JP2024062716A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can heighten a player's sense of anticipation for winning a jackpot.
[Solution] A gaming machine is disclosed that allows the selection of whether to execute a reserved display performed as a predetermined look-ahead effect as a first look-ahead effect that changes the reserved display to a different state at the end of the variable display of the pattern, or as a second look-ahead effect that changes the reserved display to a different state at the start of the variable display of the pattern. According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a novel effect notification that gives a sense of incongruity to the player based on the fact that the timing of changing the reserved display that can be performed as a look-ahead effect to another reserved effect is different from normal.
[Selection diagram] Figure 34-2

Description

This disclosure relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Conventionally, pachinko gaming machines perform a jackpot determination to determine whether or not a jackpot has been reached, provided that a gaming ball has entered the starting hole (ball entry hole). When a jackpot determination is made, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner to notify the result of the jackpot determination. When the special symbol variable display indicates that the jackpot determination result is a jackpot, a jackpot game advantageous to the player is executed (see Patent Document 1).

The gaming machine of Patent Document 1 heightens the player's sense of anticipation by executing a preview effect suggesting that a jackpot game may be executed while the special symbol is being displayed in a changing state, and by entering an easy-to-win state (time-saving state) after a jackpot game is executed, in which it is easier for the game ball to enter the starting hole than in the normal game state.

JP 2018-88993 A

However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques have the problem that they do not sufficiently increase the player's expectations for winning a jackpot.

Therefore, this disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in the games they play.

In one aspect, the present invention includes an acquisition means capable of acquiring judgment information regarding whether a game has been won or lost as the game progresses, a storage means capable of storing one or more pieces of judgment information acquired by the acquisition means, a judgment means capable of making a final judgment on each of the judgment information stored in the storage means each time a start condition is satisfied, a notification means capable of varyingly displaying a pattern displayed on a display unit based on the satisfaction of the start condition and notifying the result of the final judgment made by the judgment means when the varying display of the pattern has ended, and a pre-reading means for determining in advance, before the satisfaction of the start condition, predetermined judgment information based on each memory stored in the storage means. A gaming machine is provided that includes a pre-determination means capable of only determining whether a game has been started, and a performance control means capable of controlling the execution of a suggestive notification regarding a look-ahead performance before the actual determination of the determination information that was the subject of the pre-determination is made, and the look-ahead performance includes a first look-ahead performance that changes the suggestive notification at a first timing before the display of the pattern changes that can be started when the actual determination of the determination information that was the subject of the pre-determination is made, and a second look-ahead performance that changes the suggestive notification at a second timing when the display of the pattern changes that can be started is made.

This disclosure makes it possible to increase the interest of players in the games they play.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A schematic front view showing the second large prize device and other features of the pachinko game machine. 2 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 1, showing displays provided on the gaming machine. FIG. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board of the pachinko game machine. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board of the pachinko game machine. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) A special winning random number determination table. (B) A big winning symbol type determination table. (C) A small winning symbol type determination table. (D) A reach determination table. (E) A time-saving symbol type determination table. This is a determination table for the big win symbol type and the small win symbol type, and is a table explaining the types of big wins and small wins. (A) A normal map hit determination table. (B) A normal map type determination table. (C) A normal map change pattern determination table. (D) An electric chute opening pattern determination table. (E) An electric chute opening time determination table. This is a special chart fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a judgment table for special prize winning commands. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a gate passing process. 13 is a flowchart of a normal operation process. 13 is a flowchart of a special action process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. 13 is a flowchart of a jackpot determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status management process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 1 (jackpot game). 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 2 (small win game). This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 2 (small win game). 13 is a flowchart of a distribution member control process. 13 is a timing chart showing the opening pattern of the second large prize opening and the operating pattern of the distribution member according to the type of small prize pattern. 13 is a flowchart of a specific area sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a pre-reading performance execution process (part 1). This is a time chart for hold change notice. 13 is a flowchart of the pre-reading performance execution process (part 2). 13 is a diagram illustrating the game flow regarding the transition to the time-saving mode. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a background image in daytime background mode, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a background image in night background mode, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a background image in flame background mode. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of normal fluctuation in a fluctuation performance. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of N reach (normal reach) in a variable presentation. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of SP reach in a variable presentation. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a battle reach in a variable presentation. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the development of the presentation after a small win game.

In the embodiment for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment"), a pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described as an example of a gaming machine in which the gaming medium used in the game is a gaming ball, and the game can be played by shooting the gaming ball toward the gaming board.

In the following explanation, technical matters well known to those skilled in the art may be simplified or omitted. Furthermore, terms commonly used by those skilled in the art may be used without their definitions. The supplementary content written in parentheses below is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the supplementary content.

[Outline of basic game progress in pachinko gaming machine 1]
The pachinko game machine 1 illustrated below satisfies the conditions for implementing a predetermined lottery (acquisition of judgment information/acquisition of judgment elements) when a game ball enters (progresses in a game) a predetermined ball entrance provided on the game board surface (a game area through which the game ball flows down) that can accept (enter) a game ball released in response to a predetermined operation (rotation of the handle) performed by a player, and based on a predetermined trigger (start timing of lottery judgment based on the First-In First-Out method/establishment of game conditions/establishment of requirements for starting lottery judgment/main judgment) caused by this, a variable display of an identification pattern (a special pattern related to the ball entering the start opening, or a normal pattern related to the ball entering the gate) is started on the game machine display device (pattern display device/segment display unit), and when a predetermined variable time has elapsed after the start of the display, the identification pattern is stopped and displayed in a predetermined type of stopped display mode corresponding to the result of the predetermined lottery (judgment of lottery elements/win/lose), thereby enabling a game progress in which a game result (announcement of win/lose) is derived.

In addition, while the aforementioned identification pattern is being displayed in a variable manner, one or more presentation patterns can be displayed in a variable manner using the presentation display device (liquid crystal display) for the gaming machine, and a presentation notification (video display using predetermined images) relating to the game progress (during the display of the variations) is given according to a predetermined presentation scenario (presentation variation pattern) that takes into account the results of a predetermined lottery. This makes it possible to notify the player of advance hints (previews) regarding the likelihood of winning before the results of the predetermined lottery are derived (before the identification pattern is displayed in a stopped state), resulting in a game that heightens the player's expectations regarding the gaming profits (prize balls, bonus status, useful information) that can be obtained thereafter.

When the type of the stopped identification pattern results in a winning result (stopped display of a winning identification pattern) that allows the player to transition to a special game (big win or small win) that is more advantageous to the player than normal play, a predetermined movable part (opening/closing device) that is provided in correspondence with a predetermined specific ball entry hole (prize entry hole or big win hole) on the game board that is in a state (closed) that makes it difficult for the ball to enter during normal play can be operated to make it easier to enter (open), resulting in a game in which the player can earn a predetermined gaming profit by entering the game ball into that specific ball entry hole.

The execution condition (start) of the aforementioned specified moving part may be triggered by the announcement of the winning result, or by the game ball entering a predetermined specific ball entry area after the winning result has been announced (satisfying a specified operation requirement).

Furthermore, after the end of the special game as described above, it is possible to transition to an advantageous state (a bonus state, a good chance game state, a chance period in which the game progresses more advantageously than in normal game) based on at least one of a probability-changing state in which the probability of winning a predetermined lottery is made higher than the probability corresponding to normal game (low probability state) and/or a time-saving state (hereinafter also referred to as a time-saving state) in which the execution efficiency of the variable display of identification patterns can be made higher than in normal game, and this advantageous state can be implemented based on the achievement of a specified start condition (lottery result, number of games played, detection of a specified ball entering, end of a predetermined game state, etc.), thereby enabling a game progress that enhances the entertainment value of the game.

[Gaming machine structure]
A pachinko game machine 1 according to the present embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as the present pachinko game machine 1) will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the present pachinko game machine 1 according to the embodiment includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50. A front frame 51 of the game machine frame 50 is provided with a handle 60a for launching game balls with a launch strength according to a rotation angle, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 for storing game balls, and an excess ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61.

The front frame 51 is also provided with an effect button 63 and a select button 64 (see the plan view within the dashed line in Figure 1) that the player can operate during effects that are executed as the game progresses. The front frame 51 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 66 and a speaker 67. The effect button 63 has an internal light source (not shown) and a vibration device 63b built in.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the internal light-emitting element emits light, causing the effect button 63 to emit light. Also, the vibration device 63b vibrates, causing the effect button 63 to vibrate. There are multiple types of light-emitting modes for the internal light-emitting element. Specifically, the light-emitting modes for the internal light-emitting element include a white light-emitting mode in which the internal light-emitting element emits white light, a yellow light-emitting mode in which the internal light-emitting element emits yellow light, and a red light-emitting mode in which the internal light-emitting element emits red light.

In this embodiment, input from the effect button 63 is enabled when a specific effect is triggered during the fluctuation of special symbols or during a specific winning state, or when an effect is selected from among multiple effects, and at this time the internal light emitter emits light of a specific color and/or the vibration device 63b vibrates in a specific pattern. At this time, input from the effect button 63 (single press, long press, repeated taps, etc.) can be used to trigger a specific effect or to select one of multiple effects.

The game board 2 has a game area 3, in which game balls released by operating the handle 60a flow down, surrounded by a rail member 4. The game board 2 also has a decorative board lamp 5 (see Figure 5). The game area 3 has a number of game pegs (not shown) protruding therefrom to guide the game balls.

The handle 60a shown in FIG. 1 is designed so that air blown from a blower (pump actuator) 60b built into the handle 60a during play (while the special symbols are being displayed), can be discharged from the discharge hole 60c. Specifically, the blower 60b is configured as a pump actuator that can continuously generate instantaneous wind. However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of a pump actuator, and other blower devices (e.g., a fan such as an electric fan) that can generate wind at will may be used instead of the pump actuator.

In addition, in this embodiment, the pump actuator is driven in conjunction with the display of the changing performance symbols or the performance display of a predetermined pattern (such as the button operation instruction image 63c) on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, so that wind can be generated. However, the pump actuator (including other air blowing devices) may be driven and controlled in accordance with other timing during the gameplay of the pachinko game machine 1.

Therefore, when a player holds the handle 60a near the front of the pachinko game machine 1, the player can experience an airflow effect based on the air discharged from the air blower 60b (tactile information that can be perceived by the sense of touch) around the palm of the player's hand. When the player holds the lever 60e (by turning on the touch switch 114 (see Figure 4)), the player can rotate the lever 60e.

In addition, near the front of this pachinko game machine 1 (around the ball supply tray 61), a vibration effect based on vibrations (tactile sensory information that can be perceived by the sense of touch) generated by the vibration device 63b can be given to a player who presses the effect button 63 (turning on the effect button detection switch 63a (see Figure 5)/predetermined input processing).

As a modified example, the position where the air blower 60b or the vibration device 63b is provided may be any suitable position on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, so long as it is a position where the player sitting in front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be provided with tactile sensory information (wind/vibration) that can be perceived by the player.

For example, a vibration device 63b may be provided in the handle 60, and vibrations (tactile sensory information perceptible by the sense of touch) generated by the vibration device 63b may be transmitted to the vicinity of the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (around the palm of the player holding the handle 60a). Also, a blower 60b may be provided in the speaker 67, and a configuration may be made in which air can be blown from an outlet hole provided in the front of the speaker 67 to the vicinity of the front of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (around the face of the player viewing the image display device).

As shown in FIG. 1, an image display device 7, which is a liquid crystal display device, is provided near the center of the game area 3. The display screen (display section) 7a of the image display device 7 has a performance pattern display area that displays the changing performance patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R in synchronization with the changing display (variable display) of the first special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern 1) and the second special pattern (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern 2) described below.

The performance symbol display area consists of three display areas, for example, "left," "middle," and "right." The left display area displays the left performance symbol 8L, the middle display area displays the middle performance symbol 8C, and the right display area displays the right performance symbol 8R. Each performance symbol consists of multiple symbols, for example, representing the numbers "1" through "9."

The image display device 7 clearly displays the results of the variable display of the special chart 1 and special chart 2 (i.e., the result of the jackpot lottery) displayed on the special chart 1 display 41a and special chart 2 display 41b (see Figure 3) described below, based on the combination of the left, center, and right performance patterns.

For example, if a jackpot is won, the effect symbols are displayed as a repeat number such as "777". If the player loses and the special symbol is a miss, the effect symbols are displayed as a random number such as "263". If a small jackpot is won, the effect symbols are displayed as a predetermined small jackpot number (which can be set arbitrarily and may be a repeat number or a random number). This makes it easier for the player to understand the progress of the game. In other words, the player generally does not understand the results of the jackpot lottery using the special symbol 1 display 41a or the special symbol 2 display 41b, but rather on the image display device 7. The positions of the display areas for the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R do not have to be fixed.

The variable display of the effect symbols can be, for example, scrolled up and down. The combination of effect symbols to be displayed in a static state according to the results of each lottery can be changed as desired, and the effect symbols can be displayed in a static state with a special result including a specified special symbol when a big win or a small win is won.

The image display device 7 displays on the display screen 7a not only the effect pattern change effect (also called "decorative pattern change effect" or simply "change effect") using the effect patterns as described above, but also the big win effect that is performed in parallel with the big win game and the demo effect for waiting customers. In the effect pattern change effect, in addition to the effect patterns such as numbers, effect images other than the effect patterns, such as background images and character images, are also displayed.

The pachinko game machine 1 also has a function that allows the player to operate the effect button detection switch (SW) 63a and the select button detection switch 64a (see FIG. 5) to freely change and set the timing for outputting a predetermined game notification regarding the effects when the special symbols are changing or when a predetermined winning state is occurring, the frequency of occurrence of reach effects (notices), etc. Specifically, a menu image can be displayed on the image display device 7 when a demo effect for waiting customers is being displayed, and the display of the menu image allows the player to change and set the effect according to their preference.

In regard to changing the settings to suit the player's preferences, the player may be able to use the select button 64 to change the presentation style performed while the special symbols are changing, change the frequency of the presentation (such as reach presentation or look-ahead presentation) (including not generating the presentation), change the frequency of the air blowing presentation generated based on the air blowing device 60b or the vibration presentation generated based on the vibration device 63b (including not generating the presentation), and change the so-called auto button function (a function that allows a button presentation to be executed as if a button had been pressed, without the button being pressed).

The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 also has a reserve icon display area that displays reserve icons (special chart 1 reserve icon, special chart 2 reserve icon) 9A according to the number of reserved special charts 1 stored, which will be described later. By displaying the reserve icon 9A, it is possible to clearly show the player the number of reserved special charts 1 or 2 stored, which will be displayed on the special chart 1 reserve display 43a or special chart 2 reserve display 43b, which will be described later.

A center decorative body 10 is disposed near the center of the game area 3, in front of the image display device 7. A stage section 11 is formed at the bottom of the center decorative body 10, which can guide game balls rolling on the top surface to a first starting hole 20, which will be described later. A warp section 12 is provided at the left side of the center decorative body 10, which allows game balls to flow in from an entrance and out to the stage section 11 from an exit. Furthermore, a decorative member 13 depicting letters, figures, etc. is disposed at the top of the center decorative body 10.

Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, there is provided a fixed winning device 19 equipped with a first starting hole 20 that always allows the game ball to enter with a constant ease. The first starting hole 20 is also called the first winning hole, fixed ball entry hole, or first ball entry hole. The entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a first special symbol (special symbol 1) (a big win lottery, i.e., the acquisition of a special symbol winning random number etc. (judgment information) related to the lottery information).

Also, to the upper right of the first starting hole 20, there is provided a normal variable winning device (ball winning support means/so-called electric tulip, normal electric device, hereafter referred to as electric chute) 22 equipped with a second starting hole (first ball entry hole) 21. The second starting hole 21 is also called the second winning hole, variable ball entry hole, or second ball entry hole. The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 21 triggers the drawing of a second special symbol (special symbol 2) (a big win lottery, i.e., obtaining a special symbol winning random number etc. (judgment information) related to the lottery information).

The electric chute 22 of this embodiment is equipped with a sliding movable member (ball entrance opening/closing member, movable part) 23 based on a plate material that can move back and forth, and the second starting hole 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chute solenoid 24 (see FIG. 4). The second starting hole 21 can capture a game ball only when the movable member 23 is open (i.e., when the movable member 23 is in an open state and protrudes forward from the board surface), and the captured game ball can be guided through the movable member 23 to enter the hole. In other words, when the movable member 23 is closed (i.e., when the movable member 23 is in a closed state and retracted behind the board surface), the game ball cannot be captured, and therefore the ball cannot enter the hole. As a modified example, the electric tulip (well-known) may be configured to be made of a wing-type movable member that opens and closes in the left-right direction along the board surface.

In addition, below the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, a first large prize device (first special variable prize device, other special prize means) 31 equipped with a first large prize hole (other special prize hole) 30 is provided. The first large prize device 31 is equipped with an opening/closing member (other special prize hole opening/closing member) 32 that can be opened and closed, and the first large prize hole 30 is opened and closed by the operation of the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize hole solenoid 33 (see FIG. 4). The first large prize hole 30 can capture a game ball only when the door-like opening/closing member 32 is open (i.e., when in the open state), and the captured game ball is guided to the opening via the opening/closing member 32, making it possible for the ball to enter the opening.

In addition, to the right of the first large prize opening 30 in the game area 3, a second large prize opening device (second special variable prize opening device, special prize opening means) 36 equipped with a second large prize opening (corresponding to a special prize opening) 35 is provided. The second large prize opening device 36 is equipped with an opening/closing member (special prize opening opening/closing member) 37 that can be opened or closed, and the second large prize opening 35 is opened or closed by operation of the opening/closing member 37. The opening/closing member 37 is of a sliding type in which a plate material moves back and forth, and is driven by a second large prize opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 4). The second large winning hole 35 allows game balls to fall through its opening only when the sliding opening/closing member 37 is open (i.e., when it is in the open state and recessed behind the surface of the board), and the game ball can enter the hole when the sliding opening/closing member 37 falls; when the sliding opening/closing member 37 is closed (i.e., when it is in the closed state and protruding forward from the surface of the board), the game ball cannot be dropped, and therefore the ball cannot enter the hole.

2, inside the second large prize winning device 36, a specific area (V area) 39 and a non-specific area 70 are formed through which the game ball that has passed through the second large prize winning opening 35 can pass. In the second large prize winning device 36, a second large prize winning opening sensor 35a that detects the entry of the game ball into the second large prize winning opening 35 is arranged upstream of the specific area 39 and the non-specific area 70. In addition, in the specific area 39, a specific area sensor 39a that detects the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 is arranged. In addition, in the non-specific area 70, a non-specific area sensor 70a that detects the passage of the game ball into the non-specific area 70 is arranged. In addition, the second large prize winning device 36 is equipped with a distribution member 71 that distributes the game ball that has passed through the second large prize winning opening 35 to either the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 70, and a distribution member solenoid 73 that drives the distribution member 71.

When the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 takes a first state (passage-permitting state) in which the game ball is distributed to the specific area 39, and when the distribution member solenoid 73 is not energized, the distribution member 71 takes a second state (passage-blocking state) in which the game ball is distributed to the non-specific area 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 is in a passing-permitting state that allows the game ball to pass through to the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in a passing-permitting state, a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 35 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 35a and then passes through the specific area 39. This route of the game ball is called the first route.

As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 2, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is not energized, the distribution member 71 is in a passage-blocking state that prevents the passage of game balls to the specific area 39. When the distribution member 71 is in a passage-blocking state, a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 passes through the second large prize opening sensor 35a, then rolls on the distribution member 71 and passes through the non-specific area 70. This route of the game ball is called the second route.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39 triggers the execution of a jackpot game, which will be described later. In other words, in this embodiment, the jackpot lottery is also held based on whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 39.

A jackpot won by the above-mentioned drawing of special chart 1 or drawing of special chart 2 is called a Type 1 jackpot, and a jackpot won by the passage of the game ball through specific area 39 (so-called V prize) is called a Type 2 jackpot.

The jackpot game that is played when a Type 1 jackpot is won is called a Type 1 jackpot game, and the jackpot game that is played when a Type 2 jackpot is won is called a Type 2 jackpot game. A Type 1 jackpot is also called a direct hit jackpot. In this way, this pachinko gaming machine 1 is a so-called Type 1/Type 2 mixed machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gate (second ball entrance) 28 through which the game ball can pass is provided above the second starting opening 21 in the game area 3. The passage of the game ball through the gate 28 triggers the execution of a normal symbol lottery (i.e., the acquisition of a normal symbol-related random number (judgment information) related to the lottery information) to determine the normal symbol (hereinafter also referred to as the normal symbol) that determines whether or not the electric chute 22 is opened (condition fulfilled).

Furthermore, a normal winning hole 27 is provided at the lower left of the game area 3. Also, at the very bottom of the game area 3, an outlet 6 is provided for discharging game balls that have been shot into the game area 3 but have not entered any of the winning holes.

In this way, the game area 3, in which various ball entry ports (starting ports, etc.) are arranged, has a left game area (first game area) 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area (second game area) 3B on the right side. A hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called a left hit. On the other hand, a hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called a right hit. In this pachinko game machine 1, the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a right hit is called the second flow path R2.

A first starting port 20, a first big prize device 31, and an outlet 6 are provided on the first flow path R1. The player aims to win at the first starting port 20 by hitting the game ball so that it flows down the first flow path R1.

On the other hand, a gate 28, an electric chute 22, a second large prize device 36, a first large prize device 31, and an outlet 6 are provided on the second flow path R2. The player aims to pass the game ball through the gate 28, or to win in the second start opening 21 related to the electric chute 22, the first large prize opening 30, or the second large prize opening 35 by hitting the game ball so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In this embodiment, the gate 28, the electric chute 22, and the second large prize device 36 are unitized and can be attached to and detached from the game board 2 as a single structure. In addition, the fixed prize device 19 and the first large prize device 31 are unitized and can be attached to and detached from the game board 2 as a single structure.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the lower right corner of the game board 2 is provided with displays 40 for displaying a predetermined identification pattern (identification information) that can start changing corresponding to each ball entry port (starting port, gate). The displays 40 include a special pattern 1 display 41a that variably displays the first special pattern (special pattern 1), a special pattern 2 display 41b that variably displays the second special pattern (special pattern 2), and a regular pattern display 42 that variably displays the regular pattern (regular pattern). The displays 40 also include a special pattern 1 reserve display 43a that displays the number of reserved activations (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern 1 reserve) of the special pattern 1 display 41a, a special pattern 2 reserve display 43b that displays the number of reserved activations (hereinafter also referred to as special pattern 2 reserve) of the special pattern 2 display 41b, and a regular pattern reserve display 42a that displays the number of reserved activations (hereinafter also referred to as regular pattern reserve) of the regular pattern display 42.

The variable display of special chart 1 is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20. The variable display of special chart 2 is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 21. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are sometimes collectively referred to as special patterns (special charts). In addition, special chart 1 display 41a and special chart 2 display 41b are sometimes collectively referred to as special chart display (special pattern display, pattern display, segment display unit) 41.

The special pattern display 41 displays (changes) the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) in a variable manner (changing display) and then stops (ending the changing display) to notify (confirm) the result of the lottery (special pattern lottery, jackpot lottery, information on whether the winner is a winner, random number for the special pattern) based on the winning entry to the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 until a predetermined time has elapsed. The special pattern that stops (display of the stopped pattern mode, display of the special pattern mode derived as a result of the variable display) is one special pattern selected from multiple types of special patterns (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) by the special pattern lottery (hereinafter also referred to as the special pattern lottery).

When the stopped pattern is a special pattern (jackpot pattern) of a predetermined jackpot stop mode, a jackpot game is played in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened in a large prize opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot pattern stopped and displayed (i.e., the type of jackpot won). Also, when the stopped pattern is a special pattern (small prize pattern) of a predetermined small prize stop mode, a small prize game is played in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened in a large prize opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of small prize pattern stopped and displayed (i.e., the type of small prize won). The opening patterns of the large prize openings (first large prize opening 30 and second large prize opening 35) in the jackpot game and small prize game will be described later.

As a specific example, the special pattern display 41 (41a, 41b) is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special pattern according to the result of the big win lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if a big win (one of the multiple types of big wins described below) is won, the big win pattern (special pattern for notifying a big win) is displayed with the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left lit, such as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: unlit). Also, if a small win (one of the multiple types of small wins described below) is won, the small win pattern (special pattern for notifying a small win) is displayed with the fifth and sixth LEDs from the left lit, such as "●●●●○○●●". Also, if the special pattern is lost (one of the multiple types of special patterns described below), the special loss pattern (special pattern for notifying a loss) is displayed with only the rightmost LED lit, such as "●●●●●●●○". In addition, a special symbol (one of the special losing symbols, hereafter also referred to as a special losing symbol) is used to indicate a special losing (C time-saving winning) by turning off all LEDs.

Before the special symbol is displayed stationary, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner (variable display) for a predetermined period of time. The manner in which the special symbol is displayed stationary is such that, for example, each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the manner in which the special symbol is displayed stationary can be changed as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time, unless each LED is displayed stationary (illuminated in a specific manner).

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 (sensor detection), the various random number values (judgment information) related to the special chart lottery information (special chart winning random number, etc.) obtained as a special chart winning (hereinafter also referred to as a start winning) resulting from the ball entering are temporarily stored in the special chart 1 reserve memory unit 85a or special chart 2 reserve memory unit 85b (see Figure 4) until the judgment process related to the corresponding special chart lottery is completed (so that the change in the relevant pattern is executed and the actual judgment of each random number (each judgment information) is executed).

In detail, when a ball enters the first starting hole 20 (sensor detection), the values of various random numbers (judgment information) related to the special drawing 1 lottery information (random number for special drawing 1, etc.) obtained based on the special drawing 1 winning (start winning) caused by the ball are stored in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 85a (see FIG. 4) as special drawing 1 reservation (judgment information to be reserved). Also, when a ball enters the second starting hole 21 (sensor detection), the values of various random numbers (judgment information) related to the special drawing 2 lottery information (random number for special drawing 2, etc.) obtained based on the special drawing 2 winning (start winning) caused by the ball are stored in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 85b (see FIG. 4) as special drawing 2 reservation (judgment information to be reserved). There is an upper limit to the number of special drawing 1 reservations that can be stored in the special drawing 1 reservation memory unit 85a and the number of special drawing 2 reservations that can be stored in the special drawing 2 reservation memory unit 85b, and the upper limit value (upper limit memory number, upper limit reservation number) in this embodiment is "4".

The special symbol 1 reservation stored in the special symbol 1 reservation memory unit 85a is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special symbol 1 reservation (determination of the lottery for the special symbol) becomes possible (when the start condition (start of the lottery determination) is met). The consumption of the special symbol 1 reservation means that the special symbol lottery information (determination information) such as the special symbol winning random number corresponding to the special symbol 1 reservation is determined, and the variable display of the special symbol is executed to show the determination result (winning state or losing state). Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, when the first starting hole 20 is won during the variable display of the special symbol or the execution of the jackpot game, the right to the jackpot lottery for the winning (determination of the special symbol lottery information (determination information) related to the special symbol-related random number) can be reserved until the predetermined upper limit value is reached.

The number of such reserved special charts 1 is displayed on the reserved special chart 1 display 43a. Specifically, the reserved special chart 1 display 43a is composed of four LEDs. The reserved special chart 1 display 43a displays the number of reserved special charts 1 by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved special charts 1.

The special symbol 2 reservation stored in the special symbol 2 reservation memory unit 85b is consumed when the variable display of the special symbol based on the special symbol 2 reservation (determination of the lottery for the special symbol) becomes possible (when the start condition (start of the lottery determination) is met). The consumption of the special symbol 2 reservation means that the special symbol lottery information (determination information) such as the special symbol winning random number corresponding to the special symbol 2 reservation is determined, and the variable display of the special symbol is executed to show the determination result (winning state or losing state). Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, when the winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 21 occurs during the variable display of the special symbol or during the playing of the big win, the right to the big win lottery for the winning (determination of the special symbol lottery information (determination information) related to the special symbol-related random number) can be reserved until the upper limit value is set in advance.

The number of such reserved special drawings 2 is displayed on the reserved special drawing 2 display 43b. Specifically, the reserved special drawing 2 display 43b is composed of four LEDs. The reserved special drawing 2 display 43b displays the number of reserved special drawings 2 by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved special drawings 2.

As a modified example, if a winning entry is made into the second starting port 21 while the variable display of the special chart 2 is being performed, the configuration may be such that the values of various random numbers (judgment information) based on the winning entry are not acquired. In other words, the configuration may be such that the special chart 2 reservation that exceeds the upper limit value "1" is not performed.

The variable display of the normal map is triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 28. The normal map display 42 displays the normal map variably (variable display) and then stops (display ends), thereby announcing (confirming) the result of the lottery (normal map lottery, judgment information regarding the win or loss of the normal map lottery, random number information for the normal map) based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 until a predetermined time has elapsed. The normal map displayed in a stopped state (the display of the normal map pattern derived as the stop result after the variable display) is one normal map selected from multiple types of normal maps based on the normal map lottery. If the normal map displayed in a stopped state is a predetermined type of normal map (normal map displayed in a stop mode for winning/normal winning pattern), an auxiliary game (so-called winning facilitation) can be executed in which displacement control is performed to open the second starting hole 21 based on the opening pattern of the electric chute according to the current game state. In the following, supplementary games that can be performed based on electric chute opening patterns that are more advantageous than the normal game state (electric chute opening patterns when not shortening the time) may be referred to as "electric support (electric chute support)."

As a specific example, the normal map display 42 is composed of four LEDs, two of which are arranged in the upper and lower rows (see Figure 3), and displays the normal map according to the result of the normal map lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the lottery result is a normal winning pattern (a normal pattern to notify a win), the normal winning pattern is displayed with all LEDs except the right LED in the lower row lit, such as "○○" in the upper row and "○●" in the lower row (○: lit, ●: unlit). If the lottery result is a normal losing pattern, the normal losing pattern is displayed with all LEDs except the right LED in the lower row unlit (a normal pattern to notify a loss), such as "●●" in the upper row and "●○" in the lower row. Note that a mode in which all LEDs are turned off may be adopted as one of the normal losing patterns.

Before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as changing (variable display) for a specified time period, and the manner of this changing display is, for example, that each LED repeatedly lights up and goes out one by one in a specified order. Note that the manner of the changing display can be changed as appropriate, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time if each LED is not displayed as stopped (illuminated in a specific manner).

In addition, in this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball passes through gate 28 (sensor detection), the values (judgment information) of various random numbers (regular game related random numbers) such as the regular game winning random number obtained as a regular game winning result from that passage are stored in the regular game reserve memory section 85c in RAM 84 as regular game reserve (judgment information related to regular games), and this regular game reserve is stored temporarily until the judgment process based on the regular game lottery is completed (so that the change in the relevant pattern is executed, and the actual judgment of each random number (each judgment information) is executed). In this embodiment, if the variable display of the regular game based on the game ball passing through gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, if the game ball passes through gate 28 while the variable display of the regular game is being executed, or if the game ball passes through gate 28 during the opening process of electric chute 22, the judgment right for the regular game lottery for that passage (judgment of judgment information based on regular game related random numbers (regular game lottery information)) can be reserved and stored until it reaches the upper limit value. Specifically, the upper limit (upper limit of stored items, upper limit of reserved items) is set to "4."

The reserved regular figures stored in the reserved regular figures memory unit 85c can be consumed when the variable display of the regular figures (determination of the lottery for the regular figures) becomes possible based on the consumption of other reserved regular figures stored in the memory (when the start condition (start of the lottery determination) is met). Here, the consumption of reserved regular figures refers to the time when the determination information (regular figure lottery information) is determined based on the regular figure related random number (regular figure winning random number, etc.) corresponding to the reserved regular figure, and the variable display of the regular figure is executed to show the determination result (winning state or losing state).

The number of such reserved maps is displayed on the reserved map display 42a. Specifically, the reserved map display 42a is composed of four LEDs. The reserved map display 42a displays the number of reserved map by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved maps.

As a modified example, if the variable display of the normal map based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, i.e., if the gate 28 is passed while the variable display of the normal map is being executed or while the electric chute 22 is being opened, the normal map-related random number based on the passage may not be acquired. In other words, if the operation hold of the normal map display 42 (normal map hold) exceeds the upper limit value "1", it may be configured not to store it.

[Electrical configuration of gaming machine]
Next, the electrical configuration of the present pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the present pachinko game machine 1 includes a main control board (game control board) 80 that controls game profits such as big win lottery and transition of game state based on the progress of the game (ball entry into the ball entry port), a payout control board 110 that controls the payout of game balls, a sub-control board (performance control board) 90 that controls performance executed in conjunction with the control of the main control board 80, an image control board 100, a lamp control board 107, a sound control board 106, a drive control board 60d, a power supply board 150, and the like. The power supply board 150 supplies power to the main control board 80, the sub-control board 90, and the payout control board 110. Necessary power is supplied to other control boards and other devices (performance means, etc.) through these boards to which power is supplied.

In this embodiment, the main control board 80 is configured as a component related to the main control unit, and the sub-control board 90 is configured as a component related to the sub-control unit 99. The sub-control unit 99 includes at least the sub-control board 90, and enables execution control of various effects using predetermined performance means (such as the image display device 7, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, speaker 67, panel movable body 15, air blower 60b, vibration device 63b, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply board 150 is provided with a backup power circuit 151. When power is not supplied (powered on) to the pachinko game machine 1, the backup power circuit 151 supplies power to the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, which will be described later. Therefore, the information stored in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 and the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 is retained even when the power to the pachinko game machine 1 is cut off. In addition, a power switch 155 is connected to the power supply board 150. The power supply is turned on and off by turning the power switch 155 on and off. Note that a backup power circuit for the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 may be provided on the main control board 80, and a backup power circuit for the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 may be provided on the sub-control board 90.

The power supply board 150 is also provided with a RAM clear switch (RAM clear operation means) 152 for causing the CPU 82 to clear information stored in the RAM 84 of the game control microcomputer 81, which will be described later. The RAM clear switch 152 is provided on the power supply board 150 located on the back side of the present pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, only an employee of the game parlor who can open the game machine frame 50 can operate the RAM clear switch 152. In other words, the RAM clear switch 152 can be said to be an operation means that cannot be operated by a player.

In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 152 is a tactile switch, and when the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 152 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 81. The state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed is referred to as the ON state of the RAM clear switch 152, and the state in which the RAM clear switch 152 is not pressed is referred to as the OFF state of the RAM clear switch 152.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip game control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcomputer") 81 for controlling the progress of the game in this pachinko game machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main control board 80. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM 84 used as a work memory, a CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the ROM 83, and an I/O port section (input/output circuit) 87 for inputting and outputting data and signals.

The RAM 84 shown in FIG. 4 is provided with the above-mentioned special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a, special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b, and general chart reserved memory unit 85c as reserved memory units 85. The ROM 83 may be external.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specific sensors connected include the first start hole sensor 20a, the second start hole sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize hole sensor 30a, the second large prize hole sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, the non-specific area sensor 70a, and the normal prize hole sensor 27a.

The first start opening sensor 20a is provided in the first start opening 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 20. The second start opening sensor 21a is provided in the second start opening 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided in the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize opening sensor 30a is provided in the first large prize opening 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 30. The second large prize opening sensor 35a is provided in the second large prize opening 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in a specific area 39 in the second large prize opening 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 70a is provided in the non-specific area 70 in the second large prize opening 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 70. The regular prize opening sensors 27a are provided in the regular prize openings 27 and detect game balls that have won in the regular prize openings 27.

The solenoids connected include the electric chute solenoid 24, the first large prize opening solenoid 33, the second large prize opening solenoid 38, and the distribution member solenoid 73. The electric chute solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22. The first large prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize opening solenoid 38 drives the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36. The distribution member solenoid 73 drives the distribution member 71 of the second large prize device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 is connected to a special chart 1 display 41a, a special chart 2 display 41b, a regular chart display 42, a special chart 1 reserved display 43a, a special chart 2 reserved display 43b, and a regular chart reserved display 42a. In other words, the display control of these displays 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110, and receives signals from the payout control board 110 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 110 is connected to the prize ball payout device 120 and the card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, which enables ball lending based on information from an inserted prepaid card, etc.), and is also connected to the launching device 112 via a launch control circuit 111. The launching device 112 includes a handle 60a (see Figure 1).

The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 to pay out prize balls or loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 81 and signals from the card unit 135 connected to this pachinko game machine 1. The paid-out prize balls and loan balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 to be counted.

When the player operates the handle 60a (see FIG. 1) of the launching device 112, the touch switch 114 detects that the player has touched the handle 60a (hereinafter referred to as human detection), and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60a (lever portion 60e). Then, on the condition that human detection is being performed by the touch switch 114, the launch motor 113 is driven so that game balls are launched with a strength according to the magnitude of the detection signal from the launch volume 115. In this pachinko game machine 1, one game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds (about 100 balls per minute).

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. It is also possible to transmit a detection signal (command) indicating that human presence is being detected by the touch switch 114. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer for controlling effects") 91 that controls the effects of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The microcomputer for controlling effects 91 includes a ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling effects based on the progress of the game (determination of lottery information (determination information) resulting from balls entering the ball entrance), a RAM 94 used as a work memory, a CPU 92 that executes the programs stored in the ROM 93, and an I/O port section (input/output circuit) 97 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The ROM 93 may be external.

As shown in FIG. 5, the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the drive control board 60d are connected to the sub-control board 90. The performance control microcomputer 91 (performance control means 91A) of the sub-control board 90 causes the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 to control the display of the image display device 7 based on a command received from the main control board 80. The RAM 104 of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM 103 of the image control board 100 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance patterns) and background images, an expectation indication image corresponding to an expectation value (game information related to expectation) that can be calculated based on the performance implementation design, a time-saving number indication image corresponding to the number of time-saving times, a menu image, a custom setting image, a game notification image related to the time-saving state, an operation instruction image, etc. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on a command from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

The performance control microcomputer 91 also outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the voice control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Sound data such as voice output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. A CPU may be implemented on the voice control board 106, in which case the CPU may be made to execute the voice control. In this case, a ROM may be implemented on the voice control board 106, and the sound data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 67 may also be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may be made to execute the voice control. In this case, the sound data may also be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

The performance control microcomputer 91 also controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on commands received from the main control board 80. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates light emission data (data that determines the on/off state and light color, also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5, and controls the light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 according to the light emission data. Note that data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the light emission data.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the movable board 15 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Note that the movable board body 15 is a movable gimmick (a driving device for a movable role) provided in the center decorative body 10, which is not shown in FIG. 1. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (also called drive data) that determines the operating mode of the movable board body 15, and controls the operation of the movable board body 15 according to the operation pattern data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the operation pattern data.

As a modified example, a CPU or a motor driver may be mounted on the lamp control board 107 or the relay board 108, in which case the CPU may control the lighting of the lamp, and the CPU or the motor driver may control the operation of the movable board 15. Furthermore, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107 or the relay board 108, and data related to the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the air blower 60b connected via the drive control board 60d based on commands received from the main control board 80. The air blower 60b is provided inside the handle 60a and can blow air toward the player from the outlet hole 60c. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates air blowing pattern data (also called air blowing data) that determines the time and power of the air blower 60b and the manner of air blowing, and controls the operation of the air blower 60b according to the air blowing pattern data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the air blowing pattern data. A CPU, ROM, etc. may be implemented on the drive control board 60d described above, and in that case, the CPU may be made to execute the operation control of the air blower 60b. Furthermore, data regarding the air blowing pattern may be stored in the ROM.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the vibration device 63b connected via the drive control board 60d based on the command received from the main control board 80. The vibration device 63b is provided in the performance button 63, and can inform the player by vibrating the performance button 63 with the vibration device 63b. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates vibration pattern data (also called vibration data) that determines the vibration timing, vibration force, and vibration mode of the vibration device 63b, and controls the operation of the vibration device 63b according to the vibration pattern data. The vibration pattern data is created using data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90. A CPU, ROM, etc. may be implemented on the above-mentioned drive control board 60d, and in that case, the CPU may be made to execute the operation control of the vibration device 63b. Furthermore, data regarding the vibration pattern may be stored in the ROM.

The sub-control board 90 is also connected to a performance button detection switch (SW) 63a and a select button detection switch (SW) 64a. The performance button detection switch 63a detects that the performance button 63 (see FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the performance button 63, which has been activated based on a predetermined performance control, is pressed, a detection signal is output from the performance button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90. When the performance button 63 is pressed and held or repeatedly pressed (continuously pressed multiple times), a detection signal to that effect can be output from the performance button detection switch 63a to the sub-control board 90. The select button detection switch 64a detects that the cursor keys (up, down, center, left, right) of the select button 64 (see FIG. 1) have been pressed. When the cursor keys of the select button 64, which has been activated based on a predetermined performance control, are pressed, a detection signal is output from the select button detection switch 64a to the sub-control board 90.

In this embodiment, when a demo presentation for waiting customers is displayed, pressing the center of the cursor key of the select button 64 makes it possible to display a menu image on the image display device 7, and when the menu image is displayed, pressing the upper, lower, left, or right part of the cursor key of the select button 64 other than the center causes a custom setting image to be displayed, allowing the player to change the presentation to suit their preferences.

Note that Figures 4 and 5 are merely functional block diagrams for explaining the electrical configuration of this pachinko gaming machine 1, and the boards shown in Figures 4 and 5 are not the only boards provided. With the exception of the main control board 80, any of the boards shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be configured as a single board, and the single board shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be configured as multiple boards.

[Main games in this pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, we will explain the main games played by this pachinko gaming machine 1. This pachinko gaming machine 1 acquires special symbol-related random numbers (judgment information related to special symbols) that become special symbol lottery information based on winning the first start port 20 or the second start port 21. As shown in Fig. 6 (A), the special symbol-related random numbers include special symbol winning random numbers, special symbol type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special symbol fluctuation pattern random numbers (hereinafter also referred to as special symbol fluctuation PT random numbers).

The special winning random number is used to determine whether or not it is a big win, a small win, or a C time-saving win (special miss), and is also used to determine whether or not it is a special winning miss in cases other than a big win, small win, or C time-saving win. The special winning random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 65535. If a special miss is determined to be a C time-saving win, after the time-saving pattern corresponding to the special miss is displayed, the time-saving state corresponding to the C time-saving win corresponding to the time-saving pattern will be activated without going through a big win or small win game.

The special symbol type random number is used to determine the type of big win symbol, small win symbol, and time-saving symbol (symbol corresponding to C time-saving win). The special symbol type random number has a value in the range of 0 to 199.

The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not a reach will occur in the variable presentation that shows the result when the result of the hit/miss judgment is a special miss. A reach is a state in which there is only one variable presentation pattern left out of multiple presentation patterns, and depending on which of the variable presentation patterns is stopped and displayed, a combination of presentation patterns that indicates a big win (for example, a "7↓7" state) will be formed. Note that the presentation pattern that is stopped and displayed in the reach state may be displayed in a predetermined provisional stop mode, such as being displayed to slightly shake on the display screen 7a or being displayed to repeatedly expand and contract. The reach random number has a value in the range of 0 to 255.

The special chart fluctuation pattern random number is a random number used to determine the fluctuation pattern including the fluctuation time related to the special chart fluctuation display. The special chart fluctuation pattern random number has a value in the range of 0 to 99.

The pachinko game machine 1 also acquires a random number related to the normal map (judgment information related to the normal map), which serves as the normal map lottery information, based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28. As shown in FIG. 6(B), the random numbers related to the normal map include a random number related to the normal map hit, a random number related to the normal map type, and a random number related to the normal map fluctuation pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a normal map fluctuation PT random number).

The random number for winning the normal draw is used to determine whether or not the electric chute 22 will open. The random number for winning the normal draw has a value in the range of 0 to 65535.

The normal map type random number is used to determine the type of normal map in order to determine the opening pattern for opening the electric chute 22. The normal map type random number has a value in the range of 0 to 199.

The random number for the normal map fluctuation pattern is a random number used to determine the fluctuation pattern, including the fluctuation time related to the normal map fluctuation display. The random number for the normal map fluctuation pattern has a value in the range of 0 to 99.

This pachinko game machine 1 determines whether the special winning random number obtained based on winning the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21 is a big win, a small win, or a special winning miss by judging it according to the special winning random number judgment table shown in FIG. 7(A). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the probability of winning a big win is the same in the lottery for special drawing 1 based on winning the first starting hole 20 and the lottery for special drawing 2 based on winning the second starting hole 21, but the probability of winning a small win is different.

In addition, when a lottery for special chart 2 is held in a predetermined game state (non-time-saving state, a specified normal state initialized by clearing the RAM when the gaming machine is started), if there is neither a big win nor a small win, a high probability of a C-time-saving win (able to transition to a time-saving state 1000 times) can be determined as a special miss (the entire random number range of misses for special chart 2). In this embodiment, when a lottery for special chart 1 is held, a C-time-saving win is not determined as a special miss regardless of the game state.

As a modified example, the setting of the predetermined game state in which the above-mentioned special miss is judged as a C time-saving hit can be designed appropriately by predetermining that a lottery judgment is made to consider it as a special miss (judgment to make it a C time-saving hit) based on the change in the game state (for example, the reserved memory that exists when transitioning to a non-time-saving state after a jackpot game) (judgment to make it a C time-saving hit), or not making a lottery judgment (judgment to make it not a C time-saving hit). Also, in the drawing of special chart 1 and/or the drawing of special chart 2, the configuration of the C time-saving hit (special miss) may be absent (none). Also, multiple types of time-saving patterns may be set for the C time-saving hit in each of the drawing of special chart 1 and the drawing of special chart 2. In this case, it may be possible to selectively transition to one of the time-saving states with 10 times of time-saving, 20 times of time-saving, and 30 times of time-saving, depending on the types A to C of the time-saving patterns. Also, if it is determined that a C time-saving hit has occurred, multiple types of time-saving patterns corresponding to special misses may be displayed, and then a second time-saving state corresponding to the C time-saving hit corresponding to the time-saving pattern may be activated.

When the pachinko game machine 1 determines that a jackpot has been won, it determines the type of jackpot pattern by judging the special pattern type random number according to the jackpot pattern type determination table shown in FIG. 7(B). In the drawing of special pattern 1, the "special pattern 1_jackpot pattern A" is determined approximately 25% of the time, and the "special pattern 1_jackpot pattern B" is determined approximately 75% of the time. On the other hand, in the drawing of special pattern 2, the "special pattern 2_jackpot pattern A" is determined approximately 60% of the time, and the "special pattern 2_jackpot pattern B" is determined approximately 40% of the time. If the type of jackpot pattern that has been won is different, the opening pattern of the large prize opening in the jackpot game and the settings related to the game state (time-saving state) after the jackpot game are different (see FIG. 8). In addition, the special pattern display 41 will stop and display the "jackpot pattern" corresponding to "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern A", "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern B", "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern A", and "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern B".

In addition, in this embodiment, when determining that a small prize has been won, the type of small prize pattern is determined by judging the special prize pattern type random number according to the small prize pattern type determination table shown in FIG. 7 (C). Specifically, in the drawing of special prize pattern 1, the "special prize pattern 1_small prize pattern a" is determined 70% of the time, and the "special prize pattern 1_small prize pattern b" is determined 30% of the time. On the other hand, in the drawing of special prize pattern 2, the "special prize pattern 2_small prize pattern a" is determined 15% of the time, and the "special prize pattern 2_small prize pattern b" is determined 85% of the time. If the type of the winning small prize pattern is different, the opening pattern of the large prize opening during the 2-type jackpot game after the small prize game (1 round) and the setting for the game state (time-saving state) after the 2-type jackpot game will be different (see FIG. 8). In addition, the special pattern display 41 will stop and display the "small win pattern" corresponding to "Special chart 1_small win pattern a", "Special chart 1_small win pattern b", "Special chart 2_small win pattern a", and "Special chart 2_small win pattern b".

In addition, in this embodiment, the time-saving state period types (types of time-saving modes) include a "one-time time-saving mode" that enables the end of the time-saving state (switching to time-saving OFF/non-time-saving state) when a normal pattern change stop display is generated once after a jackpot game, a "two-time time-saving mode" that enables the end of the time-saving state when a normal pattern change stop display is generated a total of two times after a jackpot game, and a "three-time time-saving mode" that enables the end of the time-saving state when a normal pattern change stop display is generated a total of three times after a jackpot game (see FIG. 8).

Regarding the conditions for terminating each currently active time-saving state, it is possible to selectively determine whether to terminate the time-saving state (switch state to time-saving OFF/non-time-saving state) when a small win is won during the time-saving state (before a V is won) or whether to terminate the time-saving state (switch state to time-saving OFF/non-time-saving state) during a small win game during the time-saving state (when a V is won) depending on each of the 1-time time-saving mode to 3-time time-saving mode, and it is possible to determine whether to switch the game state during a small win game when a V is won during a small win game to a time-saving state or a non-time-saving state depending on the number of time-saving times set when the operating conditions for a jackpot game are met based on the winning judgment related to the special drawing, thereby changing the type of time-saving state (time-saving mode) that can be granted after a jackpot game of two types.

In addition, in this embodiment, if it is determined that the winning combination is a "special miss" that is neither a "big win", "small win" nor a "C time-saving win", a "special miss pattern" will be displayed on the special pattern display 41.

When determining whether a special symbol has been lost, the pachinko game machine 1 determines whether or not the display mode of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is a reach in the variable performance by determining the reach random number according to the reach determination table shown in FIG. 7 (D). Note that in this embodiment, the ratio of whether or not the display mode of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is a reach varies depending on whether or not the time-saving state is in effect.

In addition, this pachinko game machine 1 can determine a special pattern miss that is neither a big win nor a small win (all or part of the range of the miss random number value) as a special miss, provided that the special pattern is drawn in a predefined non-time-saving state, and can determine it as a "C time-saving win." When it determines that it is a "C time-saving win," it can stop and display a "time-saving pattern" that corresponds to the special miss pattern on the special pattern display 41, making it possible to transition to the time-saving state (sudden time-saving) without playing a big win.

Specifically, when it is determined that a C time-saving hit has occurred during a non-time-saving state, the type of time-saving pattern is determined by judging the special pattern type random number according to the time-saving pattern type determination table shown in FIG. 7 (E). In this embodiment, in the drawing of special pattern 2, "special pattern 2_time-saving pattern β" is determined 100% of the time. As a modified example, it may be possible to determine "special pattern 1_time-saving pattern β" in the drawing of special pattern 1 as well, or it may be possible to determine one of multiple types of time-saving patterns based on a predetermined drawing.

If a jackpot is won in the special drawing, a "jackpot game (type 1 jackpot game)" is executed in which the first jackpot opening 30 is opened in a pattern that corresponds to the type of jackpot pattern that is stopped and displayed.

In this embodiment, the jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play (unit opening games) that open the first jackpot opening 30, an opening (also referred to as OP) before the first round of play (also referred to as R) begins, and an ending (also referred to as ED) after the final round of play ends. Each round of play begins with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ED. The time (interval time) for closing the jackpot opening between rounds of play is included in the open round of play before that closure.

When a small prize is won in the special drawing, a "small prize game" is played in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened in a large prize opening opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of small prize symbol that is stopped and displayed. Then, when the game ball enters a specific area 39 in the second large prize opening 35 during the small prize game (V entry), a "large prize game (two-type large prize game)" is played in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened in a large prize opening opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of small prize symbol that has been won.

In this embodiment, the small win game includes a small win opening game that opens the second large winning opening 35, an opening (pre-opening interval) before the small win opening game starts, and an ending (post-closing interval) after the small win opening game ends.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, there are two types of jackpot patterns (jackpot patterns stopped and displayed on the special chart 1 display 41a) that can be won based on the special chart lottery for special chart 1, specifically, there is a possibility of winning "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern A" and "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern B". In addition, there are two types of jackpot patterns (jackpot patterns stopped and displayed on the special chart 2 display 41b) that can be won based on the special chart lottery for special chart 2, specifically, there is a possibility of winning "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern A" and "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern B".

Specifically, "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern A" or "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern A" is a 10R (round) jackpot, the first large prize opening 30 opens once per round, and when a specified number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter per round (one opening), the first large prize opening 30 transitions from an open state to a closed state (end of round 1), with the maximum opening time being 29.5 seconds.

In addition, "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern B" or "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern B" is a 4R (round) jackpot, and the first large prize opening 30 opens once per round. When a specified number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the winning hole in one round (one opening), the first large prize opening 30 transitions from an open state to a closed state (end of one round), and the maximum opening time is 29.5 seconds.

In this embodiment, if "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern A" or "Special chart 1_jackpot pattern B" is won based on the special chart lottery for special chart 1, which is the main lottery (winning the first starting hole 20) during non-time-saving (left-hand hit), the game state after the first type of jackpot game that is played based on this winning can transition to a "time-saving state (so-called A time-saving state)," and the number of time-saving states (types of modes) that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to three times based on the judgment process when the first type of jackpot game is activated.

In addition, in this embodiment, if "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern A" or "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern B" is won based on the special chart lottery for special chart 2, which is the main lottery (winning the second starting hole 21) during the time-saving (right hit), the game state after the type 1 jackpot game that is played based on this winning can transition to a "time-saving state (so-called A time-saving state)," and the number of time-saving states (types) that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to two times based on the judgment process when the type 1 jackpot game is activated.

In addition, in this embodiment, if a small prize is won as a result of the special drawing, a small prize game is executed in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened once (1R). If a specified number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter during this one opening (per 1R), the second large prize opening 35 is switched from an open state to a closed state (end of 1R), and the maximum opening time is 1.6 seconds. Then, if a game ball enters the second large prize opening 35 opened by this small prize game and passes through a specific area 39 in the second large prize device 36 (hereinafter also referred to as V entry or V passing), a big prize is won (activation condition for the type 2 big prize game), and a big prize game (type 2 big prize game) is executed in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened.

When this jackpot game (type 2 jackpot game) is executed, the opening of the second large prize opening 35 as a small prize game corresponds to the first round. If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 in the small prize game, the type 2 jackpot game will not be executed. In this specification, jackpot games and small prize games are sometimes referred to as special games. In addition, in a special game, there may be rounds in which the large prize opening is opened and closed multiple times during one round.

As shown in FIG. 8, there are two types of small prize patterns that can be won in the special prize drawing for special prize 1 (small prize patterns stopped and displayed on the special prize 1 display 41a). Specifically, depending on the result of the pattern drawing based on the special prize type random number, it can be determined to be either "Special prize 1_small prize pattern a (allocation rate: approximately 70%)" or "Special prize 1_small prize pattern b (allocation rate: approximately 30%)" (see FIG. 7 (C)).

In addition, there are two types of small prize patterns that can be won in the special prize drawing (small prize patterns stopped and displayed on the special prize drawing display 41b). Specifically, depending on the result of the pattern drawing based on the special prize drawing type random number, it can be determined to be either "Special prize drawing 2_small prize pattern a (allocation rate: approximately 15%)" or "Special prize drawing 2_small prize pattern b (allocation rate: approximately 85%)" (see Figure 7 (C)).

"Special chart 1_small prize patterns a-b" are the winning patterns for the small prize that enable V entry (V passing to specific area 39) during small prize play, which is the activation condition for the type 2 big prize, if a small prize is won based on the drawing of special chart 1. Also, "Special chart 2_small prize patterns a-b" are the winning patterns for the small prize that enable V entry (V passing to specific area 39) during small prize play, which is the activation condition for the type 2 big prize, if a small prize is won based on the drawing of special chart 2.

For the small prize game corresponding to "Special chart 1_small prize pattern a", "Special chart 1_small prize pattern b" or "Special chart 2_small prize pattern b", the OP time (seconds) for waiting until the second large prize opening 35 is opened is set to 0.008 seconds. Also, for the small prize game corresponding to "Special chart 2_small prize pattern a", the OP time (seconds) for waiting until the second large prize opening 35 is opened is set to approximately 4.6 seconds. After these openings, the second large prize opening 35 is opened once per round for a maximum of 1.6 seconds.

In this pachinko game machine 1, whether or not a V win is possible during a small win game can be determined by the operation pattern of the distribution member 71 and the opening pattern of the opening/closing member 37. Specifically, this is achieved by varying the OP time (seconds) associated with waiting until the second large win opening 35 is opened during a small win game depending on the type of small win symbol.

Specifically, depending on the type of small win symbol (whether it is special win symbol 2_small win symbol a or something else), the OP time (seconds) for waiting until the second large win opening 35 in the small win game can be determined to be either 4.6 seconds or 0.008 seconds, so that the timing of opening the second large win opening 35 for the distribution member 71, which moves in a constant manner from the start of the OP time of the small win game, can be changed. In other words, a passing opening pattern (0.008 seconds opening) that allows V passing is executed during the execution of a small win game corresponding to a symbol other than special win symbol 2_small win symbol a, and a non-passing opening pattern (4.6 seconds opening/so-called falling small win) that does not allow V winning is executed during the execution of a small win game corresponding to special win symbol 2_small win symbol a.

In this embodiment, the content (number of rounds that are actually valid) of the jackpot game (type 2 jackpot game) that is executed based on the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39 is determined based on the opening pattern of the first large prize opening 30 that is determined according to "Special chart 1_small prize pattern a-b" or the opening pattern of the first large prize opening 30 that is determined according to "Special chart 2_small prize pattern a-b".

Specifically, in a type 2 jackpot game based on winning "Special Chart 1 - Small Winning Pattern a", the first large prize opening 30 is opened once per round from the second round to the fifth round with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds, and the first large prize opening 30 is opened once per round from the sixth round to the eleventh round with a maximum opening time of 0.1 seconds. In other words, a type 2 jackpot game of 4 rounds is essentially played.

In addition, in a type 2 jackpot game based on winning "Special Chart 1 - Small Winning Pattern b", the first large prize winning hole 30 is opened once per round from the second round to the eleventh round, with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds. In other words, a type 2 jackpot game of 10 rounds is essentially played.

In addition, in a type 2 jackpot game based on winning "Special Chart 2 - Small Win Pattern a", the operating pattern of the distribution member 71 is a non-passing opening pattern that makes it impossible to win a V prize during the small win game, but if an irregular V prize is won, the first large prize opening 30 is opened once per round from the 2nd round to the 5th round with a maximum opening time of 0.2 seconds, and the first large prize opening 30 is opened once per round from the 6th round to the 11th round with a maximum opening time of 0.1 seconds. In other words, a type 2 jackpot game of 0 rounds is essentially played.

In addition, in a type 2 jackpot game based on winning "Special Chart 2 - Small Winning Pattern b", the first large prize winning hole 30 is opened once per round from the second round to the eleventh round, with a maximum opening time of 29.5 seconds. In other words, a type 2 jackpot game of 10 rounds is essentially played.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a small prize is won, the game state after the type 2 jackpot game can transition to a "time-saving state (so-called A time-saving state)." When the "Special Chart 1 - Small Prize Pattern a" is won during a non-time-saving or time-saving state, the number of time-saving states (types of modes) that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to 1 time during the judgment process when the operating conditions for the type 2 jackpot game (V winning) are met.

In addition, if "Special chart 1_small win pattern b" is won during non-time-saving, the number of time-saving times in the time-saving state that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to 2 times during the judgment process when the operation condition for the type 2 jackpot game (V winning) is met, and if "Special chart 1_small win pattern b" is won during time-saving, the number of time-saving times in the time-saving state that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to 1 time during the judgment process when the operation condition for the type 2 jackpot game (V winning) is met.

In addition, if "Special chart 2_small win pattern a" or "Special chart 2_small win pattern b" is won during non-time-saving, the number of time-saving times in the time-saving state that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to 0 times during the judgment process when the operation condition for the type 2 jackpot game (V winning) is met, and if "Special chart 2_small win pattern b" is won during time-saving, the number of time-saving times in the time-saving state that can be granted to the player can be determined (set) to 3 times during the judgment process when the operation condition for the type 2 jackpot game (V winning) is met.

If "Special Chart 2 - Small Win Pattern A" is won during the time-saving period, the operation pattern of the distribution member 71 becomes a non-passing opening pattern that makes it impossible to win a V prize during the small win game. However, if the second large prize opening 35 opens due to an irregularity and a V prize is won, the number of time-saving periods that can be granted to the player during the judgment process when the V prize is met can be determined (set) to 1.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the game is in a predetermined game state (non-time-saving state, a predetermined normal state initialized based on clearing the RAM when the game machine is started), it is possible to determine that a special miss that may occur as a result of the special chart lottery of special chart 2 will result in a C time-saving hit. When this C time-saving hit is determined, it is possible to transition to the second time-saving state (micro time-saving) of 1000 times (C time-saving is activated) without going through a jackpot game. However, the C time-saving hit occurs only with a rare probability that does not affect the gameplay of this embodiment. As a modified example, the function of determining that a C time-saving hit has been won as a result of the special chart lottery of special chart 2 may be eliminated.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the special symbol hit random number is determined to be a big hit, a small hit, a C time-saving hit, or a special symbol miss, the special symbol fluctuation pattern is determined by determining the special symbol fluctuation PT random number according to the special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10. In the time-saving state, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol when the special symbol misses during the non-time-saving state is approximately 27 seconds, and the average fluctuation time of the special symbol during the time-saving state is approximately 9 seconds. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the fluctuation time shortening function of the special symbol display 41 can be operated.

[Game Status in the Pachinko Game Machine 1]
Next, a description will be given of the gaming state of the present pachinko gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, there are a non-time-shortening state and a time-shortening state as gaming states. Hereinafter, the non-time-shortening state is also referred to as a normal state, an initial game, or a normal gaming state.

When playing this pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state after powering on is a non-time-saving state (predetermined normal state or initial game). The time-saving state related to easier winning is a game state in which the game ball can win more easily in the electric chute 22 (second starting hole 21) than in the non-time-saving state (a game that improves the ease of achieving the starting condition compared to the normal game state/a game that improves the execution efficiency of the judgment per unit time by the first judgment means compared to the normal game state).

Specifically, there is a first time-saving state (so-called A time-saving/electric support state that makes it easier to win) that can be entered after a jackpot game, in which the time required for each variable display of the special symbols (special symbol 1, special symbol 2) and/or normal symbols is shorter than in the normal game state, and the period during which the movable member 23 is in the open state is longer than in the non-time-saving state. Note that in this embodiment, the first time-saving state in which the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the non-time-saving state is not entered. In other words, it does not have a function for varying the probability of drawing a normal symbol. However, as a modified example, it may have a function for varying the probability of drawing a normal symbol.

In addition, this embodiment is equipped with a second time-saving state (hereinafter also referred to as micro-time-saving) that can be entered after hitting the C time-saving state. In this second time-saving state, the time required for each variable display of the special symbols (special symbol 1, special symbol 2) and/or normal symbols is very short with almost no change compared to the normal game state, and the period during which the movable member 23 is in the open state is very short with almost no change compared to the normal game state, resulting in a micro-time-saving state that allows auxiliary play that does not reach the easy-to-win state in which the game ball can be easily captured based on the movement of the electric chute 22 (second starting hole 21).

In addition, the number of time-saving times in this embodiment corresponds to the upper limit of the number of times a count is performed based on the number of times the variable display of the normal symbol is performed (the number of times the normal symbol is drawn) under the time-saving state, but as a modified example, the count target for counting the number of time-saving times may be the upper limit of the number of times a count is performed based on the number of times the variable display of the special symbol (special symbol 1 and/or special symbol 2) is performed under the time-saving state (the number of times the special symbol is drawn).

As a modified example of the first time-saving state (A time-saving state), one or more of the following may be adopted to create a state where it is easy to win and where the game ball can be easily captured based on the movement of the electric chute 22 (second starting hole 21): a probability change in which the probability of drawing a normal symbol is improved compared to the normal game state; a shortened change in which the time required for each variable display of the special symbols (special symbol 1, special symbol 2) and/or normal symbols is shortened compared to the normal game state; and a long open in which the period during each time that the movable member 23 is in the open state is longer compared to the normal game state. By adopting one or more of the following, it is possible to provide various modes for creating a state where it is easy to win and where the game ball can be easily captured based on the movement of the electric chute 22 (second starting hole 21).

Also, as a modified example of the second time-saving state (micro-time-saving state), by adopting one or more of the following, the probability of drawing a normal symbol changes at all or almost no change in probability, the time required for each variable display of the special symbols (special symbol 1, special symbol 2) and/or normal symbols changes very little or no change compared to the normal game state, and the period during which the movable member 23 is in the open state changes very little or no change compared to the normal game state, it is possible to have various modes for creating a non-winning state in which the game ball is not easily captured based on the movement of the electric chute 22 (second starting hole 21).

In this pachinko game machine 1, as shown in the normal symbol winning judgment table in Figure 9 (A), when a normal symbol lottery is performed, regardless of whether the machine is in the non-time-saving state or the time-saving state, the probability of a winning judgment is set to be high. However, because the displacement control of the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 in the non-time-saving state (or the second time-saving state, the slight time-saving state) makes it impossible to capture the game ball flowing down the right game area 3B (short opening), it is made substantially impossible to win the second starting hole 21 related to the electric chute 22 in the non-time-saving state (or the second time-saving state, the slight time-saving state). In addition, the displacement control of the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 in the first time-saving state (A time-saving) makes it easy to capture the game ball flowing down the right game area 3B (long opening), and when the game ball passes through the gate 28 related to the activation of the electric chute 22 (normal winning and normal lottery), it is easy to determine that a normal win has occurred (the winning rate for normal winning is roughly 100%).

When the pachinko game machine 1 judges the random number for a normal winning number and judges that it is a normal winning number, it judges the normal type random number according to the normal type judgment table shown in FIG. 9 (B) to determine the type of normal type (one of A to D). Specifically, it judges "Normal_A" about 10% of the time, "Normal_B" about 20% of the time, "Normal_C" about 30% of the time, and "Normal_D" about 40% of the time. In addition, when a normal winning number is obtained, the lighting state (identification information) of each LED corresponding to "Normal_A to D" is stopped and displayed on the normal type display 42.

The pachinko game machine 1 also uses the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9(C) to make a judgment based on the result of the judgment of whether the normal map is a hit or not when the normal map hit random number is judged and the normal map fluctuation PT random number, thereby determining the normal map fluctuation pattern. Note that the fluctuation time of the normal map in the first time-saving state of this embodiment is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, the average fluctuation time of the normal map in the non-time-saving state is approximately 13 seconds, and the average fluctuation time of the normal map in the first time-saving state is approximately 2 seconds. Therefore, in the first time-saving state, the fluctuation time shortening function of the normal map display 42 can be operated.

This pachinko game machine 1 uses the electric chute 22 opening pattern determination table shown in Figure 9 (D) to determine the electric chute opening pattern according to the type of game state (non-time shortening, 1-time time shortening M, 2-time time shortening M, 3-time time shortening M, slight time shortening) and the type of normal map (normal map A to D).

In this embodiment, the electric chute 22 opens once per normal map in the non-time-saving state, but opens twice per normal map in the time-saving state, and the opening time of the electric chute 22 can differ depending on the type of normal map (normal map A to D).

In other words, in the time-saving state, an electric chute opening count increase function is activated, which opens the electric chute 22 more times than in the non-time-saving state, and an electric chute opening time extension function can be activated, which can make the electric chute 22 open for a longer period of time in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state.

Specifically, the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 when not in the time-saving state is a "single short opening" pattern, regardless of the type of normal map (normal map A to D). At this time, the electric chute 22 is short-opened once for 0.06 seconds per opening, so even if the electric chute 22 is short-opened, it is virtually impossible to win at the second starting hole 21.

In addition, the opening pattern of the electric chute during the second time-saving state (micro time-saving) will be a "short two-time opening" pattern regardless of the type of normal map (normal map A-D). At this time, the electric chute 22 will be short-opened twice for 0.06 seconds each time, so even if the electric chute 22 is short-opened, it is virtually impossible to win at the second starting hole 21.

In addition, the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 during the first time-saving state (1 time saving M, 2 times saving M, 3 times saving M) will be one of the following types of patterns depending on the type of normal map (normal map A to D): "short 2 times opening", "short 1 time opening and long 1 time opening (also simply referred to as long 1 time opening)", or "long 2 times opening". The expected value of the winning that the game ball captured by the opening of the electric chute 22 can be guided to the second starting hole 21 will differ depending on the type of pattern being implemented.

In addition, in this pachinko game machine 1, the operating time for the electric chute 22 per normal drawing in the first time-saving state is set to "maximum 6 seconds," and the electric chute 22 is opened for 2.5 seconds in one long opening that can be performed in the first or second half of that operating time. Here, when the electric chute 22 is opened for 2.5 seconds per long opening, it is possible to stably win one game ball in the second starting hole 21, but the displacement control is set so that two or more game balls cannot win in the second starting hole 21.

As shown in the electric chute opening time judgment table in Figure 9 (E), the "short two opening" opening pattern involves two short openings of the electric chute 22, each of which is 0.06 seconds long, in both the first and second half of the period. Therefore, even if the electric chute 22 is short opened, it is virtually impossible to win at the second starting hole 21, and so the opening results in a zero winning entry.

In addition, the opening pattern of "one short opening and one long opening" involves one short opening of the electric chute 22 for 0.06 seconds in the first half period, and one long opening of the electric chute 22 for 2.5 seconds in the second half period. Therefore, one long opening of the electric chute 22 allows one game ball to enter the second starting hole 21, resulting in a one-ball winning opening. Hereinafter, the opening pattern of "one short opening and one long opening" may be abbreviated to simply be "one long opening" opening pattern.

In addition, the "long two-time opening" opening pattern opens the electric chute 22 twice for 2.5 seconds each in each of the first and second periods. Therefore, the long two-time opening of the electric chute 22 allows two game balls to enter the second starting hole 21, resulting in a two-ball winning opening.

In this embodiment, the interval between the first and second half of the operation time of the electric chute 22 per normal drawing is set to a common 1 second regardless of the type of opening pattern of the electric chute 22, but the interval time may be set to a different value depending on the type of opening pattern of the electric chute. Also, in this embodiment, the number of valid balls (sensor detection, start winning, special drawing winning) during the operation time of the electric chute 22 per normal drawing is limited to 2, but the number of valid balls may be set to an appropriate value.

When the variable time reduction function of the normal display 42, the opening time extension function of the electric chute 22, and the opening count increase function of the electric chute 22 are activated, the electric chute 22 is more likely to open and the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 21 than when these functions are not activated. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are activated (i.e., the first time-saving state) is also called the "high base state," and the state in which they are not activated (i.e., the non-time-saving state) is also called the "low base state." In the first time-saving state (high base state), you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. The first time-saving state (high base state) is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports the entry of game balls into the second starting hole 21 by operating the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22) is executed, which enables advantageous play that makes it easier to open the second starting hole 21 than in the normal play state. Therefore, the high base state is also called the electric support control state. The low base state is also called the non-electric support control state. The first time-saving state (high base state) corresponds to the "easy-to-win state."

The first time-saving state (high base state) does not necessarily require all of the above functions to be activated. In other words, the activation of one or more of the following functions - the probability fluctuation function of the normal map display 42, the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal map display 42, the opening time extension function of the electric chute 22, and the opening count increase function of the electric chute 22 - should make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 21 of the electric chute 22 than when that function is not activated.

The first time-saving state can be ended based on the execution of a special pattern display change corresponding to the predetermined upper limit number of executions (one time time-saving M, two time time-saving M, three time time-saving M) set as the end condition for the time-saving state. Hereinafter, the execution of the final display change of the predetermined upper limit number of executions is also referred to as the "final time-saving change."

In the first time-saving state (high base state), the player can play more advantageously by hitting the ball to the right to enter the right play area 3B (see FIG. 1). This is because the electric support control makes it easier for the electric chute 22 to open than in the non-time-saving state (low base state), and it is possible to execute an opening pattern (long opening) of the electric chute 22 in which it is easier to win with a ball entering the second start hole 21 than with a ball entering the first start hole 20. Therefore, the player hits the right to make the ball enter the second start hole 21 (a special winning) while passing the ball through the gate 28, which triggers the normal drawing. This allows the player to get more balls entering (a special winning) than if they were to hit the left. In this pachinko game machine 1, the player plays by hitting the right even during a jackpot.

In contrast, in a non-time-saving state (low base state), it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball from the left into the left play area 3A (see Figure 1). Because electric support control is not being executed, even if the electric chute 22 opens, it will result in an opening pattern (short opening) that makes it difficult for the ball to enter the second starting hole 21, so it is easier to achieve a special winning by aiming for the ball to enter the first starting hole 20 than by aiming for the ball to enter the second starting hole 21. For this reason, the ball is hit from the left in order to enter the first starting hole 20 (a special winning). This allows more balls to enter (a special winning) than hitting from the right.

[About the special drawing award command]
The present pachinko game machine 1 is designed to be capable of executing a so-called pre-reading performance. The pre-reading performance is a pre-performance related to the special pattern change that can be executed based on a pre-judgment (hereinafter also referred to as a pre-reading judgment) made by referring to command information (hereinafter also referred to as pre-reading judgment information) included in the special pattern winning command generated based on judgment information (random number such as a random number for winning a special pattern) acquired according to the game ball entering the first start port 20 or the second start port 21 (a special pattern winning). This pre-reading performance makes it possible to suggest the winning expectation associated with the special pattern winning (special pattern winning command) that is the subject of the pre-reading judgment during the pre-pattern change that is executed before the hit/miss judgment (main judgment) that is performed at the start of the special pattern change (display of the change of the special pattern) caused by the special pattern winning (so-called reserved winning) that is the subject of the pre-reading judgment.

As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, it is possible to make a pre-reading judgment based on reference to the higher-level commands and lower-level commands (pre-reading judgment information) that make up the special winning command. This means that the judgment content related to the pre-reading judgment can include whether it is a big win, a small win, a special miss (C time-saving win), a special miss, etc.

Specifically, when the special winning command corresponds to a big win, it includes pre-reading judgment information indicating the type of big win pattern (either big win pattern A or big win pattern B). When the special winning command corresponds to a small win, it includes pre-reading judgment information indicating the type of small win pattern (either small win pattern a or small win pattern b). When the special winning command corresponds to a special miss, it includes pre-reading judgment information indicating the type of special miss and whether or not there is a reach. In addition, the special winning command of this embodiment includes pre-reading judgment information indicating whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21.

The type of pre-reading judgment information included in the special winning command may be changed as appropriate. For example, the special winning command may include pre-reading judgment information according to the detailed presentation mode (e.g., the presence or absence of button presentation) related to the type of variation pattern.

[Operation of the gaming control microcomputer 81]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 30. The game control microcomputer 81 is formed of a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83 which is a game control ROM, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84 which is a game control RAM, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82 which is a game control CPU, a random number circuit (0 to 65535 is set as a random number value for determining a big win), and an I/O port (Input/Output Port) 87 which is an interface terminal used for inputting and outputting information.

The ROM 83 stores the game program that the CPU 82 uses to perform game control processing, as well as various data and tables required for the game control processing.

The RAM 84 is used as a working memory when the CPU 82 performs game control processing. In addition, some (or all) of the game information stored in the RAM 84 (for example, the current game state, currently changing special chart 1 change display information, currently changing special chart 2 change display information, current special chart 1 reserved information, current special chart 2 reserved information, current number of special chart 1 changes, current number of special chart 2 changes, current number of jackpots, current number of rounds, control commands, etc.) is configured to be a backup RAM that can be retained for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped.

The game control microcomputer 81 (CPU 82) can load the game program stored in ROM 83 into RAM 84 based on the startup process performed when the power to this pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, and can execute the operation processes of counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the following explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81, thereby controlling the main game in this pachinko game machine 1.

[Main control main processing]
When the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 12 from the ROM 83. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, the CPU 82 and other components are first initialized (step S001).

This initial setting involves setting the stack, constants, interrupt time, SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), as well as resetting certain information (various flags, status, counters, etc.). For example, the initial value of a flag is "0" (OFF), the initial value of a status is "1", and the initial value of a counter is "0". Note that the initial setting (S001) is executed only once after power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

The scope of the objects to be initialized will differ depending on whether or not the RAM clear switch 152 is pressed when the power is turned on. In other words, if there is no input from the RAM clear switch 152 when the power is turned on, the initial settings will be made to return to the game state that was in effect before the power was turned on, and if there is an input from the RAM clear switch 152 when the power is turned on, the initial settings will be made to return to a predetermined normal game state (predetermined normal state, initial game).

Following the initial setting (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special pattern main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special pattern main random number update process (S003), update values (hereinafter also referred to as random number counter values) of each random number counter set corresponding to the random number type such as the special pattern random number and the normal pattern random number shown in FIG. 6 are generated. In this embodiment, the random number counter value is a periodic pseudo-random number that is an update value that is incremented by one at a time at high speed from an initial value (e.g., 0) and that returns to the initial value when the update value reaches an upper limit value and is incremented by one again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Each random number may also be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, interrupts are permitted (S004). While interrupts are permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the CPU 82 at, for example, a 4 ms (millisecond) cycle. Then, between the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) and the start of the next main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) does not start immediately, but waits until interrupt permission (S004) is granted before starting.

[Main timer interrupt processing]
Next, the main timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in Fig. 13, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes an output process (S101) in the main timer interrupt process (S005).

In the output process (S101), commands and the like set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 90, the payout control board 110, etc.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the detection signals detected by the various sensors (first start hole sensor 20a, second start hole sensor 21a, first large prize hole sensor 30a, second large prize hole sensor 35a, normal prize hole sensor 27a, etc. (see FIG. 4)) attached to the pachinko game machine 1 are read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM 84 as prize ball information. In addition, a detection signal from a lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM 84 as lower tray full data. The number of prize balls corresponding to winning at each winning hole is set to a predetermined value, such as 2 balls for the second start hole 21. However, the number of prize balls corresponding to winning at each winning hole can be changed as appropriate.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the main control main process in Figure 12. In other words, the update process for the various random number counter values (including the normal symbol related random number counter values) shown in Figure 6 is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special pattern main random number update process (S103), the following processes are executed: sensor detection process (S104), normal operation process (S105), special operation process (S106), distribution member control process (S107), and specific area sensor detection process (S108). After that, other processes (S109) are executed, and the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is terminated. As other processes (S109), the special pattern 1 reserved ball number described below is controlled based on the reserved ball number, and the display mode of the special pattern 1 reserved ball indicator 43a is controlled to indicate the number. Then, the main control main process steps S002 to S004 are repeatedly executed (see FIG. 12) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 82, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 ms later), the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed again. In the output process (S101) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) that is executed again, the commands etc. that were set in the output buffer of RAM 84 in the previous main timer interrupt process (S005) are output.

[Sensor detection process]
As shown in Figure 14, in the sensor detection processing (S104) related to the main side timer interrupt processing (S005) of Figure 13, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not a game ball has passed through the gate 28, i.e., whether or not a game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S201).

If the game ball has passed through gate 28 (YES in S201), the gate passing process (S202) described below is performed. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed through gate 28 (NO in S201), the gate passing process (S202) is skipped and the process proceeds to step S203.

In step S203, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 21, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 21a (S203). If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 21 (NO in S203), the process proceeds to step S209. If a game ball has entered the second start hole 21 (YES in S203), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (the number of reserved balls for special chart 2, specifically, the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 provided in RAM 84) has reached "4" (S204). If the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 has reached "4" (YES in S204), the process proceeds to step S209. If the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is less than "4" (NO in S204), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (S205).

Next, a special chart 2 related random number acquisition process (S206) is performed. In the special chart 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), a group of special chart related random numbers shown in FIG. 6 (A) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b (FIG. 4). Specifically, the special chart per random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter A), the special chart type random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter B), the reach random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter C), and the special chart change pattern random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter D) are acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the memory area of the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b (FIG. 4) corresponding to the current number of special chart 2 reserved balls.

Next, a special chart 2 winning command identification process (S207) is performed. In the special chart 2 winning command identification process (S207), the special chart 2 winning command is identified using the special chart winning command identification table shown in FIG. 11 based on the random number group stored in step S206. Specifically, if the special chart per random number is "65535" and the special chart type random number is "199", the second starting point in the special chart winning command identification table in FIG. 11 is referenced and the command "E2H02H" is identified as the special chart 2 winning command. Note that the command consists of 2 bytes of information (1 byte of upper command (e.g. E2H) and 1 byte of lower command (e.g. 01H).

The classification of the special winning random numbers in the table shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the classification in the jackpot determination table (see FIG. 7(A)). In addition, the classification of the special winning random numbers by type of special pattern allows the type of small winning pattern to be distinguished (see FIG. 7(C)). In detail, if the special winning random number value of special pattern 2 is any value between 65250 and 65535, and the special pattern type random number is any value between "0 and 50", it is determined to be a jackpot for "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern a", and a special pattern 2 winning command (for example, the value of the upper command is E2H and the value of the lower command is 01H) indicating this (i.e., the acquired determination information is jackpot winning information that is expected to be determined as a jackpot win) is specified.

In addition, if the special chart 2 special chart winning random number value is any value between 100 and 65249 and is judged to be a small win, and the special chart type random number value is any value between 0 and 30, it will be judged as "Special chart 2_small win pattern a", and a special chart 2 winning command (the upper command value is E2H, and the lower command value is 03H) indicating this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is small win information that is to be judged as a small win, and the type of small win pattern is "small win pattern a") will be identified. Also, if the special chart 2 special chart winning random number is determined to be a small win between 100 and 65249, and the special chart type random number is between 31 and 199, it is determined to be "special chart 2 small win pattern b", and a special chart 2 winning command (the upper command value is E2H, and the lower command value is 04H) indicating this (i.e., the acquired determination information is small win information that is expected to be determined as a small win, and the type of small win pattern is "small win pattern b") is specified.

Also, if the random number value of the special chart 2 during the non-time-saving state is a special miss equivalent to 9001 to 65249, it can be determined to be a C time-saving hit, so a special chart 2 winning command (the upper command value is E2H, and the lower command value is 05H) indicating this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is C time-saving hit winning information that is expected to be judged as a C time-saving hit) is specified. Also, if the random number value of the special chart 2 during the time-saving state is 9001 to 65249, it is determined to be a special chart miss, so a special chart 2 winning command (the upper command value is E2H, and the lower command value is 06H) indicating this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is special chart miss information that is expected to be judged as a special chart miss) is specified.

In the special winning command of this embodiment, the upper digit of the two-digit hexadecimal upper command is information that specifies the type of command (that it is a special winning command). The lower digit of the upper command is starting port information that specifies the type of starting port (whether to win at the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21). The lower digit of the two-digit hexadecimal lower command is lottery result information. Note that these rules for generating special winning commands are merely examples and can be changed as desired.

Then, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special chart 2 winning command identified in step S207 in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S208).

Next, in the sensor detection process (S104), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first starting hole 20, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first starting hole sensor 20a (S209). If a game ball has not entered the first starting hole 20 (NO in S209), the process is terminated. However, if a game ball has entered the first starting hole 20 (YES in S209), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (the number of reserved balls for special chart 1, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 provided in RAM 84) has reached "4" (S210). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 has reached "4" (YES in S210), the process is terminated. However, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is less than "4" (NO in S210), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (S211).

Next, the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S212) is performed. In the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S212), similar to the special chart 2 related random number acquisition process (S206), a group of random numbers related to the special chart shown in FIG. 6 (A) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a (FIG. 4). Specifically, the special chart per random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter A), the special chart type random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter B), the reach random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter C), and the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (any one extracted value in the numerical range of counter D) are acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the memory area of the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a (FIG. 4) corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for special chart 1.

Next, a special chart 1 winning command identification process (S213) is performed. In the special chart 1 winning command identification process (S213), the special chart 1 winning command is identified using the special chart winning command identification table shown in FIG. 11 based on the random number group stored in step S212. Specifically, if the special chart random number is "65535" and the special chart type random number is "199", the command "E1H02H" is identified as the special chart 1 winning command by referring to the location of the first starting hole in the special chart winning command identification table in FIG. 11.

As in the case of the special chart 2 winning command described above, the classification of the special chart winning random numbers in the table shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the classification in the big win judgment table (see FIG. 7(A)). In addition, the classification of the special chart type random numbers allows the type of small win pattern to be distinguished (see FIG. 7(C)). In detail, if the special chart winning random number value is any of 65250 to 65535, it is judged to be a big win, so the special chart 1 winning command indicating that (i.e., the acquired judgment information is big win winning information that is to be judged as a big win winning) is specified. In addition, if the special chart winning random number value is any of 0 to 330 and the special chart type random number value is any of 0 to 140, it is judged to be a small win pattern a, so the special chart 1 winning command (the value of the upper command is E1H and the value of the lower command is 03H) indicating that (i.e., the acquired judgment information is small win winning information that is to be judged as a small win winning, and the type of small win pattern is "small win pattern a") is specified. Furthermore, if the special winning random number value is between 331 and 65249, it is determined to be a special winning miss, and a special winning command (the upper command value is E1H, and the lower command value is 05H) is identified to indicate this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is special losing information that will be determined to be a special losing miss).

Then, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special chart 1 winning command identified in step S213 in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S214) and ends the process.

[Gate passing process]
As shown in Fig. 15, the game control microcomputer 81 (acquisition means) determines whether the number of reserved balls (the number of reserved balls, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved balls provided in the RAM 84) has reached "4" in the gate passage process (S202) related to the sensor detection process (S104) (S2221). If the number of reserved balls has reached "4" (YES in S221), the process is terminated, but if the number of reserved balls is less than "4" (NO in S2221), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls (S222).

Next, the random number acquisition process (S223) for the regular map is performed. In the random number acquisition process (S223) for the regular map, the random number group shown in FIG. 6 (B) is acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the regular map reservation memory unit 85c (FIG. 4). Specifically, the random number counter value per regular map (any one extracted value in the range of 1 to 65535), the random number counter value for the regular map type (any one extracted value in the range of 0 to 199), and the random number counter value for the regular map fluctuation pattern (any one extracted value in the range of 0 to 99) are acquired, and the acquired random number values are stored in the memory area of the regular map reservation memory unit 85c (FIG. 4) that corresponds to the current number of regular map reserved balls.

Next, a normal map passing command identification process (S224) is performed. In the normal map passing command identification process (S224), a normal map passing command is identified using a normal map passing command identification table (not shown) based on the random number group stored in step S223. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(A), if the normal map random number value is any value between 1 and 65535, it is determined to be a normal map hit, so by referring to the normal map passing command identification table (not shown), it is possible to identify that the value of the upper command in the normal map passing command is E3H. Also, if the normal map random number value is 0, it is determined to be a normal map miss, so it is possible to identify that the value of the upper command in the normal map passing command indicating this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is normal map miss information that is expected to be judged as a normal map miss) is E4H.

In addition, the classification of the random numbers according to the normal pattern type allows the type of normal pattern to be distinguished (see FIG. 9B). In detail, if the random number value according to the normal pattern type is any of 0 to 19, it is determined to be normal pattern_A, and the value of the lower command in the normal pattern passing command indicating this (i.e., the acquired judgment information is normal pattern winning information to be used as a winning judgment of a normal pattern, and the type of the normal pattern winning pattern is "normal pattern_A") is 01H. In addition, if the random number value according to the normal pattern type is any of 20 to 60, it is determined to be normal pattern_B, and the value of the lower command in the normal pattern passing command indicating this is 02H. In addition, if the random number value according to the normal pattern type is any of 61 to 121, it is determined to be normal pattern_C, and the value of the lower command in the normal pattern passing command indicating this is 03H. In addition, if the normal pattern type random number value is any value between 122 and 199, it is determined to be a normal pattern_D, and it is possible to specify that the value of the lower command in the normal pattern pass command indicating this is 04H. Furthermore, if the normal pattern hit random number value corresponds to a normal pattern miss, it is determined to be a normal pattern of the miss type, and it is possible to specify that the value of the lower command in the normal pattern pass command indicating this (i.e., the acquired determination information is normal pattern miss information that is to be determined as a miss normal pattern) is 05H.

The game control microcomputer 81 then sets the normal game pass command identified in step S224 in the output buffer of the RAM 84 (S225) and ends the process.

[Normal operation process]
As shown in FIG. 16, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (S105) following the sensor detection processing (S104) related to the main timer interrupt processing (S005) in FIG.

In the normal operation process (S105), it is determined whether the electric chute 22 is in operation (S301). If the electric chute 22 is not in operation (NO in S301), it is then determined whether the normal map is currently displayed as stopped (from the start to the end of the normal map stop time) (S302). If the normal map is not currently displayed as stopped (NO in S302), it is then determined whether the normal map is currently displayed as changing (S303). If the normal map is not currently displayed as changing (NO in S303), it is then determined whether the number of reserved balls for the normal map, which is related to whether the normal map-related random number obtained in the above-mentioned step S223 is stored, is "0" (S304). If the number of reserved balls for the normal map is "0" (YES in S304), it means that the normal map-related random number is not stored, and this process is terminated.

In step S304, if the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is not "0" (NO in S304), a normal symbol-related random number is stored, and so a hit determination process (S305) is performed. In the normal symbol hit determination process (S305), a determination is made as to whether or not there is a hit based on the normal symbol hit determination table (see FIG. 9 (A)). Then, a pattern determination process is performed (S306) in which normal symbol stop symbol data corresponding to the result of the normal symbol hit determination process is set in a specified memory area of RAM 84. That is, in the normal symbol determination process (S306), if there is a "normal symbol miss", data corresponding to a "normal miss symbol" is set, and if there is a "normal symbol win", data corresponding to a "normal win symbol (normal symbols_A-D)" is set.

Next, the normal map fluctuation time determination process (S307) is performed. In the normal map fluctuation time determination process (S307), by referring to the normal map fluctuation pattern selection table shown in FIG. 9 (B), if the game state is not in the time-saving state, it is possible to select one of the following: normal map fluctuation pattern pt1 with a fluctuation time of 16 seconds per normal map, normal map fluctuation pattern pt2 with a fluctuation time of 13 seconds per normal map, or normal map fluctuation pattern pt3 with a fluctuation time of 10 seconds for a normal map miss. On the other hand, if the game state is in the time-saving state, it is possible to select one of the following: normal map fluctuation pattern pt4 with a fluctuation time of 2.5 seconds per normal map, normal map fluctuation pattern pt5 with a fluctuation time of 1.5 seconds per normal map, or normal map fluctuation pattern pt6 with a fluctuation time of 2 seconds for a normal map miss.

Next, the number of reserved balls is decremented by one (S308). This causes the storage location (storage area) of reserved regular maps for reading in the reserved regular map memory unit 85c to become empty, and the storage location (storage area) of each reserved regular map in the reserved regular map memory unit 85c is shifted one position from the current position to the side from which it is read, and the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved regular map in the reserved regular map memory unit 85c (the memory area farthest from the side from which it is read) becomes empty (S309). In this way, reserved regular maps are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 starts displaying the changes in the regular map according to the regular map change pattern selected in step S307 (S310). In conjunction with this, a regular map change start command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 that the regular map changes have begun.

If the normal map is being changed in step S303 (YES in S303), it is then determined whether the normal map change time has elapsed (S311), and if not (NO in S311), this process ends. On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (YES in S311), the normal map change display is stopped with the display result (normal winning pattern or normal losing pattern) according to the result of the determination of the normal map related random number (S312). Then, a normal map change stop command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 that the normal map change has stopped (S313), and the normal map stop time (500 ms in this embodiment, see Figure 9 (C)) is set (S314), and this process ends.

If the normal symbol is currently displayed as stopped in step S302 (YES in S302), it is next determined whether the stop time for the normal symbol set in step S314 has elapsed (S315), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S315), this process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S315), it is determined whether the normal symbol stop symbol data for the normal winning symbol has been set (S316), and if it is not data for a normal winning symbol (i.e., if there is no win (NO in S316)), this process ends. On the other hand, if it is data for a normal winning symbol (i.e., if there is a win (YES in S316)), the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is set (S317). In detail, if the game is not in a time-saving state, the opening pattern for the electric chute 22 with a short one-time opening for the non-time-saving state is set as the opening pattern for the electric chute 22 regardless of the type of normal symbol A to D (the electric chute in FIG. 9 (D) See the opening pattern determination table). On the other hand, if the first time-saving state is in progress (either one time-saving M, two time-saving M, or three time-saving M), the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 according to the type of normal map (normal map A to D) is set to one of the following: "opening pattern with short two openings," "opening pattern with long one opening (including one short opening)," or "opening pattern with long two openings" (see the electric chute opening pattern determination table in FIG. 9 (D)). Then, displacement control is performed to operate the electric chute 22 according to the electric chute opening pattern set in step S317 (S318).

If the electric chute 22 is in operation in step S301 described above (YES in S301), it is then determined whether the operation time of the electric chute 22 has elapsed (S319), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S319), this process ends. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S319), the operation of the electric chute 22 is terminated (S320).

[Special Action Processing]
As shown in FIG. 17, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a normal operation process (S105) related to the main timer interrupt process (S005) in FIG. 13, followed by a special operation process (S106).

In the special operation process (S106), the process related to the special symbol display 41 and the big prize device (first big prize device 31 and second big prize device 36) is divided into five stages, and each stage is assigned a "special operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5."

If the "special operation status" is "1" (YES in S901), special symbol waiting process (S902) is performed; if the "special operation status" is "2" (NO in S901, YES in S903), special symbol changing process (S904) is performed; if the "special operation status" is "3" (NO in S901, S903, YES in S905), special symbol determination process (S906) is performed; if the "special operation status" is "4" (NO in S901, S903, S905, YES in S907), special electric device process 1 for a big win game (S908) is performed; if the "special operation status" is "5" (NO in S901, S903, S905, S907), special electric device process 2 for a small win game (S909) is performed. Note that the special operation status is initially set to "1."

[Special symbol standby process (special operation status 1 in FIG. 17)]
As shown in Figure 18, in the special pattern waiting process (S902), the game control microcontroller 81 determines whether the acquired random number value (the random number value before the hit determination acquired in the above-mentioned step S205) is stored in the special pattern 2 reserved memory unit 85b (Figure 4) (S1001).

If the acquired random number value is not stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b (Fig. 4) (YES in S1001), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the second starting port 21, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting port 20 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in the special chart 1) is "0" (S1007). Then, if the number of reserved balls in the special chart 1 is also "0" (YES in S1007), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value group acquired due to winning in the first starting port 20, it is determined whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has already been set to the standby screen (demo screen for waiting for customers) (S1013), and if so (YES in S1013), the process is terminated, and if not (NO in S1013), the standby screen setting process (S1014) is performed. In the standby screen setting process (S1014), a customer waiting standby command is set to display the standby screen after a predetermined standby time has elapsed.

In step S1001, if the obtained random number value is stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b (Fig. 4) (NO in S1001), the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1002) and the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) are performed in sequence. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 subtracts one from the number of reserved balls for special chart 2, and clears the storage location (first storage area) for reading various counter values in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b for emptying (S1004). Then, each of the five storage locations (storage area for reading + each storage area for reserved 1 to reserved 4) for various counter values in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b is shifted one location from the current position to the side to be read (first storage area side), and the fifth storage area (storage area farthest from the side to be read) corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b for emptying (S1005). In this way, the reserved special charts 2 are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

Then, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the special chart 2 variation start process (S1006). In the special chart 2 variation start process (S1006), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 to start the variation display of the special chart 2. The variation start command (also called the special chart 2 variation start command) set in the special chart 2 variation start process (S1006) includes information on the special chart stop pattern data (not shown) set in the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1002) and information on the variation pattern set in the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) (information including variation time information).

In addition, if the obtained random number value is not stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 85b (Fig. 4) but the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1001 and NO in S1007), the special chart 1 big win determination process (S1008) and the special chart 1 variable pattern selection process (S1009) are performed in sequence. After that, the game control microcomputer 81 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls for special chart 1, and clears the storage location (first storage area) for reading various counter values in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a to make it empty (S1010). Then, each of the five storage locations (each storage area) in which various counter values can be stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a is shifted by one from the current position to the side from which it is read (the first storage area side), and the fifth storage area (the storage area farthest from the side from which it is read) corresponding to the fourth reserved ball in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 85a is made empty (S1011). In this way, Special Chart 1 reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

Then, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the special chart 1 variation start process (S1012). In the special chart 1 variation start process (S1012), the special operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 84 to start the variation display of the special chart 1. The variation start command (also called the special chart 1 variation start command) set in the special chart 1 variation start process (S1012) includes information on the special chart stop pattern data (not shown) set in the special chart 1 big win determination process (S1008) and information on the variation pattern set in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) (information including variation time information).

As described above, in this embodiment, the display of the variable special pattern based on the reserved special pattern 1 is performed only when the special pattern random number counter value is not stored in the reserved special pattern 2 memory unit 85b (YES in S1001). In other words, the processing based on the special pattern random number counter value in the reserved special pattern 2 memory unit 85b is executed in priority to the consumption of the reserved special pattern 1. However, in a modified example, the consumption of the reserved special pattern 1 may be executed during the processing based on the special pattern random number counter value in the reserved special pattern 2 memory unit 85b. And in this embodiment, if a small prize is won in the lottery based on the special pattern random number counter value in the reserved special pattern 2 memory unit 85b, it is possible to pass through the specific area 39 during the subsequent small prize game (while the second large prize device 36 is open).

[Special chart 2 big win determination process (special chart 1 big win determination process)]
The special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1002) and the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1008) have roughly the same processing flow, so they will be explained together based on Figure 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1002) or the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1008), the game control microcomputer 81 reads out the special chart win random number counter value (extracted value related to counter A in FIG. 6) extracted upon special chart winning (start winning) as a determination value (S1101).

In detail, in the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1002), the special chart random number counter value stored in the special chart 2 reserved memory section 85b (first memory area corresponding to the reading of the special chart 2 reserved) of the RAM 84 is read. In addition, in the special chart 1 big win determination process (S1008), the special chart random number counter value stored in the special chart 1 reserved memory section 85a (first memory area corresponding to the reading of the special chart 1 reserved) of the RAM 84 is read.

Next, the jackpot determination table (Figure 7 (A)) is set (S1102). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a jackpot based on the set jackpot determination table (S1103). In other words, it is determined whether or not the special chart random number counter value matches any of the jackpot determination values "65250" to "65535" (see Figure 7 (A)).

If the result of the jackpot determination (S1103) is a "jackpot" (YES in S1103), the jackpot flag (information related to the determination result of whether or not the jackpot has been won) is turned ON (S1104), and the special symbol type random number counter value (extracted value related to counter B in FIG. 6) extracted when a special symbol is won is read out, and the jackpot symbol type (type of jackpot) is determined based on the jackpot symbol type determination table shown in FIG. 7(B) (S1105). After the jackpot symbol type is determined (S1105), special symbol stop symbol data (not shown), which is one of the identification information corresponding to the jackpot symbol type, is set in the special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1106), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination (S1103) is not a "jackpot" (NO in S1103), it is determined whether or not it is a small jackpot (S1107). In detail, in the special chart 2 jackpot determination process (S1002), it is determined whether or not the special chart hit random number counter value matches any of the small jackpot determination values "100" to "65249" (see the special chart 2 column in Figure 7 (A)).

In this embodiment, the probability of winning the small prize is higher in the drawing for special drawing 2 than in the drawing for special drawing 1, but as a modified example, the probability of winning the small prize may be higher in the drawing for special drawing 1 than in the drawing for special drawing 2. Also, the drawing for the small prize may be held only in one of the drawing for special drawing 1 or the drawing for special drawing 2.

If the result of the small win determination (S1107) is a "small win" (YES in S1107), the small win flag (information related to the determination result of a small win win) is turned ON (S1108), and the special symbol type random number counter value is read out and the small win symbol type (type of small win) is determined based on the small win symbol type determination table shown in FIG. 7 (C) (S1109). After the small win symbol type is determined (S1109), special symbol stop symbol data (not shown), which is one of the identification information corresponding to the small win symbol type, is set in the special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1110), and the process ends. Note that the random number that determines whether or not there is a small win may be provided separately from the special symbol win random number.

In addition, in the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1002) or special chart 1 big win determination process (S1008), if it is not a big win (NO in S1103) or a small win (NO in S1107), it is a "special chart miss (including special miss)", so the special chart stop pattern data (not shown), which is one of the identification information corresponding to the special miss pattern, is set in the special chart type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1113), and the process ends.

In addition, in the special chart 1 jackpot determination process (S1008), when a specified non-time-saving state (specified normal state, initial play) is in effect, it is possible to determine whether the special chart hit random number counter value matches any of the values from "0" to "99", which are the C time-saving hit (special miss) determination values (see the special chart 1 column in Figure 7 (A)). Therefore, in the special chart 2 big win determination process (S1002), if it is not a big win (NO in S1103) or a small win (NO in S1107), it is determined in step S1111 whether or not it is a C time-saving win (special miss), and if it is a "C time-saving win" (YES in S1111), the C time-saving win flag (information related to the determination result of the C time-saving win) is enabled (S1112), the special chart type random number counter value is read out, and the pattern type related to the C time-saving win (time-saving pattern β/type of time-saving pattern) is determined based on the time-saving pattern type determination table shown in Figure 7 (E) (S1113), and special chart stop pattern data (not shown) of identification information corresponding to the pattern type related to the C time-saving win (time-saving pattern β) is set in the special chart type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1114), and the process ends. On the other hand, if the result is not "C time-saving win" in step S1111 (NO in S1112), then the result is a "special symbol miss", and the special symbol stop symbol data (not shown) of the identification information corresponding to the special symbol miss is set in the special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1115), and the process ends.

As a modified example, the special symbol type random number counter value may be read out, and the type of time-saving symbol or special miss symbol may be determined based on a time-saving symbol type determination table or a special miss symbol type determination table (not shown), and special symbol stop symbol data (not shown) that is either one of multiple types of time-saving symbols (time-saving symbol β or time-saving symbol α) or identification information corresponding to multiple types of special miss symbols may be set in a special symbol type buffer provided in RAM 84 (S1114), and the process may end. Also, a random number that determines whether or not a C time-saving symbol has been hit may be provided separately from the special symbol hit random number.

[Special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (special chart 1 variation pattern selection process)]
The special pattern 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) and the special pattern 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) related to the special pattern waiting process (S902) in Figure 18 have roughly the same processing flow, so they will be explained together based on Figure 20.

As shown in FIG. 20, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game state is a non-time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is OFF or not) in the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) or the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009) (S1301).

If the game is not in the time-saving state (YES in S1301), it is then determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S1302). If it is ON (YES in S1302), the game refers to the table for jackpots during non-time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(A) that corresponds to the jackpot) and selects a fluctuation pattern based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 6) that is extracted when the special chart is won (S1303). As shown in FIG. 10, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined.

Note that a variation pattern is associated with a variation presentation, and when a variation pattern is determined, a variation presentation according to that variation pattern is executed. Specifically, for example, a super reach (hereinafter also referred to as an SP reach) is executed in a variation presentation based on variation pattern P1, a normal reach (hereinafter also referred to as an N reach) is executed in a variation presentation based on variation pattern P2, and a battle reach is executed in a variation presentation based on variation pattern P3 (see the reach type column in FIG. 10). Here, an SP reach or battle reach is a reach with a longer variation time after the reach than an N reach, and the allocation rate of the table is set so that the expectation of a big win game or a small win game (expectation of winning) is higher than that of an N reach. In this embodiment, an advanced execution is performed that leads to an SP reach or a battle reach via an N reach.

On the other hand, in step S1302, if the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1302), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S1304). If it is ON (YES in S1304), the table for small and medium wins in non-time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10 (A) that corresponds to the small win) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1305).

In step S1304, if the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1304), in step S1306, it is determined whether or not a C time-saving win has been made based on a special miss in the special chart 2 when the game is in a predetermined non-time-saving state (predetermined normal state, initial play) (S1306). If a C time-saving win has been made (YES in S1306), a fluctuation pattern (battle reach of fluctuation pattern P14) is selected by referring to the table for C time-saving wins in non-time-saving states (the part corresponding to the C time-saving win shown in FIG. 10 (A)) (S1307). Note that a special miss in the special chart 2 when the game is in the time-saving state is not determined as a C time-saving win, so a fluctuation pattern is selected according to whether or not the reach random number counter value is a reach establishment random number value. Note that the type of time-saving pattern when a C time-saving win has been made may be displayed based on the display result based on the battle reach.

On the other hand, if the C time-saving hit is not reached (NO in S1306), the special chart will not be won, so it is next determined whether the reach random number counter value extracted when the special chart is won (the extracted value related to counter C in FIG. 6) is a reach-established random number value (S1308). As shown in FIG. 7 (D), the reach-established random number value during a non-time-saving state is any value between "0" and "80."

Then, if the reach random number counter value is a reach establishment random number value (YES in S1308), that is, in the case of a reach with special chart miss, a table for reach with special chart miss during non-time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(A) that corresponds to reach with special chart miss) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1309).

On the other hand, if the reach random number counter value is not a reach establishment random number value (NO in S1308), i.e., in the case of a special chart miss without a reach, a table for special chart misses without a reach during non-time-saving mode (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(A) that corresponds to no reach for a special chart miss) is referenced to select a fluctuation pattern based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1310).

When the special pattern is missed without a reach in the special pattern 2 variation pattern selection process (S1003) or special pattern 1 variation pattern selection process (S1009), the function of shortening the variation according to the number of reserved balls is activated. In other words, when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "3" or "4", a variation pattern with a shorter variation time is selected compared to when the number of reserved balls of the special pattern is "0" to "2".

In addition, in step S1301, if it is determined that the game state is not in the non-time-saving state (NO in S1301), that is, if it is determined that the game state is in the time-saving state, it is determined whether or not the jackpot flag is ON (S1311). If it is ON (YES in S1311), the table for jackpots during time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(B) that corresponds to the jackpot) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (the extracted value related to counter D in FIG. 6) that is extracted when a special chart is won (S1312).

On the other hand, in step S1311, if the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1311), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S1313). If it is ON (YES in S1313), the table for small and medium wins in the time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(B) that corresponds to the small win) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1314).

In addition, in step S1313, if the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1313), the special chart will be missed, so it is then determined whether the reach random number counter value (extracted value related to counter C in FIG. 6) extracted upon winning the special chart is a reach-established random number value (S1315). As shown in FIG. 7 (D), the reach-established random number value during the time-saving state is any value between "0" and "40". If the reach random number counter value is a reach-established random number value (YES in S1315), that is, in the case of a reach and special chart miss, a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value by referring to the table for reach and special chart miss during the time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10 (B) that corresponds to reach of the special chart miss) (S1316).

On the other hand, if the reach random number counter value is not a reach establishment random number value (NO in S1315), i.e., in the case of no reach and special chart miss, a table for no reach and special chart miss during time-saving state (the portion of the table shown in FIG. 10(B) that corresponds to no reach for special chart miss) is referenced to select a fluctuation pattern based on the special chart fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1317).

In addition, in the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table during the non-time-saving state, fluctuation patterns with longer fluctuation times are generally more likely to be selected than during the time-saving state, and in the special chart fluctuation pattern determination table during the time-saving state, fluctuation patterns with shorter fluctuation times are generally more likely to be selected than during the non-time-saving state.

After the variation pattern is selected as described above, the selected variation pattern is set (S1319) as shown in FIG. 20, and this process ends. The information on the variation pattern set in step S1319 is included in the variation start command set in step S1006 or S1012 in the special pattern waiting process (S902).

As a modified example, the process for selecting the fluctuation pattern at the time of the final fluctuation of the time-saving state may select the battle reach of fluctuation pattern P14. In other words, the result of the special chart lottery may be shown by the display result based on the battle reach. In other words, at the time of the final fluctuation of the time-saving state, a predetermined reach performance (battle reach) may be executed.

[Special Pattern Change Processing (Special Operation Status 2 in FIG. 17)]
As shown in Fig. 21, the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in step S1003 or S1009, see Fig. 10) has elapsed during the special symbol variation process (S904) (S1501). If the special symbol variation time has not elapsed (NO in S1501), this process is immediately ended. This allows the variation display of the special symbol to continue.

On the other hand, if the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1501), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1502) and the special operation status is set to "3" (S1503). Then, other processing is performed (S1504), such as stopping the special symbol fluctuation display at a symbol (either a big win symbol, a small win symbol, a time-saving symbol, or a special losing symbol) according to the set special symbol stop symbol data (not shown), and this processing ends.

[Special symbol determination process (special operation status 3 in FIG. 17)]
As shown in Fig. 22, the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the stop time (Fig. 10) of the special symbol has elapsed in the special symbol determination process (S906) (S1601). If the stop time has not elapsed (NO in S1601), this process is immediately terminated. On the other hand, if the stop time has elapsed (YES in S1601), a game status management process is performed (S1602). The game status management process will be described in detail later.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (information related to the jackpot winning judgment result is stored) (S1603). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1603), the special operation status is set to "4" (S1604). Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON (S1605), and if the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S1605), proceeds to step S1607, but if the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1605), it refers to the special symbol type buffer provided in the RAM 84, and turns off the time-saving flag at the timing (the start of the special symbol fluctuation or the end of the special symbol fluctuation when the operating conditions of the first type jackpot game are satisfied) related to the judgment of the combination of the type of time-saving state (the number of time-saving times when the time-saving state is started) that was set when the time-saving flag was ON and the type of jackpot pattern that is used to judge whether a win has been won) (S1606), and proceeds to step S1607.

In this embodiment, the low base state refers to a low base state in the sense that there is no electric support (winning support) due to the electric chute 22 being able to be opened frequently, and does not take into account a base increase based on the operation of the big winning device.

After that, to start the jackpot game, a jackpot opening command (not shown) is set (S1607), and the opening of the jackpot game is started (S1608). Following step S1608, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the jackpot opening (see FIG. 8 for details) according to the type of jackpot symbol that was won (S1609). At this time, the value of the jackpot opening counter that counts the number of times the jackpot opening has been opened during the special game is set to a value according to the type of jackpot symbol that was won. The setting of the opening pattern of the jackpot opening (setting of data according to the opening pattern of the jackpot opening) may be performed for each round.

On the other hand, if the big win flag is not ON in step S1603 (NO in S1603), it is then determined whether the small win flag is ON (information on the result of the small win determination is stored) (S1610). If the small win flag is ON (YES in S1610), the special action status is set to "5" (S1611).

Next, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON (S1612), and if the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S1612), the process proceeds to step S1614. If the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1612), the special symbol type buffer in RAM 84 is referenced, and the time-saving flag is set to OFF (S1613) at the timing related to the determination of the combination of the type of time-saving state (the number of time-saving times when the execution is started) that was set when the time-saving flag was set to ON and the type of small win symbol that was determined to have been won during the time-saving state (at the time of V winning when the operating conditions for the double-type jackpot game are satisfied, or at the start of the double-type jackpot game before V winning) and the process proceeds to step S1614.

Then, the game control microcomputer 81 sets a small win opening command (not shown) to start the small win game (S1614) and starts the opening of the small win game (S1615). Following step S1615, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening pattern of the large prize opening according to the type of the small win symbol that was won (see FIG. 8 for details) (S1616). At this time, the value of the large prize opening counter is set to a value according to the type of the small win symbol that was won.

The game control microcomputer 81 then turns on the distribution member operation flag (S1617) and ends this process. The distribution member operation flag is a flag that indicates that it is the period during which the distribution member 71 is to be operated. In other words, in this embodiment, the operation of the distribution member 71 begins with the opening of the small win game. The operation pattern of the distribution member 71 will be described in detail later.

If the small win flag is not ON in step S1610 (NO in S1610), neither the big win game nor the small win game will start, so the special operation status is set to "1" (S1618) and this process ends.

[Game Status Management Processing]
As shown in FIG. 23, in the game status management process (S1602) related to the special pattern determination process (S906) in FIG. 22, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S1701), and if the time-saving flag is not ON but is OFF (NO in S1701), proceeds to step S1705.

On the other hand, if the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1701), the value of the time-saving counter, which counts the number of regular symbol changes (or special symbol change displays) performed during the time-saving state, is decremented by 1 (S1702), and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" or not (S1703). If the value is not "0" (NO in S1703), this process is terminated, and if the value is "0" (YES in S1703), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1704), and the process proceeds to step S1705.

In step S1705, if it is a C-time-saving hit (special miss) that can only be determined after a jackpot (including the end of a jackpot game or when the miss counter, described below, reaches 800 times) or under a predetermined, specified non-time-saving state (predetermined normal state, initial game), a specified time-saving flag is turned ON (S1706) and the process proceeds to step S1707. In this embodiment, if it is the end of a jackpot game, the A-time-saving flag is turned ON, if the miss counter reaches 800 times, the B-time-saving flag is turned ON, and if it is a C-time-saving hit (special miss), the C-time-saving flag is turned ON.

In step S1707, the value of the time-saving counter is set to activate the time-saving state. Specifically, if the miss counter reaches 800 times, the value of the time-saving counter is set to "1000 times", and if a C time-saving hit (special miss) occurs, the value of the time-saving counter corresponding to the "Special Chart 2_Time-saving Pattern β" is set to "1000 times", and the process proceeds to step S1710. In this embodiment, as described later, when the big win game ends, the value of the time-saving counter corresponding to the type of big win pattern or small win pattern is set to "1 time", "2 times", or "3 times".

As a variation of the C time-saving hit, a time-saving pattern α different from the time-saving pattern β may be provided, and the value of the time-saving counter corresponding to this time-saving pattern α may be set to "50 times." In other words, it may be possible to select one of multiple types of time-saving patterns, and to set different values of the time-saving counter depending on the selected time-saving pattern.

On the other hand, if it is not after a jackpot or a C time-saving win (NO in S1705), proceed to step S1708. In step S1708, it is determined whether or not either the jackpot flag or the small win flag is ON, and if it is ON (YES in S1708), proceed to step S1710. Also, if neither the jackpot flag nor the small win flag is ON and the special chart is a miss (NO in S1708), proceed to step S1709.

In step S1709, if a special symbol miss variation (miss variation display of a special symbol) is executed during a non-time-saving state, the value of the miss counter, which counts the number of times, is incremented by 1, and the process proceeds to step S1710. Note that in this embodiment, if the value of the miss counter reaches "800 times (a specified number of times)" under a predetermined non-time-saving state (a low-probability state in which the probability of winning the special symbol lottery is low), it is possible to transition to the third time-saving state (so-called B time-saving) without depending on the result of the special symbol lottery.

The value of the miss counter is cleared when it reaches 800 times or when a big win occurs. The third time-saving state may be set appropriately, such as to be the same as either the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state.

In step S1710, a game state command including information about the current game state is set in the output buffer of RAM 84. When this command is output, information about the current game state is notified to the sub-control board 90. The sub-control board 90 then controls the presentation mode according to the current game state.

[Special Electric Device Processing 1 (Big Win Game)]
The special electric device process 1 (special operation status 4 in FIG. 17) is a process for executing a jackpot game such as a type 1 jackpot game or a type 2 jackpot game.

As shown in FIG. 24, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2001) in the special electric device processing 1 (S908). The jackpot end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the first big prize winning device 31 (unit opening game, round game) has all ended in the jackpot game that was won.

If the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the first large prize opening 30 is currently open (i.e., whether the first large prize device 31 is currently open) (S2002). If it is not currently open (NO in S2002), it is determined whether the time has come to open the first large prize opening 30, i.e., whether the opening time for the jackpot has elapsed and it is time to start opening the first large prize opening 30, or whether the interval time between openings has elapsed and it is time to start the next opening (S2003).

If the result of the determination in step S2003 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S2003 is YES, the first large prize opening 30 is opened according to the set large prize opening opening pattern (S2004).

If the first major prize opening 30 is open in step S2002 (YES in S2002), it is determined whether the number of winnings into the first major prize opening 30 in that unit open game (one round game) has reached the specified maximum number of winnings (10 in this embodiment) (S2005). If the specified number of winnings has not been reached (NO in S2005), it is determined whether it is time to close the first major prize opening 30 (i.e., whether a specified opening time (see FIG. 8) has elapsed since the first major prize opening 30 was opened) (S2006). Then, if the opening time of the first major prize opening 30 has not elapsed (NO in S2006), this process ends.

On the other hand, if the specified number of winning balls has been reached (YES in S2005) or the opening time of the first large prize opening 30 has elapsed (YES in S2006), i.e., if either of the two opening end conditions is met, the first large prize opening 30 is closed (blocked) (S2007). Then, the value of the large prize opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2008), and it is determined whether the value of the large prize opening counter is "0" or not (S2009). If it is not "0" (NO in S2009), the process ends to start the next opening.

On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S2009), a jackpot ending command (not shown) is set to end the jackpot game (S2010), and the jackpot ending is started (S2011). Then, the jackpot end flag is set and processing ends (S2012).

If the jackpot end flag is ON in step S2001 (YES in S2001), all openings of the first large winning port 30 in the jackpot game have been completed, so it is determined whether the jackpot ending time has elapsed (S2013), and if the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2013), the process ends. On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2013), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2014) and the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2015). Then, after setting the special operation status to "1" (S2016), the game status setting process (S2017) described below is performed, and this process ends.

[Game Status Setting Process]
As shown in Fig. 25, in the game state setting process (S2017) related to the special electric device process 1 (S908), the game control microcomputer 81 judges whether the jackpot that triggered the execution of the current jackpot game is a type 1 jackpot (S2101). If the result of this judgment is NO, it is assumed to be a small jackpot and proceeds to step S2107, and if the result of this judgment is YES, it judges whether the current game state is a time-saving state (time-saving flag ON) when the operation condition of the type 1 jackpot game is satisfied (S2102).

If the result of the judgment in step S2102 is NO (non-time-saving state), proceed to step S2103, and if the type of jackpot pattern in the jackpot winning variation (at the time of winning judgment) that notifies the jackpot by the special pattern is "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern A" or "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern B", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "3 times" (see FIG. 8), and proceed to step S2105. Note that if the type of jackpot pattern in the jackpot winning variation (at the time of winning judgment) that notifies the jackpot by the special pattern is "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern A" or "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern B", the value of the time-saving counter (time-saving number of times) is set to "0 times" (not shown) as an irregular measure for right-handed play during the recommendation of left-handed play.

On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S2102 is YES (time-saving state), proceed to step S2104, and if the type of jackpot pattern (the type of pattern won during the time-saving state) in the jackpot winning variation that notifies the jackpot by the special pattern is "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern A" or "Special pattern 2_jackpot pattern B", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "2 times" (see FIG. 8), and proceed to step S2105. Note that if the type of jackpot pattern in the jackpot winning variation that notifies the jackpot by the special pattern (at the time of winning judgment) is "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern A" or "Special pattern 1_jackpot pattern B", the value of the time-saving counter (time-saving number of times) is set to "1 time" (not shown) as a relief measure for playing left-handed while right-handed play is recommended.

In addition, in step S2107, which is reached when the result of the judgment in step S2101 is NO (small win), it is judged whether or not the V flag described below is ON (V winning) during the small win game, and if the V flag is not ON (NO in S2107), this process is terminated, and if the V flag is ON (YES in S2107), it is judged whether or not the time-saving state (time-saving flag ON) is in effect when the V flag is turned ON in step S2108 (when a type 2 jackpot is activated/when a V win is won) (S2108).

If the result of the judgment in step S2108 is NO (non-time-saving state), proceed to step S2109, and if the type of the small win pattern in the small win winning variation that notifies a small win by the special pattern is "Special pattern 1_small win pattern a", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "1 time", and if it is "Special pattern 1_small win pattern b", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "2 times" (see FIG. 8), and proceed to step S2105. Note that if the type of the small win pattern in the small win winning variation that notifies a small win by the special pattern is "Special pattern 2_small win pattern a" or "Special pattern 2_small win pattern b", the value of the time-saving counter (time-saving number of times) is set to "0 times" (not shown) as an irregular measure for right-handed play during the recommendation of left-handed play.

On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S2108 is YES (time-saving state), the process proceeds to step S2110, and if the type of the small win pattern in the small win winning variation that notifies the small win by the special pattern is "Special pattern 2_small win pattern a", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "1 time", and if it is "Special pattern 2_small win pattern b", the value of the time-saving counter related to the time-saving grant (time-saving number of times) is set to "3 times" (see FIG. 8), and the process proceeds to step S2105. Note that if the type of the small win pattern in the small win winning variation that notifies the small win by the special pattern is "Special pattern 1_small win pattern a" or "Special pattern 1_small win pattern b", the value of the time-saving counter (time-saving number of times) is set to "1 time" (not shown) as a rescue measure for left-handed play during the recommendation of right-handed play.

Next, in step S2105, a predetermined time-saving flag (A time-saving flag) is turned ON, and the process proceeds to step S2106. In step S2106, a game state command including information on the current game state is set in the output buffer of RAM 84. When this command is output, information on the current game state is notified to the sub-control board 90. The sub-control board 90 then controls the presentation mode according to the current game state.

[Special Electric Device Processing 2 (Small Win Game)]
The special electric device process 2 (special operation status 5 in FIG. 17) is a process for executing a small prize game that opens the second big prize device 36 equipped with a specific area 39.

As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the small win end flag is ON (S2301) in the special electric device processing 2 (S909). The small win end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second large winning device 36 has ended in the small win game.

If the small win end flag is not ON (NO in S2301), it is determined whether the second large prize opening 35 is currently open (i.e., whether the second large prize device 36 is currently open) (S2302). If it is not currently open (NO in S2302), it is determined whether the time has come to open the second large prize opening 35, i.e., whether the predetermined pre-opening interval (small win opening) has elapsed and it is time to start opening the second large prize opening 35 (S2303).

If the result of the determination in step S2303 is NO, the process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S2303 is YES, the second large prize opening 35 is opened according to the opening pattern of the large prize opening (see FIG. 8) corresponding to the type of the small prize symbol that has been won (S2304).

If the second large prize opening 35 is open in step S2302 (YES in S2302), it is determined whether the number of prizes won through the second large prize opening 35 has reached the specified maximum number of prizes (10 in this embodiment) (S2305). If the specified number of prizes has not been reached (NO in S2305), it is determined whether the time has come to close the second large prize opening 35 (i.e., whether a specified opening time (1.6 seconds in this embodiment as shown in FIG. 8) has elapsed since the second large prize opening 35 was opened) (S2306). Then, if the opening time for the second large prize opening 35 has not elapsed (NO in S2306), this process ends.

In contrast, if the specified number of winnings has been reached (YES in S2305) or the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 has elapsed (YES in S2306), that is, if either of the two opening end conditions is met, the second large prize opening 35 is closed (blocked) (S2307). Then, the value of the large prize opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2308), and the small prize end flag is set (S2309), and this process ends.

If the small win end flag is ON in step S2301 (YES in S2301), as shown in FIG. 27, it is determined whether a predetermined time (post-closing interval) has elapsed since the second large prize opening 35 was closed during the small win game (S2310), and if the post-closing interval has not elapsed (NO in S2310), the process ends. The post-closing interval for the small win game will be described later. On the other hand, if the post-closing interval has elapsed (YES in S2310), the small win end flag is turned OFF (S2311), the small win flag is turned OFF (S2312), and the process proceeds to step S2313.

In step S2313, it is determined whether the V flag is ON. The V flag is a flag that indicates that the game ball has passed through the specific area 39 during the execution of a small win game, and is a flag that is turned ON in step S2603 (see FIG. 30) described later.

If the V flag is ON (YES in S2313), in order to execute a Type 2 jackpot game, the game control microcomputer 81 turns the V flag OFF (S2314), turns the jackpot flag ON (S2315), sets the special operation status to "4" (S2316), and proceeds to step S2317. Then, a jackpot opening command (not shown) is set (S2317), and the jackpot opening starts (S2318). This transitions from a small jackpot game in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened for a short period of time to a Type 2 jackpot game.

On the other hand, if the V flag is not ON in step S2313 (NO in S2313), the value of the big prize opening counter is cleared to "0" (S2320) and the special operation status is set to "1" (S2321) to terminate this process, in order to not execute a type 2 big prize game.

[Distribution member control process]
The game control microcomputer 81 performs a special action process (S106) related to the main timer interrupt process (S005) in FIG. 13, followed by a distribution member control process (S107).

As shown in FIG. 28, in the distribution member control process (S107), first, it is determined whether or not the distribution member operation flag is ON (S2501). If the distribution member operation flag is not ON (NO in S2501), this process ends. On the other hand, if the distribution member operation flag is ON (YES in S2501), the opening of the small win game has started (see FIG. 22), so the distribution member operation process (S2502) is performed to operate the distribution member 71 in a predetermined operation pattern, and the V valid period setting process (S2503) is also performed.

In the distribution member operation process (S2502), a timer is set to measure the operation time of the distribution member 71, and based on the timing using the timer, the distribution member solenoid 73 is turned ON when it is time to open the distribution member 71, and is turned OFF when it is time to close the distribution member 71. This causes the distribution member 71 to move in a constant manner from the start of the opening of the small win game.

Specifically, the distribution member 71 is first controlled to a passage-blocking state (the state shown by the dashed line in Figure 2) for 8 ms from the start of the opening of the small win game. This is called the pre-opening interval. Next, it is controlled to a passage-permitting state (see Figure 2) for 4600 ms. This is called V-opening. Next, it is controlled to a passage-blocking state for 3000 ms. This is called the post-closing interval. This series of operations consisting of "pre-opening interval ⇒ V-opening ⇒ post-closing interval" is the constant operation of the distribution member 71.

In addition, in the V effective period setting process (S2503), a V effective period is set for a certain operation of the distribution member 71 as described above. The V effective period is a period during which, when a detection is made by the specific area sensor 39a, the detection is regarded as valid and the V flag is turned ON. As shown in FIG. 29(d), the V effective period is from the start of the opening of the specific area 39 (the point at which the distribution member 71 is controlled to a passing-permitting state) until a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set to a time longer than the opening time of the specific area 39 (the time during which the distribution member 71 is controlled to a passing-permitting state). This is done to take into account the time lag until a game ball that has passed the arrangement position of the distribution member 71 reaches the specific area 39.

Specifically, in the V valid period setting process (S2503), a timer is set to measure the V valid period, and based on the timing using the timer, the V valid flag is turned ON when it is time to enable the specific area 39, and the V valid flag is turned OFF when it is time to disable the specific area 39. Note that in step S2602 of the specific area sensor detection process (S108) described later, it is determined whether or not the V valid period is in progress by determining whether or not this V valid flag is ON.

Following the V valid period setting process (S2503), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the operation of the distribution member 71 has ended (S2504). Specifically, based on the timer for measuring the operation time of the distribution member 71 set in step S2502, it determines whether the total operation time (7600 ms (see FIG. 29(c)) from when the distribution member 71 starts to when it ends a certain operation has elapsed. If the operation of the distribution member 71 has not ended (NO in S2504), the process ends as is. On the other hand, if the operation of the distribution member 71 has ended (YES in S2504), the distribution member operation flag is turned OFF (S2505) and then the process ends.

Here, based on FIG. 29, the relationship between the constant operation of the distribution member 71 as described above and the opening pattern of the second large prize opening 35 (opening/closing member 37) during the small prize game will be explained. In this embodiment, there are two opening patterns for the second large prize opening 35 during the small prize game, as shown in FIG. 29(b) and (e). Note that FIG. 29(a) shows the timing of the variable display and the stop display of the special pattern to make it easier to understand the timing of the start of the small prize game.

The opening pattern shown in FIG. 29(b) is the opening pattern that is selected when a small prize is won in the lottery for special chart 2. In other words, it is the opening pattern that is selected when "Special Chart 2_Small Prize Pattern B" (see FIG. 8) is won. This opening pattern is a passing opening pattern that allows passage to specific area 39.

More specifically, this passage opening pattern is an opening pattern in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 8 ms, then opened for 1600 ms, and then closed for 6000 ms. In other words, the small prize game executed in this opening pattern includes an opening in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 8 ms, a small prize opening game in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened for 1600 ms, and a post-closing interval in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 6000 ms.

When the second large prize opening 35 is opened in such an opening pattern, during the 1600 ms opening period of the second large prize opening 35 and the 6000 ms period after the second large prize opening 35 is closed, the distribution member 71 is in a state of allowing passage when the distribution member 71 is opened in a V-shape (see Figures 29 (b) and (c)). Therefore, regardless of the timing of the winning, the game ball can pass through the specific area 39. In this embodiment, if the game ball is continuously shot by hitting it from the right, each device such as the second large prize device 36 is arranged so that the game ball will always win the second large prize opening 35 during the 1.6 second opening period. In addition, the time required for the game ball that has passed through the second large prize opening 35 to reach the arrangement position of the distribution member 71 is shorter than 3000 ms.

The opening pattern shown in FIG. 29(e) is the opening pattern that is selected when "Special Chart 2_Small Winning Pattern A" (see FIG. 8) is won in the lottery for Special Chart 2. This opening pattern is a non-passing opening pattern that makes it practically impossible to pass through to the specific area 39.

More specifically, this non-passing opening pattern is an opening pattern in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 4568 ms, then opened for 1600 ms, and then closed for 1440 ms. In other words, the small prize game executed with this opening pattern includes an opening in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 4568 ms, a small prize opening game in which the second large prize opening 35 is open for 1600 ms, and a post-closing interval in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed for 1440 ms.

When the second large prize opening 35 is opened in this opening pattern, the V-shaped opening of the distribution member 71 is almost completed during the opening (see Figures 29 (e) and (c)). The period during which the V-shaped opening of the distribution member 71 and the opening of the second large prize opening 35 coincide is only 40 ms immediately after the second large prize opening 35 begins to open. Therefore, even if a game ball enters the game opening as the second large prize opening 35 begins to open, by the time the game ball reaches the position of the distribution member 71, the distribution member 71 has been controlled to a passage-blocking state. Therefore, when this opening pattern is selected, the game ball will not pass through the specific area 39. In other words, it is virtually impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39.

As described above with reference to FIG. 29, in this embodiment, the operation of the distribution member 71 is started with the start of the opening of the small win game. Then, the small win game is executed in one of two opening patterns according to the type of small win symbol. Each opening pattern has a different opening time. Therefore, in each opening pattern, the opening timing of the second large winning opening 35 relative to the displacement timing of the distribution member 71 is different. Thus, it is possible to execute a small win game that can pass through the specific area 39 regardless of the timing of winning the second large winning opening 35 (special 2V passing small win in FIG. 29(b)), and a small win game that cannot pass through the specific area 39 regardless of the timing of winning the second large winning opening 35 (special 2V non-passing small win in FIG. 29(e)).

In this embodiment, during the small win game, the number of game balls that enter the second large winning device 36 is counted based on the detection by the second large winning opening sensor 35a, and the number of game balls that are discharged from the second large winning device 36 is counted based on the detection by the specific area sensor 39a or the non-specific area sensor 70a. In other words, in this embodiment, the specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area sensor 70a also function as outlet sensors that count the number of game balls that are discharged from the second large winning device 36. When the two count values do not match at the end of a certain operation of the distribution member 71, an error notification is made. After the second large winning opening 35 is closed, the operation of the distribution member 71 may be stopped when the two count values match. In this way, it is possible to smoothly start the variable display of the special pattern after the second large winning opening 35 is closed.

[Specific Area Sensor Detection Processing]
Returning to the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a specific area sensor detection process (S108) following a distribution member control process (S107) related to the main side timer interrupt process (S005) in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 30, in the specific area sensor detection process (S108), first, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected to turn on the specific area sensor 39a (S2601). If there is no detection (NO in S2601), the process ends, but if there is detection (YES in S2601), it is determined whether or not the V effective period is in progress (S2602). The V effective period is the period set in the V effective period setting process (S2503) in the distribution member control process (FIG. 28) described above. Specifically, the V effective period is the period shown in FIG. 29(d).

If it is determined in step S2602 that the V valid period is in progress (YES in S2602), the V flag is turned ON (S2603), the V pass command is set (S2604), and the process proceeds to step S2605. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2602 that the V valid period is not in progress (NO in S2602), the specific area sensor detection process is terminated without performing the processes from step S2603 to step S2606. The V pass command is a command for causing the sub-control board 90 to notify of V pass (passage of the specific area 39).

It is determined whether there is any stored information related to a win (hereinafter, also referred to as a win within the reserved jackpot) in the reserved jackpot storage unit 85, and if there is no win within the reserved jackpot (NO in S2605), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a win within the reserved jackpot (YES in S2605), a win within the reserved jackpot flag is set so that an indication of the win within the reserved jackpot can be added to the presentation during the small win game, and this process is terminated.
[Operation of the performance control microcomputer 91]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 will be described with reference to Figures 31 to 33. The performance control microcomputer 91 is formed of a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (performance control ROM) 93, a RAM (performance control RAM) 94, a CPU (performance control CPU) 92, a random number circuit, an I/O port 97, etc. The ROM 93 stores a performance control program for the CPU 92 to perform performance control processing, as well as various data and tables required for the performance control processing.

The RAM 94 is used as a working memory when the CPU 92 performs performance control processing. The RAM 94 also has a performance control command storage area for storing received performance control commands, and a performance information storage area for storing performance control information determined by the CPU 92 in response to the performance control commands. The CPU 92 analyzes the performance control commands stored in the RAM 94, and executes performance control processing according to the analysis results. Note that some (or all) of the performance control commands or performance control information stored in the RAM 94 is used as a backup RAM that can be retained for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped.

The performance control microcomputer 91 is capable of expanding the game program stored in the ROM 93 into the RAM 94 based on the startup processing performed when the power of this pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, and controls the performance by being able to execute the operation processing of counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 91, as well as the performance-related control processing by the performance control means 91A (CPU 92) described below.

[Sub-control main processing]
As shown in Fig. 31, when the power of this pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 91 reads out and executes a sub-control main processing program from the ROM 93. As shown in the figure, the sub-control main processing first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). In the power-on processing, for example, the settings of the CPU 92, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and a random number update process is executed (S4003). In the random number update process (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining various effects are updated to make decisions regarding various effects. As an example, a method for updating the random number counters for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. When updating, the random number values may be incremented by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the case in the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above.

When the random number update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process (S4004), various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100. The image control board 100 that receives the command displays an image on the display screen 7a (display unit) according to the received command (executes various effects using images). In addition to the various effects performed by the image control board 100, the sub-control board 90 outputs sound from the speaker 67 via the sound control board 106 (executes various sound effects using sound), causes the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 to emit light via the lamp control board 107 (executes various light-emitting effects using light), and operates the board movable body 15 (executes various movable body effects using operation). In this way, various effects (variation effects, hold effects, movable body effects, operation effects, pre-reading effects, other advance notice effects, opening effects associated with special games, open game effects, ending effects, customer waiting effects, control of effect modes, etc.) are realized.

The performance control microcomputer 91 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute receive interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012).

The reception interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time various commands sent from the main control board 80 are input to the performance control microcomputer 91. In the reception interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 91 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the main control board 80 in a reception buffer of RAM 94. This reception interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[1 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) related to the sub-control main process of FIG. 31 can be executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 ms period is input to the sub-control board 90.

As shown in FIG. 32, the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) sequentially performs input process (S4101), light emission data output process (S4102), sound data output process (S4103), vibration data output process (S4104), airflow data output process (S4105), movable body control process (S4106), and watchdog timer process (S4107).

In the input process (S4101), input operations performed on player-operable operation sections such as the effect button detection switch 63a, the select button detection switch 64a, and the touch switch 114 are detected, and commands are set or effect data can be created according to the detection results.

Next, in the light emission data output process (S4102), command information related to the light emission data (lamp data) is output to the lamp control board 107 to light up lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and/or the board lamp 5 at a timing that matches the variable display performance (performance using images, etc.) based on the performance data created by the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a predetermined light emission performance in which the frame lamp 66 and/or the board lamp 5 are caused to light up in a predetermined manner in accordance with the light emission data.

Next, in the audio data output process (S4103), command information related to audio data (data that controls the output of audio, background music, specified sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67) is output to the audio control board 106 to output audio from the speaker 67 at a timing that matches the variable display performance, based on the performance data created by the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a specified audio performance that causes the speaker 67 to output a notification in a specified audio format in accordance with the audio data.

Next, in the vibration data output process (S4104), command information related to the vibration data is output to the drive control board 60d to operate the vibration device 63b and generate vibrations at a timing that matches the variable display performance, based on the performance data created by the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a predetermined vibration performance in which the vibration device 63b outputs vibrations in a predetermined manner according to the vibration data.

Next, in the air blowing data output process (S4105), command information related to the air blowing data is output to the drive control board 60d to operate the air blowing device 60b to generate wind (air) at a timing that matches the variable display performance, based on the performance data created by the input process and the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a predetermined air blowing performance by having the air blowing device 60b output air in a predetermined manner in accordance with the air blowing data.

Next, in the movable body control process (S4106), command information related to the drive data is output to the relay board 108 via the lamp control board 107 to perform a movable body performance that operates movable bodies such as the board movable body 15 at a predetermined timing based on the input process and the performance data created by the performance data creation process described below. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a movable body performance that operates the board movable body 15 and the like in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data.

Finally, in the watchdog timer process (S4107), the watchdog timer is reset and the process ends.

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) related to the sub-control main process of FIG. 31 can be executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 ms period is input to the sub-control board 90.

As shown in FIG. 33, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) sequentially performs received command analysis process (S4201), received command response setting process (S4202), performance timer update process (S4203), and performance data creation process (S4204).

The received command analysis process (S4201) analyzes the command stored in the receive buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 based on the receive interrupt process (S4010), and enables the performance control microcomputer 91 to perform processing related to performance execution according to the type of command received based on the next step of the received command response setting process (S4202).

The processes (not shown) related to the execution of effects according to the types of commands stored in RAM 94 include, for example, the following 1 to 8: 1. Pre-reading effect determination process according to a special winning command, 2. Presentation mode update process according to a game state designation command, 3. Variable effect start process according to a variable effect start command, 4. Variable effect end process according to a variable effect stop command, 5. Opening effect selection process according to an opening command, 6. Round effect selection process according to a round designation command, 7. Ending effect selection process according to an ending command, and 8. Other processes according to commands other than the commands mentioned above. These processes (not shown) related to the execution of effects can be performed based on the analysis results of the received command analysis process (S4201).

In other words, the received command response setting process (S4202) enables setting processing of the performance control command corresponding to the analyzed received command (for example, selection of the performance, setting of the performance mode, setting of the command, etc.).

Next, in the effect timer update process (S4203), the timer for measuring the time related to each effect is updated. This effect timer update process makes it possible to measure, for example, the effective operation period of an operation unit such as the effect button 63 or the select button 64, and to determine the start timing and end timing of the execution period of a specified effect based on at least one of light emission, sound, vibration, air blowing, and movable body operation.

Next, in the performance data creation process (S4204), performance data is created according to the processing results (performance control command settings) based on the input processing and received command analysis processing.

[Outline of processing related to performance execution according to command type stored in RAM 94]
The "1. Pre-reading performance judgment process (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) of FIG. 33 described above judges whether or not a special chart winning command (special chart 1 winning command or special chart 2 winning command) has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, this process is terminated. If a special chart winning command has been received, the special chart winning command received from the main control board 80 is stored in the special chart reserved performance memory section (special chart 1 reserved performance memory section or special chart 2 reserved performance memory section) of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90. Based on this, a determination is made as to whether or not to execute pre-reading performances such as mutually related advance notice performances (continuous advance notices) that can be executed over multiple special chart changes, and advance notice performances (e.g., reserve change advance notices) that change the display of the reserved icon image in the normal display mode (white reserved icon 9A, see FIG. 1) to a reserved icon image in a special display mode (e.g., red reserved icon 9C) that has a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than the normal display mode.

More specifically, if the received command is a special chart 1 winning command, processing related to the lottery for executing the pre-reading performance can be performed when the command is stored in the special chart 1 reserved performance memory unit (not shown) provided in the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90. Also, if the command is a special chart 2 winning command, processing related to the lottery for executing the pre-reading performance can be performed when the command is stored in the special chart 2 reserved performance memory unit (not shown) provided in the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The above-mentioned "processing related to the lottery for the execution of the look-ahead performance" is performed based on the "performance-related control processing by the performance control means 91A" described later. From here, depending on the result of the look-ahead judgment based on the special chart winning command stored in the special chart reserve performance storage section (not shown) of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, a "look-ahead setting lottery" is performed that can determine the selection of one or more of the multiple types of look-ahead performances to selectively enable the execution of the look-ahead performance from multiple types of notification modes (reserve change notice, zone notice, continuous notice that operates a movable body for the performance, etc.).

In other words, based on the performance control means 91A, which is a functional means based on the performance control microcomputer 91 (10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012)), it is possible to determine whether or not to execute a specific look-ahead performance (such as continuous notice or hold change notice), and based on that decision, various settings can be made regarding the execution of the specific look-ahead performance.

If the decision is made not to execute the aforementioned predetermined look-ahead performance, this process can be performed, but if the decision is made to execute the aforementioned predetermined look-ahead performance, the process proceeds to the received command response setting process (S4202) to enable various settings for executing the notification mode of the predetermined look-ahead performance. For example, when executing a look-ahead performance related to a consecutive notice, it is possible to turn on a consecutive notice flag indicating that a consecutive notice is being executed, or to set a value in a consecutive notice counter that counts the number of consecutive notices. Therefore, the look-ahead performance determination process analyzes the special chart winning command, selects a predetermined look-ahead performance pattern (content) based on the analysis result, and sets a command to execute the look-ahead performance with the selected look-ahead performance pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The "2. Presentation mode update process (not shown)" which is performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether a game state designation command has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this process, but if received, performs this process to enable a presentation mode according to the game state to be executed based on the presentation control means 91A. The received command analysis process therefore analyzes the game state designation command, selects a presentation mode pattern (contents) based on the analysis results, and sets a command to execute the presentation mode with the selected presentation mode pattern in the output buffer of RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The "3. Variable performance start processing (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis processing (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether a variable performance start command (special symbol 1 variable performance start command or special symbol 2 variable performance start command) has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this processing. If received, this processing is performed to enable the start of the special symbol variable performance based on the performance control means 91A. Therefore, the variable performance start processing analyzes the variable performance start command, selects the pattern (content) of the special symbol variable performance based on the analysis result, and sets a command to execute the special symbol variable performance with the selected special symbol variable performance pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The "4. Variable performance end process (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether a variable stop command has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this process. If received, this process is performed to enable the end response related to the variable performance of the special pattern to be executed based on the performance control means 91A. Therefore, the variable performance end process analyzes the variable stop command, selects the pattern (contents) of the variable end performance of the special pattern based on the analysis result, and sets a command to execute the variable end performance of the special pattern with the selected pattern of the variable end performance of the special pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The "5. Opening Effects Selection Process (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this process. If received, this process is performed to enable the selection of an opening effect at the start of a special game (jackpot game, small win game) based on the performance control means 91A. Therefore, the opening effects selection process analyzes the opening command, selects the pattern (content) of the opening effects to be executed during the opening of a special game (jackpot game, small win game) based on the analysis result, and sets an opening effects start command to start an opening effect with the selected opening effects pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

The "6. Round performance selection process (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether a round designation command has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this process. If received, this process is performed to enable selection of round performance related to the execution of special games (big win game, small win game) based on the performance control means 91A. Therefore, the round performance selection process analyzes the round designation command, selects the pattern (content) of the round performance (open game performance) to be executed during the round game based on the analysis result, and sets the round performance start command to start the round performance with the selected round performance pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 in the performance control microcomputer 91.

The "7. Ending performance selection process (not shown)" performed based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in FIG. 33 described above determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control board 80, and if not, ends this process. If received, this process is performed to enable the selection of an ending performance related to the end of a special game (jackpot game, small jackpot game, time-saving game) based on the performance control means 91A. Therefore, the ending performance selection process analyzes the ending command, selects the pattern (content) of the ending performance to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game based on the analysis result, and sets an ending performance start command to start the ending performance with the selected ending performance pattern in the output buffer of the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90.

[Outline of when to execute pre-reading performance]
In the above-mentioned "processing related to the lottery for executing the pre-reading effect (pre-reading setting lottery)", it is possible to determine whether to draw a lottery for the pre-reading effect of the special chart winning command stored in the special chart 1 pending effect memory section, or to draw a lottery for the pre-reading effect of the special chart winning command stored in the special chart 2 pending effect memory section, depending on whether the time-saving state is in effect or not.

In other words, in the non-time-saving state, the main special chart (main fluctuation) is special chart 1, so the pre-reading performance is only performed for reserved winnings related to special chart 1 (such as special chart winnings during pattern fluctuations), and the pre-reading performance is not performed for reserved winnings related to special chart 2. Also, in the time-saving state, the main special chart (main fluctuation) is special chart 2, so the pre-reading performance is only performed for reserved winnings related to special chart 2, and the pre-reading performance is not performed for reserved winnings related to special chart 1.

Specifically, based on the "game state information indicating the game state at the time of winning" included in the special winning command, it is determined whether the current game state is in a time-saving state or not, and if it is not in a time-saving state (if it is in a non-time-saving state), it is determined whether it is a special winning command related to special drawing 1, and if it is determined that it is a special winning command related to special drawing 1, it judges the pre-reading judgment information included in the currently received special drawing 1 winning command. Then, it is possible to add 1 to the value of the counter for the special drawing 1 reserved performance, which counts when the pre-reading judgment result indicates a predetermined hit/miss reserved information (for example, a special drawing reserved that is scheduled to be judged as a hit), and judges the execution conditions of the pre-reading performance (hereinafter also referred to as "pre-reading performance conditions") based on whether or not it interferes with the game (such as a variable performance currently being executed). Next, if this pre-reading performance condition is met, it is possible to perform a pre-reading setting lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading performance and in what notification mode the pre-reading performance will be made executable.

On the other hand, based on the "game state information indicating the game state at the time of winning" included in the special winning command, it is determined whether the current game state is in a time-saving state, and if it is in a time-saving state, it is determined whether it is a special winning command 2, and if it is determined that it is a special winning command 2, it judges the pre-reading judgment information included in the currently received special winning command. Then, if the pre-reading judgment result indicates a predetermined hit/miss reservation information (for example, a special winning reservation 2 that is scheduled to be judged as a hit in the jackpot judgment process at the start of the special chart fluctuation), it is possible to add 1 to the counter value for the special winning reservation performance, and a judgment is made regarding the pre-reading performance conditions based on whether or not it will interfere with the game (such as the fluctuation performance currently being executed). Next, if this pre-reading performance condition is met, it is possible to perform a pre-reading setting lottery to determine whether or not to execute the pre-reading performance and in what notification mode the pre-reading performance will be made executable.

The counter value for the aforementioned special chart 1 reserved performance or the counter for the aforementioned special chart 2 reserved performance is provided in the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, and the counter value is decremented by 1 each time a variable performance based on the special chart winning command that was the subject of the pre-reading judgment is started.

In this embodiment, the decision as to whether or not to execute the look-ahead performance is made based on the look-ahead judgment of the look-ahead judgment information included in the special chart 1 winning command or the special chart 2 winning command. In the case of a big win with an SP reach (SP reach big win) and a big win with an N reach (N reach big win) without an SP reach, it is possible to decide that the look-ahead performance can be executed with a probability of 30%, for example. In the case of a miss with an SP reach (SP reach miss) and a miss with an N reach (N reach miss) without an SP reach, it is possible to decide that the look-ahead performance can be executed with a probability of 15%. In the case of a miss without a reach, it is possible to decide that the look-ahead performance can be executed with a probability of 5%, for example. In the case of a small win, it is possible to decide that the look-ahead performance can be executed with a probability of 25%, for example.

In this way, the pre-reading performance functions as a notification performance in advance (before the change) that suggests that the expectation of winning a big win or a small win (expectation of a big win) is high, because the pre-reading judgment result when the special winning command contains command information (pre-reading judgment information) that results in a big win or a small win is more likely to be executable than the pre-reading judgment result when the special winning command contains command information (pre-reading judgment information) that results in a miss. Also, the pre-reading performance functions as a notification performance in advance (before the change) that suggests that the expectation of a reach is high, because the pre-reading judgment result when the special winning command contains command information (pre-reading judgment information) that results in a SP reach miss or N reach miss is more likely to be executable than the pre-reading judgment result when the special winning command contains command information (pre-reading judgment information) that results in a no-reach miss.

[Example of processing of received commands by the performance control microcomputer 91]
Below, an example is given of the processing performed when the type of command received by the performance control microcontroller 91 from the game control microcontroller 81 is a change start command (received command) for performing a changing performance (a performance related to the changing display of special patterns and/or the changing display of performance patterns).

When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance determines in the received command analysis process (S4201) that it has received a variation start command that can be generated based on winning at the start port (the start condition is satisfied), it can determine a performance pattern based on the performance control information (command information indicating the result of the big win determination and the variation pattern, etc.) contained in the variation start command, based on the execution of the "performance-related control process by the performance control means 91A" described later. Specifically, it can determine the performance pattern corresponding to the variation performance, including the content of the variation display of the performance pattern executed during the variation display of the special pattern, the video content related to the scenario performance (animation) that develops events using a predetermined picture (character, etc.) that can be displayed together with the variation display of the performance pattern, the notification content related to the advance performance that enables the derivation display or derivation notification during the variation display of the performance pattern, and the combination display of the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R when the temporary stop display or the stop display is performed.

Then, information relating to the aforementioned determined presentation pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the preview presentation pattern) is stored in a variable presentation memory area (not shown) of RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90, a presentation control command corresponding to that presentation pattern is set in the output buffer, and various control processes based on that presentation control command are made executable, thereby controlling the operation of the image control board 100, lamp control board 107, sound control board 106, and drive control board 60d, making it possible to provide the player with a variable presentation corresponding to the variation start command (received command).

For example, if the special chart change pattern indicated by the change start command (special chart 1 change start command or special chart 2 change start command) is an SP reach change, a preview performance pattern for performing this SP reach change is selected, and a change performance control command corresponding to that preview performance pattern is set in the output buffer. By making it possible to execute each process (light emission data output process (S4102), sound data output process (S4103), vibration data output process (S4104), air blowing data output process (S4105), movable body control process (S4106), command transmission process (S4004), etc.) based on the change performance control command, the SP reach change performance corresponding to the selected preview performance pattern can be presented to the player via the image display device 7.

In addition, for example, if the special chart change pattern indicated by the change start command is a normal reach change, a preview performance pattern for performing a normal reach change is selected, and a change performance control command corresponding to that preview performance pattern is set in the output buffer, and each process can be executed based on that change performance control command, so that the normal reach change performance corresponding to the selected preview performance pattern can be presented to the player via the image display device 7.

The process flow for realizing the effects based on the effect control means 91A is basically the same for other effects such as effects associated with big win or small win games (including winning notification effects and ending effects), effects corresponding to game results (balls won, consecutive wins) obtained through special games or time-saving games (milestone notification effects), customer waiting effects, pre-reading effects, so-called advance notice effects associated with the relevant fluctuations, and status effects corresponding to each of the different effect modes.

[Performance-related control processing by performance control means 91A]
The performance control means 91A is a related processing unit (a control function means based on the performance control microcomputer 91 (CPU 92)) that expands the game program stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 to the RAM 94 of the sub-control board 90 by analyzing commands (such as special chart winning command, variable start command, game state designation command, etc.) received from the main control board 80, and enables the execution control of performance-related (for example, pre-reading performance, advance notice performance, performance mode) and includes a "performance control processing unit 91B" and a "pre-notification lottery processing unit 91C" (see FIG. 5). Below, an overview of each of the "performance control processing unit 91B" and "advance notice lottery processing unit 91C" provided in the performance control means 91A will be explained.

The aforementioned "presentation control processing unit 91B" is a related processing unit that provides a "game presentation control function" and a "preview presentation control function" that enable execution control of the image control board 100 that controls the images of the image display device 7 (presentation patterns 8L, 8C, 8R, background pattern, button operation instruction image, etc.), the lamp control board 107 that controls the light emission of the frame lamp 66 and/or board lamp 5 or the operation of the board movable body 15, the audio control board 106 that performs audio control of the speaker 67, and the drive control board 60d that controls the blowing of air by the blower device 60b or the vibration by the vibration device 63b.

Specifically, the "game presentation control function" is a processing means for controlling the execution of various presentations according to multiple types of game states performed by the image display device 7, speaker 67, frame lamp 66, board lamp 5, etc. Also, the "preview presentation control function" is a processing means for controlling the execution of a look-ahead presentation (processing related to the execution lottery of a look-ahead presentation) that can be performed based on the lottery results of the preview lottery processing unit 91C, or a preview presentation (processing related to the execution lottery of a notice performed during a variable presentation). Note that the look-ahead presentation or preview presentation is a presentation that can be derived by appropriately combining the display presentation by the image display device 7, the audio presentation by the speaker 67, the light emission presentation by the frame lamp 66 and/or board lamp 5, the vibration presentation by the vibration device 63b, the air blowing presentation by the air blowing device 60b, and the action presentation by the board movable body 15.

The aforementioned "pre-notice lottery processing unit 91C" is a related processing unit that provides a "pre-notice performance selection function" that determines whether or not to execute a pre-notice performance and enables the determination of the type of pre-notice performance (performance element) according to the results of a pre-notice setting lottery (pre-notice performance lottery) based on the reception processing of a special symbol winning command, and a "pre-notice performance selection function" that determines one or more pre-notice performances that can be derived during the display of the special symbol fluctuation and enables the determination of the pattern type (performance element) corresponding to the extracted pre-notice performance according to the performance setting lottery (pre-notice performance lottery) based on the reception processing of a fluctuation start command.

The "pre-reading performance selection function" and "notice performance selection function" are processing means for selecting performance elements (types of performance patterns) that can be extracted based on the rate at which a winning notification (special result) is obtained (the magnitude of expectation) under a setting in which multiple types of performance categories and multiple types of performance patterns corresponding to each of the performance categories are prepared in advance. Specifically, a lottery is held based on "pre-reading performance conditions" that enable the derivation of a pre-reading performance related to a suggestion of whether or not the winning will be won before the variable performance, or on "notice performance conditions" that enable the derivation of a notice performance related to a suggestion of whether or not the winning will be won during the variable performance, and a predetermined performance category (e.g., weapon notice) is determined according to the result of the lottery, and a performance pattern (e.g., either sword or spear) corresponding to the predetermined performance category can be determined according to the rate at which a winning notification (special result) is obtained (the magnitude of expectation).

[Look-ahead performance execution process (part 1)]
In the present pachinko game machine 1, the execution control of the look-ahead performance process (one example of the process related to the execution lottery of the look-ahead performance) based on the performance control means 91A is performed in the procedure shown in Fig. 34-1. Below, the type of command received by the performance control microcomputer 91 is briefly explained as an example (part 1) of a special drawing winning command.

First, based on the reception of a special winning command related to a special winning (hereinafter also referred to as a reserved winning) during a variable performance, a preview performance lottery (pre-read setting lottery) can be executed in the preview lottery processing unit 91C (S4701). Next, in the pre-reading judgment based on reference to the pre-reading judgment information included in the special winning command, an extraction process (S4702) can be executed to perform a reserved change notice (pre-reading performance pattern) during the execution of a variable performance based on the result of the pre-reading judgment that there is information with high expectation (for example, hit information, SP reach information, N reach information, etc.) and the result of the pre-reading setting lottery when it is performed by satisfying the pre-reading performance condition related to not interfering with the game, and when this extraction process (S4702) is executed, the performance control processing unit 91B can acquire a performance command related to the reserved change notice, and it is possible to generate a pre-reading performance control command according to the performance command.

Next, when the aforementioned look-ahead performance control command has been generated, a set process (S4703) that enables the execution and control of various processes using the look-ahead performance control command is performed based on the performance control processing unit 91B, making it possible to derive a look-ahead performance (performance notification to the player) consisting of the operational output of at least one of the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, the sound control board 106, and the drive control board 60d.

Next, a determination is made as to whether or not there was information to perform an SP reach in the look-ahead determination result based on reference to the look-ahead determination information included in the special winning command (S4704), and if the look-ahead determination result is a negative (N reach) determination that does not result in an SP reach (NO in S4704), then in the control process for the image display device 7, a reserve change display is made in which the color of the reserve is changed from the normal display mode of a white circle reserve (white reserve icon 9A, see Figure 1) to a green circle reserve (not shown: green reserve icon) (S4705), and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is positive (YES in S4704), which results in an SP reach, then in the control process for the image display device 7, a reserve change display is performed in which the white circle reserve (reserve icon 9A) in the normal display mode is replaced with a button-shaped reserve image (hereinafter also referred to as button reserve 9B, see Figure 34-2) (S4706), and in the control process for the execution of the performance button 63, input operation using the performance button 63 (pressing the performance button) is enabled (S4707).

Next, a determination is made as to whether or not the effect button 63 has been pressed (S4708), and if a positive determination is made (S4708: YES), the control process for the image display device 7 is so arranged that a hold change display is performed during the change effect (before the start of the next change effect) in which the button hold 9B is changed to a red circle hold (hold icon) 9C at the timing of the button press (S4712).

On the other hand, if the determination is negative (NO in S4708) that the effect button 63 has not been pressed, a determination is made as to whether or not the variable effect being executed when the special winning command based on the pending winning has ended (S4709), and if the determination is negative (NO in S4709) that the variable effect will not end, a loop is performed returning to step S4708, and if the determination is positive (YES in S4709) that the variable effect will end, a determination is made as to whether or not the look-ahead determination information based on the look-ahead determination information included in the special winning command has been a hit (look-ahead of a hit) (S4710).

In step S4710, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is negative (SP reach miss) and does not include the pre-reading judgment information to be a hit (NO in S4710), the control process for the image display device 7 performs a hold change display in which the button hold 9B is changed to a red circle hold (red hold icon) 9C at the timing when the determination period of the special pattern to be displayed stopped based on the end of the variable presentation that was being executed when the special pattern winning command based on the hold winning is received starts (S4712).

On the other hand, in step S4710, if the result of the look-ahead judgment is a positive judgment (YES in S4710) that includes the look-ahead judgment information that will result in a win, a judgment is made as to whether or not the next variable performance that will be performed after the end of the variable performance that was being executed when the special symbol winning command based on the pending winning was received (end of the confirmation period of the special symbol that was stopped and displayed) will begin (S4711), and if the judgment is a negative judgment (NO in S4711) that the next variable performance will not begin, a loop is executed that waits until the next variable performance begins.

Then, in step S4711, if a positive judgment is made that the next change performance will start (YES in S4711), the control process for the image display device 7 is made to perform a hold change display in which the button hold 9B is changed to a red circle hold (hold icon 9C) at the start timing of the next change performance (end of the fixed period) (S4712), and this process is terminated.

As a variant, if a positive judgment is made in step S4711 indicating that the next change performance will start (YES in S4711), the control process for the image display device 7 may be configured to perform a hold change display in which the button hold 9B is changed to a rainbow circle hold (not shown) associated with a higher expectation than the red circle hold (hold icon 9C) at the start timing of the next change performance (end of the fixed period) (S4712), and then this process may be terminated.

[Time chart of hold change notice]
Next, we will explain the time chart showing the general flow of the hold change notice (pre-reading performance) shown in Figure 34-2.

First, when it is determined that a variation start command that can be generated as a result of winning the starting hole (winning the special symbol) has been received (the starting condition is met) based on the received command analysis process (S4201) in Figure 33 described above, the initial first symbol variation (the performance pattern related to the variation performance) that causes the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R to be displayed in a varying manner on the image display device 7 is started.

Next, if there is a winning entry into the starting hole (hereinafter also referred to as a reserved winning entry) during the execution of the aforementioned first pattern change, a special winning command is generated due to the reserved winning entry, and if the result of the look-ahead judgment based on reference to the look-ahead judgment information contained in the special winning command is a predetermined result (for example, a look-ahead judgment result including command information indicating a high expectation) and meets the look-ahead performance conditions that do not interfere with the game, a look-ahead performance of the reserved change notice can be executed.

When the aforementioned reserve change notice pre-reading performance becomes executable, during the aforementioned first pattern change, which is executed before the next second pattern change (start of the next change performance) that can be executed based on the reserve winning that was the subject of the pre-reading judgment, the image display device 7 displays button reserve 9B (predetermined pre-reading performance) instead of the normal display mode of a white circle reserve (reserve icon 9A, see Figure 1), and activates pressing the performance button 63 (input operation).

As shown in FIG. 34-2(a), if the effect button 63 is pressed after the button reserve 9B is displayed on the image display device 7, the button reserve 9B is changed to the red circle reserve 9C at the timing of the button press (when the first pattern change is being performed).

Also, as shown in FIG. 34-2(b), after button reserve 9B is displayed on the image display device 7, if the effect button 63 is not pressed by the time the first pattern change ends (the initial change time has elapsed) and the predetermined result of the above-mentioned look-ahead judgment contains look-ahead judgment information indicating a medium expectation level (for example, a look-ahead judgment result related to an SP reach that does not contain winning information), then at the end of the first pattern change (first timing/first opportunity when the determination time for the special pattern that has been stopped and displayed begins), button reserve 9B will be changed to red circle reserve 9C (first look-ahead effect).

Also, as shown in FIG. 34-2(c), after button reserve 9B is displayed on the image display device 7, if the performance button 63 is not pressed by the time the first pattern change ends (the initial change time has elapsed) and the predetermined result of the above-mentioned look-ahead judgment contains look-ahead judgment information indicating a high expectation (for example, a look-ahead judgment result containing information indicating a win), then at the start of the second pattern change (second timing/second trigger when the fixed time for the special pattern that has been displayed as stopped ends), button reserve 9B is changed to red circle reserve 9C (second look-ahead performance).

If the predetermined result of the above-mentioned look-ahead judgment contains look-ahead judgment information indicating a high expectation level, the button reserved 9B may be changed to the red circle reserved 9C (first look-ahead performance) at the end of the first pattern change. Also, if the predetermined result of the above-mentioned look-ahead judgment contains look-ahead judgment information indicating a medium expectation level, the button reserved 9B may be changed to the red circle reserved 9C (second look-ahead performance) at the start of the second pattern change.

The start of the second pattern change may also be a predetermined timing after the start of the second pattern change (for example, any time during a predetermined period until the performance pattern develops into a reach display).

As shown in FIG. 34-2(b) or (c), if button reserve 9B is displayed but the performance button 63 is not pressed before the end of the first pattern change, the result of the look-ahead judgment based on reference to the look-ahead judgment information included in the special winning command will be a predetermined result, and based on this, it is possible to give the player a sense of discomfort by varying the timing of the change from button reserve 9B to red circle reserve 9C with a time lag, making it possible to provide a look-ahead performance (reserve change notice) that can suggest a higher level of expectation depending on the presence or absence of discomfort.

In this embodiment, if the effect button 63 is not pressed during the first pattern change when the button reserve 9B is displayed, the timing of the change to the red circle reserve 9C is set to either the end of the first pattern change or the start of the second pattern change. However, as a modified example, in a situation where a reserve change display is being displayed during the pattern change using another first reserve icon (predetermined look-ahead effect), such as changing the color to a green circle reserve (not shown), the timing of the change from the green circle reserve (not shown) to another second reserve icon (first look-ahead effect) such as a rainbow circle reserve (not shown) may be set to either the end of the first pattern change (first timing), or the timing of the change to another second reserve icon (second look-ahead effect) may be set to the start of the second pattern change (second timing).

In addition, as a modified example, when the reserved icon 9A (concealment of a specified look-ahead performance) in the normal display mode (e.g., white circle reserved) is being executed during a pattern change, the timing of changing from the white circle reserved (not shown) to another second reserved icon (first look-ahead performance) such as a blue circle reserved (not shown) may be set to the end of the first pattern change (first timing), or the timing of changing to the other second reserved icon (second look-ahead performance) may be set to the start of the second pattern change (second timing).

In addition, in this embodiment, the hold change notice can be executed based on the result of a look-ahead judgment based on reference to look-ahead judgment information contained in one special winning command based on one hold winning during the execution of the initial first pattern change, but as a modified example, the hold change notice can be executed based on the result of a look-ahead judgment based on reference to any of the look-ahead judgment information contained in multiple hold memories (special winning commands) based on multiple hold winnings (any of 2 to 4) that are established during the execution of the pattern change.

Furthermore, as a modified example, when two or more reserved winning entries are established during pattern change, the timing of changing from the previous pre-reading reserved icon (predetermined pre-reading performance) to the next pre-reading reserved icon (first pre-reading performance or second pre-reading performance) may not be limited to the end of the first first pattern change or the start of the next second pattern change, but may be the timing of the change based on the execution of a change performance caused by two or more subsequent reserved winning entries, such as the end of the next second pattern change or the start of the third pattern change after the next one.

[Look-ahead performance execution process (part 2)]
In the present pachinko game machine 1, the execution control of the look-ahead performance process (another example of the process related to the execution lottery of the look-ahead performance) based on the performance control means 91A is performed in the procedure shown in Fig. 34-3. Below, the type of command received by the performance control microcomputer 91 will be briefly described as an example (part 2) of a special drawing winning command.

First, based on the reception of a special winning command related to a special winning (hereinafter also referred to as a pending winning) during a variable performance, a prediction performance lottery (pre-reading setting lottery) can be executed in the prediction lottery processing unit 91C (S4801). Next, in the prediction judgment based on reference to the prediction judgment information included in the special winning command, an extraction process (S4802) can be executed to perform a prediction discomfort prediction (pre-reading performance pattern) at the end of the variable performance based on the prediction judgment result that there is information with high expectation (for example, hit information, SP reach information, N reach information, etc.) and the result of the prediction setting lottery when it is performed by satisfying the prediction performance condition related to not interfering with the game, and when this extraction process (S4802) is executed, a performance command related to the prediction discomfort prediction can be obtained by the performance control processing unit 91B, thereby making it possible to generate a prediction performance control command according to the performance command.

Next, when the aforementioned look-ahead performance control command has been generated, a set process (S4803) that enables the execution and control of various processes using the look-ahead performance control command is performed based on the performance control processing unit 91B, making it possible to derive a look-ahead performance (performance notification to the player) consisting of the operational output of at least one of the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, the sound control board 106, and the drive control board 60d.

Next, a determination is made as to whether or not there is information to perform an SP reach in the look-ahead determination result based on reference to the look-ahead determination information included in the special winning symbol command (S4804). If the look-ahead determination result is a negative (N reach) determination that does not result in an SP reach (S4804: NO), a determination is made as to whether or not it is time to end the music (e.g., BGM) performed in the variable performance that was being executed when the special winning symbol command based on the reserved winning symbol was generated (S4805). If a negative determination is made that it is not time to end the music (S4805: NO), a loop is performed that returns to step S4805. If a positive determination is made that it is time to end the music (S4805: YES), a fade-out control is performed in which the music gradually fades out from the start of the determination period for the special symbol that is stopped and displayed according to the end time of the music, to the end of this determination period (S4806).

On the other hand, if the result of the pre-reading judgment is a positive judgment that indicates an SP reach (S4804: YES), a judgment is made as to whether or not the next variable performance will start (the end of the confirmation period of the special pattern displayed in a stopped state) after the variable performance that was being executed when the special symbol winning command based on the reserved winning was generated (S4807), and if the judgment is a negative judgment (S4807: NO) that indicates the next variable performance will not start, a loop is executed to wait until the start of the next variable performance.

Then, in step S4807, if a positive judgment is made that the next variable performance will start (S4807: YES), at the timing when the next variable performance starts, the output of the music that was being played during the variable performance that was being executed when the special winning command based on the reserved winning was generated is suddenly and without warning stopped (S4808), and this process is terminated.

Therefore, based on the result of the look-ahead judgment based on reference to the look-ahead judgment information included in the special winning command being a predetermined result, the music is not faded out at the end of the first initial first pattern change, but the music output is suddenly stopped without warning at the start of the next second pattern change, making it possible to give the player a sense of discomfort, so it becomes possible to provide a look-ahead performance (look-ahead discomfort notice) that can give a more promising suggestion depending on whether or not there is a sense of discomfort.

In other words, according to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to provide a novel presentation notification that gives a sense of discomfort to the player by changing the timing of a specific presentation (such as a hold display presentation or a musical presentation) that may be the subject of a pre-reading presentation that is different from normal times.

In this embodiment, the pre-reading anomaly warning can be executed based on the result of a pre-reading judgment based on reference to pre-reading judgment information contained in one special winning command based on one reserved winning during the execution of the first initial first pattern change. However, as a modified example, the pre-reading anomaly warning can be executed based on the result of a pre-reading judgment based on reference to any of the pre-reading judgment information contained in multiple reserved memories (special winning commands) based on multiple reserved winnings (any of 2 to 4) that are established during the execution of the pattern change.

As a variant, instead of having the music fade out when the first pattern change ends for the first time, the music output may be stopped suddenly and without warning when the first pattern change ends for the first time.

Furthermore, as a modified example, if there are two or more reserved winnings during the pattern change, the music may not fade out at the end of the first first pattern change, but may be stopped suddenly and without warning at the end of the next second pattern change. In other words, the music may be stopped suddenly and without warning based on the execution of a change performance caused by two or more subsequent reserved winnings, such as at the end of the next second pattern change or the start of the third pattern change after the next one.

[Game Flow in the Present Embodiment]
Next, the flow of game progress in this pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in Figure 35, in the normal game state (non-time-saving state), the game is played by hitting with the left hand, and if the result of the judgment of the lottery for special chart 1 (special chart-related random numbers including special chart winning random numbers) that is performed when the ball enters the first starting hole 20 in this normal game state (special chart winning) is a miss, the normal game state will be maintained and the next lottery for special chart 1 will be aimed for.

On the other hand, if the player wins a jackpot (i.e., wins for the first time) based on the special drawing in this normal game state, if the type of jackpot pattern that can be determined based on the special drawing type random number determined following the special drawing random number determination is "Special drawing 1_jackpot pattern A", the game will transition to the first time-saving state (advantageous state, easy-to-win state) after the end of the 10R type 1 jackpot game that allows the first large prize winning hole 30 to open, and will transition to a 3-time time-saving mode (3-time time-saving state) that can be executed until the number of times the result of winning or losing based on the normal drawing in this first time-saving state is notified is 3 times. If the type of jackpot pattern is "Special drawing 1_jackpot pattern B", the game will transition to the first time-saving state (advantageous state) after the end of the 4R type 1 jackpot game that allows the first large prize winning hole 30 to open, and will transition to a 3-time time-saving mode that can be executed until the number of times the result of winning or losing based on the normal drawing in this first time-saving state is notified is 3 times (see FIG. 8).

In addition, in the normal game state (non-time-saving state), if a small prize is won (so-called a first win) in the lottery for special chart 1, and the type of small prize pattern that can be determined based on the judgment of the special chart type random number performed following the judgment of the special chart winning random number is "Special chart 1_small prize pattern a", a small prize game that opens the second large prize winning hole 35 can be executed, and if the operation conditions for a V prize are met during this small prize game, the game will transition to the first time-saving state after the end of the 4R type 2 big prize game that allows the first large prize winning hole 30 to be opened, and the winning based on the normal chart lottery during this first time-saving state will be executed. The game will transition to a one-time time-saving mode (one-time time-saving state) that can be executed until the number of times that a win/loss result is notified is one, and if it is "Special chart 1_small win pattern b", a small win game that opens the second large prize opening 35 can be executed, and if the operating conditions for a V win are met during this small win game, the game will transition to the first time-saving state after the end of the 10R two-type big win game that allows the first large prize opening 30 to be opened, and the game will transition to a two-time time-saving mode (two-time time-saving state) that can be executed until the number of times that a win/loss result is notified based on the regular chart lottery during this first time-saving state is two (see Figure 8).

In addition, in this embodiment, the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 that can be executed in the normal game mode (non-time-saving state) is set to be a short opening (opening of the electric chute once in 0.06 seconds). Therefore, in the normal game mode, it is configured so that it is practically impossible to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 21 (lottery for special chart 2) related to the electric chute 22 (winning the special chart). Therefore, in principle, the lottery for special chart 2 will not be executed.

When a type 1 jackpot game or type 2 jackpot game ends (after the first win), if it is possible to transition to the first time-saving state (either one of the one-time time-saving mode, two-time time-saving mode, or three-time time-saving mode), a game notification is issued to the effect that playing is recommended by hitting to the right, and an opening pattern of the electric chute 22 is made possible to facilitate the entry of the game ball (winning the special jackpot) into the second starting hole 21 (drawing for the special chute 2) related to the electric chute 22. This allows the player to aim for a jackpot win (type 2 jackpot or type 1 jackpot) based on the determination (first determination means) of the drawing for the special chute 2 (special chute-related random numbers including the special chute winning random numbers) resulting from the winning of the special chute in the second starting hole 21.

In this embodiment, the system is designed to determine that a special miss is a special miss (a C-time shortened win) only when the game is in a specified non-time shortened state, so a C-time shortened win will not occur during the first time shortened state.

Next, when the game transitions to the one-time time-saving mode related to the first time-saving state after a jackpot game, the one-time time-saving mode ends on the condition that the result of one lottery (whether the normal lottery is a win or not) based on the judgment (second judgment means) of the normal lottery (normal lottery related random numbers including normal lottery random numbers) performed when one game ball passes through gate 28 (sensor detection, normal lottery winning) is announced. In other words, it becomes possible to transition to the normal game state (non-time-saving state) based on the completion of one judgment of the normal lottery related random numbers (normal lottery winning random numbers, normal lottery type random numbers, etc.) obtained due to one normal lottery winning during the first time-saving state.

In this embodiment, the time-saving function is turned off (returns to the normal game state) after the small win notification (when the special chart 2 corresponding to the small win is displayed) that is executed based on the first win by the special chart lottery during the one-time time-saving mode (first time-saving state), and the game transitions to the normal game state after the two-type jackpot game, provided that the state at the time of V winning during the small win game is the normal game state. This determines the type of electric chute opening pattern (movable pattern) of the electric chute 22 according to one normal chart win (normal chart win), and makes it possible to return to the normal game state after the two-type jackpot game that becomes operable according to the special chart win (special chart lottery) based on this type determination is completed.

Then, the judgment of the normal map related random number obtained based on one normal map winning will result in a normal map winning judgment result with a winning probability of approximately 100%. When the result is a normal map winning judgment result, the type of normal map (any of A to D / judgment element) is determined according to the normal map type judgment table shown in Figure 9 (B), and the one-time time-saving mode in which the current game state will stay and the type of electric chute opening pattern of the electric chute 22 (either short two openings, long one opening, or long two openings) according to the type of normal map (any of A to D) determined this time is determined using the electric chute opening pattern judgment table shown in Figure 9 (D).

Specifically, during the first time-saving state (executing either the one-time time-saving mode, two-time time-saving mode, or three-time time-saving mode), if normal map_A or normal map_B is determined, displacement control (second return control) is performed to determine the long two-time opening electric chute opening pattern (opening with two winning balls) with an allocation probability of 30%, if normal map_C is determined, displacement control (second return control) is performed to determine the long one-time opening electric chute opening pattern (opening with one winning ball) with an allocation probability of 30%, and if normal map_D is determined, displacement control (first return control) is performed to determine the short two-time opening electric chute opening pattern (opening with zero winning balls) with an allocation probability of 40%.

If a long 1-time electric chute opening pattern (0.06-second electric chute opening + 2.5-second electric chute opening) that opens one winning ball is determined, it becomes possible to guide only one game ball to the second starting hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22, and the probability of winning in the lottery for special chart 2 that is held when that one game ball enters the second starting hole 21 (winning the special chart) is approximately 100%, making it possible to win either a big win or a small win. In the case of a small win, a small win game that allows the second large winning hole 35 to open can be played, and based on a V win during the small win game, it becomes possible to win a 4R 2-type big win or a 10R 2-type big win.

In addition, if a long two-time electric chute opening pattern (2.5-second electric chute opening x 2 times) is determined, which opens two balls to win, it is possible to guide two game balls to the second starting hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22, and when the two game balls enter the second starting hole 21, a special winning and a reserved winning can be achieved. Based on the winning results, two special chute 2 drawings are held, and since the probability of winning in each of the special chute 2 drawings is roughly 100%, it is possible to win twice (either a big win or a small win).

In addition, if a short 2-time opening electric chute pattern (0.06-second electric chute opening x 2) is determined, which results in 0 winning balls, it is not possible for the ball to enter the second starting hole 21 of the electric chute 22 (winning the special chute), so in principle the lottery for special chute 2 is not held. Therefore, during the 1-time time-saving mode, there is no state where there is a reserved memory for special chute 2. Therefore, since it is not possible to win either a big win or a small win based on there being no reserved memory for special chute 2, there is no transition to the first time-saving state after the big win (either the 1-time time-saving mode, 2-time time-saving mode, or 3-time time-saving mode), and the game returns to the normal game state.

Therefore, in the one-time time-saving mode, a chance is given to draw one regular map lottery that can determine a more favorable electric chute opening pattern than in the normal play state (non-time-saving state). If the electric chute opening pattern of "long one-time opening" is determined in the regular map lottery related to this one chance, it becomes possible to win either one type 1 jackpot or one type 2 jackpot, and after playing that one jackpot, the game will transition to one of the one-time to three-time time-saving modes depending on the type of win.

If the "long 2-time opening" electric chute pattern is determined in the normal drawing for one chance, it is possible to win either two Type 1 or Type 2 jackpots, and after two jackpots (a.k.a. consecutive jackpots), the game will transition to one of three time-saving modes depending on the type of jackpot you won.

In addition, if the electric chute opening pattern of "short twice open" is determined in the regular drawing for one chance, the game will return to the normal game state because there will be no reserved memory for special chart 2, which means that the ball will not enter the second starting hole 21 (a special chart win) and the game will return to the normal game state.

If the type of jackpot pattern (winning type) determined based on the special 2 lottery during the first time-saving state (executing either the one-time time-saving mode, the two-time time-saving mode, or the three-time time-saving mode) is "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern A," then the mode can be switched to the two-time time-saving mode after the end of the 10R type 1 jackpot game in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened, and if it is "Special chart 2_jackpot pattern B," then the mode can be switched to the two-time time-saving mode after the end of the 4R type 1 jackpot game in which the first large prize opening 30 is opened (see Figure 8).

In addition, if the type of small prize pattern (winning type) determined based on the special 2 lottery during the first time-saving state (either one time-saving mode, two time-saving mode, or three time-saving mode) is "Special pattern 2_small prize pattern b", the mode can be switched to the three time-saving mode after the end of the 10R two-type jackpot game that can be activated based on a V win during the small prize game in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened (see FIG. 8). In addition, if the type of small prize pattern (winning type) determined based on the special 2 lottery during the first time-saving state is "Special pattern 2_small prize pattern a", the operation pattern of the distribution member 71 becomes a non-passing opening pattern in which a V win is not possible during the small prize game, but if a V win is made during the small prize game in which the second large prize opening 35 is opened irregularly, the mode can be switched to the one time-saving mode after the end of the 4R (effectively 0R) two-type jackpot game.

On the other hand, if the game transitions to the two-time time-saving mode related to the first time-saving state after a jackpot game, the two-time time-saving mode will end on the condition that the results of the two lottery rounds (whether the regular number is a winner or loser) are announced by the judgment (second judgment means) of the regular number lottery, which is performed when two game balls pass through the gate 28 (sensor detection, regular number winning), and the game will be able to transition to the normal game state (non-time-saving state) based on the completion of the judgment of the two regular number-related random numbers (regular number winning random number, regular number type random number, etc.) obtained due to the two regular number winnings during the first time-saving state.

In this embodiment, if the first small win is won by the special drawing during the two-time time-saving mode (first time-saving state), the time-saving is not turned off until the small win game is played based on this winning, and the first time-saving state is maintained, and the state is changed to the first time-saving state again after the two-type jackpot game that is activated based on the V winning, provided that the state at the time of the V winning during the small win game is the first time-saving state. Next, if the second small win is won by the special drawing during the two-time time-saving mode, the time-saving is turned off (returned to the normal game state) after the small win notification that is executed based on this winning (when the special drawing 2 corresponding to the small win is stopped and displayed), and the state is changed to the normal game state after the two-type jackpot game, provided that the state at the time of the V winning during the small win game is the normal game state. This allows the type of electric chute opening pattern (movable pattern) of the electric chute 22 to be determined according to two regular winnings (regular winnings), and makes it possible to return to the normal game state after the end of the two-type jackpot game that becomes operable according to the special winning (special lottery) based on this type determination.

The two determinations of the random numbers related to the normal map obtained based on the two winning normal maps each result in a normal map winning result with a probability of about 100%. Then, for each normal map winning result, the type of normal map (any of A to D/determination element) is determined according to the normal map type determination table shown in FIG. 9(B), and the two-time time-saving mode in which the current game state will remain and the type of electric chute opening pattern of the electric chute 22 (either short two-time opening, long one-time opening, or long two-time opening) according to the type of normal map determined this time (any of A to D) are determined twice using the electric chute opening pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9(D).

Specifically, during the two-time time-saving mode, if normal map_A or normal map_D is determined, displacement control (first return control) is performed to determine a short two-time opening electric chute opening pattern (0 winning opening) with an allocation probability of 50%, if normal map_B is determined, displacement control (second return control) is performed to determine a long two-time opening electric chute opening pattern (2 winning opening) with an allocation probability of 20%, and if normal map_C is determined, displacement control (second return control) is performed to determine a long one-time opening electric chute opening pattern (1 winning opening) with an allocation probability of 30%.

If a long 1-time electric chute opening pattern that opens one ball is determined in one and/or the other of the two electric chute opening patterns, it becomes possible to guide only one game ball to the second starting hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22, and the probability of winning the lottery for special chart 2 that is held when that one game ball enters the second starting hole 21 (enters the special chart) is approximately 100%, making it possible to win either a big win or a small win. In addition, if a small win is obtained, a small win game that allows the second large winning hole 35 to open can be played, and a 4R 2-type jackpot or a 10R 2-type jackpot can be won based on a V win during the small win game.

In addition, if a long two-time opening electric chute pattern in which two balls are opened and won is determined in either one and/or the other of the types of electric chute opening patterns for the two electric chutes 22, it becomes possible to guide two game balls to the second starting hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22, and when the two game balls enter the second starting hole 21, a special winning and a reserved winning can be achieved. Based on the winning results, two special chute 2 drawings are performed, and since the probability of winning in the drawing for the special chute 2 is approximately 100%, it becomes possible to win twice (either a big win or a small win).

In addition, if a short two-time opening electric chute pattern that opens zero winning balls is determined in one and/or the other of the types of electric chute opening patterns for the two electric chute 22, the ball cannot enter the second starting hole 21 of the electric chute 22 (winning the special chute), so in principle the lottery for special chute 2 is not held. Therefore, during the two-time time-saving mode, there is no reserved memory for special chute 2. Therefore, since it is not possible to obtain either a big win or a small win based on the absence of reserved memory for special chute 2, there is no transition to the first time-saving state after the big win (either one-time time-saving mode, two-time time-saving mode, or three-time time-saving mode), and the game returns to the normal game state.

Therefore, in the two-time time-saving mode, a player is given two chances to draw regular maps, which can determine a more favorable electric chute opening pattern than in the normal game mode (non-time-saving mode). If the "long one-time opening" electric chute opening pattern is determined twice in the regular map draws related to the two chances, then a total of two Type 1 or Type 2 jackpots can be won.

And if the electric chute opening pattern of "long 1 time opening" and the electric chute opening pattern of "long 2 times opening" are determined in the normal drawing with two chances, it is possible to win either 3 types of 1 or 2 jackpots.

In addition, if the "long 2-time opening" electric chute pattern is determined twice in the regular drawing with two chances, a total of four Type 1 or Type 2 jackpots can be won.

In addition, if the "short two-time opening" electric chute opening pattern is determined twice in the regular drawing for the two chances, the game will return to the normal game state because there will be no reserved memory for special chart 2, which means that the ball will not enter the second starting hole 21 (a special chart win) will not occur.

On the other hand, if the game transitions to the three-time time-saving mode related to the first time-saving state after a jackpot game, the three-time time-saving mode will end on the condition that the results of the three lottery rounds (whether the regular number is a winner or loser) are announced by the judgment (second judgment means) of the regular number lottery, which is performed when three game balls pass through the gate 28 (sensor detection, regular number winning), and the three-time time-saving mode will end. In other words, it becomes possible to transition to the normal game state (non-time-saving state) based on the completion of the judgment of the three regular number-related random numbers (regular number winning random number, regular number type random number, etc.) obtained due to the three regular number winnings during the first time-saving state.

In this embodiment, if the first or second small win is won by the special drawing during the three-time time-saving mode (first time-saving state), the time-saving is not turned off until the small win game that is executed based on this winning, and the first time-saving state is maintained until the small win game that is executed based on the winning, and the state is set to be the first time-saving state again after the two-type jackpot game that is activated based on the winning of the V, provided that the state at the time of the winning of the V during the small win game is the first time-saving state. Next, if the third small win is won by the special drawing during the three-time time-saving mode, the time-saving is turned off (returned to the normal game state) after the small win notification that is executed based on this winning (when the special drawing 2 corresponding to the small win is stopped and displayed), and the state is set to be set to be the normal game state after the two-type jackpot game, provided that the state at the time of the winning of the V during the small win game is the normal game state. This allows the type of electric chute opening pattern (movable pattern) of the electric chute 22 to be determined according to three regular winnings (regular winnings), and makes it possible to return to the normal game state after the end of the type 2 jackpot game that becomes operable according to the regular winnings (regular lottery) based on this type determination.

The three determinations of the random numbers related to the normal map obtained based on the three winning normal maps will result in a normal map winning result with a probability of about 100%. Then, for each normal map winning result, the type of normal map (any of A to D/determination element) is determined according to the normal map type determination table shown in FIG. 9(B), and the 3-time time-saving mode in which the current game state will stay and the type of electric chute opening pattern of the electric chute 22 (long 2-time opening) according to the type of normal map (any of A to D) determined this time are determined three times using the electric chute opening pattern determination table shown in FIG. 9(D).

In this embodiment, the type of electric chute opening pattern that can be determined during the three-time time-saving mode is limited to only long two-time opening (which can be determined with a 100% probability), regardless of the type of electric chute opening pattern that can be determined from normal map A to normal map D. Therefore, displacement control (second return control) of three long two-time openings is performed based on the determination of the type of electric chute opening pattern of the electric chute 22 during the three-time time-saving mode.

From here, each time a long two-time electric chute opening pattern is determined, which opens two balls to win, it becomes possible to guide two game balls to the second starting hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22, and when the two game balls enter the second starting hole 21, a special winning and a reserved winning can be achieved. Based on the winning results, two special drawings are held, and since the probability of winning in the drawing for special drawing 2 is roughly 100%, this is done three times, making it possible to win two times (either a big win or a small win).

Therefore, in the 3-time time-saving mode, three chances are given to perform a normal drawing, which can determine a more advantageous electric chute opening pattern than in the normal game state (non-time-saving state). If the "long 2-time opening" electric chute opening pattern is determined three times in the normal drawing related to the three chances, it is possible to obtain either a type 1 jackpot or a type 2 jackpot for the maximum number of memories related to the special drawing 2 reservation. In other words, the 3-time time-saving mode is the most advantageous game state. In this embodiment, the electric chute opening pattern that can be determined in the 3-time time-saving mode is set to only a long 2-time opening (100%), but as a modified example, the electric chute opening pattern of a short 2-time opening or a long 1-time opening may be determined. In this embodiment, the occurrence probability is set to be such that it is rarely determined as a type 1 jackpot winning judgment (treated as a lucky type 1 jackpot), but the probability setting may be set to be such that it is determined as a type 1 jackpot winning judgment appropriately.

That is, the opening mode (short two openings, long one opening, long two openings) of the electric chute opening pattern that can be determined for each of the three time-saving modes (one time saving mode, two time saving mode, three time saving mode) and the determination probability for each of these electric chute opening patterns may be changed appropriately according to the game characteristics. Furthermore, the correspondence of the type of big win or the type of small win for transitioning to one of the three time-saving modes may also be changed appropriately according to the game characteristics. In addition, in this embodiment, when the electric chute opening pattern of long one opening or long two opening is determined, it is possible to stably guide the game ball to the second start hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22. However, instead of the stable guidance, the achievement rate of guiding the game ball to the second start hole 21 via the movable member 23 of the electric chute 22 may be changed according to the player's skill (intended ball launch timing).

In addition, in this embodiment, the conditions for terminating each time-saving mode are set to be based on the notification of the results of N lottery rounds (whether the normal lottery is a winner or loser) by the judgment (second judgment means) of the normal lottery held when N game balls pass through the gate 28 (sensor detection, normal lottery winning). However, each time-saving mode may also be set to be terminated based on the notification of the results of N lottery rounds (whether the special lottery is a winner or loser) by the judgment (second judgment means) of the special lottery held when N game balls pass through the starting hole (sensor detection, special lottery winning).

In this embodiment, the game state to be transitioned to after the two-type jackpot game is determined to be the time-saving state or the non-time-saving state depending on the game state (whether it is the time-saving state or the non-time-saving state) at the time of V winning during the small jackpot game, but the opening pattern of the electric chute 22 when ending one time-saving mode to three time-saving mode may be determined to be "short two-time opening" which opens 0 winnings regardless of the type of normal figure, thereby transitioning to the non-time-saving state. In addition, as a condition for ending one time-saving mode to three time-saving mode, a so-called limiter function may be activated to return to the normal game state. In addition, as a condition for ending one time-saving mode to three time-saving mode, a lottery may be held at the time of special figure lottery or jackpot game to determine whether to enter the normal game state or the first time-saving state (one time-saving mode, two time-saving mode, or three time-saving mode).

In this way, in this embodiment, for each of the three time-saving modes (one-time time-saving mode, two-time time-saving mode, three-time time-saving mode), the determination ratio of the electric chute opening pattern (either short two-time opening, long one-time opening, or long two-time opening) that is more advantageous than the electric chute opening pattern in the normal game mode (non-time-saving mode) is made different based on the judgment result of the normal map lottery (either normal map A to normal map D), making it possible to change the expected value (the probability of consecutive jackpot games) of winning either a type 1 jackpot or a type 2 jackpot multiple times (for example, four, which is the upper limit of reserved memory).

Therefore, according to this embodiment, an innovative game flow is realized that involves an electric chute opening pattern that is determined according to a combination of one of several types of time-saving states (number of time-saving states) that can be entered after a jackpot game and one of several types of regular symbols that are determined by lottery when a regular symbol is won, and by winning multiple special symbols based on the opening of the electric chute 22, it is possible to effectively increase the expectation (interest in playing) of the number of consecutive jackpot games that can be obtained (number of reserved memories related to special symbol 2/so-called jackpot stock number).

[Example of rendering in this embodiment]
Next, examples of effects in the present pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 36 to 41. First, the effect modes will be described. The effect modes are the manner of effects using the image display device 7, the speaker 67, the board lamp 5, the frame lamp 66, etc., and when the effect modes are different, for example, the characters, items, background images, etc. displayed on the image display device 7 are different, and the variable effects using the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are also executed in a manner corresponding to the effect modes.

[1. Production mode]
The presentation modes of this embodiment include a day background mode in which a normal daytime background image as shown in Figure 36 (A) is displayed, a night background mode in which a nighttime background image as shown in Figure 36 (B) is displayed, and a background mode in which a special daytime background image (a background image combining a normal daytime background image with a flame effect image) as shown in Figure 36 (C) is displayed.

The daytime background mode (Figure 36 (A)) is a presentation mode that is set in a non-time-saving state. In other words, it is a presentation mode that is set in a non-time-saving state where the game progresses mainly through the selection of special chart 1.

The night background mode (Fig. 36(B)) is a presentation mode that is set in the first time-saving state (one time-saving mode, two time-saving mode, or three time-saving mode) that is entered after a big win. In the first time-saving state, the game progresses with the aim of winning the second starting hole 21 by hitting with the right hand, so in the night background mode, the presentation control microcomputer 91 displays a right-hit notification image RI in the upper right corner of the display screen 7a to notify the player that the game should be played by hitting with the right hand. Also, in the night background mode, in order to suggest the number of normal winnings that will be made when the game ball passes through the gate 28 during the time-saving state, the presentation control microcomputer 91 displays a count display ZI that indicates the number of normal winnings in the lower right corner of the display screen 7a. The value of the count display ZI is updated by subtraction in response to the display of changes in the normal winnings.

The background mode (Fig. 36(C)) is a presentation mode that is set when the second time-saving state is reached when a C time-saving hit is determined, or when the value of the miss counter reaches a specified value. The background mode, like the night background mode, functions as a presentation that suggests to the player that the state is more favorable to the player than the day background mode.

In FIG. 36, the presentation mode set for each time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times is 1 to 3 is the same, but different types of presentation modes may be prepared for each time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times is 1 to 3.

[2. Change performance]
Next, the variation performance will be explained. When the variation display of the special symbol is started, the pachinko game machine 1 executes the variation performance based on the variation pattern related to the variation display of the special symbol and the result of the special symbol lottery (the result of the big win judgment or the small win judgment, the result of the symbol type judgment, the result of the reach judgment, and the result of the variation pattern judgment). In the variation performance, the variation display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed on the display screen 7a in a superimposed manner on a predetermined background image. In the variation display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R stop after the variation. That is, after the variation display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed over the variation time of the special symbol, the variation stops and the stop display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is announced by the stop display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R.

[2-1. Performance pattern display area]
As shown in FIG. 37(A), the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is divided vertically into three approximately equal parts, the left side, the center, and the right side, each of which is provided with a left performance pattern area 50b1, a middle performance pattern area 50b2, and a right performance pattern area 50b3. The left performance pattern area 50b1 is an area that displays the left performance pattern 8L when the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a stopped state in the variable performance. Similarly, the middle performance pattern area 50b2 and the right performance pattern area 50b3 are areas that display the middle performance pattern 8C and the right performance pattern 8R.

As shown in FIG. 37(A), a small symbol area 50c is provided in one section (upper left) at the left end of the top edge of the display screen 7a. The small symbol area 50c is an area that displays the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 while the special symbol is being displayed. Note that while the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R may become hidden during the display, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are never hidden. In this respect, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 function as symbols that complement the role of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R.

In addition, in Figure 37 (A), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed two-dot lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed. Furthermore, the range of each area can be changed as appropriate.

[2-2. Normal fluctuations]
In the variation presentation, the present pachinko gaming machine 1 can first perform a normal variation. The normal variation functions as a presentation that suggests that the variation display of the special symbol has started.

When the display of the special patterns begins, for example, as shown in Figure 37 (A), the left performance pattern 8L, middle performance pattern 8C and right performance pattern 8R are displayed frozen on the display screen 7a, while the left small pattern KZ1, middle and small pattern KZ2 and right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen, and the display of the special patterns is not being performed and the display of the special patterns is waiting to be changed.As shown in Figure 37 (B), upon the start of the display of the special patterns, the display of the performance patterns 8L, 8C and 8R begins, and the display of the small patterns KZ1, KZ2 and KZ3 begins to change. And, when the variation pattern of the variation display of the special pattern is, for example, "special pattern miss variation" (variation of special pattern miss without reach), as shown in FIG. 37 (C-1), the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R temporarily stop in different stop modes, and then, as shown in FIG. 37 (D), the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed in a stop mode (so-called spread eyes) that suggests a special pattern miss. At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also stopped and displayed all at once in a stop mode that suggests a special pattern miss. On the other hand, when the variation pattern of the variation display of the special pattern is, for example, a variation pattern with reach, such as "N miss variation" (variation of special pattern miss with reach where a special pattern miss is indicated by a normal reach), as shown in FIG. 37 (C-2), the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R temporarily stop in the same stop mode, and a reach is established. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 continue to change, and a reach effect is performed according to the change pattern. The stopping order and stopping mode of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R can be changed as appropriate.

[2-3. N Reach (Normal Reach)]
This pachinko game machine 1 can perform an N reach when a reach is established in normal variation. The N reach is a performance that suggests that the result of the special drawing may have been a "big win", a "small win", or a "C time-saving win", and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a big win or the like. In the following, the "big win", "small win", or "C time-saving win" will be described as a representative of the big win, but other types of wins may basically be the same. For example, the performance by the performance pattern related to each of the "big win", "small win", or "C time-saving win" may only differ in the combination of each performance pattern 8L, 8C, and 8R. In this case, in the case of a "C time-saving win", the combination of each performance pattern 8L, 8C, and 8R may differ depending on the time-saving pattern, and for example, only the middle performance pattern 8C may differ depending on the time-saving pattern (for example, the same pattern with a different color). In this case, the N reach is common.

In the N reach, as shown in FIG. 38(A), the reach is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), and as shown in FIG. 38(B), the speed of change of the middle performance pattern 8C gradually slows down. Then, when the change pattern of the special pattern change display is, for example, "N miss change," the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed stopped in a stop state (so-called barake eyes) that suggests a special pattern miss, as shown in FIG. 38(C-1). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop state that suggests a special pattern miss. On the other hand, when the change pattern of the special pattern change display is, for example, "N jackpot change" (jackpot change that indicates a jackpot win by a normal reach), the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed stopped in a stop state that suggests a jackpot (so-called double numbers) that suggests a jackpot, as shown in FIG. 38(C-2). At this time, the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped all at once in a stop state that suggests a jackpot. In addition, the content of the N Reach effect is not limited to the gradual deceleration of the middle effect pattern 8C, but can be changed or added as appropriate.

In addition, with regard to the stopping patterns of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that indicate a miss, the spread when the reach is not established is called a "non-reach spread" or a "non-reach miss" and the spread when the reach is established is called a "reach spread" or a "reach miss". The combination of each of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that make up the non-reach spread (for example, "2, 3, 1" or "5, 8, 6") and the combination of each of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that make up the reach spread (for example, "2, 1, 2" or "5, 4, 5") are selected by the performance control microcomputer 91. In addition, the combination of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R that make up the stopping pattern (double number) that indicates a jackpot (for example, "2-2-2" or "7-7-7") is selected by the effect control microcomputer 91 based on the type of jackpot symbol that has been selected.

[2-4. SP Reach]
The present pachinko game machine 1 is capable of performing an SP reach after an N reach. The SP reach is a presentation that suggests that the result of the special chart lottery is more likely to be a "jackpot" than an N reach, and functions as a presentation that makes the player look forward to a jackpot.

In the SP reach, after the N reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 39(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (background image for the SP reach G113) is displayed on the display screen 7a, and an image indicating that the SP reach has started (title image for the start of the SP reach) G1 is displayed in the center of the display screen 7a. After that, as shown in FIG. 39(B), a special performance for the SP reach is performed. Then, when the final stage of the special performance for the SP reach is reached, for example, in the case of an "SP jackpot change" (a jackpot change indicating that the SP reach has resulted in a jackpot), as shown in FIG. 39(C-1), a success performance suggesting a jackpot (for example, a display in which the main character (one of the ally characters) has won a battle and is standing with his/her legs crossed, a victory performance) is performed on the display screen 7a, and the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in a stopped state (so-called double numbers) suggesting a jackpot. At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped at the same time in a stop mode that suggests a big win. On the other hand, when the change pattern of the special symbol change display is, for example, "SP miss change" (a special symbol miss change with a reach where a special symbol miss is indicated by an SP reach), as shown in FIG. 39 (C-2), a failure effect that suggests a special symbol miss (for example, a display in which an enemy character wins a battle and stands with its legs apart, a defeat effect) is performed, and the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed stopped at the same time in a stop mode that suggests a special symbol miss (so-called barake eyes). At this time, the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are also displayed stopped at the same time in a stop mode that suggests a special symbol miss. Note that the effect content of the SP reach can be changed or added as appropriate. In this embodiment, the effect shown in FIG. 39 is executed as the SP reach based on the drawing of the special symbol 1 in the non-time-saving state.

[2-5. Variable effects based on the lottery of special chart 2]
Next, the variation presentation based on the lottery of the special chart 2 will be explained. When the result of the lottery of the special chart is a small win or a C time-saving win, the pachinko game machine 1 executes a "battle reach" (see FIG. 10). That is, when the special chart variation pattern indicated by the special chart 2 variation start command received from the game control microcomputer 81 is "P21" or "P24", the presentation control microcomputer 91 executes a variation presentation accompanied by a battle reach. The battle reach is executed after the N reach in the variation presentation.

A battle reach is a reach effect in which a battle takes place between an ally character and an enemy character (first enemy character). Specifically, in a battle reach, first, an image or the like indicating that the ally character and enemy character will soon battle is displayed on the display screen 7a (FIG. 40(A)). Then, an image showing the ally character and enemy character engaged in offense and defense is displayed on the display screen 7a (not shown), and before the win/lose branch, an image showing that the ally character will launch an attack on the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 7a (FIG. 40(B)).

If the battle reach is executed based on a small win variation (special chart variation pattern "P21"), after the presentation of FIG. 40(B), a victory image (including an image of the ally character rejoicing and a success background image G80) showing that the ally character has defeated the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 7a as a success presentation (winning presentation) suggesting a win, and the presentation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed temporarily stopped in the "order of numbers (1, 2, 3)" which indicates a small win (FIG. 40(C)). Then, the presentation symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed definitively stopped in the "order of numbers (1, 2, 3)" (FIG. 40(D)).

On the other hand, if the battle reach is executed based on the special chart failure variation (special chart variation pattern "P24"), after the performance of FIG. 40(B), a failure performance (special chart failure performance) indicating a special chart failure is displayed on the display screen 7a, in which a defeat image (including an image of an ally character looking sad and a failure background image G81) indicating that the ally character has been defeated by a counter from the enemy character is displayed, and the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed temporarily stopped with a "reach failure" indicating a special chart failure (FIG. 40(E)). Then, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed definitively stopped with a "reach failure" (FIG. 40(F)).

In addition, if the battle reach is executed based on the C time-saving fluctuation (special chart fluctuation pattern "P14") when a special miss is judged to be a C time-saving hit, the battle result is made different depending on the type of time-saving pattern. Specifically, in the case of a C time-saving hit with the time-saving pattern β, after the performance of FIG. 40(B), as a success performance suggesting a C time-saving hit with the time-saving pattern β, a victory image (including an image of the ally character rejoicing and a success background image G80) showing that the ally character has defeated the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 7a, as in FIG. 40(C), and the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed temporarily stopped at "order (5, 6, 7)" indicating a C time-saving hit with the time-saving pattern β (not shown). Then, the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R and the small patterns KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed definitively stopped at "order (5, 6, 7)" (not shown).

On the other hand, if a special miss is not judged to be a C time-saving win, as in FIG. 40(E), a defeat image (including an image of the ally character looking sad and a failure background image G81) showing that the ally character has been defeated by a counter from the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 7a, and the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed temporarily stopped with a "non-reach miss" indicating a special miss (not shown). Then, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R and the small symbols KZ1, KZ2, and KZ3 are displayed definitively stopped with a "non-reach miss" (not shown).

[2-6. Performance development after small win game based on the lottery of special chart 2]
If the result of the lottery on the special chart 2 is a small win, a success performance (victory performance) is executed in the battle reach, and when the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are definitely stopped and displayed in order, the performance control microcomputer 91 executes the V challenge performance shown in Fig. 41 (A). The V challenge performance is a performance during a small win game, and is a performance that notifies the player that there is a chance to generate a V pass. The V challenge performance includes a display that indicates that the player should hit the right side aiming at the V attacker (the second large winning device 36).

When a V passing occurs during a small win game, the presentation control microcomputer 91 executes the V passing notification presentation shown in FIG. 41 (B). The V passing notification presentation includes an image designed with the letter "V". The V passing notification presentation functions as a presentation that notifies the occurrence of a V passing. In addition, the V passing notification presentation functions as a presentation that suggests that a big win game will be played.

Then, when the type 2 jackpot game starts, the performance control microcomputer 91 executes the jackpot performance as shown in FIG. 41 (C).

[Modifications of the present invention]
Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-mentioned embodiment. The invention disclosed below can be used in gaming machines used in gaming halls (stores).

In other words, the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described as an example of an embodiment based on a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine, but the present invention may also be applied to so-called type 1 gaming machines (digital pachinko machines), type 2 gaming machines (spinning machines), simultaneous spinning machines (pachinko gaming machines that can simultaneously execute the variable display of special chart 1 and special chart 2), slot machines, etc.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is designed to pay out a predetermined number of gaming media (gaming balls) to the player as prizes (prize balls) based on the winning of the gaming balls, but the present invention may also be applied to so-called sealed gaming machines (smart pachinko or smart slot).

The above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine 1 may also be applied to a gaming machine (a so-called pachinko machine with settings) that allows the setting of the internal numerical value (jackpot probability) related to the lottery for special symbols to be changed to different settings for each stepwise setting value. Note that the probability of granting the time-saving state may be the same for all setting values, or the probability of granting the time-saving state may be different depending on each setting value.

In addition, when the pachinko game machine 1 described above is equipped with a so-called probability fluctuation function as a game specification, it may apply either a loop type (an advantageous game state in which there is no actual upper limit set on the number of times that a game can be played to end during a probability change), an ST type (an advantageous game state in which an upper limit is set on the number of times that a game can be played to end during a probability change), or a drop-out lottery type (an advantageous game state in which the probability change state can be continued until a predetermined lottery is won during the probability change).

The pachinko game machine 1 described above may also include game specifications that allow for confirmation and management of the game base by counting the number of game balls shot toward the game board surface, or the number of balls ejected off the game board surface after the balls are shot (the so-called out ball count), and the number of prize balls awarded based on game balls entering a specified ball entry port during a specified game state (normal play), and allowing a specified value (game base) relating to the player's performance based on the counting results to be calculated, and allowing the specified value to be displayed on a management display device for the game machine (the so-called performance display monitor).

The pachinko game machine 1 described above may also include a game specification (a so-called complete function) that makes it difficult or impossible to continue the game when the difference in the number of balls (so-called MY) that can be calculated from the negative profit based on the number of balls fired during a specified game state (normal game) until a specified lottery result is a specified winning combination and the positive profit based on the number of winning balls obtained in response to the game balls entering a specified ball entrance after the winning combination reaches a specified number, thereby making it possible to discourage players from becoming gambling enthusiasts.

In addition, in this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is composed of a gaming board 2 and a gaming machine frame 50, but is not limited to this, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be a gaming program for executing the contents disclosed in this embodiment. In such a case, the gaming program is provided as software for a personal computer, a home gaming machine, a smartphone, etc., or as a web application that is accessed and displayed and operated by a web browser, and is executed by the personal computer, a home gaming machine, a smartphone, etc. Alternatively, it may be a server or the like equipped with a gaming program for executing the contents disclosed in this embodiment.

<Inventions that can be extracted based on this embodiment>
From the disclosure of the above-mentioned embodiment, it can be understood as a gaming machine equipped with the inventions described below. In addition, each of the inventions described below can be combined. In addition, the scope of the invention includes not only the description of the above-mentioned embodiment, but also all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the invention.

In addition, when expressing a comparison of various percentages such as the execution rate of a performance (for example, expressions such as "high, low, different"), it is acceptable for one to be a "0%" percentage. In other words, it includes one being a "0%" percentage and the other being a "100%" percentage or a "less than 100%" percentage. Note that the supplementary content in parentheses below is an example and is not limited to that supplementary content.

[Invention A]
Invention A comprises an acquisition means capable of acquiring judgment information (random numbers related to special charts) on whether a winning bid has been won or not depending on the progress of the game (ball entering the starting hole), a storage means capable of storing one or more pieces of judgment information acquired by the acquisition means, a judgment means capable of making a final judgment (judgment of the special chart lottery) on each of the judgment information stored in the storage means each time a start condition (enabling the start of special chart fluctuation) is satisfied, a notification means capable of varyingly displaying a pattern displayed on a display unit (display screen of a display device) based on the satisfaction of the start condition, and notifying the result of the final judgment made by the judgment means depending on the end (stop display) of the varying display of the pattern, and predetermined judgment information (winning of special chart) based on each memory stored in the storage means. The gaming machine is equipped with a pre-determination means capable of predicting a start condition (command) in advance before a start condition is established, and a presentation control means (sub-control board) capable of controlling the execution of a suggestive notification regarding the pre-reading performance before a final determination of the judgment information that was the subject of the pre-determination is made, and the above-mentioned pre-reading performance includes a first pre-reading performance that changes the suggestive notification regarding the pre-reading performance at a first timing before the display of changing patterns that can be started when a final determination of the judgment information that was the subject of the pre-determination is made is made, and a second pre-reading performance that changes the suggestive notification regarding the pre-reading performance at a second timing when the display of changing patterns that can be started is made.

This makes it possible to allocate whether a first look-ahead effect (an effect suggesting the possibility of a win performed before the actual judgment is made) that can be executed before the actual judgment is made on the judgment information that was the subject of the advance judgment (forecast) is made (when the advance judgment for the forecast is made or at a specified opportunity thereafter) to be executed as a first look-ahead effect that changes the suggestive notification (reserved icon, music, etc.) related to the forecast effect at a first timing (for example, at the end of the changing pattern that was not the subject of the forecast for the advance judgment), or to be executed as a second look-ahead effect (for example, a color forecast change) that changes the suggestive notification (reserved icon, music, etc.) related to the forecast effect at a second timing (for example, at the start of the display of the changing pattern that was the subject of the forecast for the advance judgment).

The first timing mentioned above may be before the end (stop display) of the pattern that is being displayed while changing and is not subject to the pre-reading that is being executed before the main judgment is made on the judgment information that was the subject of the pre-reading in the advance judgment (that is, while the change is waiting, before the change starts to be displayed), and does not have to be the end of the display of the pattern that was displayed while changing immediately before the main judgment is made (including the time when the win/loss notification is confirmed).

The second timing may be set so that there is a time lag between the end of the display of the changing patterns related to the first timing and the start of the display of the changing patterns related to the pre-read target, or the beginning of the display of the changing patterns (at least the confirmation display time for letting the player know whether or not they have won (the stopped patterns)).

Therefore, for the look-ahead performance that is executed and controlled based on the results of the pre-determination before the start of the display of the changing patterns related to the look-ahead target, it is possible to provide a variation of the first look-ahead performance and the second look-ahead performance that differ from each other in the timing of the transformation of the suggestive notification related to the look-ahead performance (changing or changing the appearance, state, content, external appearance or state), which makes it possible to provide a novel presentation notification that gives the player a sense of discomfort, thereby effectively increasing the player's interest in the game by increasing their sense of expectation.

[Invention A-1]
Invention A-1 is a gaming machine in which, in Invention A, the pre-reading performance allows for a change in the suggestive notification regarding the pre-reading performance at the second timing of the second pre-reading performance, compared to a case in which the pre-reading performance allows for a change in the suggestive notification regarding the pre-reading performance at the first timing of the first pre-reading performance, thereby improving the reliability that the actual judgment will be a hit based on the pre-reading of the pre-judgment by the pre-judgment means.

From this, for example, it is possible to design specifications such that the aspect of changing the suggestive notification for the second look-ahead performance when performed at the second timing when the changing display of the patterns begins (rainbow reserve change) is more promising than the aspect of changing the suggestive notification for the first look-ahead performance when performed at the first timing when the changing display of the patterns becomes a stopped display (red reserve change), and in this case it is possible to increase interest in the execution of the second look-ahead performance when the first look-ahead performance based on the first timing has not been executed.

[Invention A-2]
Invention A-2 is a gaming machine in which, in Invention A, the presentation control means is capable of displaying on the display unit an image display for guiding the player to operate an operating means that can be used for input by the player, and the first look-ahead presentation is capable of being executed and controlled so that a suggestive notification regarding the look-ahead presentation changes when a first timing is reached without the player performing an input operation on the operating means even if an image for guiding the player is displayed, and the second look-ahead presentation is capable of being executed and controlled so that a suggestive notification regarding the look-ahead presentation changes when the first timing is reached and a second timing is reached.

As a result, if an image (button reservation 9B) for guiding the player is displayed but the player does not perform an input operation on the operating means (effect button 63), it is possible to increase interest in predicting the variation in whether a first pre-reading effect will be executed in which a suggestive notification regarding the reading effect is changed at a first timing, or a second pre-reading effect will be executed in which a suggestive notification regarding the reading effect is changed at a second timing.

[Invention A-3]
Invention A-3 is a gaming machine in which, in addition to Invention A, it further includes a hold display means for enabling one or more hold displays (hold icons) that enable suggestions according to the number of judgment information stored in the memory means (hold memory number) to be displayed on the display unit (display screen of the display device), and the presentation control means enables execution control of a look-ahead presentation in which the hold display is changed to a first change hold display (button hold) equivalent to a suggestive notification regarding the look-ahead presentation, the first look-ahead presentation being a presentation mode in which, when a first timing is reached, the suggestive notification regarding the look-ahead presentation is changed to a second change hold display (another hold icon that has changed color) different from the first change hold display, and the second look-ahead presentation being a presentation mode in which, when a second timing is reached, the suggestive notification regarding the look-ahead presentation is changed to a second change hold display (another hold icon that has changed color).

This allows for a variation in which it is possible to select whether to execute a first pre-reading performance in which the change pending display (e.g., a button pending) related to a pre-reading performance that can be executed before an actual judgment is made on the judgment information that was the subject of a pre-judgment (pre-reading), and to execute a second pre-reading performance in which the pending display is changed to another change pending display (a pending display that is different from the normal one, including the pending icon that can be displayed during the changing display of the pattern related to the pre-reading target) at a first timing when the pattern being changed is displayed as stopped, or to execute a second pre-reading performance in which the pending display is changed to another change pending display (a pending display that is different from the normal one) at a second timing when the changing display of the pattern begins, and this makes it possible to provide a novel performance notification that gives the player a sense of discomfort, thereby effectively increasing the player's interest in the game by improving their sense of expectation.

In addition, the second change pending display that changes when the first timing (first pre-reading performance) occurs,
The second change pending display that is changed at the second timing (second look-ahead performance) may be the same display mode (for example, both are red pending displays) or may be different display modes (for example, a red pending display and a rainbow pending display). However, if they are the same display mode (for example, both are red pending displays), it is preferable from the viewpoint of increasing the sense of expectation to make the second change pending display that is changed at the second timing (second look-ahead performance) more likely to develop into a performance with a high expectation such as an SP reach.

[Invention A-4]
Invention A-4 is a gaming machine in which, in Invention A, the presentation control means is capable of displaying the display color of the second change pending display on the display unit in a color that corresponds to the reliability of the judgment being a hit based on the pre-reading of the pre-judgment by the pre-judgment means, and the pre-reading presentation is a presentation mode in which the display color of the second change pending display displayed at the second timing of the second pre-reading presentation is more likely to be a more reliable display color than the display color of the second change pending display displayed at the first timing of the first pre-reading presentation.

From this, for example, it is possible to design specifications such that the second change pending display (rainbow pending/color indicating the highest reliability) that changes at the second timing (second look-ahead performance) when the changing display of the pattern begins is a display color with a higher reliability than the second change pending display (red pending/color indicating the second highest reliability) that changes at the first timing (first look-ahead performance) when the changing display of the pattern becomes a stopped display, and in this case, it is possible to increase interest in the execution of the second change pending display related to the second timing (second look-ahead performance) when the second change pending display related to the first timing (first look-ahead performance) has not been executed.

[Invention A-5]
Invention A-5 is a gaming machine in which, in addition to Invention A, it further comprises an audio control means for enabling music to be output from a predetermined trigger based on the start of the changing display of the patterns to the end of the changing display, and the audio control means is capable of controlling a sound end effect (fade out) that gradually transitions from a first timing to muting of the music, and the second pre-reading effect is not the above-mentioned sound end effect, but rather is an effect in which, at the second timing, the music output is stopped without warning as a change in the suggestive notification regarding the reading effect.

As a result, it becomes possible to control the execution of the second pre-reading performance in which the suggestive notification (music) for the pre-reading performance, which can be executed before an actual judgment is made regarding the judgment information that was the subject of a pre-judgment (pre-reading), is cut out (the music is muted forcibly) without warning at the second timing when the changing display of the pattern starts, without fading out (the music is muted gradually) from the first timing when the pattern being displayed in a changing state becomes a stationary display, to the second timing when the changing display of the pattern starts.

Therefore, before this determination is made (before the change is made), it is possible to change the timing of the end of the music related to the suggestive notification of the pre-reading performance that is being performed based on the results of the advance determination, which makes it possible to provide a novel performance that gives the player a sense of discomfort, thereby effectively increasing the player's interest in the game by improving their sense of expectation.

Furthermore, it is possible to design specifications for the music style (forced muting/cutout) associated with the second look-ahead performance that changes at the second timing (second look-ahead performance) when the changing display of the patterns begins to produce a sound that is more anticipated than the music style (gradual muting/fade-out) based on the sound end performance that is activated from the first timing when the changing display of the patterns becomes stationary, making it possible to increase interest in the second look-ahead performance that does not activate the sound end performance at the first timing.

[Invention B-1]
A game board having a game area through which game balls can flow down, a first ball entry port (starting port) and a second ball entry port (gate) arranged in the game area and through which game balls can pass, a ball entry support means (electric chute) capable of guiding a captured game ball to the first ball entry port using a movable part that can be displaced between a first state (closed) in which it is difficult to capture the game ball and a second state (open) in which it is easy to capture the game ball, a first judgment means (judgment of a special drawing lottery) capable of judging whether a game condition (a special drawing hit) for controlling the game state to a special game state is satisfied based on the passage of the ball through the first ball entry port, a second judgment means (judgment of a normal drawing lottery) capable of judging whether a condition for displacing the movable part from the first state to the second state is satisfied based on the passage of the ball through the second ball entry port is satisfied (a normal drawing hit), and a normal game state. a game state control means capable of controlling the movable part to one of a plurality of advantageous states (time-saving states) that are more advantageous than a first advantageous state, and a movable control means capable of displacement control to displace the movable part based on either a first movable pattern or a second movable pattern (electric chute opening pattern) when the second determination means determines that a condition is established, wherein the second movable pattern is capable of capturing a greater number of game balls based on the displacement of the movable part than the first movable pattern, and the movable control means is capable of changing the ratio at which the first movable pattern and the second movable pattern are executed in displacement control in an advantageous state based on the type of the advantageous state (number of time-saving states) and the type of determination result (normal pattern) when the condition is established.

This makes it possible to change the ratio at which displacement control (electric chute opening control) is executed for either the first movable pattern (e.g., short opening) or the second movable pattern (e.g., long opening) based on the type of advantageous state (one-time time-saving mode, two-time time-saving mode, three-time time-saving mode) that is more advantageous than the normal game state and the type of judgment result (normal map) when the condition is met (normal map hit). From this, it becomes possible to realize game specifications related to ratio settings that make it easier for the judgment result (prescribed type of normal map) to be associated with the second movable pattern (long two-time opening), which is most advantageous to the player, to occur in a predetermined advantageous state (three-time time-saving mode) compared to an advantageous state other than this predetermined advantageous state (one-time time-saving mode), and it is possible to effectively increase the interest in the game in terms of increasing the sense of expectation regarding the increase in the number of balls entering the first ball entrance (starting hole) that can be guided based on the electric chute opening control.

[Invention B-2]
A game area through which game balls can flow, a first ball entrance (starting entrance) and a second ball entrance (gate) arranged in the game area, an entrance support means (electric chute) capable of guiding a game ball to the first ball entrance using a displaceable movable part, a first judgment means (judgment of a special drawing lottery) capable of judging a game condition (a hit of a special drawing) based on the passage of a ball through the first ball entrance, a second judgment means (judgment of a regular drawing lottery) capable of judging the establishment of a condition (a hit of a regular drawing) based on the passage of a ball through the second ball entrance, a game state control means capable of controlling to one of a plurality of types of advantageous states (time-saving states), a movable control means capable of displacement control to displace the movable part by either a first movable pattern or a second movable pattern (electric chute opening pattern) executable based on the type of advantageous state (time-saving number of times) and the type of judgment result (regular drawing) when the condition is established, and the first judgment means. A gaming machine comprising an acquisition means capable of acquiring one of a plurality of types of judgment elements (general patterns) based on a judgment of the establishment of the condition when a ball passes through one of the two ball entry ports, and the game state control means capable of control to one of a first advantageous state or a second advantageous state relating to a plurality of types of advantageous states (time-saving states) based on the type of judgment result judged by the first judgment means, and the second judgment means capable of determining that when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of general pattern) is acquired during the first advantageous state, the proportion of displacement control of the movable part based on the second moving pattern will be lower than during the second advantageous state, and capable of determining that when a predetermined judgment element is acquired during the second advantageous state, the proportion of displacement control of the movable part based on the second moving pattern will be higher than during the first advantageous state.

This allows for a change in which, when the condition is met (a normal winning) in a first advantageous state (e.g., one-time time-saving mode) that is more advantageous than the normal game state, the rate at which displacement control is performed by the second movable pattern (e.g., long opening) is low when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal winning) is obtained as a result of the judgment, and when the condition is met (a normal winning) in a second advantageous state (e.g., three-time time-saving mode) that is different from the first advantageous state described above, the rate at which displacement control is performed by the second movable pattern is high when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal winning) is obtained as a result of the judgment. From this, for example, in the second advantageous state (three-time time-saving mode), it becomes possible to realize a game specification related to a rate setting that makes it easier for a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal winning) to be associated with the second movable pattern (long two-time opening), which is most advantageous to the player, to be obtained than in the first advantageous state (one-time time-saving mode), and it is possible to effectively increase the interest in the game in terms of increasing the sense of expectation regarding the increase in the number of balls entering the first ball entrance (starting hole) that can be guided based on the electric chute opening control (reserved memory number).

[Invention B-3]
The present invention is provided with a game area through which game balls can flow, a first ball entry port (starting port) and a second ball entry port (gate) arranged in the game area, a ball entry support means (electric chute) capable of guiding the game ball to the first ball entry port using a displaceable movable part, a first judgment means (special chart lottery judgment) capable of judging a game condition (a hit on a special chart) based on the passage of a ball through the first ball entry port, a second judgment means (regular chart lottery judgment) capable of judging whether a condition is satisfied (a hit on a regular chart) based on the passage of a ball through the second ball entry port, a game state control means capable of controlling the game state to one of a plurality of types of advantageous states (time-saving states), a movable control means capable of displacement control for displacing the movable part by one of a first movable pattern or a second movable pattern (electric chute opening pattern) that can be executed based on the type of advantageous state (time-saving number of times) and the type of judgment result (regular chart) when the condition is satisfied, and an acquisition means capable of acquiring one of a plurality of types of judgment elements (regular charts) based on the judgment of the satisfaction of the condition when the ball passes through the second ball entry port, The game state control means is capable of control to either a first advantageous state or a second advantageous state relating to a plurality of types of advantageous states (time-shortened states) based on the type of judgment result judged by the first judgment means, and the second judgment means is capable of determining that when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal pattern) is obtained during the first advantageous state, the proportion of displacement control of the movable part based on the second moving pattern will be lower than during the second advantageous state, and is capable of determining that when a predetermined judgment element is obtained during the second advantageous state, the proportion of displacement control of the movable part based on the second moving pattern will be higher than during the first advantageous state, and the first advantageous state and the second advantageous state enable a game (electric chute support) in which the execution efficiency of judgment by the first judgment means is improved compared to the normal game state based on the end of the special game state, but the end conditions (number of time-shortened states) for ending this game are different from each other.

This makes it possible to make a change such that when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal map) is obtained as the judgment result when the condition is met (a normal map is won) in a first advantageous state (e.g., one-time time-saving mode) relating to multiple types of time-saving states to which a transition can be made based on the end of a special game state, the proportion of displacement control by the second movable pattern is lowered, and when a predetermined judgment element (a predetermined type of normal map) is obtained as the judgment result when the condition is met (a normal map is won) in a second advantageous state (e.g., three-time time-saving mode) with an ending condition (number of time-saving times) different from the first advantageous state described above, the proportion of displacement control by the second movable pattern is increased. From this, for example, in the second advantageous state (3-time time-saving mode) with the most advantageous ending condition (number of time-saving times) for the player, it becomes possible to realize game specifications relating to a ratio setting that makes it easier for a specified judgment element (a specified type of normal pattern) to occur that corresponds to the most advantageous second movable pattern (long 2-time opening) for the player than in the first advantageous state (1-time time-saving mode), and it is possible to effectively increase interest in the game by increasing the sense of expectation regarding an increase in the number of balls that enter the first ball entry hole (starting hole) (number of reserved memories) that can be guided based on the electric chute opening control.

[Invention B-4]
The present invention is provided with a game area through which game balls can flow down, a first ball entrance (starting entrance) and a second ball entrance (gate) arranged in the game area, an entrance support means (electric chute) capable of guiding a game ball to the first ball entrance using a displaceable movable part, a first determination means (determination of a special drawing lottery) capable of determining a game condition (a win in a special drawing) based on the passage of a ball through the first ball entrance, a second determination means (determination of a regular drawing lottery) capable of determining whether a condition is satisfied (a win in a regular drawing) based on the passage of a ball through the second ball entrance, a game state control means capable of controlling the game state to one of a plurality of types of advantageous states (time-saving states), and a movable control means capable of displacement control for displacing the movable part by either a first movable pattern or a second movable pattern (electric chute opening pattern) which can be executed based on the type of advantageous state (number of time-saving times) and the type of the determination result (regular drawing) when the condition is satisfied, and the movable control means is configured to control the game state ( a first return control for controlling a return time for returning the movable part to the first state after being displaced from the first state to the second state to a short time (short opening) during which it is difficult to capture a game ball, and a second return control for controlling the return time to a time longer than the short time (long opening) during which it is easy to capture a game ball, the first movable pattern (long one opening) being capable of executing the first return control in either the first half or the second half of the valid period, and the second return control being capable of executing the second return control in either the first half or the second half of the valid period, and the second movable pattern (long two opening) being capable of executing the second return control in either the first half or the second half of the valid period.

This makes it possible to change the ratio at which displacement control (electric chute opening control) is executed for either the first movable pattern (long 1-time opening) that can perform the first return control and the second return control during the effective period of the electric chute opening, or the second movable pattern (long 2-time opening) that can perform the second return control twice during the effective period of the electric chute opening, based on the type of advantageous state (1-time time-saving mode, 2-time time-saving mode, 3-time time-saving mode) that is more advantageous than the normal game state and the type of judgment result (normal map) when the condition is established (normal map hit). From this, it becomes possible to realize a game specification related to a ratio setting that makes it easier for the judgment result (prescribed type of normal map) to be associated with the second movable pattern (long 2-time opening) that is most advantageous to the player in a predetermined predetermined advantageous state (3-time time-saving mode) than in an advantageous state other than this predetermined advantageous state (1-time time-saving mode), and it is possible to effectively increase the interest in the game in terms of increasing the sense of expectation regarding the increase in the number of balls entering the first ball entrance (starting hole) that can be guided based on the electric chute opening control (reserved memory number).

1... Pachinko game machine 7... Image display device 7a... Display screen 9A... Reserve icon 9B... Button reserve 9C... Red circle reserve 21... Second start hole 22... Normal variable winning device (electric chute)
23... Movable member 30... First large prize opening 35... Second large prize opening 39... Specific area 63... Performance button 81... Game control microcomputer 91... Performance control microcomputer 100... Image control board

Claims (6)

An acquisition means capable of acquiring judgment information regarding winning or losing according to the progress of a game;
A storage means capable of storing one or more pieces of determination information acquired by the acquisition means;
a determination means for determining each of the pieces of determination information stored in the storage means each time a start condition is satisfied;
A notification means for displaying a pattern displayed on a display unit in a variable manner based on the establishment of the start condition, and for notifying a result of the main determination by the determination means in response to the end of the variable display of the pattern;
a pre-determination means for pre-determining predetermined determination information based on each individual memory stored in the memory means before the start condition is satisfied;
A performance control means capable of controlling the execution of a suggestion notification regarding a pre-reading performance before the main determination of the determination information that is the subject of the pre-determination is performed;
Equipped with
The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is,
A gaming machine characterized by including a first look-ahead performance that changes the suggestive notification at a first timing before the display of the changing pattern that can be started when the actual judgment of the judgment information that was the subject of the preliminary judgment is made, and a second look-ahead performance that changes the suggestive notification at a second timing when the display of the changing pattern that can be started is made. The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is,
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that, compared to a case in which the suggestive notification can be changed at the first timing of the first look-ahead performance, a case in which the suggestive notification can be changed at the second timing of the second look-ahead performance is characterized by improving the reliability that the actual judgment will be a hit based on the pre-judgment by the pre-judgment means. The performance control means includes:
The display unit is capable of displaying an image display for guiding a player to operate an operation means that can be operated by the player,
The first look-ahead performance is,
When the first timing occurs without the player performing an input operation on the operation means even if the image for operation guidance is displayed, execution control is enabled to change the suggestion notification,
The second look-ahead performance is,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein execution control is possible such that the suggestive notification is changed when the first timing is exceeded and the second timing is reached. A hold display means is provided for displaying one or more hold displays on the display unit, the hold display displaying one or more hold displays enabling suggestions according to the number of the judgment information stored in the storage means,
The performance control means includes:
The execution control of the pre-reading performance in which the reserved display is changed to a first change reserved display mode corresponding to the suggestion notification is enabled,
The first look-ahead performance is,
When the first timing occurs, the indication is changed to a second change pending display different from the first change pending display,
The second look-ahead performance is,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that when the second timing occurs, the suggestion notification is transformed into the second change pending display. The performance control means includes:
The display color of the second change pending display can be displayed on the display unit in a color corresponding to the reliability that the main judgment will be a hit based on the pre-reading of the pre-judgment by the pre-judgment means,
The above-mentioned pre-reading performance is,
The gaming machine described in claim 4, characterized in that the display color of the second change pending display displayed at the second timing of the second pre-reading performance is more likely to be the display color with a higher reliability than the display color of the second change pending display displayed at the first timing of the first pre-reading performance. A sound control means is provided for outputting music from a predetermined trigger based on the start of the variable display of the pattern to the end of the variable display,
The voice control means includes:
It is possible to control a sound end effect of gradually transitioning from the first timing to muting the music,
The second look-ahead performance is,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, instead of performing the sound end effect, when the second timing is reached, the output of the music is stopped without warning as a transformation of the suggestive notification.