game balls detected by the outlet SW 13a reaches a predetermined number, or a transition to a specific mode may occur at a predetermined time.
In this embodiment, the count value may be displayed on the presentation screen so that the player can understand it. For example, the current count value may be displayed, or the remaining count value until the specific mode is reached may be displayed. By not displaying the count value, the player can be surprised by suddenly switching to the specific mode, but if the count value is displayed, the player can see the number of rotations until the specific mode is reached and be motivated to continue playing until the transition to the specific mode is reached.

In addition, in this embodiment, a so-called digital pachinko type pachinko machine 50 is exemplified, but this is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to so-called two-type type (hanemono) and one-type/two-type combined pachinko machines.
Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention may be a so-called "inserted gaming machine" or a "non-inserted gaming machine."
The present invention can be applied not only to pachinko machines but also to reel-type gaming machines (slot machines). The same effects as those of the pachinko machine 50 shown in each embodiment can be obtained in reel-type gaming machines (slot machines).

When the gaming machine of the present invention is a slot machine, the "advantageous play" can be an advantageous state compared to normal play, such as AT play, ART play, RT play, BB play, or RB play.

[Correspondence to claims]
The following shows correspondence between the terms used in the description of the above embodiment and the terms used in the claims.
The pachinko machine 50 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine. In addition, a state in which the jackpot game and the electric support function are activated corresponds to an example of an advantageous game, a state in which the jackpot game and the electric support function are not activated corresponds to an example of a normal game, and the specific mode corresponds to the first presentation mode and the second presentation mode.

The jackpot game processing, S660, corresponds to an example of advantageous game control means. Also, S805 and S810 of the counting processing correspond to an example of counting means, and S820 corresponds to an example of change means.

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

Claims (1)

an advantageous game control means for executing an advantageous game which is more advantageous to a player than a normal game when a predetermined advantageous game condition is established;
In a gaming machine having a plurality of presentation modes and performing a presentation in a manner corresponding to one of the presentation modes,
As the presentation modes, a normal game mode, an advantageous game mode, a first presentation mode, and a second presentation mode are provided,
A counting means for counting each time a predetermined condition is satisfied;
a change means for switching a current presentation mode to the first presentation mode or the second presentation mode when the value counted by the count means reaches a specified value;
After the advantageous game ends, the presentation mode is switched to the first presentation mode for a predetermined period, and after the predetermined period, the presentation mode is switched to the second presentation mode.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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