JP2024075266A - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that prevents a player from intentionally not allowing a gaming ball to pass through a specific area when a jackpot that allows the gaming ball to pass through a specific area is won.
[Solution] When it is determined that a jackpot will be awarded, the jackpot game begins when the game ball passes through a continuous operation gate of the special device. Meanwhile, if the game ball passes through a specific area in the flow down area during the jackpot game, the probability of winning the jackpot after the jackpot game is controlled to transition to a high probability state that is higher than the normal probability state, and the specific area is located downstream of the continuous operation gate of the special device, so that the game ball that passed through the continuous operation gate of the special device that triggered the start of the jackpot game can thereafter pass through the specific area.
[Selection] Figure 24

Description

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

Conventionally, for example, in a pachinko game machine, which is one type of game machine, when a pachinko ball enters a start winning hole, the pattern displayed on the image display device starts to change and stops after a certain period of time. If the stopped patterns form a specific combination, a jackpot is awarded, the big winning hole is opened, and the player can win many pachinko balls.

Furthermore, there are various types of pachinko machines, one of which is a pachinko machine called a V-type probability machine (for example, JP 2019-97879 A). In such a V-type probability machine, if the game ball passes through a specific area (called the V-type winning area) in the flow area (generally inside the big prize opening) where the game ball flows down during a big win game, the game will transition to a high probability state where the probability of winning the big win is higher than in the normal game state after the big win game, and on the other hand, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area, the game will transition to the normal game state.

JP 2019-97879 A

Here, in the V-type variable machine, the types of jackpots are divided into a jackpot through which the game ball can pass (hereafter referred to as a special jackpot) and a jackpot through which the game ball cannot actually pass (hereafter referred to as a normal jackpot). As long as you play in the normal way, if you win a special jackpot, the game ball will pass through the specific area during the jackpot play, and if you win a normal jackpot, the game ball will not be able to pass through the specific area during the jackpot play.

However, even if a special jackpot is won, it is possible to prevent the game ball from passing through a specific area during the jackpot by using a special hitting technique that intentionally stops the release of the game ball at a specific timing. In other words, it is possible to transition to a normal game state after the jackpot despite winning a special jackpot. As a result, there is a problem that the game machine behaves differently from the behavior that was expected in advance.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the past, and aims to provide a gaming machine that prevents a player from intentionally not allowing the gaming ball to pass through a specific area when a jackpot that allows the ball to pass through a specific area is won.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a gaming information acquisition means for acquiring gaming information based on the establishment of a starting condition, a jackpot lottery means for drawing lots as to whether or not a jackpot will be awarded based on the gaming information, a notification means for notifying the result of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means using an effect image displayed on an image display device, a flow-down area through which gaming balls flow, a special device continuous operation gate provided in the flow-down area and through which the gaming ball can pass, and a gaming control means for starting a jackpot game when the gaming ball subsequently passes through the special device continuous operation gate when the gaming ball passes through a specific area in the flow-down area during the jackpot game, so that the probability of winning the jackpot after the jackpot game transitions to a high probability state higher than a normal probability state, and the specific area is located downstream of the special device continuous operation gate, and the gaming ball that passed through the special device continuous operation gate that triggered the start of the jackpot game can then pass through the specific area.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention having the above configuration, when the gaming ball is made to pass through the consecutive activation gate of the accessory, through which the gaming ball must pass in order to generate a jackpot game, the gaming ball that has passed through the consecutive activation gate of the accessory is forced to pass through a specific area afterwards, thereby making it possible to prevent a player from intentionally not allowing the gaming ball to pass through a specific area when a jackpot that allows the gaming ball to pass through a specific area is won. As a result, it becomes possible to play according to the behavior that the gaming machine has anticipated in advance.

1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of displays provided on the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . This is a diagram explaining the configuration of the role continuous operation gate and the second large prize device. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a main control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . 2 is an explanatory diagram showing, in blocks, the electrical configuration of a sub-control board and peripheral devices provided in the pachinko gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a big win determination table. An explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a reach determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a special chart variation pattern selection table. An explanatory diagram showing the memory contents of the first special chart reservation memory unit. An explanatory diagram showing the memory contents of the second special chart reservation memory unit. An explanatory diagram of the first special chart hold performance memory unit. An explanatory diagram of the second special chart hold performance memory unit. 13 is a flowchart of the main control processing executed by the game control microcomputer. 15 is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side main control processing shown in FIG. 14. 16 is a flowchart of the start port sensor detection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 15 . This is a flowchart of the V winning detection processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 15. 16 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 15 . This is a flowchart of the second special symbol jackpot determination process executed by the game control microcomputer during the special symbol waiting process shown in Figure 18. This is a flowchart of the second special symbol change pattern selection process executed by the game control microcomputer in the special symbol waiting process shown in Figure 18. 21 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 20 . 16 is a flowchart of a special pattern change process executed by the game control microcomputer in the main timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 15 . This is a flowchart of the special power operation processing executed by the game control microcomputer in the main side timer interrupt processing shown in Figure 15. 1 is a diagram illustrating the flow of play in the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment. FIG.

A gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, when the direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine is described, the direction as seen by a player playing opposite the pachinko gaming machine will be used as the reference. Specifically, the left-right and up-down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine are the left-right and up-down directions as seen by the player. In addition, the direction approaching the player is defined as the front, and the direction moving away from the player is defined as the rear.

[Main components of a pachinko machine]
As shown in Fig. 1, the pachinko machine 1 includes a machine frame 16. The machine frame 16 is composed of a front frame 18, an inner frame (not shown), and an outer frame (not shown) in that order from the front side. The front frame 18 includes a handle 4, a ball supply tray (also called an upper tray) 24, a surplus ball receiving tray (also called a lower tray) 25, a performance button 9, a performance lever 6, a speaker 8, a left side lamp 23a, and a right side lamp 23b.

The handle 4 is provided at the lower right of the front frame 18, that is, at a position where a player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can hold it with his/her right hand. The handle 4 is equipped with a touch switch 92 (Fig. 4), a launch lever 4a, and a launch stop button 4b. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4, and is located at a position where the right hand of the player holding the handle 4 can touch. The launch lever 4a is for adjusting the launch strength of the game balls, and is rotatably provided on the handle 4. The launch stop button 4b is for stopping the launch of the game balls when they are being launched, and is provided at a position where it can be operated by the thumb of the right hand holding the handle 4. The ball supply tray (also called the upper tray) 24 is provided at the lower center of the front frame 18. The ball supply tray 24 is for storing game balls to be supplied to the launch device 90 (Fig. 4). The ball supply tray 24 stores game balls dispensed from the ball loan payout device 80 (Figure 4) and the prize ball payout device 400 (Figure 4). The surplus ball receiving tray (also called the lower tray) 25 is provided below the ball supply tray 24 on the front frame 18. The surplus ball receiving tray 25 stores game balls that exceed the number that can be stored in the ball supply tray 24.

The effect button 9 is provided in a portion of the front frame 18 that covers the upper part of the ball supply tray 24. In other words, the effect button 9 is provided in a position of the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko game machine 1 can press it with his right or left hand. In this embodiment, the effect button 9 is a push-on button switch. The effect button 9 has a built-in effect button lamp 9c (FIG. 5) and an effect button vibration motor 9b (FIG. 5). The effect button lamp 9c lights up or flashes when the effect button 9 is pressed during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid. The surface of the effect button 9 is formed of a translucent material, and is designed so that the light emitted by the effect button lamp 9c can be seen by the player. The effect button vibration motor 9b vibrates the effect button 9, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period when the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid. In this embodiment, the effect button lamp 9c is an LED.
The effect button 9 has a built-in elastic member such as a spring (not shown) for returning the pressed effect button 9 to the position before it was pressed, and when the pressed state is released, the effect button 9 returns to the state before it was pressed by the restoring force of the elastic member. When a player presses the effect button 9 while the pressing operation of the effect button 9 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed as a result of the operation of the effect button 9 is referred to as a button effect.

The effect lever 6 is provided to the left of the surplus ball tray 25 in the front frame 18, that is, toward the lower left end of the front frame 18. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his/her left hand. In other words, the effect lever 6 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player facing the pachinko gaming machine 1 can operate it with his/her left hand, and the effect button 9 is provided in a position in the front frame 18 where the player can press it with his/her right hand while operating the effect lever 6 with his/her left hand.
The effect lever 6 is formed in a rod shape that can be grasped with the left hand, and can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, as well as pushed backward. The effect lever 6 is also provided with an effect lever vibration motor 6d (FIG. 5). The effect lever vibration motor 6d vibrates the effect lever 6, and vibrates at a predetermined timing during the period during which operation of the effect lever 6 is valid. When the player operates the effect lever 6 during the period during which operation of the effect lever 6 is valid, a specific effect is performed. Hereinafter, a specific effect that is performed in response to operation of the effect lever 6 is referred to as a lever effect.

A left side lamp 23a is provided on the left side of the front frame 18, and a right side lamp 23b is provided on the right side. The front frame 18 in the portion where the left side lamp 23a and right side lamp 23b are provided is translucent, and multiple LEDs are arranged inside the translucent portion. Each LED is capable of emitting multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the content of the performance, and also changes the color of the light emitted. Speakers 8 are provided in the upper left and right corners of the front frame 18, respectively, and output sounds such as music, sound effects, and notification sounds depending on the content of the performance.

The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a game board 2, a glass plate 5, and a performance display device 7. The game board 2 is positioned approximately in the center of the game board 2, that is, in a position that is approximately directly opposite the face of the player. The performance display device 7 is positioned on the rear side of the game board 2, and its screen is exposed from approximately the center of the game board 2. The game board 2 includes a fixed winning device 10, a first large winning device 30, a second large winning device 33, a gate 12, a normal variable winning device (normal electric role, also called an electric chute) 20, a role continuous operation gate 38, a normal winning port 13, displays 50, a center decoration 14, and a rail member 17.

On the surface of the game board 2, a game area 3 is formed in which the game balls flow down (roll). The game area 3 has a left game area 3a formed on the left side of the screen of the performance display device 7, and a right game area 3b formed on the right side of the screen of the performance display device 7. A plurality of game nails (not shown) are driven into the surface of the game board 2 to change the direction in which the game balls flow down. The front of the surface of the game board 2 is covered with a transparent glass plate 5. Although not shown in FIG. 1, LEDs are provided at multiple locations on the game board 2. These LEDs are collectively called board lamps (indicated by the symbol 2a in FIG. 5). Each LED that constitutes the board lamp 2a can emit multiple colors, and lights up or blinks depending on the performance content, and further changes the emission color. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 lights up or blinks the left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the board lamp 2a depending on the performance content during game control, and outputs sound from each speaker 8.

The fixed winning device 10 is disposed in the approximate center of the lower side of the game board 2. The fixed winning device 10 has a first starting hole 11 through which game balls can enter (enter) one at a time. The first starting hole 11 is always open, and the probability that a game ball will enter the first starting hole 11 does not change. The gate 12 is disposed in the right game area 3b, and is configured so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3b can pass through. The normal variable winning device 20 is disposed below the gate 12 in the right game area 3b. The normal variable winning device 20 includes a movable member 21. The movable member 21 is a plate-shaped device that acts as a bridge to the second starting hole 22, which is installed with its ball entry opening facing to the right, and when a normal symbol is won, the internal mechanism causes the movable member 21 to protrude to the front side (a bridge is established) according to the selected operation pattern, allowing a game ball flowing down the right game area 3b to enter (enter) the second starting hole 22 via the movable member 21. In other words, when the movable member 21 is stored at the back side, it is in a closed state that closes the second starting hole 22, and when it protrudes to the front side it is in an open state that opens the second starting hole 22.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the normal variable winning device 20 is arranged on the right side of the play area 3, but it may also be arranged on the lower side of the play area 3.

The first large prize winning device 30 is located downstream of the normal variable prize winning device 20 in the right play area 3b of the game board 2, and the second large prize winning device 33 is located further downstream. The first large prize winning device 30 has a first opening/closing member 31 that opens and closes the first large prize winning opening 32, and the second large prize winning device 33 has a second opening/closing member 34 that opens and closes the second large prize winning opening 35. The first large prize winning opening 32 and the second large prize winning opening 35 are each formed to a size that allows multiple game balls to win (enter) at the same time. In this embodiment, the first opening/closing member 31 is formed in a plate shape that is long in the left-right direction and is configured to be rotatable around the left and right lower ends as rotation axes. On the other hand, the second opening/closing member 34 is a lid-like device that closes the top of the second large prize opening 35, and is configured so that an internal mechanism can switch between a state in which it protrudes to the front side (a state in which the second large prize opening 35 is closed) and a state in which it is stored at the back side (a state in which the second large prize opening 35 is open). Hereinafter, when explaining matters common to the first large prize opening 32 and the second large prize opening 35, it will simply be referred to as the large prize opening.

Inside the second large prize winning device 33, a specific area 36 (also called a V prize winning area) and a non-specific area (not shown) are formed, which are areas through which the game ball that won the second large prize winning opening 35 can pass. Inside the second large prize winning device 33, a distribution member (movable piece) 37 that distributes the game ball that won the second large prize winning opening 35 to the specific area or the non-specific area, and a distribution member solenoid 37d (FIG. 4) that drives the distribution member 37 are provided. The distribution member 37 has a lid shape that covers the specific area 36, and within the second large prize winning opening 35, the specific area 36 is located upstream of the non-specific area. Therefore, when the distribution member 37 is activated and the specific area 36 is open, the game ball that enters the second large winning opening 35 will preferentially enter the specific area 36, while when the distribution member 37 closes the specific area 36, the game ball that enters the second large winning opening 35 will flow into the non-specific area.

In addition, a feature continuous operation gate 38 is provided upstream of the second big winning device 33. The feature continuous operation gate 38 is a gate that triggers the start of the big winning game when a big winning is won, and the big winning game starts when a game ball passes through the feature continuous operation gate 38 after winning the big winning. On the other hand, even if a big winning is won, the big winning game does not start unless the game ball passes through the feature continuous operation gate 38 after that. In addition, if a game ball rolling into the right game area 3b does not enter the second start hole 22 or the first big winning hole 32, it is designed to pass through the feature continuous operation gate 38 located downstream preferentially. In other words, if a player shoots a game ball aiming at the right game area 3b, it is possible to easily pass the game ball through the feature continuous operation gate 38. In addition, as described later, all game balls that pass through the feature continuous operation gate 38 are basically designed to be guided to the second big winning device 33 through the guide passage 39 below it. Details will be described later.

The display devices 50 are provided on the game board 2 outside the game area 3 and below the first big winning device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern display device 51 that variably displays the first special pattern (also called the first special pattern), a second special pattern display device 52 that variably displays the second special pattern (also called the second special pattern), and a normal pattern display device 53 that variably displays the normal pattern (also called the normal pattern). Furthermore, the display devices 50 include a first special pattern reserve display device 51a that displays the number of reserved activations of the first special pattern display device 51, a second special pattern reserve display device 52a that displays the number of reserved activations of the second special pattern display device 52, and a normal pattern reserve display device 53a that displays the number of reserved activations of the normal pattern display device 53. Hereinafter, when matters common to the first special pattern and the second special pattern are described, they are simply referred to as special patterns. In addition, when explaining matters common to the first special pattern display device 51 and the second special pattern display device 52, they will simply be referred to as the special pattern display device.

In this embodiment, the first special symbol display 51 and the second special symbol display 52 are each composed of eight LEDs. The lit LEDs (□) and the unlit LEDs (■) represent special symbols, and the state in which the lit LEDs move in a predetermined direction (for example, from left to right) represents the changing display of the special symbols. Hereinafter, the changing pattern of the special symbols from when the special symbols start to change and are displayed until the special symbols are determined is called the special symbol changing pattern.
In this embodiment, the normal symbol display 53 is composed of two LEDs. The lit LED (□) and the unlit LED (■) represent normal symbols, and the alternating lit states of the LEDs represent the variable display of the normal symbols. When the game ball passes through the gate 12, a lottery is performed for determining whether or not the game ball is a win, and the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal symbol display 53 started to display the variable normal symbol, the normal symbol display 53 displays the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol. If the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 is a normal symbol indicating a win, the normal variable winning device 20 is activated and the movable member 21 protrudes forward, and the game ball can enter the second starting hole 22 (however, even if the game ball wins the normal symbol, the protrusion is only for a very short time in the non-time-saving state, so the game ball cannot actually enter the game ball).

When a game ball enters the first start hole 11, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, and the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol in a variable manner. Then, the first special symbol display 51 displays the first special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first special symbol display started to display the variable manner of the first special symbol. If the first special symbol displayed in a variable manner is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, the first large prize winning device 30 is activated, the first opening and closing member 31 is opened and closed, and the first large prize winning hole 32 is opened and closed. In addition, in a specific round, the second large prize winning device 33 is activated, the second opening and closing member 34 is opened and closed, and the second large prize winning hole 35 is opened and closed. Furthermore, for some jackpots, the distribution member solenoid 37d is activated in conjunction with the opening of the second large prize winning hole 35, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the specific area 36 (V prize winning area) for a specific period of time only. In particular, in this embodiment, the second large winning opening 35 is opened and closed in the first round. When the game ball enters the first starting opening 11 while the first special symbol display 51 is variably displaying the first special symbol, the operation of the first special symbol display 51 triggered by the winning is put on hold, and the memory number indicating the number of reserved operations is displayed by the first special symbol reserved display 51a. Hereinafter, the memory number of reserved operations of the first special symbol display 51 is referred to as the first special symbol reserved number.

When the game ball enters the second start hole 22, a jackpot determination (also called a jackpot lottery) is performed, and the second special symbol display 52 variably displays the second special symbol. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the second special symbol display 52 started to variably display the second special symbol, the second special symbol display 52 displays the second special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination. If the second special symbol displayed as determined is a special symbol indicating a jackpot, a jackpot occurs, and the first large prize device 30 is activated to open and close the first opening/closing member 31, and the first large prize hole 32 is opened and closed. In addition, in a specific round, the second large prize device 33 is activated to open and close the second opening/closing member 34, and the second large prize hole 35 is opened and closed. Furthermore, for some jackpots, the distribution member solenoid 37d is activated in conjunction with the opening of the second large prize hole 35, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the specific area 36 (V prize area) for a specific period of time only. In particular, in this embodiment, the second large winning opening 35 is opened and closed in the first round. When the game ball enters the second starting opening 22 while the second special symbol display 52 is variably displaying the second special symbol, the operation of the second special symbol display 52 triggered by the winning is reserved, and the memory number indicating the number of reserved operations is displayed by the second special symbol reserved display 52a. Hereinafter, the memory number of reserved operations of the second special symbol display 52 is referred to as the second special symbol reserved number. Also, when explaining matters common to the first special symbol reserved number and the second special symbol reserved number, it is simply referred to as the special symbol reserved number.

Hereinafter, one change of the special pattern is defined as the period from when the special pattern display starts to display the change of the special pattern to when the special pattern is finally displayed. The number of reserved special patterns decreases by one each time the special pattern changes, which is defined as the consumption of the reserved special pattern number. The period from when the large prize opening opens to when it closes is defined as the opening period of the large prize opening, and the period from when the large prize opening opens to when it opens again is defined as a round. The game from the start of the first round to the end of the final round is defined as a jackpot game. If a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the type of jackpot is determined by lottery. The large prize opening that opens and closes (either or both of the first large prize opening 32 and the second large prize opening 35), the opening period of the large prize opening, the maximum number of rounds that can be played, etc. differ depending on the type of jackpot.

In the pachinko game machine 1, a normal probability (hereinafter referred to as normal probability) and a probability higher than the normal probability (hereinafter referred to as high probability) are set as the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability). Hereinafter, a game state in which the jackpot probability is set to the normal probability is referred to as a normal probability state, and a game state in which the jackpot probability is set to a high probability is referred to as a high probability state. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment described below, when a game ball that enters the second large prize opening 35 during a jackpot game passes through the specific area described above (V entry), the game state after the jackpot game ends transitions to a high probability state. In other words, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a model known as a V-guaranteed machine.

The general winning opening 13 is disposed to the left of the fixed winning device 10 on the game board 2. The rail member 17 is disposed along the periphery of the game board 2. The rail member 17 guides the game balls launched by the launching device 90 (FIG. 4) to the game area 3. An outlet 19 is opened in the center of the lower part of the game board 2 for discharging game balls that have not won anywhere. The center decoration 14 is disposed in the upper part of the game board 2. The center decoration 14 is translucent, and on its inside are provided multiple LEDs that light up or flash depending on the performance content.
The pachinko game machine 1 also includes a movable body 15. The movable body 15 is disposed behind the center decorative body 14. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the movable body 15 is substantially hidden by the center decorative body 14. The movable body 15 descends downward at a predetermined timing according to the content of the performance, and displaces into a state visible to the player.

The performance display device 7 displays moving images and still images such as performance images, message images, and demonstration images. The player plays the game while viewing these images from the front of the pachinko game machine 1. The performance display device 7 displays performance (decorative) patterns as performance images in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of special patterns. In this embodiment, the performance patterns are patterns representing the Arabic numerals 1 to 9. The performance patterns may include patterns representing characters other than numbers, such as alphabets and special characters, or may be combined with patterns representing characters other than numbers. In this embodiment, the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern display area are set, from the left, as areas in which the performance display device 7 displays the performance patterns in a variable manner. The left performance pattern 9L is displayed in the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern 9C is displayed in the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern 9R is displayed in the right performance pattern display area. Hereinafter, when describing matters common to the left performance pattern display area, center performance pattern display area, and right performance pattern display area, they will simply be referred to as performance pattern display areas.

In this embodiment, the main variation pattern (variation mode) of each performance symbol is a variation pattern in which the numbers represented by the performance symbols move from the top to the bottom of the screen in ascending order, that is, a variation pattern in which the symbols scroll vertically. In addition, as the variation pattern, a horizontal scroll method in which the performance symbols move from one side of the screen to the other, a method in which the performance symbols are displayed in ascending order of numbers at the same display position, etc. can also be used. In addition, the performance display device 7 displays a background image as a performance image on the background of each performance symbol. For example, the background image is a moving image such as a TV drama or movie, a moving image that animates the moving image, an animation, an original moving image of a pachinko game machine manufacturer, etc. In this embodiment, the performance display device 7 is a liquid crystal display device. In addition, as the performance display device 7, an organic EL display device, a display device using a dot matrix LED, etc. can also be used.
The performance display device 7 displays each performance symbol in a variable manner in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol, and displays each performance symbol as determined when the special symbol is determined, and displays the result of the big win determination. Here, the determined display refers to a stopped display state in which the performance symbol is completely stopped without swinging up and down or changing again.

Hereinafter, the performance pattern that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot is called a jackpot performance pattern, and the performance pattern that indicates that the result of the jackpot determination is a miss is called a miss performance pattern. In this embodiment, the jackpot performance pattern is a state in which each performance pattern is aligned with a performance pattern that represents the same number, that is, a state of a set of numbers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the left performance pattern 9L, the middle performance pattern 9C, and the right performance pattern 9R that are confirmed and displayed are all aligned with "7". Also, the miss performance pattern is a state in which each performance pattern is not aligned with a performance pattern that represents the same number, that is, a pattern that is not aligned with a set of numbers. For example, the left performance pattern 9L that is confirmed and displayed is "7", the middle performance pattern 9C is "6", and the right performance pattern 9R is "7".
Hereinafter, the effect pattern that the effect display device 7 changes and displays in synchronization with the special pattern is referred to as the effect pattern change pattern, and the image displayed in the background of the effect pattern change pattern is referred to as the background image. The background image is a still image or a moving image.

The effect symbol change pattern is displayed in synchronization with the change display of the special symbol change pattern, and when the operation of the special symbol display device is suspended, the operation of the effect display device 7 is also suspended. In other words, the number of operations suspended for the special symbol display device and the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 match. The number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 corresponding to the first special symbol reservation number and the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 corresponding to the second special symbol reservation number are displayed on the effect display device 7 by reserved images. Therefore, by counting the number of reserved images displayed on the effect display device 7, the player can know the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols, and can know the number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 caused by the number of reserved first special symbols and the number of reserved second special symbols. The number of operations suspended for the effect display device 7 may not be displayed on the effect display device 7, but may be notified to the player using a lamp or the like located around the effect display device 7.

In addition to notifying the result of the jackpot determination by the above-mentioned effect symbols, the pachinko game machine 1 also notifies the result of the jackpot determination by using a combination of the background image displayed on the effect display device 7, the sound output from the speaker 8, the lighting of the board lamp 2a, the operation of the role-playing device, etc. Specifically, this includes various effects such as advance notice effects and reach effects.

[Configuration of the consecutive operation gate and the second big prize device]
Next, the configuration of the above-mentioned pachinko gaming machine 1, particularly the role continuous operation gate 38 and the second big winning device 33, will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in Fig. 3, a feature continuous operation gate 38 is provided downstream of the right play area 3b, and game balls rolling in the right play area 3b can pass through it one by one. In particular, when a game ball rolling in the right play area 3b does not enter the second start hole 22 or the first large winning hole 32, it is designed to pass through the feature continuous operation gate 38 located downstream of the gate 38 preferentially, and if a player shoots a game ball aiming at the right play area 3b, it is possible to easily make the game ball pass through the feature continuous operation gate 38. In addition, a second large winning device 33 is provided downstream of the feature continuous operation gate 38, and all game balls that pass through the feature continuous operation gate 38 are basically designed to be guided to the second large winning device 33 through a guide passage 39 located below the gate 38.

On the other hand, the second large prize opening 35 inside the second large prize device 33 is provided with a passing area through which the game balls can pass one by one, and the game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 move by rolling in the passing area. The passing area branches midway as shown in FIG. 3, one of which is led to a specific area (V winning area) 36, and the other is led to a non-specific area 40. A distribution member (movable piece) 37 is installed on the bottom surface of the branching point. The distribution member 37 is operated by a distribution member solenoid 37d (FIG. 4), and when the distribution member 37 is in an open state, the game balls rolling in the passing area are branched toward the specific area 36 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the distribution member 37 is in a closed state, the game balls rolling in the passing area are branched toward the non-specific area 40.

The distribution member 37 is normally in a closed state, and when a jackpot is won, it is temporarily opened in a specific round of the jackpot game (in this embodiment, the first round in particular) in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the second large prize winning opening 35. Since the period during which the second large prize winning opening 35 is open overlaps with the period during which the distribution member 37 is open, as shown in FIG. 3, the game ball that enters the second large prize winning device 33 passes through the specific area 36. In addition, within the second large prize winning opening 35, the specific area 36 is located upstream of the non-specific area 40. Therefore, when the distribution member 37 is activated and the specific area 36 is open, the game ball that enters the second large prize winning opening 35 enters the specific area 36 with priority. Specifically, it is designed so that if one game ball enters the second large prize winning opening 35, that one game ball passes through the specific area 36.

Here, as described above, in the pachinko game machine 1, when a jackpot is won, the jackpot game is started when the game ball passes through the accessory continuous operation gate 38. If the jackpot won is a jackpot that allows the game ball to pass through the specific area 36 (hereinafter referred to as a special jackpot), the second large prize winning port 35 is in an open state and the distribution member 37 is also in an open state, allowing the game ball to pass through the specific area 36 in the first round, i.e., immediately after the start of the jackpot game. In particular, the operation of the second opening/closing member 34 is controlled so that the second large prize winning port 35 is in an open state at the timing when the game ball that entered the accessory continuous operation gate 38 that triggered the start of the jackpot game reaches the second large prize winning port 35 thereafter, and the operation of the distribution member 37 is controlled so that the specific area 36 is in an open state at the timing when the game ball that entered the accessory continuous operation gate 38 that triggered the start of the jackpot game reaches the specific area 36 in the second large prize winning port 35. Basically, all game balls that pass through the consecutive operation gate 38 are designed to be guided to the second large prize device 33, so that the game ball that passes through the consecutive operation gate 38 that triggers the start of the big win game will enter the second large prize opening 35, which is open in the big win game that starts immediately afterwards, as shown in FIG. 3, and will also pass through the specific area 36.

On the other hand, if the winning jackpot is one that the game ball has difficulty passing through the specific area 36 (hereinafter referred to as a normal jackpot), the second large prize opening 35 will be open in the first round, but the distribution member 37 will only be open for a very short time, and even if the game ball enters the second large prize opening 35, it will not be able to pass through the specific area 36 and will be guided to the non-specific area 40. It is also possible to make the second large prize opening 35 substantially not open in the first round (there may be no winning balls in the first round).

[Major electrical configuration of a pachinko machine]
Next, the main electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
The pachinko game machine 1 comprises a main control board 60 (Figure 3), a payout control board 73 (Figure 3), a sub-control board 100 (Figure 4), an image control board 200 (Figure 4), a lamp control board 79 (Figure 4), and a sound control board 78 (Figure 4).

As shown in FIG. 3, a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter, referred to as a game control microcomputer) 61 is mounted on the main control board 60. The game control microcomputer 61 includes a CPU 62.
The microcomputer 61 includes a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an input/output circuit 65. The CPU 62 detects winning, judges big wins, updates various random numbers, etc. The ROM 63 stores various tables such as a computer program executed by the CPU 62, a big win judgment table Ta1 (FIG. 6), a big win type judgment table Ta2 (FIG. 7), a reach judgment table Ta3 (FIG. 8), and a special chart variation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9). The game control microcomputer 61 generates random numbers used in various judgments (lotteries), such as big win random numbers, big win type random numbers, reach random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers.

The RAM 64 is used as a work memory when the CPU 62 executes a computer program. The RAM 64 is also provided with a first special chart reservation memory section 64a, a second special chart reservation memory section 64b, and a normal chart reservation memory section 64c. As shown in FIG. 10, the first special chart reservation memory section 64a has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of first special chart reservations that can be stored is four. Each memory area stores a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1). When the first special symbol display 51 (Fig. 2) is displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner and the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 (Fig. 1), the variable display of the first special symbol resulting from that winning is temporarily suspended (activation suspended), and the jackpot random number obtained as a result of that winning is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit 64a.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b has first to fourth memory areas. In other words, the maximum number of second special symbol reservations that can be stored is four. In each memory area, the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, and change pattern random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 as a result of the game ball entering the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) are stored. When the game ball enters the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) while the second special symbol display 52 (FIG. 2) is displaying the second special symbol, the display of the second special symbol caused by the winning is temporarily reserved (activation reserved), and the jackpot random number and other information obtained as a result of the winning are stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit 64b.

The jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the order of occurrence of the reserved operation, that is, in the order of acquisition by the game control microcomputer 61, from the first storage area of the first special symbol reserved storage unit 64a and the second special symbol reserved storage unit 64b. Therefore, when the jackpot random numbers and the like are stored in the first through fourth storage areas, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the fourth storage area are the newest information in terms of time, and the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the first storage area are the oldest information in terms of time. The jackpot random numbers and the like stored in each storage area are shifted one by one to the storage area with the oldest storage order each time a special symbol variable display is completed. For example, the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the second storage area are shifted to the first storage area. In addition, the judgment (lottery) based on the jackpot random numbers and the like stored in the first storage area is performed when the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display device ends and before the next variable display begins.

The regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c (FIG. 4) stores the regular winning random number (random number for judging (lottery) whether the regular symbol is a winning symbol or not) acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 due to the game ball passing through the gate 12 (FIG. 1). When the game ball passes through the gate 12 while the regular symbol display device 53 is displaying a regular symbol, the operation of the regular symbol display device 53 due to the passing is temporarily reserved (operation reserved), and the regular winning random number acquired due to the passing is stored in the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c. The reserved variable display of the regular symbol is performed next after the currently performed variable display of the regular symbol is completed. In this embodiment, the regular symbol reservation memory unit 64c has a memory area for a total of four reservations, and the maximum number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display device 53 is four. Hereinafter, the number of reserved activations of the regular symbol display device 53 is referred to as the regular symbol reservation number.

In addition, the main control board 60 is equipped with a RAM clear switch 66. When the pachinko game machine 1 is started with the RAM clear switch 66 pressed, it initializes the RAM 64 and the RAM 120 (FIG. 5) of the sub-control board 100. In addition, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the display devices 50. Furthermore, the main control board 60 is electrically connected to the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the gate sensor 12a, the first large prize opening sensor 32a, the second large prize opening sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 35b, the non-specific area sensor 35c, the general prize opening sensor 13a, the electric chute solenoid 20a, the first large prize opening solenoid 30a, the second large prize opening solenoid 33a, the distribution member solenoid 37d, and the role-linked gate sensor 38a via the relay board 74.

The first start hole sensor 11a is provided directly below the first start hole 11 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the main control board 60. The second start hole sensor 22a is provided directly below the second start hole 22 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole 22 to the main control board 60. The gate sensor 12a is provided in the game ball passage area of the gate 12 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the gate 12 to the main control board 60. The first large prize hole sensor 32a is provided directly below the first large prize hole 32 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first large prize hole 32 to the main control board 60. The second large prize opening sensor 35a is provided directly below the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the second large prize opening 35 to the main control board 60. The specific area sensor 35b is provided in a specific area inside the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the specific area to the main control board 60. The non-specific area sensor 35c is provided in a non-specific area inside the second large prize opening 35 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has passed through the non-specific area to the main control board 60. The general prize opening sensor 13a is provided directly below the general prize opening 13 (FIG. 1) and outputs a signal indicating that the game ball has won the general prize opening 13 to the main control board 60. The consecutive gate sensor 38a is located in the area of the consecutive operation gate 38 (Figure 3) through which the game ball passes, and outputs a signal to the main control board 60 indicating that the game ball has passed through the consecutive operation gate 38.

The electric chute solenoid 20a drives the movable member 21 (FIG. 1) of the normal variable winning device 20 to open and close. The first large winning port solenoid 30a drives the first opening and closing member 31 (FIG. 1) of the first large winning device 30 to open and close. The second large winning port solenoid 33a drives the second opening and closing member 34 (FIG. 1) of the second large winning device 33 to open and close. The distribution member solenoid 37d drives the distribution member 37 provided inside the second large winning device 33. In particular, when a special jackpot is won, the distribution member solenoid 37d operates in accordance with the second large winning device 33 being opened in the first round, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the specific area (V winning area) for a predetermined period thereafter (for example, until the second large winning port 35 is closed, or for 5 seconds). After the predetermined period has elapsed, the specific area returns to a state in which the game ball cannot pass through. On the other hand, it also operates when a regular jackpot is won, but the operation time is very short, and the game ball is kept in a state where it cannot pass through a specific area (V winning area).
The main control board 60 is electrically connected to the ball loaning device 80, the card unit 76, and the prize ball loaning device 400 via the payout control board 73. The card unit 76 is provided adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1, and performs reading and writing of the balance on the prepaid card. The ball loaning device 80 includes a ball loaning motor 81 and a ball loaning sensor 82. The ball loaning motor 81 drives a member that pays out game balls as loan balls, and the ball loaning sensor 82 outputs a signal indicating that the game balls have been paid out by the member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of balls loaned out by the ball loaning device 80 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73. When a prepaid card inserted into the card unit 76 has a recorded balance equal to or greater than the minimum balance that can be paid out, and a ball loan button (not shown) is operated, a loan ball payout device 80 is activated and the minimum number of loan balls are paid out to a ball supply tray 24.

The prize ball payout device 400 includes a prize ball motor 401 and a prize ball sensor 402. The prize ball motor 401 drives a member that pays out game balls as prize balls, and the prize ball sensor 402 outputs a signal indicating that a game ball has been paid out by the member to the main control board 60 via the payout control board 73. The game control microcomputer 61 counts the number of prize balls paid out by the prize ball payout device 400 based on the signal output from the payout control board 73.
The main control board 60 is also electrically connected to a launching device 90 via a launching control circuit 75. The launching device 90 includes a launching motor 91, a touch switch 92, and a launching volume 93. The launching motor 91 drives a striking hammer (not shown) that strikes and launches the game ball. The touch switch 92 outputs a signal indicating that the player has touched the handle 4. The launching volume 93 adjusts the strength with which the striking hammer strikes the game ball according to the amount of rotation of the launching lever 4a (FIG. 1).

The pachinko gaming machine 1 also includes a power supply board 70. The power supply board 70 supplies power to the main control board 60 and the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to each device electrically connected to the payout control board 73 via the payout control board 73. The power supply board 70 also supplies power from the main control board 60 via the relay board 74 to each sensor and solenoid electrically connected to the relay board 74. The power supply board 70 also supplies power to the display devices 50 electrically connected to the main control board 60 via the main control board 60.
The power supply board 70 is provided with a backup power supply circuit 71. When power is not being supplied from an external source to the pachinko gaming machine 1, the backup power supply circuit 71 supplies power necessary for retaining information to the RAM 64 of the main control board 60 and the like. A power switch 72 for turning on and off the main power supply that supplies power to the power supply board 70 is electrically connected to the power supply board 70.

The main control board 60 transmits various commands to the sub-control board 100 (Figure 5). The main control board 60 can transmit commands to the sub-control board 100, but the sub-control board 100 cannot transmit commands to the main control board 60. In other words, communication between the main control board 60 and the sub-control board 100 is one-way communication, where only transmission from the main control board 60 to the sub-control board 100 is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, a one-chip microcomputer for controlling effects (hereinafter referred to as the microcomputer for controlling effects) 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 100. The microcomputer for controlling effects 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 110, a RAM 120, and an input/output circuit 103. The CPU 102 controls effects in accordance with the game. The ROM 110 stores computer programs for the CPU 102 to control effects, as well as various tables such as the effect selection table Ta5. The RAM 120 is used as a work memory when the CPU 102 executes the computer programs. The RAM 120 also includes a first special chart reserved effect storage unit 121, a second special chart reserved effect storage unit 122, and a variable effect storage unit 123. The microcomputer for controlling effects 101 is an example of the control means of the present invention.

12, the first special chart hold effect storage unit 121 has four storage areas consisting of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the first start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. The first start winning command is a command including a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a variation pattern random number, and a reach random number obtained by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the first start hole 11.
13, the second special chart hold effect storage unit 122 has four storage areas consisting of the first to fourth storage areas, and each storage area stores the second start winning command and the like output from the main control board 60. The second start winning command is a command including the jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, variation pattern random number, and reach random number acquired by the game control microcomputer 61 when the game ball wins the second start hole 22.
The variable performance memory unit 123 stores the first start winning command or the second start winning command to be used for the variable performance pattern.
The input/output circuit 103 transmits and receives data between each board connected to the sub-control board 100 .

The image control board 200 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100. The image control board 200 is equipped with an image control CPU 202, a VDP 201 (Video Display Processor), a control ROM 203, a control RAM 204, a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 205, and a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 206. The image control CPU 202 controls the performance display device 7 to display performance images such as variable performance patterns, button performance images, lever performance images, and preview images. The control ROM 203 stores a computer program for the image control CPU 202 to control the performance display device 7. The control RAM 204 is used as a work memory when the image control CPU 202 executes the computer program. The CGROM 205 stores image data for the performance display device 7 to display performance images. VDP201 reads image data from CGROM205 according to a display list created by image control CPU202, and loads the read image data in a load area in VRAM206. VDP201 then composites the image data loaded in VRAM206, and stores the composite image data in a frame buffer in VRAM206. VDP201 then converts the image data stored in the frame buffer in VRAM206 into an RGB signal, and outputs it to performance display device7. As a result, performance display device7 displays a performance image. CGROM205 is an example of a performance storage means of the present invention.

The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, and the panel lamp 2a are electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the lamp control board 79. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates light emission pattern data that determines the light emission mode of each lamp using data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the light emission pattern data to the lamp control board 79. The lamp control board 79 then controls the light emission of each lamp according to the received light emission pattern data. The left side lamp 23a, the right side lamp 23b, the panel lamp 2a, the performance button lamp, and the lamp control board 79 are examples of the performance means of the present invention.
The movable body 15 is electrically connected to the lamp control board 79 via the relay board 77. A device (not shown) for operating the movable body 15 is connected to the movable body 15, and a movable body motor (not shown) for driving the device is connected to the device. The performance control microcomputer 101 creates operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the movable body 15 using the data stored in the ROM 110, and transmits the operation pattern data to the lamp control board 79. Then, the lamp control board 79, which has received the operation pattern data, drives the movable body motor via the relay board 77 in accordance with the operation pattern, thereby controlling the operation of the movable body 15.

Each speaker 8 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 100 via the audio control board 78. The audio control board 78 is equipped with an audio control CPU (not shown), an audio data ROM (not shown), an audio synthesis circuit (not shown), and an amplifier (not shown). The audio data ROM stores audio data for each speaker 8 to output sounds such as music and sound effects. The audio control CPU reads out audio data from the audio data ROM based on a command received from the sub-control board 100, and outputs the read-out audio data to the audio synthesis circuit. The audio synthesis circuit synthesizes the input audio data, converts the synthesized synthetic audio data into an analog audio signal, and outputs it to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the input audio signal and outputs it to each speaker 8. Then, each speaker 8 outputs a sound indicated by the input audio signal.

The sub-control board 100 is also electrically connected to the effect button detection switch 9a, the effect lever push detection switch 6g, the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h, the effect button vibration motor 9b, and the effect lever vibration motor 6d. The effect button detection switch 9a outputs a signal indicating that the effect button 9 has been pressed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the button effect based on the signal input from the effect button detection switch 9a. The effect lever push detection switch 6g outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been pushed to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lever effect when the effect lever 6 is pushed based on the signal input from the effect lever push detection switch 6g. The effect lever rotation detection switch 6h outputs a signal indicating that the effect lever 6 has been rotated to the sub-control board 100, and the effect control microcomputer 101 executes the lever effect when the effect lever 6 is rotated based on the signal input from the effect lever rotation detection switch 6h.

The performance button vibration motor 9b is a member that vibrates the performance button 9 and is housed inside the performance button 9. The performance lever vibration motor 6d is a member that vibrates the performance lever 6 and is provided in a portion that contacts the performance lever 6 or inside the performance lever 6. The ROM 110 stores operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance button vibration motor 9b and operation pattern data that determines the operation pattern of the performance lever vibration motor 6d. The performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance button 9, and drives and controls the performance button vibration motor 9b based on the read operation pattern data. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 101 reads the operation pattern data from the ROM 110 when it is time to vibrate the performance lever 6, and drives and controls the performance lever vibration motor 6d based on the read operation pattern data.

The sub-control board 100 also has a real-time clock (RTC) 124 implemented. The RTC 124 measures the current date and time (date and time). For example, when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 1 from an external power supply device, the RTC 124 runs on that power, and when power is not being supplied from the external power supply device, the RTC 124 runs on power supplied from a backup power circuit 71 provided in the power supply board 70. Therefore, the RTC 124 can measure the current date and time even when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is not turned on. A backup power circuit that supplies power to the RTC 124 may be provided in the sub-control board 100.

[Explanation of game state]
Next, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained. The special symbol display and the normal symbol display 53 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are each equipped with a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state.
In addition, the state in which the time-saving function of the special symbol display is activated is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the time required for the special symbol to change (the time required from the start of the change display to the final display) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state.

The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 are designed to operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display. In other words, the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 53 operate in the time shortening state, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of being determined as a winning symbol in the lottery of the normal symbol is higher than in the non-time shortening state. In other words, when the probability variation function of the normal symbol display 53 operates, the probability that the normal symbol displayed by the normal symbol display 53 becomes a normal winning symbol (a normal symbol that indicates a winning symbol in the lottery of the normal symbol) becomes higher than when it is not operating.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. For example, the normal symbol variation time is 10 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the normal variable winning device 20 is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening time extension function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more times in the auxiliary play than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 is activated. The auxiliary play is a game in which the second starting hole 22 is opened and closed in an opening pattern corresponding to the current play state when the confirmed normal symbol displayed is a specific normal symbol that has been determined in advance.

When the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the normal variable winning device 20 is opened more frequently and the game balls enter the second starting hole 22 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls is high, so the player can aim for a big win without significantly reducing the number of game balls he has. In this way, when the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal pattern display 53 and the opening time extension function and the opening number increase function of the normal variable winning device 20 are operating, the control that supports the winning of the second starting hole 22 by the normal variable winning device 20 is called electric support control.
In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the game ball passes through a specific area (V winning area) inside the second large winning opening 35 (FIG. 3) during a jackpot game after winning a special jackpot described later, the game state after the jackpot game ends is a high probability state and time-saving state with electric support control. This game state ends when a specified number of special symbol variations are displayed, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, even if a special jackpot is won, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area (V winning area) inside the second large winning port 35 (FIG. 3) during the jackpot game, or if a normal jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game ends is in the normal probability state and time-saving state with electric support control. This game state ends when the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined number of times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. However, in this embodiment, as described above, when a special jackpot is won, the game ball that passes through the accessory continuous operation gate 38 necessary to start the jackpot game is forced to pass through the specific area 36 in the jackpot game that is started immediately after that, as shown in FIG. 3, so that when a special jackpot is won, the game state does not basically become the normal probability state and time-saving state after the jackpot game.
In addition, when playing pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state after power is turned on is a normal probability state with no electric support control and no time-saving state.
On the other hand, if the number of times the special symbols change reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 350 times) without the gaming machine winning a jackpot (however, the number of times the symbols change in the high probability state is not counted), the machine will transition to a normal probability state and time-saving state (b time-saving, Yu-time, ceiling game state) when the next special symbol starts changing without going through a jackpot game. This b time-saving game state ends when the special symbol changes a predetermined number of times (e.g., 700 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

[Jackpot Judgment Table]
The jackpot determination table Ta1 shown in FIG. 6 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) refers to when executing the jackpot determination of whether or not there is a jackpot. The jackpot determination table Ta1 is configured by associating the type of lottery (lottery for special chart 1 or lottery for special chart 2), the game state, and the jackpot random number. In particular, in this embodiment, the jackpot determination table Ta1 is common to special charts 1 and 2. The jackpot random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot random numbers generated by the jackpot random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot random number counter operates and generates a jackpot random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number counter counts a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. In other words, it generates a total of 65536 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 65535. In this embodiment, the jackpot determination table Ta1 has a total of 205 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 204 set as jackpot random numbers when the gaming state is in the normal probability state. When the gaming state is in the normal probability state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines a jackpot in the jackpot determination if the jackpot random number acquired from the jackpot random number counter is any of 0 to 204 (approximately 1/319), and determines that it is not a jackpot, that is, a miss, when the jackpot random number is any number other than 0 to 204 among 0 to 65535.

In addition, in this embodiment, a total of 363 jackpot random numbers from 0 to 362 are set in the jackpot determination table Ta1 as jackpot random numbers when the game state is in a high probability state. In other words, more jackpot random numbers are set than in a normal probability state, and the probability of a jackpot being determined in the jackpot determination is higher than in a normal probability state. When the game state is in a high probability state, if the jackpot random number obtained from the jackpot random number counter is any number between 0 and 362 (approximately 1/180), the game control microcomputer 61 determines a jackpot in the jackpot determination, and if the number is any number other than 0 to 362 among 0 to 65535, it determines that it is not a jackpot, that is, a miss.

[Big Win Type Determination Table]
The jackpot type determination table Ta2 shown in FIG. 7 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) refers to when it executes the jackpot type determination when it is determined that a jackpot has been generated. The jackpot type determination table Ta2 is configured by associating the type of lottery (lottery for special chart 1 or lottery for special chart 2) with the jackpot type random number. The jackpot type random number is a predetermined random number selected from the jackpot type random numbers generated by the jackpot type random number counter. A computer program for operating the jackpot type random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the jackpot type random number counter operates and generates a jackpot type random number by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. The jackpot type random number counter may be one that utilizes a random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. In this embodiment, the jackpot type random number counter counts a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 jackpot type random numbers from 0 to 99. In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the types of jackpots are "10R special jackpot (ST300 times)", "3R special jackpot (ST300 times)", and "3R normal jackpot (a time reduction 100 times)". In the pachinko game machine 1, as shown in FIG. 7, if the jackpot type random number is 0 to 49 in the lottery for the first special symbol (lottery for special symbol 1), it is determined that the "10R special jackpot (ST300 times)" has been won, and if it is any other value, it is determined that the "3R normal jackpot (a time reduction 100 times)" has been won. On the other hand, in the lottery for the second special symbol (lottery for special symbol 2), if the jackpot type random number is a value within the range of 0 to 19, it is determined that the "3R special jackpot (ST300 times)" has been won, and if it is any other value, it is determined that the "10R special jackpot (ST300 times)" has been won.

The special jackpot is an opening pattern that allows the game ball to pass through a specific area (V winning area) during the jackpot game, and activates the first big winning device 30 and the second big winning device 33. The normal jackpot is an opening pattern that allows the game ball to pass through a specific area (V winning area) during the jackpot game, and activates the first big winning device 30 and the second big winning device 33 (more specifically, the distribution member 37). If the game ball passes through the specific area (V winning area) during the jackpot game, the game moves to a probability state (high probability state and time-saving state) after the jackpot game. The probability state in this embodiment is an ST in which the probability state continues only within a predetermined number of rotations of the special pattern (for example, 300 times).

For example, if a "10R special jackpot (ST 300 times)" is won, and the game ball does not enter the specific area (V winning area) during the jackpot play, the game will not transition to a certain probability state, and after the jackpot play, the game will be in the normal probability state and time-saving state (effectively a time-saving) 300 times. However, in this embodiment, as described above, when a special jackpot is won, the game ball that passes through the role continuous operation gate 38 necessary to start the jackpot play will also be forced to pass through the specific area 36 in the jackpot play that starts immediately thereafter, as shown in Figure 3, so that when a special jackpot is won, the game will not basically transition to the normal probability state and time-saving state after the jackpot play.

[Reach Judgment Table]
The reach judgment table Ta3 shown in FIG. 8 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) refers to when judging whether or not to select a special pattern variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss. Here, the reach is a state in which there is only one special pattern remaining among the multiple special patterns that are displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which special pattern the variable displayed special pattern is displayed as, a combination of special patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed. Also, the reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern remaining among the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner in the multiple display areas of the performance display device 7, and depending on which performance pattern the variable displayed performance pattern is displayed as, a combination of performance patterns that indicates a jackpot will be formed.
For example, when one of the combinations of the big win performance symbols is "777", "7" is displayed as the left performance symbol 9L in the left performance symbol display area, "7" is displayed as the right performance symbol 9R in the right performance symbol display area, and the middle performance symbol 9C is displayed in a variable manner in the middle performance symbol display area. The concept of reach includes a state in which the middle performance symbol 9C is scrolling, a state in which it is shaking, a state in which it is repeatedly expanding and contracting, and the like.

The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not to select a special chart variation pattern in which a reach appears when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. The reach determination table Ta3 is configured by associating a game state with a reach random number. The reach random number is a predetermined random number selected from the reach random numbers generated by the reach random number counter. In this embodiment, the reach random number counter counts a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 255. In other words, a total of 256 reach random numbers from 0 to 256 are generated. A computer program for operating the reach random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the reach random number counter operates and generates reach random numbers by the CPU 62 executing the computer program. In this embodiment, a total of 28 reach random numbers from 0 to 27 are set as reach random numbers when the game state is in a non-time-saving state. When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if the reach random number obtained from the reach random number counter is any of 0 to 27, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment, and if it is any number other than 0 to 27 among 0 to 255, it determines that there is no reach.

In this embodiment, a total of 12 reach random numbers ranging from 0 to 11 are set as the reach random numbers when the game state is in the time-saving state. When the game state is in the time-saving state, the game control microcomputer 61 determines that there is a reach in the reach judgment if the reach random number acquired from the reach random number counter is any of 0 to 11, and determines that there is no reach if the number is any number other than 0 to 11 among 0 to 255.
The reach random number that is determined to be in reach is set lower in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state. As a result, the probability of being determined to be in reach in the time-saving state is lower than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, since the probability of being determined to be not in reach is higher, the probability of selecting a special chart variation pattern that is not in reach is higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved number of special charts is faster.

Note that FIG. 8 basically shows a reach determination table corresponding to the first special symbol. The reach determination table corresponding to the second special symbol may be the same as the first special symbol, or may be a different table.

[Special chart variation pattern selection table]
The special pattern variation pattern selection table Ta4 shown in Fig. 9 is a table that the game control microcomputer 61 (Fig. 4) refers to when determining the special pattern variation pattern by lottery. The special pattern variation pattern selection table Ta4 is configured by associating the game state, the judgment (jackpot judgment and reach judgment) result, the number of reserved special patterns, the variation pattern random number, the special pattern variation pattern, the variation time, and the stop time. In addition, it may be associated with the type of jackpot.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when a player plays in accordance with the developer's intention, the first special symbol mainly changes in the non-time-saving state, and the second special symbol changes in the time-saving state. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 9, a special symbol change pattern selection table corresponding to the first special symbol in the non-time-saving state and a special symbol change pattern selection table corresponding to the second special symbol in the time-saving state are particularly used as examples for explanation.

The variation presentation patterns in the special chart variation pattern selection table Ta4 are variation presentation patterns that are displayed by the presentation display device 7 in response to the selected special chart variation pattern, and are listed for reference. The variation pattern random numbers are predetermined random numbers selected from the variation pattern random numbers generated by the variation pattern random number counter. In this embodiment, the variation pattern random number counter counts a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. In other words, it generates a total of 100 variation pattern random numbers from 0 to 99. A computer program for operating the variation pattern random number counter is stored in the ROM 63, and the variation pattern random number counter operates and generates a variation pattern random number when the CPU 62 executes the computer program.

When the game state is not in the time-saving state, if a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 94, the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected is 95%. Also, if the fluctuation pattern random number is any of 95 to 99, the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is selected is 5%. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern, that is, the time during which the special pattern is displayed, is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of the special chart fluctuation pattern P2 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. Also, when the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays the SP (super) reach that has developed from the reach state as a fluctuation performance pattern. In addition, when the special chart variation pattern P2 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays a normal reach as the variation performance pattern.

In addition, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state is not in effect, and when the reach judgment judges that there is a reach, that is, when there is a reach and there is a miss, and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any one of 0 to 9, the special chart variation pattern P3 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart variation pattern P3 is selected is 10%. In addition, when the variation pattern random number is any one of 10 to 99, the special chart variation pattern P4 is selected regardless of the number of reserved balls. In other words, the probability that the special chart variation pattern P4 is selected is 90%. The variation time of the special chart variation pattern P3 is 400,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. The variation time of the special chart variation pattern P4 is 150,000 ms, and the stop time of the special pattern is 500 ms. In addition, when the special chart variation pattern P3 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays the SP reach that has developed from the reach state as a variation performance pattern. In addition, when the special chart change pattern P4 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays a normal reach as the change performance pattern.

Also, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state is not in effect, and the reach judgment judges that there is no reach, that is, when there is a miss without a reach, the number of reserved special symbols is 0 to 2, and the random number of the variation pattern obtained from the random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special symbol variation pattern P5 is selected. That is, the probability that the special symbol variation pattern P5 is selected is 100%. Also, when the number of reserved special symbols is 3 to 4, and the random number of the variation pattern obtained from the random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special symbol variation pattern P6 is selected. That is, the probability that the special symbol variation pattern P6 is selected is 100%. The variation time of the special symbol variation pattern P5 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The variation time of the special symbol variation pattern P6 is 5,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Also, when the special symbol variation pattern P5 or the special symbol variation pattern P6 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays a normal variation as a variation performance pattern.

When the game state is in the time-saving state, if it is determined to be a jackpot and the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special pattern variation pattern P11 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special patterns. In other words, the probability that the special pattern variation pattern P11 is selected is 100%. Also, when the game state is in the time-saving state, if it is determined to be a miss and it is determined that there is a reach in the reach judgment, that is, in the case of a reach and miss, if the variation pattern random number obtained from the variation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special pattern variation pattern P12 is selected regardless of the number of reserved special patterns. In other words, the probability that the special pattern variation pattern P12 is selected is 100%. The variation times of the special pattern variation pattern P11 and the special pattern variation pattern P12 are 400,000 ms, respectively, and the stop times of the special patterns are 500 ms, respectively. In addition, when the special chart change pattern P11 or the special chart change pattern P12 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays an SP reach that has developed from a reach state as a change performance pattern.

Also, when the game state is judged as a miss when the time-saving state and the reach judgment judges that there is no reach, that is, in the case of a miss without a reach, the number of reserved special symbols is 0 to 1, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is selected. In other words, the probability that the special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is selected is 100%. Also, when the number of reserved special symbols is 2 to 4, and the fluctuation pattern random number obtained from the fluctuation pattern random number counter is any of 0 to 99, the special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is selected. In other words, the probability that the special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is selected is 100%. The fluctuation time of the special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 is 10,000 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. The fluctuation time of the special symbol fluctuation pattern P14 is 2,500 ms, and the stop time of the special symbol is 500 ms. Also, when the special symbol fluctuation pattern P13 or the special symbol fluctuation pattern P
When 14 is selected, the performance display device 7 displays normal variation as the variation performance pattern.

As described above, the probability that the development to SP reach is selected in the non-time-saving state is 95% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a jackpot, but 10% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and there is a reach. Also, the probability that the normal reach is selected in the non-time-saving state is 5% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a jackpot, but 90% when the jackpot judgment determines that there is a miss and there is a reach.
In other words, when the effect display device 7 develops into the SP reach as a variable effect pattern, there is a high possibility of a big win occurring. In other words, the SP reach is a variable effect pattern in which the expectation of the occurrence of a big win is higher than in the case where the normal reach is the only variable effect pattern.

Note that the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table corresponding to the time-saving state of the first special pattern and the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table corresponding to the non-time-saving state of the second special pattern are omitted, but they may be the same as the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table corresponding to the non-time-saving state of the first special pattern and the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table corresponding to the time-saving state of the second special pattern, respectively, or may be different tables.

[Main processing of the gaming control microcomputer 61]
Next, the main processing executed by the game control microcomputer 61 (FIG. 4) will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Main side main control processing)
First, the contents of the main control process executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 61 reads out the computer program of the main control process shown in FIG. 14 from the ROM 63 (FIG. 4) and executes it. The game control microcomputer 61 first performs an initial setting (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1). In this initial setting, for example, the setting of the stack, the setting of the constant, the setting of the interruption time, the setting of the CPU 62, the setting of the SIO (System Input/Output), the PIO (Parallel Input/Output), the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing the interruption time), the resetting of various flags, counters, timers, etc. Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the interruption prohibition (S2), and executes the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the initial values of the random number counters that generate the jackpot random number, the normal symbol random number, the jackpot type random number, the reach random number, and the variable pattern random number are updated by adding "1" to each of them. When the count value of each random number counter reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is then incremented by "1". The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. The count value of each random number counter may be updated by adding a numerical value of "2" or greater to it. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number that is generated using a known random number generating circuit such as a counter IC. When using such hardware random numbers, there is no need for software-based random number updating processing (S3).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes interrupt permission (S4). During interrupt permission, the main timer interrupt process (S5) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S5) is executed based on an interrupt pulse input to the CPU 62 at, for example, a 4 msec cycle. In other words, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, after the main timer interrupt process (S5) ends and before the next main timer interrupt process (S5) starts, the initial value update process of various counters is executed by the normal pattern/special pattern main random number update process (S3). Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S5) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt permission (S4) is executed.

(Main side timer interrupt processing)
Next, the contents of the main timer interrupt process (S5 in FIG. 14) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 executes an output process (S10). In this output process, commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) of the main control board 60 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) and the payout control board 73 (FIG. 4). In particular, in this embodiment, when the normal symbol starts to change, a normal symbol change start command indicating that the normal symbol has started to change, and when the special symbol starts to change, a special symbol change start command indicating that the special symbol has started to change are also output. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes an input process (S11). In this input process, each detection signal detected by various sensors (the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 22a, the first large winning hole sensor 32a, the second large winning hole sensor 35a, the gate sensor 12a, the role-linked gate sensor 38a, etc. (FIG. 4)) attached mainly to the pachinko game machine 1 is read. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a timer update process (S12). In this timer update process, the subtraction counter operating as a timer is updated (decremented). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a prize ball control process (S13). In this prize ball control process, a payout command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning port is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 based on the detection signals of various sensors read in the input process (S11). The payout command is a command output to the payout control board 73. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S14). This normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (S3) executed in the main control process on the main side of FIG. 14. In other words, the update process of the initial values of each random number counter is performed both during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) to the start of the next main side timer interrupt process (S5)).

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the start hole sensor detection process (S15), the V winning detection process (S16), the normal operation process (S17), the special symbol waiting process (S18), the special symbol change process (S19), the special electric operation process (S20), and other processes (S21) described below, and ends the main timer interrupt process (S5). The other processes (S21) are a security control process that detects and notifies of illegal winning, a magnetic detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts using magnetism, a door opening process that detects and notifies of the opening of the front frame 18 (Figure 1) or the inner frame, an illegal radio wave detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts using radio waves, and an impact detection process that detects and notifies of illegal acts that vibrate the pachinko game machine 1. Then, the main side main control process S2 to S4 is repeatedly executed until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU 62 (FIG. 14), and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the main side timer interrupt process (S5) is executed again. In the output process (S10) of the main side timer interrupt process (S5) executed again, the commands and the like set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) in the previous main side timer interrupt process (S5) are output to a specified board.

(Start port sensor detection process)
Next, the contents of the start hole sensor detection process (S15 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has passed through the gate 12 (FIG. 1) (S20), and if it judges that the game ball has passed through (S20: Yes), executes a gate passing process (S21). In this gate passing process, it judges whether the number of reserved normal symbols is 4 or more, and if the number of reserved normal symbols is not 4 or more, it adds "1" to the number of reserved normal symbols and executes a process of acquiring and storing a winning random number for drawing a normal symbol.

Furthermore, in S20, when it is determined that the gaming ball has not passed through the gate 12 (S20: No), it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the second starting hole 22 (FIG. 1) (S22).
Here, if it is determined that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 22 (S22: Yes), it is determined whether the second special chart reserved number U2 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S23). If it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 has reached "4" (S23: Yes), it proceeds to S28, but if it is determined that the second special chart reserved number U2 has not reached "4" (S23: No), it adds 1 to the second special chart reserved number U2 (S24). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special chart related random number acquisition process (S25). In this second special chart related random number acquisition process, the jackpot random number counted by the jackpot random number counter, the jackpot type random number counted by the jackpot type random number counter, the reach random number counted by the reach random number counter, and the fluctuation pattern random number counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current second special chart reserved number in the second special chart reserved storage unit 64b (FIG. 11). For example, when the current second special chart reserved number is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth storage area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a second start winning command creation process (S26). In this second start winning command creation process, a second start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25. This second start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has entered the second start hole, data indicating each random number stored in the second special chart reservation memory unit 64b in S25, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the second start winning command created in S26 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S27). This set second start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 14), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the second start winning command.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11 (FIG. 1) (S28). If it is judged that the game ball has entered the first starting hole 11 (S28: Yes), it judges whether the first special symbol reservation number U1 has reached the upper limit value of "4" (S29). If it is judged that the first special symbol reservation number U1 has reached "4" (S29: Yes), this starting hole sensor detection process is terminated, but if it is judged that the first special symbol reservation number U1 has not reached "4" (S29: No), 1 is added to the first special symbol reservation number U1 (S30). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special symbol related random number acquisition process (S31). In this first special chart related random number acquisition process, a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a change pattern random number are acquired, and each of the acquired random numbers is stored in a memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a (FIG. 10) that corresponds to the current number of first special charts reserved. For example, if the current number of first special charts reserved is "3", each random number is stored in the fourth memory area.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a first start winning command creation process (S32). In this first start winning command specification process, the first start winning command is created based on each random number group stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31. This first start winning command is composed of data indicating that the game ball has won the first start hole 11, data indicating each random number stored in the first special chart reservation memory unit 64a in S31, and the like. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the first start winning command created in S32 in the output buffer of the RAM 64 (S33). This set first start winning command is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 4) in the output process (S10 in FIG. 14), and the performance control microcomputer 101 executes a performance based on each random number included in the first start winning command.

(V winning detection process)
Next, the contents of the V winning detection process (S16 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be explained with reference to FIG. 17 which shows the same.
The game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the game ball has passed through a specific area provided in the second large winning opening 35 (S35). If it is determined that the game ball has passed through the specific area (S35: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 proceeds to S36.
The process proceeds to S35. The passage of the game ball through the specific area provided in the second large winning opening 35 is detected by the specific area sensor 35b. If it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the specific area provided in the second large winning opening 35 (S35: No), the V winning detection process is terminated.

When the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the game ball has passed through a specific area provided within the second large winning opening 35, a high probability flag indicating a high probability state is turned on, and the value of the high probability counter is set to "300" (S36). Note that the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a type called an ST machine, and the high probability state ends when the special symbol variation display is executed a predetermined number of times (300 times) without winning a jackpot. The high probability counter subtracts 1 each time the special symbol varies, and when the high probability counter reaches "0" (the variation of the special symbol ends with the high probability counter at 1), the high probability state ends (S96).

(Special pattern waiting process)
Next, the contents of the special symbol waiting process (S18 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the second special symbol reserved number U2 is "0" or not (S40), and if it is judged not to be "0" (S40: No), executes the second special symbol big win judgment process (FIG. 19) described later (S41). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 20, 21) described later (S42). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the second special symbol reserved number U2 (S43), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reserved memory unit 64b (FIG. 11) to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, the side to be read, one by one (S44). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the second special symbol variation start process (S45). That is, the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the second special symbol reservation memory 64b (FIG. 11). Also, each time the second special symbol display 52 performs the variable display of the second special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the second special symbol reservation memory 64b is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order.
In this second special symbol variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the second special symbol. The variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the second special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 19) described later and data of the special symbol variation pattern set in the second special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 20 and 21).

In addition, in S40, if the second special chart reserved number U2 is determined to be "0" (S40: Yes), the game control microcomputer 61 determines whether the first special chart reserved number U1 is "0" or not (S46), and if it is determined not to be "0" (S46: No), executes the first special chart big win determination process (FIG. 18) described later (S47). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change pattern selection process (FIGS. 20, 21) described later (S48). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 subtracts "1" from the first special chart reserved number U1 (S49), and shifts each data stored in each memory area of the first special chart reserved memory unit 64a (FIG. 10) to the memory area with the oldest memory order, that is, the side to be read, one by one (S50). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes the first special chart change start process (S51). That is, the first special symbol display 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbol in the order that the game control microcomputer 61 executes the hit/miss judgment based on the jackpot random number stored in the first special symbol reservation memory 64a (FIG. 10). Also, each time the first special symbol display 51 performs the variable display of the first special symbol, each data stored in each memory area of the first special symbol reservation memory 64a is shifted to the memory area with the oldest memory order.
In this first special symbol variation start process, a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 to start the variation display of the first special symbol. The variation start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 includes data of the special symbol stop pattern set in the first special symbol big win determination process (FIG. 19) described later and data of the variation pattern set in the first special symbol variation pattern selection process (FIGS. 20 and 21).

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges in S46 that the first special reserved number U1 is "0" (S46: Yes), it judges whether the performance display device 7 is displaying a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers) (S52). If it judges that the standby screen is displayed (S52: Yes), it ends this special symbol standby process, and if it judges that the standby screen is not displayed (S52: No), it executes a standby screen setting process (S53). In this standby screen setting process, it waits for a predetermined standby time to elapse, and sets a customer standby command for displaying the standby screen in the output buffer of the RAM 64.
In this embodiment, the variable display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the second special pattern reservation number U2 is "0" (S40: Yes). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation.
However, if any of the special patterns is changing, the process after S40 is not performed and the special pattern waiting process is terminated.

(Second special chart big win determination process (first special chart big win determination process))
Next, the contents of the second special chart big win determination process (first special chart big win determination process: S41 in FIG. 18) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 19. The second special chart big win determination process (S41 in FIG. 18) and the first special chart big win determination process (S47 in FIG. 18) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special chart reservation storage unit 64a and the second special chart reservation storage unit 64b, they will simply be referred to as the special chart reservation storage unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 reads out the jackpot random number stored in the first memory area (FIGS. 10, 11) of the special chart reserved memory section of the RAM 64 (S60) and refers to the jackpot determination table Ta1 (FIG. 6) (S61). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number in the jackpot determination table Ta1 and checks whether or not there is a random number identical to the jackpot random number read out in S60, that is, whether or not there is a jackpot (S62). Note that when the probability variable flag is ON, that is, when the current game state is a high probability state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number in the high probability state, and when the probability variable flag is OFF, that is, when the current game state is a normal probability (low probability) state, the game control microcomputer 61 refers to the jackpot random number in the normal probability state. The probability of winning flag is turned ON (S36) when the game ball that entered the second big winning slot 35 (Figure 1) during a big win game passes through a specific area (V winning area), and then turned OFF after the special symbol changes a predetermined number of times (S96).

When the game control microcomputer 61 judges that a jackpot has been hit in S62 (S62: Yes), it reads out the jackpot type random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special symbol reserve storage section, and judges the type of jackpot by referring to the jackpot type judgment table Ta2 (FIG. 7) in which multiple types of jackpots are set (S63). The jackpot pattern of the special symbol, the stop pattern of the special symbol, the distribution rate, the maximum number of rounds, and the jackpot performance pattern are different depending on the type of jackpot. In addition, it is also determined whether to move to a time-saving state (a time-saving state) or to a probability-changing state (ST) after the end of the jackpot game depending on the type of jackpot. Here, the distribution rate is the probability that a specific jackpot will be selected from the multiple types of jackpots set in the jackpot type judgment table. In addition, the maximum number of rounds is the maximum number of rounds that can be executed in the jackpot game.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 turns on the jackpot flag indicating that a jackpot has been determined in the jackpot determination (S64), sets the special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the jackpot pattern of the special symbol according to the type of jackpot determined in S63 in the special symbol buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S65), and ends this second special symbol jackpot determination process. Also, if it is determined in S62 that it is not a jackpot, that is, a miss (S62: No), it sets the special symbol stop pattern data for determining and displaying the miss pattern of the special symbol in the special symbol buffer (S65), and ends this second special symbol jackpot determination process.

(Second special chart variation pattern selection process (first special chart variation pattern selection process))
Next, the second special pattern variation pattern selection process (first special pattern variation pattern selection process: S42, S48 in FIG. 18) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. The second special pattern variation pattern selection process (S42 in FIG. 18) and the first special pattern variation pattern selection process (S48 in FIG. 18) have the same process flow, so they will be described together. In addition, when describing matters common to the first special pattern reservation storage unit 64a and the second special pattern reservation storage unit 64b, they will simply be called the special pattern reservation storage unit.

The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the game state is in the time-saving state (S70), and if it is judged that the game state is not in the time-saving state (S70: No), it judges whether the jackpot flag is ON (S71). Here, if it is judged that the jackpot flag is ON (S71: Yes), it refers to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) to select a special chart fluctuation pattern (S72). In detail, it refers to the fluctuation pattern random number in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state. Then, it acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special chart reservation storage unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. For example, if the fluctuation pattern random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is "50", it selects the special chart fluctuation pattern P1 associated with the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 94 in the case of a jackpot in a non-time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the jackpot flag is not ON in S71, that is, that it is a miss (S71: No), it acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the special chart reservation storage unit, and judges whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73). In other words, it judges whether the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is a reach random number set in the non-time-saving state in the reach judgment table Ta3 (FIG. 8). For example, if the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is "20", the reach random number "20" exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 27 set in the non-time-saving state, so it is judged to be a reach establishment random number (S73: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 judges that the reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S73: Yes), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) and selects a special chart change pattern (S74). In detail, it refers to the change pattern random number in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4 in the case of reach with miss in the non-time shortening state. Then, it acquires the change pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit, and selects the special chart change pattern associated with the same change pattern random number as the acquired change pattern random number. For example, when the change pattern random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit is "30", it selects the special chart change pattern P4 associated with the change pattern random numbers 10 to 99 in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the change pattern data indicating the selected change pattern in the special chart change pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76), and ends this second special chart change pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S73 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S73: No), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) and selects a special chart change pattern (S75). In this embodiment, in the case of a no-reach miss, there is no selection of a special chart change pattern based on the acquired change pattern random number, and when the number of reserved special charts is 0 to 2, it selects special chart change pattern P5, and when the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, it selects special chart change pattern P6. The change time of the special chart change pattern P6 is shorter than that of the special chart change pattern P5, and when the number of reserved special charts is 3 to 4, the change of the special chart ends early, and the pace of consumption of reserved special charts becomes faster.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S70 that the game is in the time-saving state (S70: Yes), it determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (S77 in FIG. 21). Here, when it determines that the jackpot flag is ON (S77: Yes), it refers to the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 (FIG. 9) to select a special chart fluctuation pattern (S78). In detail, in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4, it refers to the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of a jackpot in the time-saving state. Then, it acquires the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first memory area of the special chart reserve memory unit, and selects the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern random number in the same range as the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter is set for the jackpot in the time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4, so that the special chart fluctuation pattern P11 is selected regardless of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the variation pattern data indicating the selected variation pattern in the special chart variation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76 in FIG. 20), and ends this second special chart variation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S77 that the jackpot flag is not ON, that is, that it is a miss (S77: No), it acquires the reach random number stored in the first storage area (Figs. 10 and 11) of the special chart reservation storage unit, and judges whether the acquired reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S79). In other words, it judges whether the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is a reach random number set in the time-saving state in the reach judgment table Ta3 (Fig. 8). For example, if the reach random number acquired from the first storage area of the special chart reservation storage unit is "8", the reach random number "8" exists in the reach random numbers 0 to 11 set in the time-saving state, so it is judged to be a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes). Here, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines that the reach random number is a reach establishment random number (S79: Yes), it selects a special chart change pattern by referring to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4 (Fig. 9) (S80). In detail, the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4 is referred to for the fluctuation pattern random number in the case of a reach with a miss in the time-saving state. Then, the fluctuation pattern random number stored in the first storage area of the special chart reserve storage unit is acquired, and the special chart fluctuation pattern associated with the same fluctuation pattern random number as the acquired fluctuation pattern random number is selected. In this embodiment, since the fluctuation pattern random number in the same range as the fluctuation pattern random number 0 to 99 counted by the fluctuation pattern random number counter is set for the reach with a miss in the time-saving state in the special chart fluctuation pattern selection table Ta4, the special chart fluctuation pattern P12 is selected regardless of the acquired fluctuation pattern random number. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the fluctuation pattern data indicating the selected fluctuation pattern in the special chart fluctuation pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76 in FIG. 20), and ends this second special chart fluctuation pattern selection process.

In addition, when the game control microcomputer 61 determines in S79 that the reach random number is not a reach establishment random number (S79: No), it refers to the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4 (Fig. 9) to select a special chart change pattern (S81). In detail, in the special chart change pattern selection table Ta4, it refers to the change pattern random number in the case of a no-reach miss in the time-saving state. Then, it acquires the change pattern random number stored in the first memory area (Figs. 10 and 11) of the special chart reservation memory unit, and selects the special chart change pattern associated with the same change pattern random number as the acquired change pattern random number. In this embodiment, in the case of a no-reach miss, there is no selection of a special chart change pattern based on the acquired change pattern random number, and when the special chart reservation number is 0 to 1, it selects the special chart change pattern P13, and when the special chart reservation number is 2 to 4, it selects the special chart change pattern P14. The change time of the special chart change pattern P14 is shorter than that of the special chart change pattern P13, and when the number of reserved special charts is 2 to 4, the change of the special chart ends early, and the pace at which reserved special charts are consumed becomes faster. Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the change pattern data indicating the selected change pattern in the special chart change pattern buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S76 in FIG. 20), and ends this second special chart change pattern selection process.

The fluctuation pattern data set in the special pattern fluctuation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the fluctuation start command set in S45 (FIG. 18) of the special pattern waiting process described above, and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) by the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 15). The first special pattern fluctuation pattern selection process is also executed in the same flow as the second special pattern fluctuation pattern selection process, and the fluctuation pattern data set in the special pattern fluctuation pattern buffer in S76 is included in the fluctuation start command set in S51 (FIG. 18) of the special pattern waiting process described above, and is output to the sub-control board 100 (FIG. 5) by the output process of the main side timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 15).

(Special pattern variation processing)
Next, the contents of the special symbol variation process (S19 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
The game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the special symbol variation time (variation time determined according to the special symbol variation pattern selected in S42 or S48 in FIG. 18, see FIG. 9) has ended (S90). If it is judged that the special symbol variation time has not ended (S90: No), the special symbol variation process is terminated. This allows the special symbol variation display to continue. On the other hand, if it is judged that the special symbol variation time has ended (S90: Yes), a variation stop command for stopping the special symbol variation display is set in a command buffer provided in the RAM 64 (FIG. 4) (S91). Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a special symbol stop process (S92) that stops the special symbol variation display at a pattern (a special symbol jackpot pattern or a special symbol losing pattern) according to the special symbol stop pattern data set in S67 (FIG. 19) of the second special symbol jackpot judgment process (first special symbol jackpot judgment process). This determines the special symbol. Furthermore, the special pattern remains stopped (the special pattern remains confirmed) for the stop time (e.g., 500 ms) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in the special pattern variation pattern selection table Ta4, and then the next variation of the special pattern begins.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 executes a game state management process. In this game state management process, first, it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON or not, and if it is determined that it is ON, it subtracts 1 from the probability change counter, which counts the number of times the special pattern changes during the high probability state by subtraction (S94), and it is determined whether the probability change flag is ON and the probability change counter value is "0" (S95). The probability change counter is set to 300 when it is determined that the special jackpot is won and the game ball passes through a specific area provided in the second large winning hole 35 during the subsequent jackpot game (S36). Then, if it is determined that the probability change flag is ON and the probability change counter value is "0" (S95: YES), it turns off the probability change flag.

Then, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the time-saving flag is ON (S97), and if it is ON, i.e., if it is judged that the game is in the time-saving state (S97: YES), it subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter, which counts the number of times the special symbol changes during the time-saving state by subtraction (S98). The time-saving counter is set to a predetermined value at the end of the big win game (300 if the game moves to the special bonus (ST) mode, 100 if the game moves to the time-saving mode a) or when the conditions for moving to the time-saving mode b are met (700 if the game moves to the time-saving mode b) (S104, S136). On the other hand, if it is judged that the time-saving flag is not ON (S97: No), it moves to S99.

In S99, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON and the value of the time-saving counter is "0". Here, when the time-saving flag is ON and the value of the time-saving counter is "0", this indicates that the number of time-saving times determined by the type of jackpot after the end of the jackpot game, or the change in the special pattern in the final spin of the number of time-saving times b (i.e., the final change in the time-saving game state) has ended.

If it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON and the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S99: YES), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S100). The game control microcomputer 61 sets the game state designation command including the information of each flag in the output buffer of the RAM 64 and ends the game state management process. The game state designation command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 15). As a result, the time-saving state of the pachinko game machine 1 ends with the end of the variation of the special pattern. The specific timing for ending the time-saving state of the pachinko game machine 1 may be the timing when the variation of the special pattern ends and starts to stop (the beginning of the determination of the special pattern), or the timing when the stop time of the special pattern ends (the end point of the determination of the special pattern). Alternatively, it may be before the variation of the corresponding special pattern ends, that is, at the start of the variation or during the variation.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether or not the special symbol has been stopped for the stop time (e.g., 500 ms) corresponding to the variation pattern selected in the special symbol variation pattern selection table Ta4 (S101). If the special symbol has been stopped for the stop time (S101: YES), the process proceeds to S102.

In S102, it is determined whether the number of times the special symbol has changed has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, 350 times) without winning a jackpot. Reaching the upper limit is a condition for transitioning to the time-saving state (b time-saving, Yu-time). The number of changes up to the upper limit is basically the number of times the special symbol has changed since the previous jackpot or since the RAM was cleared, but the number of changes in a high probability state is not counted. On the other hand, if the state is a low probability state, it is counted even in the time-saving state. Also, unless the RAM is cleared, the count continues even when the power is on or off, and continues across business days. The count of the number of times the special symbol has changed up to now is stored in RAM 64.

Then, when it is determined that the number of times the special symbols have changed up to now has reached the upper limit number of times and the transition condition for the b time reduction has been satisfied (S102: Yes), it is further determined whether the time reduction flag is OFF or not, that is, whether the current state is a non-time reduction state or not (S103). Then, when it is determined that the current state is a non-time reduction state (S103: YES), the time reduction flag indicating that the game is in a time reduction game state is turned ON, and the value of the time reduction counter is set to "700" corresponding to the number of times the time reduction has been performed for the b time reduction (S104). Then, when the time reduction flag is turned ON, the time reduction game state (b time reduction) is started, and the time reduction counter is processed to subtract 1 every time the special symbols change, and when the time reduction counter becomes "0" (the change of the special symbols ends when the time reduction counter is 1), the time reduction game state ends (S100). On the other hand, if it is determined that the upper limit number of times has not been reached or that the state has already transitioned to time reduction b (S102: No), or if it is determined that the state is already in time reduction state (S103: No), the process transitions to S105 without starting time reduction b.

Next, the game control microcomputer 61 judges whether the jackpot flag is ON (S105), and if it is judged to be ON (S105: Yes), it further judges whether the game ball has passed through the consecutive operation gate 38 based on the detection result of the consecutive operation gate sensor 38a (S106). Then, if it is judged that the game ball has passed through the consecutive operation gate 38 with the jackpot flag ON (S106: Yes), it is judged that the start condition of the jackpot game has been met, and it moves to S107. On the other hand, if it is judged that the game ball has not passed through the consecutive operation gate 38 (S106: No), it is judged that the start condition of the jackpot game has not been met, and it ends without starting the jackpot game. Note that after that, the jackpot flag is maintained in the ON state, and it will wait until it is judged that the game ball has passed through the consecutive operation gate 38 (it moves to S107 at the time when it is judged that the game ball has passed through the consecutive operation gate 38). In standby mode, the game state does not transition to another state, and special chart changes do not generally occur.

In S107, a game state reset process is executed. In this game state reset process, it is determined whether the probability variable flag or the time-saving flag is ON, and if it is determined that the probability variable flag or the time-saving flag is ON, the probability variable flag or the time-saving flag is turned OFF. In other words, during the execution of the jackpot game, the game is controlled to the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 performs a jackpot opening setting in order to start a jackpot game (S108) and sets an opening command for executing a jackpot opening (S109). A jackpot opening is a performance in which a performance image celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is displayed on the performance display device 7 and music celebrating the occurrence of a jackpot is played from each speaker 8. In the opening setting, a predetermined timer is set to the execution time of the opening of the jackpot game.
Next, the game control microcomputer 61 sets the value of the special electric role operation valid counter (S110) and ends this special symbol variation process. The special electric role operation valid counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of rounds in the big win game. Also, if it is determined in S105 that the big win flag is not ON (S105: No), this special symbol variation process ends.

(Special call operation processing)
Next, the contents of the special power operation process (S20 in FIG. 15) executed by the game control microcomputer 61 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in Fig. 23, in the special electric operation process, first, it is determined whether the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 (special electric role) is open (S130). If the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 is open (S130: Yes), it is then determined whether the number of game balls detected by the first large prize opening sensor 32a or the second large prize opening sensor 35a since the start of this round, that is, the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35, has reached a predetermined value (for example, 10 counts).

Then, when the number of game balls detected by the first large prize opening sensor 32a or the second large prize opening sensor 35a since the start of the current round, i.e., the number of game balls entering the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35, reaches a predetermined specified value (S131: Yes), the first large prize opening solenoid 30a or the second large prize opening solenoid 33a is operated to close the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 (S132). On the other hand, when the predetermined specified value has not been reached (S131: No), the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 is maintained open.

After the first big prize opening 32 or the second big prize opening 35 is closed, in S133, the value of the special electric role activation valid counter is decremented by 1 when the round ends. The special electric role activation valid counter is a counter that counts the number of remaining rounds in the big prize game, and is set to the number of rounds determined by the type of big prize won by the lottery of the special symbol when the big prize flag is turned on (S53, S84).

After that, in S134, it is determined whether the special electric role activation valid counter has reached 0, i.e., whether the number of rounds determined by the type of jackpot won by the lottery of the special symbol has been completed. Then, if it is determined that the special electric role activation valid counter has reached 0, i.e., that the number of rounds determined by the type of jackpot won by the lottery of the special symbol has been completed (S134: Yes), it is further determined whether the type of jackpot won was a jackpot that transitions to a time-saving game state (including both a high probability state (ST) and a normal probability state (a time-saving)) after the jackpot game (S135).

If it is determined that the type of the jackpot that was won is a jackpot that transitions to a time-saving game state after the jackpot game (S135: YES), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S136). Furthermore, the time-saving counter (the maximum number of times the time-saving state continues) is also set, and in this embodiment, it is set to "300 or 100" based on the type of jackpot. As a result, the state transitions to an easy-to-enter state in which it is easy to enter the second starting hole 22. In addition, the game control microcomputer 61 sets a status command (game state designation command) including information that the time-saving flag has been turned ON (i.e., transition to the time-saving state) in the output buffer of the RAM 64. The status command set in the output buffer of the RAM 64 is output to the sub-control board 100 in the output process of the main timer interrupt process (S10 in FIG. 15).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of jackpot won is one that does not transition to a time-saving game state after the jackpot game (S135: No), the time-saving flag remains OFF (S137).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 is not open (S130: No), the special electric role activation valid counter is read and it is determined whether the number of remaining rounds in the special electric role activation valid counter is 1 or more (S138). If it is determined that the number of remaining rounds in the special electric role activation valid counter is 1 or more (S138: Yes), the first large prize opening solenoid 30a or the second large prize opening solenoid 33a is operated to open the first large prize opening 32 or the second large prize opening 35 (S139). In particular, in this embodiment, the second large prize opening 35 is open during the first round during a jackpot game, and the first large prize opening 32 is open from the second round onwards.

In addition, in the first round immediately after the start of the jackpot game, the distribution member solenoid 37d also operates in accordance with the operation of the second large prize opening solenoid 33a, and drives the distribution member 37 provided inside the second large prize device 33. In particular, when a special jackpot is won, the distribution member solenoid 37d operates in accordance with the opening of the second large prize device 33 in the first round, and the game ball is allowed to pass through the specific area (V prize area) for a predetermined period thereafter (for example, until the second large prize opening 35 is closed, or for 5 seconds). After the predetermined period has elapsed, the specific area returns to a state in which game balls cannot pass through. On the other hand, even when a normal jackpot is won, the distribution member 37 also operates, but the operation time is very short, and the game ball is essentially unable to pass through the specific area (V prize area).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining round number of the special electric role operation effective counter is 0 (S
138: No), the first large prize opening 32 remains closed.

As a result, in the pachinko machine of this embodiment, when a special jackpot is won, as shown in FIG. 24, the jackpot game is started when the game ball passes through the accessory continuous operation gate 38. In the first round immediately after the start of the jackpot game, the specific area 36 is temporarily opened in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the second large prize winning opening 35. In particular, the operation of the second opening and closing member 34 is controlled so that the second large prize winning opening 35 is opened at the timing when the game ball that entered the accessory continuous operation gate 38 that triggered the start of the jackpot game reaches the second large prize winning opening 35, and the operation of the distribution member 37 is controlled so that the specific area 36 is opened at the timing when the game ball that entered the accessory continuous operation gate 38 that triggered the start of the jackpot game reaches the specific area 36 in the second large prize winning opening 35. Basically, all game balls that pass through the consecutive operation gate 38 are designed to be guided to the second large prize device 33, so that the game ball that passes through the consecutive operation gate 38 that triggers the start of the big win game will then enter the second large prize opening 35 as shown in FIG. 24, and will also pass through the specific area 36.

Therefore, after the jackpot game ends, the game state will inevitably be in a high probability state and time-saving state with electric support control. This game state will end when the special symbol is displayed 300 times, or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. If a jackpot is not won during the 300 times of special symbol display, and if a jackpot is not won during the 350 times of special symbol display (a total of 650 times of change without a jackpot), the game will transition to a normal probability state and time-saving state (b time-saving, play time) with the start of the next special symbol change without going through a jackpot game. This b time-saving game state will end when the special symbol is displayed 300 times (for example, 700 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

Here, even if a special jackpot is won, if the game ball does not pass through a specific area (V winning area) inside the second large winning port 35 during the jackpot game, the game will not transition to a high probability state, and the normal probability state time-saving state (effectively a time-saving) will be played 300 times after the jackpot game. In this case, if a jackpot is not won during the 300 times of special pattern fluctuation display, if a jackpot is not won during the 50 times of special pattern fluctuation after that, the game will transition to b time-saving (because the 300 fluctuations that are not in the high probability game state are included in the 350 fluctuations that are the b time-saving transition condition). This 50 fluctuations is the difference between the 350 fluctuations that are the b time-saving transition condition and the 300 fluctuations that are the number of fluctuations in the time-saving state after the jackpot game, but it is significantly smaller than the 350 fluctuations that are the original b time-saving transition condition, and is sufficiently smaller than the 319 that is the probability denominator of a jackpot in the normal probability state. In addition, the number of time-saving times (700 times) of the b time-saving is sufficiently larger than the probability denominator of 319 of the jackpot in the normal probability state, so if the player switches to the b time-saving, there is a high possibility that the player will win the next jackpot without significantly reducing the number of balls he has after that. In other words, it can be said that it is more advantageous for the player to not pass the game ball through the specific area when winning a special jackpot, and to switch to the time-saving state of the normal probability state after the jackpot game. However, such a game is not originally anticipated by the gaming machine, so it needs to be prevented. As described above, in this embodiment, when a special jackpot is won, the game ball that passes through the accessory continuous operation gate 38 necessary to start the jackpot game will be forced to pass through the specific area 36 in the first round of the jackpot game that starts immediately after that, as shown in FIG. 24, so that it is possible to prevent such a game that is not anticipated by the gaming machine from being played.

[Effects of the embodiment]
(1) When the pachinko game machine 1 of the above-described embodiment is implemented, there are provided a game information acquisition means for acquiring game information based on the establishment of a start condition, a jackpot lottery means for drawing lots as to whether or not a jackpot will be awarded based on the game information, a notification means for notifying the result of the lottery by the jackpot lottery means using a performance image displayed on an image display device, a flow-down area through which game balls flow down, a role-operating gate that is provided in the flow-down area and through which the game balls can pass, and a game device that is provided in the flow-down area and has a role-operating gate that is provided in the flow-down area and through which the game balls can pass. and a game control means for controlling the game so that the probability of winning the jackpot after the jackpot game is changed to a high probability state higher than the normal probability state when the game ball passes through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory thereafter and, when the game ball passes through a specific area in the flow-down area during the jackpot game, the specific area is downstream of the consecutive operation gate of the accessory, and the game ball that passed through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory that triggered the start of the jackpot game can then pass through the specific area. As a result, when the game ball is made to pass through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory that needs to pass through in order to generate the jackpot game, the game ball that passed through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory is forced to pass through the specific area afterwards, thereby making it possible to prevent the game from being played without intentionally passing through the specific area when a jackpot that allows passage through the specific area is won. As a result, it becomes possible to play according to the behavior that the gaming machine side has anticipated in advance.
(2) In addition, the game machine has a large prize opening in the flow-down area downstream of the consecutive operation gate of the special device, and the specific area is inside the large prize opening and is in a state where the game ball can pass through at least in the round immediately after the start of the big win game. As a result, when the game ball is made to pass through the consecutive operation gate of the special device, through which the game ball must pass in order to generate the big win game, the game ball that has passed through the consecutive operation gate of the special device enters the large prize opening in the first round that is started thereafter, and furthermore, it becomes possible for the game ball to be forced to pass through the specific area.
(3) Also, an opening/closing member is provided for switching the large prize opening between an open state and a closed state, and the operation of the opening/closing member is controlled so that the large prize opening is opened at the timing when the game ball that entered the consecutive operation gate of the special feature that triggered the start of the large prize game subsequently reaches the large prize opening. As a result, by controlling the timing when the large prize opening is opened, when the game ball is made to pass through the consecutive operation gate of the special feature that must be passed in order to generate the large prize game, it is possible to make the game ball that has passed through the consecutive operation gate of the special feature enter the large prize opening thereafter.
(4) Also, a distribution member is provided inside the large prize opening for switching the specific area between an open state and a closed state, and the operation of the distribution member is controlled so that the specific area is in an open state at the timing when the game ball that entered the special feature continuous operation gate that triggered the start of the large prize game reaches the specific area in the large prize opening. As a result, by controlling the timing when the specific area is in an open state, when the game ball is made to pass through the special feature continuous operation gate through which it must pass to generate the large prize game, the game ball that has passed through the special feature continuous operation gate can then be forced to pass through the specific area in the large prize opening.
(5) The device is also characterized by having a ceiling transition means for transitioning to a ceiling game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, at a stage where the number of times the special symbols change in the normal probability state reaches a predetermined upper limit without winning a jackpot. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player from playing a special game that aims to transition to the ceiling game state quickly without intentionally passing the game ball through a specific area during a jackpot game.
(6) The game control means controls the game to transition to an easy ball entry state in which the ball is easier to enter the special symbol entry port than in the normal game state, with the special symbol fluctuating a predetermined number of times after the jackpot game being the upper limit, when the game ball does not pass through a specific area in the flow-down area during the jackpot game, and the predetermined number is less than the upper limit number, and the difference is a number less than the probability denominator of the jackpot in the normal probability state. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent a special game from being played that aims to transition quickly to the ceiling game state by intentionally not allowing the game ball to pass through the specific area during the jackpot game.

Other Embodiments
(1) In the above embodiment, the number of STs after the special jackpot is 300 times, and the b time-saving transition condition is 350 times, but the number of times each can be changed as appropriate. However, the smaller the difference between the number of times each can be changed, the greater the effect of the present invention is expected to be. In addition, the jackpot probability shown in FIG. 6 can also be changed as appropriate.
(2) In this embodiment, two types of jackpots, a special jackpot and a normal jackpot, are provided, but it is also possible to have only a special jackpot.
(3) In addition, in this embodiment, the role-playing device continuous operation gate 38 and the second large prize device 33 are arranged in the right game area 3b, but they may also be arranged in the left game area 3a.
(4) In addition, in this embodiment, a distribution member 37 is provided to distribute the game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35 to the specific area 36 and the non-specific area 40, but the distribution member 37 may not be provided and the specific area 36 may always be open within the second large prize opening 35. In that case, the operation control of the distribution member 37 is not required. Also, for example, during a normal jackpot, it is possible to prevent game balls from entering the specific area 36 by opening the second large prize opening 35 for only a very short time in the first round (effectively preventing game balls from entering the second large prize opening 35).
(5) In this embodiment, the game area 3 is provided with two large prize openings, the first large prize opening 32 and the second large prize opening 35. However, it may be possible to provide only one large prize opening. In that case, a specific area is arranged within the one large prize opening.

[The invention disclosed herein]
The above-mentioned embodiments disclose the following inventions. In the following description, the names and expressions of the corresponding configurations in the embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

(Invention A)
A game information acquisition means (61) for acquiring game information based on the establishment of a starting condition;
A jackpot selection means (61) for selecting whether or not to award a jackpot based on the game information;
A flow-down area (3) through which the game ball flows down;
A role-playing continuous operation gate (38) provided in the flow-down area and through which game balls can pass;
and a game control means (61) for controlling a jackpot game to start when a game ball passes through the accessory continuous operation gate after the jackpot lottery means has determined that a jackpot will be awarded, and for controlling a jackpot game to transition to a high probability state in which the probability of winning the jackpot is higher than a normal probability state after the jackpot game if the game ball passes through a specific area (36) in the flow-down area during the jackpot game,
The specific area is downstream of the reel continuous operation gate,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the gaming ball that has passed through the accessory continuous operation gate, which is the trigger for the start of a big win game, is then allowed to pass through the specific area.

According to this, when the game ball is made to pass through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory, through which it must pass in order to generate a jackpot game, the game ball that has passed through the consecutive operation gate of the accessory is then forced to pass through a specific area, thereby making it possible to prevent a game being played without intentionally making the game ball pass through a specific area when a jackpot that allows it to pass through a specific area is won. As a result, it becomes possible to play according to the behavior that the gaming machine has anticipated in advance.

(Invention B)
A large prize opening (35) is provided in the flow area downstream of the consecutive operation gate (38),
The gaming machine described in Invention A is characterized in that the specific area (36) is inside the big prize opening and is in a state where the gaming ball can pass through at least in the round immediately after the start of the big win game.

With this, when the game ball is made to pass through the consecutive operation gate of the special device, through which the game ball must pass in order to generate a jackpot, the game ball that has passed through the consecutive operation gate of the special device will enter the jackpot opening in the first round that is subsequently started, and it is also possible to force the game ball to pass through a specific area.

(Invention C)
An opening/closing member (34) for switching the big prize opening (35) between an open state and a closed state is provided,
The gaming machine described in Invention B is characterized in that the operation of the opening and closing member is controlled so that the big prize opening is opened at the timing when the game ball that entered the role continuous operation gate (38), which triggered the start of the big win game, subsequently reaches the big prize opening.

By controlling the timing at which the big prize opening opens, when the game ball passes through the consecutive operation gate through which it must pass to trigger a big win, it is possible for the game ball to pass through the consecutive operation gate and then enter the big prize opening.

(Invention D)
A distribution member (37) is provided inside the large prize opening (35) for switching the specific area (36) between an open state and a closed state,
The gaming machine described in Invention C is characterized in that the operation of the distribution member is controlled so that the specific area is opened at the timing when the gaming ball that entered the role continuous operation gate (38), which triggered the start of a jackpot game, reaches the specific area in the jackpot opening.

By controlling the timing at which the specific area opens, when the game ball passes through the continuous operation gate of the special feature, through which it must pass to trigger a jackpot, it is possible to force the game ball that has passed through the continuous operation gate of the special feature to then pass through a specific area within the jackpot opening.

(Invention E)
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions A to D, characterized in having a ceiling transition means (61) for transitioning to a ceiling gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, when the number of times that the special symbols change in the normal probability state without winning a jackpot reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times.

This makes it possible to prevent players from playing special games that aim to transition quickly to the ceiling game state by intentionally not passing the game ball through a specific area during a jackpot game.

(Invention F)
The game control means (61) controls, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area (36) in the flow-down area during a big win game, so that the game transitions to an easy-to-enter state in which the state is a normal probability state and in which it is easier to enter the special symbol entry hole than in a normal game state, with the special symbol varying a predetermined number of times after the big win game being the upper limit,
The gaming machine described in invention E is characterized in that the predetermined number of times is less than the upper limit number of times, and the difference is less than the denominator of the probability of a jackpot under normal probability conditions.

This makes it possible to prevent players from playing special games aimed at quickly transitioning to the ceiling game state by intentionally not allowing the game ball to pass through a specific area during a jackpot game.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Pachinko game machine 2a Board lamp 7 Performance display device 8 Speaker 9 Performance button 33 Second large prize device 34 Second opening/closing member 35 Second large prize opening 36 Specific area 37 Distribution member 38 Gadget continuous operation gate 40 Non-specific area 101 Performance control microcomputer 202 Image control CPU
205 CGROM

Claims (1)

A game information acquisition means for acquiring game information based on the establishment of a starting condition;
a jackpot selection means for selecting whether or not to award a jackpot based on the game information;
a notification means for notifying a result of the lottery by the big win lottery means using a performance image displayed on an image display device;
A flow area where the game ball flows down;
A continuous operation gate for game balls provided in the flow-down area, through which game balls can pass;
and a game control means for controlling a jackpot game to start when a game ball passes through the accessory continuous operation gate after the jackpot lottery means has determined that a jackpot will be awarded, and for controlling a jackpot game to transition to a high probability state in which the probability of winning the jackpot is higher than a normal probability state after the jackpot game when the game ball passes through a specific area in the flow-down area during the jackpot game,
The specific area is downstream of the reel continuous operation gate,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the gaming ball that has passed through the accessory continuous operation gate, which is the trigger for the start of a big win game, is then allowed to pass through the specific area.

Images