JP7464248B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular to a gaming machine that has a first gaming area through which a gaming ball can flow when fired with a first firing intensity, and a second gaming area through which a gaming ball can flow when fired with a second firing intensity different from the first gaming area.

Conventionally, gaming machines (pachinko machines) generally have a gameplay feature in which a ball entering the starting hole determines whether or not a jackpot will result, and if a jackpot is determined to have occurred, a special symbol indicating a jackpot is displayed to confirm the jackpot, and then the jackpot game is played. Furthermore, many machines are equipped with a special gameplay state that is favorable for balls entering the starting hole for a specified period of time after the jackpot game, by opening a normal electric device.

In this type of pachinko machine, the electric device is usually placed in the right-hand play area, and right-hand play aiming at the right-hand play area is recommended in the bonus play state. A configuration is known that implements an effect that suggests the launch position to play right-hand play in the bonus play state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the big prize slot is placed in the right-hand play area, and right-hand play is suggested from the big win play.

JP 2018-015310 A

In conventional gaming machines, the reserved memory for special symbols is likely to increase in the bonus game state and quickly becomes full. In this case, even if the player hits right in response to an effect suggesting right-hit play, the reserved memory will not increase and there is a risk of wasting the balls in hand. Therefore, it is possible to consider not displaying an effect suggesting right-hit play when the reserved memory is full, but since players tend to recognize that they are in the bonus game state from an effect suggesting right-hit play, stopping the effect could lead to the player mistakingly thinking that the bonus game state has ended, which could lead to confusion as to whether or not they are in the bonus game state and which game area they should aim for.

In view of the above, the present invention was made with the objective of providing a gaming machine that can reduce the firing of wasted balls in the bonus game state and suppress player confusion regarding the bonus game state.

The gaming machine of the present invention comprises a first gaming area where gaming balls can flow down when the gaming balls are shot with a first shooting intensity, and a second gaming area where gaming balls can flow down when the gaming balls are shot with a second shooting intensity different from the first shooting intensity. The gaming machine also comprises a first starting port arranged so that at least gaming balls flowing down the first gaming area can enter, and a normal map operating port arranged in the second gaming area. The gaming machine further comprises a normal electric device arranged at a position where gaming balls flowing down the gaming area where at least the normal map operating port is arranged can enter, and opens according to the result of a lottery resulting from the entry of the normal map operating port. The gaming machine further comprises a second starting port where the gaming balls can enter or can enter easily by opening the normal electric device, and a flow-down notification performance implementation means for implementing a flow-down notification performance that encourages the flow-down of the gaming balls in the first gaming area or the flow-down of the gaming balls in the second gaming area. The flow-down notification performance implementation means is provided with a plurality of types of flow-down notification performances with different performance patterns when implementing a flow-down notification performance that encourages game balls to flow down in either the first game area or the second game area, and is configured to implement a second flow-down notification performance that is different from the first flow-down notification performance when a predetermined condition that is set in advance is met while implementing a first flow-down notification performance.

In the present invention, the flow-down notification effect is preferably configured to suggest the flow-down direction by displaying images or text on a performance pattern display device arranged on the game board. For example, the flow-down notification effect is preferably configured to encourage the game ball to flow down from the second game area in a special game state in which the opening of a normal electric role device is favorable for the ball to enter the second starting hole.

In the present invention, the flow-down notification performance implementation means preferably performs, for example, a first flow-down notification performance that is highly appealing and strongly encourages game balls to flow down in the first game area or the second game area, while the second flow-down notification performance is preferably less conspicuous and less appealing due to the size and color of the display.

According to the present invention, when implementing a flow-down notification effect that encourages game balls to flow down in either the first game area or the second game area, multiple types of flow-down notification effects with different presentation modes can be implemented, so that the player can continue or stop the launch of game balls using the presentation as an indicator, thereby reducing the launch of wasted balls. In addition, since the flow-down notification effect that encourages game balls to flow down in one game area is not stopped but the presentation mode is changed to continue the flow-down notification effect, it is possible to prevent player confusion as to which game area to target.

The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a winning/losing determination means for performing a winning/losing determination based on numerical data relating to a first special symbol extracted due to a ball entering the first starting hole, or numerical data relating to a second special symbol extracted due to a ball entering the second starting hole. In addition, a reserved memory means is provided for storing the extracted numerical data as a reserved memory until the reserved upper limit number is reached when the execution condition for the winning/losing determination is not satisfied, and for depleting the reserved memory by performing a winning/losing determination based on the satisfaction of the execution condition. The flow-down notification performance execution means is configured to perform a second flow-down notification performance different from the first flow-down notification performance, with the predetermined condition being that the number of memories in the reserved memory reaches a preset value, and the predetermined condition being satisfied while the first flow-down notification performance is being performed. It is preferable that the winning/losing determination means is configured to perform a winning/losing determination for a small win or a big win.

According to the present invention, for example, during the implementation of a first flow-down notification effect that encourages game balls to flow down into the second game area in a special game state favorable for entering the second starting hole by opening a normal electric device, by changing to a second flow-down notification effect with less appeal when the reserved memory of the second special pattern is full or nearly full, the player can use the effect as an indicator to refrain from firing game balls and reduce wasted balls.

The gaming machine of the present invention is configured such that the flow-down notification performance implementation means has multiple types of the above-mentioned predetermined conditions with different settings, and when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first flow-down notification performance is being implemented, a second flow-down notification performance is implemented, and when the second predetermined condition is satisfied while the first flow-down notification performance is being implemented or while the second flow-down notification performance is being implemented, a third flow-down notification performance different from the first flow-down notification performance and the second flow-down notification performance is implemented.

In the present invention, it is desirable that the gaming machine is configured to perform a look-ahead performance indicating the likelihood of a jackpot in the reserved memory in response to a ball entering the second starting hole when the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full in a special game state favorable for a ball entering the second starting hole. In this case, the first predetermined condition is that the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full, and a second flow-down notification performance with low appeal is performed to reduce the launch of wasted balls, while the second predetermined condition is that the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full and a look-ahead performance indicating the likelihood of a jackpot in the reserved memory is performed, and the third flow-down notification performance with higher appeal than the second flow-down notification performance is performed. This allows the player to launch game balls in accordance with the third flow-down notification performance, and to increase the expectation of a jackpot through the look-ahead performance.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board installed in the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the inside of an MPU installed in a main control device of a gaming machine. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the inside of a random number generating circuit provided in the MPU. FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the inside of the power supply board. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing game specifications. This is the first explanatory diagram regarding the jackpot pattern of the special pattern. An explanatory diagram regarding the first variable table of special symbols. 4 is a flowchart showing a "start-up process" executed by the main control device. 4 is a first flowchart showing an "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 11 is a second flowchart showing the "interrupt process" executed by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing an "input determination process" executed in the interrupt process. This is a flowchart showing the "special ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "normal ball entry confirmation process" executed during the input judgment process. This is a flowchart showing the "pass/fail determination process" executed during the interrupt process. This is the first flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "general pass/fail determination process" executed during the pass/fail determination process. This is a first flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "regular game processing" executed during the regular game win/loss determination processing. This is the first flowchart showing the "first special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "first special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "second special chart win/loss determination process" executed during the win/loss determination process. This is a second flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is a third flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the fourth flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed in the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the fifth flowchart showing the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination process. This is the first flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is the third flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart winning/losing determination processing. This is the fourth flowchart showing the "jackpot game processing" executed during the special chart hit/miss determination processing. This is the first flowchart showing the "small win game processing" executed during the special chart win/loss determination processing. This is a second flowchart showing the "small win game processing" executed during the special chart win/loss determination processing. This is the first explanatory diagram regarding the jackpot game and the game status after the jackpot game ends. This is a first timing chart showing the game status during and after the jackpot game ends. This is the first flowchart showing the control contents of the ``right hit notification processing'' executed by the sub-integrated control device. This is a second flowchart showing the control contents of the ``right hit notification processing'' executed by the sub-integrated control device. This is a flowchart showing the control contents of the "right hit notification development process A" executed by the sub-integrated control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the "right-hit notification development process B" executed by the sub-integrated control device. 11 is a first display example showing a display mode of an effect implemented on a gaming machine. 13 is a second display example showing the display mode of the presentation implemented on the gaming machine. 13 is a third display example showing the display mode of the effects implemented on the gaming machine. 4 is a fourth display example showing the display mode of the presentation implemented on the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a second explanatory diagram regarding the special jackpot pattern. An explanatory diagram regarding the first variable table of special symbols. This is a second explanatory diagram regarding the jackpot game and the game status after the jackpot game ends. This is a second timing chart showing the game status during and after the jackpot game ends. 5 is a fifth display example showing the display mode of the presentation implemented on the gaming machine.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the external configuration of a pachinko machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

(1. General Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 1 is a gaming machine that can be played by a player and is installed in an amusement facility.

(1-1: Front configuration of pachinko machine 1)
The pachinko machine 1 is structured such that each component is held by an outer frame 10 that is a vertically long fixed outer holding frame. A front frame (glass frame) 11 in which a glass plate 110 is fitted and an inner frame 30 (see FIG. 3) are provided so as to be openable and closable via hinges 101 provided at the top and bottom of the left side of the outer frame 10. The front frame 11 and the inner frame 30 are locked to the outer frame 10 by a cylinder lock 18. By inserting a specified key into the cylinder lock 18 and turning the key clockwise to open the inner frame 30, the front frame 11 can be opened by turning it counterclockwise.

Behind the glass plate 110 of the front frame 11 is the game board 2 (see Figure 2) held by the inner frame 30.

Speakers 112 are installed on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the front frame 11, which output game sounds to enhance the entertainment value of the game. The front frame 11 also has frame-side decorative lamps 113 that light up according to the game status, as well as LEDs that notify of abnormalities in the game.

The upper tray 12 and lower tray 13 are integrally formed in the lower half of the front frame 11. A launch handle 14 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 13, and by operating the launch handle 14 clockwise, the launch device is activated and game balls supplied from the upper tray 12 are launched toward the game board 2. Prize balls are also paid out onto the upper tray 12.

The lower tray 13 is configured to receive prize balls that spill over from the upper tray 12, and by operating the ball removal lever, the game balls that have accumulated on the lower tray 13 can be transferred to a separate box (dollar box) installed in the gaming facility.

This pachinko machine 1 is a so-called CR machine, and is adjacent to a prepaid card unit (CR unit) CR that reads and writes prepaid cards. On the right side of the upper tray 12 of the pachinko machine 1, a ball loan switch 171, a settlement switch 172, and a settlement display of the settlement display device 170 (see Figure 4) are provided. In addition, in the center of the upper tray 12, there is a performance button 15 that can be operated by the player, and a jog dial 16 is provided around the outer periphery.

(1-2: Configuration of the game board of pachinko machine 1)
As shown in Fig. 2, the game board 2 has a substantially circular game area 20 surrounded by an outer rail 201 and an inner rail 202. A center case 200 is attached to the game area at a position near the upper center. This divides the game area 20 into a left game area 20L where game balls flow down when the game balls are shot with less than a predetermined shooting power (first shooting strength), and a right game area 20R where game balls flow down when the game balls are shot with a predetermined shooting power or more (second shooting strength). A large number of game nails and the like are planted in the game area 20.

The center case 200 has an LCD panel for the performance pattern display device 47 (not shown in full) in the center. The center case 200 is also equipped with a warp entrance, warp gutter, stage, etc., as is well known.

Directly below the center of the center case 200 in the left-right direction is a first special pattern start hole 23, where a game ball can always enter and where a first special pattern (hereafter referred to as the first special pattern) is determined based on the ball's entry. When a game ball enters the first special pattern start hole 23, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the first special pattern.

Directly below the first special chart start hole 23 is a first large prize hole 25. The first large prize hole 25 is provided so that it can be opened and closed by an opening and closing plate of the special electric device, and is a prize hole that can be opened in a predetermined opening manner during a round of jackpot play.

In addition, in the left game area 20L, diagonally below the left side of the center case 200 and to the left of the first special chart starting hole 23, there are multiple (three) general winning holes 27 through which balls can be entered at any time.

In the right game area 20R, a normal symbol operation port 21 is located to the right of the center case 200. The normal symbol operation port 21 is a gate through which a game ball can enter and pass, and whether or not a normal symbol (hereafter simply referred to as a normal symbol) is determined based on the ball passing through. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, multiple types of random numbers (numerical data) are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the normal symbol.

In the right play area 20R, a normal electric device 22 (hereafter simply referred to as the normal electric device) is located downstream of the normal play operation port 21. The normal electric device 22 has a pair of left and right wings that can be opened and closed, and is a ball entry device that is normally difficult for a game ball to enter. Then, when the normal play is judged to be a win, the wings are opened in a predetermined opening manner, making it possible for the ball to enter.

The normal power device 22 has a second special symbol start hole 24 arranged inside. The second special symbol start hole 24 is configured to only allow the game ball that has entered the normal power device 22 to enter. The second special symbol start hole 24 is a winning hole where a judgment is made as to whether or not a second special symbol (hereafter referred to as the second special symbol) has been won when a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24. When a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, multiple types of random numbers are extracted, and these random numbers are stored as reserved memory for the second special symbol.

Furthermore, in the right play area 20R, a second large prize opening 26 that is opened and closed by the opening and closing plate of the special electric device is located downstream of the normal electric device 22. The second large prize opening 26 is a prize opening that can be opened during a small prize game.

The aim of ball entry into the normal play opening 21, the normal play device 22, the second special play opening 24, and the second big prize opening 26 arranged in this way is mainly to make the game ball flow down to the right play area 20R by "playing from the right".

In the game area 20, at the bottom of the board directly below the first large winning hole 25, there is an outlet 203 that takes in game balls that have flowed down to the bottom of the game area 20 without entering any of the various winning holes.

In the game board 2, in the area outside the outer rail 201 at the lower right end, a first special symbol display device 281 and a second special symbol display device 283 consisting of seven-segment displays, and a first special symbol reserved number display device 282 and a second special symbol reserved number display device 284 consisting of four LED displays are arranged. In the same area, a normal symbol display device 285 and a normal symbol reserved number display device 286 consisting of multiple LED displays are also arranged.

(1-3: Back structure of pachinko machine 1)
3 shows the back of the pachinko machine 1, and the back side of the pachinko machine 1 houses an inner frame 30 to which the game board 2 is detachably attached. The inner frame 30 is hinged to the outer frame 10 at the top and bottom positions of one side edge (right side of FIG. 3) in the same manner as the front frame 11, and is installed so as to be openable and closable. A game ball flow passage is formed in the inner frame 30, and a ball tank 31, a tank rail 32, and a payout unit 33 are provided from the top (upstream), and a payout mechanism is provided in the payout unit 33. With this configuration, when a game ball enters a winning hole of the game board 2, a predetermined number of game balls (prize balls) are paid out from the ball tank 31 through the tank rail 32 by the payout unit 33 through the payout ball flow passage to the upper tray 12. In addition, the payout unit 33, which pays out prize balls, also pays out loan balls paid out by operating the ball loan switch 171.

The back side of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a main control device 40, a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, a launch control device 44, and a power supply board 45. The main control device 40, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are provided on the game board 2, and the payout control device 41, the launch control device 44, and the power supply board 45 are provided on the inner frame 30. The launch control device 44 is not shown in Figure 3, but it is provided on the back side of the power supply board 45.

The main control device 40 is provided with an RWM clear switch (SW) 401 and a setting key switch (SW) 402. The RWM clear switch 401 is mainly operated when clearing game information and the like stored in the RWM 630 (see FIG. 5) built into the main control device 40. The RWM clear switch 401 may also be located on the payout control device 41 or the power supply board 45.

The setting key switch 402 is a key switch mechanism that is turned ON by rotating a key inserted into the keyhole in one direction. The pachinko machine 1 is an amusement machine with a setting function that allows the jackpot probability setting to be changed by the operation of an employee of the amusement facility, etc., and the employee of the amusement facility, etc., can change and check the jackpot probability setting by turning on the power with the setting key switch 402 turned ON. The RWM clear switch 401 is also operated when changing the jackpot probability setting.

Furthermore, the main control device 40 is provided with a performance display device 403 consisting of four 7-segment LED displays. By providing the performance display device 403 on the back side of the pachinko machine 1, the performance display device 403 can be placed in a position that is not visible to the player during play.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp 410 that lights up an LED when the main control device 40 determines that fraud has occurred, thereby notifying employees of the gaming facility that fraud has occurred.

On the back side of the pachinko machine 1, to the right of the ball tank 31, an external connection terminal board 38 is arranged, and signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 (see Figure 4) via the external connection terminal board 38. Note that, conventionally, two types of external connection terminal boards are used to send signals to the hall computer 500: one for the board (terminals for outputting signals output from the game board side to the hall computer 500) and one for the frame side (terminals for outputting signals output from the outer frame 10, front frame 11, and inner frame 30 to the hall computer 500). However, in this embodiment, signals indicating the game status and game results are sent to the hall computer 500 via a single external connection terminal board 38.

(1-4: Operation of Pachinko Machine 1)
Returning to Fig. 2, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. When a game ball enters the normal symbol operation port 21, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random numbers related to the normal symbol hit/miss judgment, and judges the hit/miss based on the extracted random numbers. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the normal symbol variable display on the normal symbol display device 285, and displays the fixed hit after a predetermined time.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment is a hit, the pachinko machine 1 opens the normal power device 22, allowing the ball to enter the second special chart starting hole 24. The opening time and number of times the normal power device 22 is opened are set to, for example, 3.5 seconds x 1 time in the normal state, and 8 seconds x 1 time in a game state that is advantageous to the player (the normal power device support state described below).

When a game ball enters the first special symbol start hole 23, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the first special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number values, and judges whether it is a big hit or a miss. Based on the result of this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 281, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 (see Figure 42) corresponding to the first special symbol on the performance symbol display device 47, and displays the final result after a predetermined time has passed.

Similarly, when a game ball enters the second special symbol start hole 24, the pachinko machine 1 extracts multiple random number values related to the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol, and stores a predetermined number of the extracted random number values as reserved memory for the second special symbol. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a hit/miss judgment based on the reserved random number value of the second special symbol, and judges whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss. Based on this hit/miss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variable display of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 283, and displays the finalized second special symbol after a predetermined time has passed. The pachinko machine 1 also starts the variable display of the pseudo performance symbol 700 corresponding to the second special symbol on the performance symbol display device 47, and displays the finalized symbol after a predetermined time has passed.

The first and second special symbols are displayed in small size in the corners of the game board 2. The pachinko machine 1 performs a pseudo performance display using pseudo performance symbols 700 corresponding to the first and second special symbols on the performance symbol display device 47 provided in the center of the game area 20, and notifies the player of the result of the hit/miss judgment through the pseudo performance display. In the pseudo performance display, the pachinko machine 1 performs a variable display of three pseudo performance symbols 700, and if the result of the hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the three pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 performs a reach performance in which two pseudo performance symbols 700 are stopped with the same symbol in the pseudo performance display, and the remaining one pseudo performance symbol 700 is displayed with a variable display, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation that the hit/miss judgment will be a jackpot.

Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is configured such that the judgment of whether the first special chart is a hit or not and the judgment of whether the second special chart is a hit or not are performed according to the ball entering the first special chart start hole 23 and the second special chart start hole 24, respectively, and the first special chart and the second special chart can change simultaneously.

The pachinko machine 1 is configured such that when the first special chart and the second special chart are fluctuating simultaneously, the pseudo performance display performed by the performance pattern display device 47 displays a pseudo performance display targeting either the fluctuation of the first special chart or the second special chart, which is the main target, depending on the current game situation. For example, in a game state in which a left-handed play is recommended in which it is more advantageous to aim at the first special chart start hole 23 depending on the game situation, a pseudo performance display corresponding to the first special chart is displayed by the performance pattern display device 47. On the other hand, in a game state in which a right-handed play is recommended in which it is more advantageous to aim at the second special chart start hole 24, a pseudo performance display corresponding to the second special chart is displayed by the performance pattern display device 47.

When the first special chart and the second special chart change simultaneously, it is desirable for the pachinko machine 1 to display only the pseudo performance display of the main special chart on the performance pattern display device 47. In addition, without being limited to this, when the change of another special chart starts and ends while the pseudo performance display of the main special chart is being implemented, a small performance display corresponding to the start of the change of the other special chart and a performance display corresponding to the end of the change of the other special chart may be displayed in the corner of the display screen.

If the result of the first or second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit according to the state in which the first or second special symbol is confirmed and displayed, the pachinko machine 1 plays a hit game. In this hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the first large prize opening 25. Specifically, the pachinko machine 1 closes the first large prize opening 25 when a predetermined time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed since the first large prize opening 25 was opened, or when the number of game balls that have entered the first large prize opening 25 since the first large prize opening 25 was opened reaches a specified number of winning balls (10 in this embodiment), and a series of such actions is performed a predetermined number of times as one round.

For example, the jackpot game is selected from a number of types of jackpot games, such as a 15R jackpot game in which the first large prize opening 25 is opened in a predetermined opening mode for 15 rounds, or a 10R jackpot game in which the round game is played for 10 rounds. The type of jackpot game is selected according to the jackpot pattern of the first or second special symbol determined in accordance with the win/loss judgment that is the cause of the jackpot game.

If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit according to the confirmed display state of the second special symbol, the pachinko machine 1 executes a small hit game. In this small hit game, the pachinko machine 1 opens and closes the second large winning opening 26. In the small hit game, for example, an opening operation is executed once to open the second large winning opening 26 for 1.600 seconds.

When the first and second special charts change simultaneously, for example, if the second special chart determination result is a small win and the second special chart displays a confirmation indicating a small win, the pachinko machine 1 halts the change of the first special chart. The change of the first special chart is halted during the small win game of the second special chart, and is resumed after the small win game ends.

In addition, when the first and second special patterns change simultaneously, for example, if the judgment result of either the first or second special pattern is a jackpot and a confirmation display is made indicating a jackpot for the first or second special pattern, the change of the other second or first special pattern is stopped. In this case, even if a hit/miss judgment is made for one special pattern while the other is changing to a jackpot, it is forcibly judged to be a miss, so the change of the other special pattern is stopped at the miss pattern and confirmed.

The pachinko machine 1 is a so-called probability variable machine, and is broadly divided into two game states: a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed, and a game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is open. Furthermore, the game state in which the first large prize opening 25 is closed includes two game states: a normal state (low probability state) and a probability variable state (high probability state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The probability variable state is a game state in which the probability of a jackpot in the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart and the second special chart is set higher than in the normal state. For example, the probability variable state continues until the next jackpot occurs.

The pachinko machine 1 also includes two types of jackpots: a special jackpot and a normal jackpot. When the first or second special chart is judged to be a special jackpot, the pachinko machine 1 selects a special jackpot pattern as the jackpot pattern. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to a special jackpot state after the jackpot play.

In addition, when the pachinko machine 1 transitions to the probability of winning state, depending on the winning pattern of the first or second special pattern, the probability of winning when the normal pattern is judged to be a hit is increased, the fluctuation time of the normal pattern is shortened, and the opening time of the normal pattern is extended. This normal pattern support state (normal pattern support state) continues until the number of pattern fluctuations accompanying the hit/miss judgment of the first and second special patterns reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times or 30 times) or until a jackpot occurs during this time. In this normal pattern support state, the pachinko machine 1 can increase the number of times the second special pattern and normal pattern are displayed in a certain period of time.

On the other hand, when the first or second special design is judged to be a normal jackpot, the pachinko machine 1 selects a normal design (corresponding to the first jackpot design in the claims) as the jackpot design. In this case, the pachinko machine 1 is given a normal power support function after the jackpot game. This normal power support state continues until the number of design changes associated with the judgment of whether the first or second special design is a normal jackpot reaches a predetermined number (e.g. 30 times) or until a jackpot occurs during this time.

The pachinko machine 1 then performs a right-hit play in which the game ball is shot into the right play area 20R during a jackpot game, recommends aiming for the ball to land in the first large prize opening 25, and performs a right-hit notification effect (corresponding to the flow-down notification effect described in the claims) that encourages the player to play with a right-hit game. Furthermore, even if the game transitions to a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the right-hit notification effect continues, encouraging the player to play with a right-hit game by aiming for the ball to land in the second special prize opening 24 from the normal chart lottery.

The pachinko machine 1 normally performs a first right hit notification performance (corresponding to the first flow-down notification performance described in the claims) that is noticeable to the player as a right hit notification performance. The pachinko machine 1 then performs a second right hit notification performance (corresponding to the second flow-down notification performance described in the claims) when a first predetermined condition that is set in advance is met during the implementation of the first right hit notification performance. Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to perform a third right hit notification performance (corresponding to the third flow-down notification performance described in the claims) when a second predetermined condition that is set in advance is met during the implementation of the first right hit notification performance or the second right hit notification performance.

(2. Electrical Configuration of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The pachinko machine 1 is configured with a main control device 40 that controls the game progress, etc., and sub-control devices such as a payout control device 41, a sub-integrated control device 42, a performance symbol control device 43, and a launch control device 44. The main control device 40, the payout control device 41, the sub-integrated control device 42, and the performance symbol control device 43 are all equipped with a CPU, a ROM, an RWM, an input port, an output port, etc., and each of these control devices starts a program consisting of a main routine and a subroutine loaded in the ROM by the CPU in response to an interrupt signal with a 2 ms or 4 ms cycle, and various controls are executed. The main control device 40 also has a random number counter that extracts various random numbers.

In this embodiment, the launch control device 44 is not provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc., but this is not limited to this, and the launch control device 44 may be provided with a CPU, ROM, RWM, etc.

(2-1. Main Control Device 40)
As shown in Fig. 4, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 is centered around a main control device 40 that mainly controls the game. The main control device 40 is electrically connected to a hall computer 500 or a test firing device (not shown) via a rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and an external connection terminal board 38. An output signal from the main control device 40 is sent to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530 and the external connection terminal board 38.

A glass frame opening switch 501 that detects whether the front frame 11 (see FIG. 1) is open or not, and an inner frame opening switch 502 that detects whether the inner frame 30 (see FIG. 3) is open or not are connected to the main control device 40 via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. Note that in the figure, the switches are simply referred to as SW. The glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 each output their detection signals to the main control device 40.

In addition, the main control device 40 is connected, via the game board relay terminal board 531, to a first special symbol start port switch 503 which detects balls entering the first special symbol start port 23 (see Figure 2), a second special symbol start port switch 504 which detects balls entering the second special symbol start port 24 (see Figure 2), a normal symbol operation switch 505 which detects balls entering the normal symbol operation port 21 (see Figure 2), a first count switch 506 which counts the number of balls entering the first large prize port 25 (see Figure 2), a second count switch 507 which counts the number of balls entering the second large prize port 26 (see Figure 2), a general prize port switch 508 which detects balls entering the general prize port 27 (see Figure 2), and an out port switch 509 which detects game balls taken into the out port 203. The first special symbol start switch 503, the second special symbol start switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the general winning symbol switch 508, and the out switch 509 each output their detection signals to the main control device 40.

Furthermore, the main control device 40 drives the first large prize opening solenoid 510 via the game board relay terminal board 531 to control the opening and closing of the first large prize opening 25 (see FIG. 2), and drives the second large prize opening solenoid 511 to control the opening and closing of the second large prize opening 26 (see FIG. 2). Note that in the figure, the solenoid is simply written as SOL. Furthermore, the main control device 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 512 to control the opening and closing of the normal power device 22 (see FIG. 2).

The main control device 40 operates according to the installed program. The main control device 40 generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on various detection signals, etc., and outputs the commands to the payout control device 41 and the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, the main control device 40 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 281, the first special symbol reserved number display device 282, the second special symbol display device 283, the second special symbol reserved number display device 284, the normal symbol display device 285, and the normal symbol reserved number display device 286, which are connected via the symbol display device relay terminal board 533.

(2-1-1. Schematic configuration of MPU 600)
Here, referring to FIG. 5, the MPU 600 (Micro
As shown in Fig. 5, the MPU 600 mainly includes a CPU 610, a ROM 620, an RWM 630, a counter circuit 640, a timer circuit 650, and a random number circuit 660. The CPU 610, the ROM 620, the RWM 630, the counter circuit 640, the timer circuit 650, and the random number circuit 660 are connected to each other via an internal bus 601, and the internal bus 601 is connected to various switches and various devices provided in the pachinko machine 1 via an external bus interface 602 so as to be able to communicate with each other (see Fig. 4). In Fig. 5, the reference numeral 611 denotes a general-purpose register of the CPU 610.

(2-1-2. ROM 620)
The ROM 620 stores a win/loss determination table 621a for the first special symbol, a pattern selection table 622a for the first special symbol, a variable pattern selection table 623a for the first special symbol, a win/loss determination table 621b for the second special symbol, a pattern selection table 622b for the second special symbol, a variable pattern selection table 623b for the second special symbol, and a reach determination table 624.

The first special symbol win/loss judgment table 621a is used to judge the win/loss of the first special symbol. The first special symbol win/loss judgment table 621a includes a plurality of win/loss judgment tables that are used according to the game state and the stage setting value (simply called the setting value) described below. The first special symbol pattern selection table 622a is used when determining the pattern to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 281 as a result of the win/loss judgment of the first special symbol. The first special symbol variation pattern selection table 623a is used when selecting the variation pattern to be displayed on the first special symbol display device 281. The first special symbol variation pattern selection table 623a includes a plurality of variation pattern selection tables that are used according to the result of the win/loss judgment of the first special symbol and the game state being executed.

The second special symbol win/loss judgment table 621b is used to judge whether the second special symbol is a win or loss. The second special symbol win/loss judgment table 621b includes a plurality of win/loss judgment tables that are used according to the game status, the set stage value, etc. The second special symbol pattern selection table 622b is used when determining the pattern to be displayed on the second special symbol display device 283 as a result of the win/loss judgment of the second special symbol. The second special symbol variation pattern selection table 623b is used when selecting the variation pattern to be displayed on the second special symbol display device 283. The second special symbol variation pattern selection table 623b includes a plurality of variation pattern selection tables that are used according to the result of the win/loss judgment of the second special symbol, the game status during execution, etc.

The reach determination table 624 is used to determine whether the first special chart and the second special chart are a hit or miss. The reach determination table 624 is used to determine whether or not to perform a reach miss performance in which the pseudo performance pattern 700 indicating a miss is displayed after the reach performance in the pseudo performance pattern 700 (see FIG. 42) displayed on the performance pattern display device 47 in conjunction with the variable display of the first special chart and the second special chart.

The ROM 620 further stores a regular pattern hit/miss judgment table 621c, a regular pattern selection table 622c, and a regular pattern variation pattern selection table 623c. The regular pattern hit/miss judgment table 621c is used to judge the hit/miss of regular patterns. The regular pattern selection table 622c is used to determine the pattern to be displayed on the regular pattern display device 285 as a result of the hit/miss judgment of the regular pattern. The regular pattern variation pattern selection table 623c is used to select the variation pattern to be displayed on the regular pattern display device 285.

(2-1-3. RWM630)
The RWM 630 stores a first special symbol reserve memory area 631, a second special symbol reserve memory area 632, a regular symbol reserve memory area 633, a special symbol counter 634, an electric support counter 635, a stage setting value storage area 636, and a mode value storage area 637.

The reserved memory area 631 for the first special design stores the number of reserved balls for the first special design, and the reserved memory area 632 for the second special design stores the number of reserved balls for the second special design. The reserved memory area 633 for the regular design stores the number of reserved balls for the regular design. The upper limit of the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved memory area 631 for the first special design, the reserved memory area 632 for the second special design, and the reserved memory area 633 for the regular design is all four.

The special chance counter 634 is used to count the special chance count M. As described above, when the pachinko machine 1 determines that the first or second special chance is a special chance jackpot, it transitions to a special chance state (high probability state) in which the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal state (low probability state) after the jackpot game ends. At this time, a predetermined value (10,000 in this embodiment) is set in the special chance counter 634 as the value of the special chance count M. The value of this special chance count M is decreased by 1 each time a special chance is determined, and when the special chance count M becomes 0, the game state transitions from the special chance state to the normal state. In addition, the RWM 630 is provided with a special chance flag indicating that the game state is in a special chance state. This special chance flag is set to "1" when the game state is in a special chance state, and is set to "0" when the game state is not in a special chance state.

The electric support counter 635 is used to count the number of normal power support times N. As described above, when the pachinko machine 1 is a normal jackpot in the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart, it transitions to a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. At this time, a predetermined value (30 in this embodiment) is set as the value of the number of normal power support times N in the electric support counter 635. The value of this number of normal power support times N is decreased by 1 each time a hit/miss judgment is made, and when the number of normal power support times N becomes 0, the game state transitions from the normal power support state to a non-normal power support state. In addition, the RWM 630 is provided with an electric support flag indicating that the game state is in the normal power support state. This electric support flag is set to "1" when the game state is in the normal power support state, and is set to "0" when the game state is not in the normal power support state.

(2-1-4. Step setting value)
The stage setting value storage area 636 stores stage setting values related to the probability of a jackpot in the hit/miss judgment. As described above, the pachinko machine 1 is a gaming machine with a setting function. That is, the pachinko machine 1 sets, for example, stage setting values 1 to 3 divided into three stages according to the probability of a jackpot in the hit/miss judgment in the stage setting value storage area 636. Then, the main control device 40 determines a hit/miss judgment table to be used in the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol or the second special symbol based on the stage setting values stored in the stage setting value storage area 636.

In this embodiment, the main control device 40 is designed to set the stage setting value to be stored in the stage setting value storage area 636 to a value between "1" and "3". If a value other than "1" to "3" is stored in the stage setting value storage area 636, it is determined that some kind of fraudulent activity or an abnormality in the RWM 630 has occurred. In this case, it is desirable for the main control device 40 to notify an employee of the amusement facility using the fraud notification lamp 410 or the like.

(2-1-5. Transition Mode)
The mode value storage area 637 stores a "mode value" that indicates which of the four transition modes the pachinko machine 1 transitions to after power is turned on.

Specifically, when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on and the predetermined preparation process is completed, the pachinko machine 1 transitions to one of the transition modes: "play mode," "setting confirmation mode," "setting change mode," or "play stop mode."

The play mode is a transition mode that is set when the pachinko machine 1 is ready for play. The play mode also includes a "backup recovery mode" in which the backup data stored in the RWM 630 at the time of the most recent power outage is restored and then the game mode is transitioned to, and an "RWM clear mode" in which the backup data stored in the RWM 630 at the time of the most recent power outage is erased and then the game mode is transitioned to. When the mode value stored in the mode value storage area 637 is "0", the main control device 40 transitions to the play mode.

The setting confirmation mode is a transition mode that is set when an employee of the gaming facility checks the stage setting value currently set in the pachinko machine 1. The setting change mode is a transition mode that is set when the stage setting value set in the pachinko machine 1 is changed. Note that the pachinko machine 1 is disabled for play when the setting confirmation mode or setting change mode is set as the transition mode.

When the mode value stored in the mode value storage area 637 is "1", the main control device 40 transitions to the setting confirmation mode, and when the mode value stored in the mode value storage area 637 is "2", the main control device 40 transitions to the setting change mode. The setting confirmation mode and the setting change mode end when a specified operation is performed by an employee of the gaming facility or the like. After the setting confirmation mode or the setting change mode ends, the main control device 40 transitions to the game mode and stores "0" in the mode value storage area 637.

The setting check mode, setting change mode, and game stop mode are transition modes that can only be entered when the power is turned on. In other words, after the pachinko machine 1 has entered either the setting check mode or the setting change mode after the power is turned on, it will not transition to a transition mode other than the game mode. Also, after the pachinko machine 1 has entered the game mode, it will not transition to either the setting check mode, setting change mode, or game stop mode.

The game stop mode is a transition mode that is set when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the RWM 630. When the game stop mode is set as the transition mode, the mode value storage area 637 stores "3" as the mode value.

(2-1-6. Counter Circuit 640)
The counter circuit 640 performs timing processing for various counters provided in the pachinko machine 1, and the timer circuit 650 performs timing processing for various timers provided in the pachinko machine 1. For example, the timer circuit 650 includes a variable time timer 651 in which a variable time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is set according to a selected variable pattern. The main control device 40 performs a variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol until the variable time timer 651 reaches 0, and when the variable time timer 651 reaches 0, performs a final display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol.

(2-1-7. Random Number Circuit 660)
The random number circuit 660 generates hardware random numbers used in the processing performed by the main control unit 40. Examples of random numbers generated by the random number circuit 660 include a random number for determining whether or not a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot used to determine whether or not a 1st special symbol and a 2nd special symbol are a random number for determining whether or not a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot used to determine whether or not a normal symbol is a jackpot. When the extracted random number for determining whether or not a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot, the main control unit 40 determines that the result of the determination is a jackpot when the random number for determining whether or not a jackpot is determined to be a jackpot, is the same as the random number set in the first special symbol determination table 621a or the second special symbol determination table 621b.

When a game ball enters the first special chart start port 23, the main control unit 40 stores the extracted random number for determining a jackpot in the first special chart reserve memory area 631. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second special chart start port 24, the main control unit 40 stores the extracted random number for determining a jackpot in the second special chart reserve memory area 632. Also, when a game ball enters the normal chart operation port 21, the main control unit 40 stores the extracted random number for determining a jackpot in the normal chart reserve memory area 633.

The random number circuit 660 generates a random number 1 for determining a jackpot pattern and a random number 2 for determining a jackpot pattern used to select a special pattern to be displayed on the first special pattern display device 281 or the second special pattern display device 283. The main control device 40 then determines the special pattern to be displayed on the first special pattern display device 281 or the second special pattern display device 283 based on the extracted random number 1 for determining a jackpot pattern and random number 2 for determining a jackpot pattern and the random number value set in the first special pattern selection table 622a or the second special pattern selection table 622b.

Similarly, the random number circuit 660 generates a random number for determining a winning symbol to be used to select a normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 285. The main control device 40 then determines the normal symbol to be displayed on the normal symbol display device 285 based on the extracted random number for determining a winning symbol and the random number value set in the normal symbol selection table 622c.

Furthermore, the random number circuit 660 generates a reach determination random number used to determine whether or not to perform a reach-miss performance. The main control device 40 then determines whether or not to perform a reach-miss performance based on the extracted reach determination random number and the random number value set in the reach determination table 624.

The random number circuit 660 also generates a special chart variation pattern determining random number 1 and a special chart variation pattern determining random number 2 used to select a variation pattern to be displayed on the first special chart display device 281 or the second special chart display device 283. The main control device 40 then determines the variation pattern to be displayed on the first special chart display device 281 or the second special chart display device 283 based on the extracted special chart variation pattern determining random number 1 and special chart variation pattern determining random number 2 and the random number value set in the first special chart variation pattern selection table 623a or the second special chart variation pattern selection table 623b.

Furthermore, the random number circuit 660 generates a random number for determining a normal pattern variation pattern used to select a variation pattern to be displayed on the normal pattern display device 285. Then, the main control device 40 determines the variation pattern to be displayed on the normal pattern display device 285 based on the extracted random number 2 for determining a normal pattern variation pattern and the random number value set in the normal pattern variation pattern selection table 623c.

As shown in FIG. 6, the random number circuit 660 includes a random number generation circuit 661, three random number registers 662A-662C, a random number capture register 663, and random number latch flag registers 664A-664C. The random number generation circuit 661 starts up as soon as the MPU 600 is powered on, and updates the random number value at a timing determined by appropriately dividing the system clock signal (SCLK) from the timer circuit 650 (see FIG. 5).

Each of the random number registers 662A-662C stores the random number value generated by the random number generation circuit 661. The random number value capture register 663 is used to specify which of the random number registers 662A-662C stores the random number value. For example, when storing a random number value in the random number register 662A, the main control unit 40 sets the random number value capture register 663 to "1". Similarly, when storing a random number value in the random number register 662B, the main control unit 40 sets the random number value capture register 663 to "2", and when storing a random number value in the random number register 662C, the main control unit 40 sets the random number value capture register 663 to "3".

The random number latch flag registers 664A-664C indicate whether or not a random number value has been loaded into each of the random number registers 662A-662C. Specifically, when a random number value is loaded into the random number registers 662A-662C, the main control unit 40 sets the corresponding random number latch flag register 664A-664C to "1". Then, when the main control unit 40 references the random number value stored in each of the random number registers 662A-662C, it sets the referenced random number latch flag register 664A-664C to "0". This allows the main control unit 40 to know whether or not a random number value has been stored in each of the random number registers 662A-662C.

(2-2. Dispensing control device 41)
Returning to FIG. 4, the payout control device 41 will be described. The payout control device 41 is connected to the main control device 40 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout control device 41 is connected to the glass frame opening switch 501 and the inner frame opening switch 502 via the payout relay terminal board 534 and the back wiring relay terminal board 530. The payout control device 41 transmits information about the winning balls, information about the open/closed state of the front frame 11 and the inner frame 30, etc. to the hall computer 500 or the test firing device (not shown) via the external connection terminal board 38. The payout control device 41 also transmits a firing stop signal to the firing control device 44 to stop the firing of the game balls as necessary.

The dispensing control device 41 is also connected to a bulb-out switch 520, which detects when the bulb tank 31 (see FIG. 3) is empty, via the rear wiring relay terminal board 530. When the bulb-out switch 520 detects that the bulb tank 31 is empty, it outputs a detection signal to the dispensing control device 41.

Furthermore, the payout control device 41 is connected to a payout motor 521 that pays out game balls and a payout switch 522 that detects that game balls have been paid out via a payout relay terminal board 534. The payout control device 41 drives the payout motor 521 in response to commands sent from the main control device 40 to pay out game balls, and when the payout switch 522 detects that game balls have been paid out, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41. Furthermore, a full switch 523 that detects when the lower tray 13 is full is connected to the payout control device 41. When the full switch 523 detects that the lower tray 13 is full, it outputs a detection signal to the payout control device 41.

When a detection signal is input from the out-of-ball switch 520 and when a detection signal is input from the full switch 523, the payout control device 41 stops the payout motor 521. This stops the payout operation of the payout unit 33 to pay out prize balls. The out-of-ball switch 520 continues to output a detection signal until the out-of-ball condition is resolved, and the full switch 523 continues to output a detection signal until the full condition of the lower tray 13 is released. Then, when the input of the detection signals from the out-of-ball switch 520 and the full switch 523 stops, the payout control device 41 resumes driving the payout motor 521.

When the present invention is applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which game balls enclosed within the machine are circulated to play the game, one-way communication may be used from the main control device 40 to the payout control device 41 (in the case of an enclosed gaming machine, since game balls are not paid out, it is preferable to call it a frame control device). In this case, the gaming machine can be configured to be difficult to tamper with.

The payout control device 41 is further connected to the CR unit CR and the settlement display device 170 via the CR unit terminal board 535 so as to be capable of two-way communication. A ball lending switch 171 and a settlement switch 172 operated by the player are connected to the settlement display device 170. The ball lending switch 171 is a switch that is operated when the player requests the lending of game balls, and the settlement switch 172 is a switch that is operated when the player requests settlement.

When the ball lending switch 171 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting a loan. The loan request signal output by the ball lending switch 171 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and a loan request signal is sent from the CR unit CR to the payout control device 41. Then, when the payout control device 41 receives the loan request signal from the CR unit CR, it drives the payout motor 521 to pay out game balls and control the display of the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the CR unit CR.

When the settlement switch 172 detects an operation by the player, it outputs an operation signal requesting settlement. The settlement request signal output by the settlement switch 172 is input to the CR unit CR via the settlement display device 170, and the CR unit CR controls the balance management and balance display of the prepaid card inserted into the CR unit CR in response to the settlement request signal.

The payout control device 41 is also provided with a fraud notification lamp 410, which is an LED that lights up if it is determined that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal. When the payout control device 41 receives a fraud command from the main control device 40, it lights up the fraud notification lamp 410, thereby alerting employees of the gaming facility that fraud may have occurred.

(2-3. Sub-integrated control device 42 and performance pattern control device 43)
The sub integrated control device 42 is connected to the main control device 40 via a performance relay terminal board 532, and enables communication from the main control device 40 to the sub integrated control device 42. The sub integrated control device 42 controls performance based on commands received from the main control device 40. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 are connected to the sub integrated control device 42. The performance button 15 and jog dial 16 each input their respective detection signals to the sub integrated control device 42 when operated.

The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the output of sound by driving the speaker 112, and also controls the turning on and off of various LEDs and lamps, including the frame side decorative lamp 113. Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 42 is provided with a volume adjustment switch that adjusts the volume output from the speaker 112. The sub-integrated control device 42 controls the volume output from the speaker 112 based on the operation signal input from the volume adjustment switch.

The effect pattern control device 43 is connected to the sub-integrated control device 42 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The sub-integrated control device 42 transmits commands to the effect pattern control device 43 regarding the display mode of pseudo effects that display characters and the pseudo patterns of special charts. Meanwhile, the effect pattern control device 43 displays pseudo effect patterns 700 corresponding to the commands sent from the sub-integrated control device 42 on the LCD panel of the effect pattern display device 47.

In addition, if the sub-integrated control device 42 determines that the frequency of balls entering the general winning port 27 is abnormal, it issues an error alert via the speaker 112, the frame side decorative lamp 113, and the performance pattern display device 47.

(2-4. Launch Control Device 44)
The launch control device 44 is connected to the payout control device 41 and enables communication from the payout control device 41 to the launch control device 44. The launch control device 44 controls the launch motor 526 based on commands sent from the main control device 40 via the payout control device 41 and rotation signals of the launch handle 14, and launches and stops the launch of game balls.

The launch control device 44 is also connected to a launch stop switch 524 provided on the launch handle 14, and a touch switch 525 that detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14. When the touch switch 525 detects the player's contact with the launch handle 14, it inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44. When a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525, the launch control device 44 launches the game ball. On the other hand, the launch stop switch 524 inputs a detection signal to the launch control device 44 when operated by the player. When a detection signal is input from the launch stop switch 524, the launch control device 44 stops the launch of the game ball, even if a detection signal is input from the touch switch 525.

(2-5. Power supply board 45)
As shown in Fig. 7, the power supply board 45 includes a power supply circuit 671, a power receiving circuit 672, a power failure detection circuit 673, and a backup power supply circuit 674. The power supply circuit 671 converts an AC voltage supplied from an external AC power supply (main power supply AC 24V) to generate a DC voltage. The power receiving circuit 672 is provided with a power switch 450, and the power supply circuit 671 is connected to the AC power supply via the power receiving circuit 672. When the power switch 450 is turned on, the power supply circuit 671 is connected to the AC power supply, and the main power supply AC 24V is supplied to the power supply circuit 671. The power supply circuit 671 then supplies the necessary DC voltage to various control devices, actuators, and the like.

The power outage detection circuit 673 monitors the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 671. If the supplied voltage falls below a predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit 673 determines that the power switch 450 has been switched OFF or that a power outage has occurred, and sets the power outage detection signal output to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41 to a high level (ON). On the other hand, if the voltage supplied from the power supply circuit 671 rises above the predetermined voltage, the power outage detection circuit 673 sets the power outage detection signal to a low level (OFF).

In this embodiment, the power outage detection circuit 673 has been described as transmitting a power outage detection signal to the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, but this is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the power outage detection circuit 673 may be configured to transmit a power outage detection signal to only one of the main control device 40 and the dispensing control device 41, and transmit a power outage command from the main control device 40 to the dispensing control device 41, or from the dispensing control device 41 to the main control device 40.

The backup power supply circuit 674 is composed of a capacitor, etc. The backup power supply circuit 674 charges the DC 5V power generated by the power supply circuit 671 while supplying power from the AC power supply, and in the event of a power outage, supplies the backup power (DC 5V) to the RWM 630 of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the dispensing control device 41, etc.

In this embodiment, the backup power supply is supplied to the RWM 630 of the main control device 40 and the RWM of the payout control device 41. Therefore, even after the power supply is cut off, the pachinko machine 1 can retain the contents stored in the main control device 40 and the payout control device 41 at the time of the power outage, such as the game status of the pachinko machine 1 and the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls, for a certain period of time.

On the other hand, the backup power supply is not supplied to the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42. Therefore, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is stopped, the contents stored in the RWM of the sub-integrated control device 42 are erased.

(3. Specifications of Pachinko Machine 1)
Next, the basic specifications of the pachinko machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to be able to change the winning probability of the first special chart and the second special chart according to the setting value. For example, when the setting value is "1", the winning probability in the normal state (low probability) is set to 1/300 for both the first special chart and the second special chart, and the winning probability in the high probability state (high probability) is set to 1/30 for both the first special chart and the second special chart. In addition, the small winning probability of the second special chart in the normal state is set to 250/300, and the small winning probability of the second special chart in the high probability state is set to 26/30. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 does not judge the small winning in the first special chart.

When the setting value is "2", the probability of a big win in normal state is set to 1/290 for both the first and second special charts, and the probability of a big win in the special chance state is set to 1/29 for both the first and second special charts. Also, the probability of a small win in the second special chart in normal state is set to 250/290, and the probability of a small win in the special chance state is set to 26/29.

When the setting value is "3", the probability of a big win in normal state is set to 1/280 for both the first and second special charts, and the probability of a big win in the special chance state is set to 1/28 for both the first and second special charts. Also, the probability of a small win in the second special chart in normal state is set to 250/280, and the probability of a small win in the special chance state is set to 26/28.

Although the configuration in which the small hit probability changes together with the big hit probability has been exemplified, this is not limiting. For example, the big hit probability may be the only target of the big hit probability. In this embodiment, the set value is linked to the winning probability of a big hit and a small hit in the normal state and the winning probability in the high probability state, but this is not limiting. For example, the pachinko machine 1 may keep either the winning probability in the normal state or the big hit probability in the high probability state constant regardless of the set value, while only the other one changes according to the set value. Furthermore, when the set value is changed, the pachinko machine 1 may increase either the big hit probability in the normal state or the big hit probability in the high probability state while decreasing the other one.

In pachinko machine 1, the probability of winning a normal jackpot is constant regardless of the setting value. The probability of winning a normal jackpot is set to "1 in 60" in the normal state, and "1 in 1,000" in the special state or normal power support state.

In pachinko machine 1, the probability of entering the special probability state after the end of a jackpot game is set to 60% for both the first special chart and the second special chart. The duration of the special probability state is set to 10,000 times. This setting means that the special probability state will continue until the next jackpot occurs.

In pachinko machine 1, the rate of entering the normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game is set to 100% for both the first special chart and the second special chart. In addition, the continuation of the normal power support state is set so that the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart change in the high probability state after the end of a jackpot game is 10,000. Furthermore, the continuation of the normal power support state continues until the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart change in the non-high probability state after the end of a jackpot game reaches 30.

When a jackpot occurs on the first or second special design of the pachinko machine 1, a jackpot game is played at the first large prize opening 25. In the jackpot game, one game is selected from a 15R jackpot game in which 15 rounds of round play that opens the first large prize opening 25, or a 10R jackpot game in which 10 rounds of round play are played. In each round, the first large prize opening 25 is opened until the opening time reaches 29 seconds or until the number of balls that enter the opening reaches the specified number of 10.

When a small win occurs on the second special chart, the pachinko machine 1 plays a small win game at the second large winning hole 26. In the small win game, the second large winning hole 26 is opened once for 1.600 seconds.

In the pachinko machine 1, when a normal winning symbol is selected in the normal power support state, the normal power device 22 opens once over 8 seconds. In addition, in the non-normal power support state, the normal power device 22 opens once over 3.5 seconds. In this way, the opening time of the normal power device 22 is changed depending on whether the state is the normal power support state or the non-normal power support state.

Next, we will explain the prize balls. The number of prize balls at the first special prize starting hole 23 is set to "3 balls" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls at the second special prize starting hole 24 is set to "1 ball" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls at the first large prize hole 25 is set to "10 balls" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls at the second large prize hole 26 is set to "10 balls" per ball that enters. The number of prize balls at the general prize hole 27 is set to "10 balls" per ball that enters.

(4. Winning symbols and special symbols change table)
Next, referring to Fig. 9, the jackpot symbol selected and set when the first or second special symbol is hit will be explained. In the pachinko machine 1, the game contents of the jackpot game and the game state after the jackpot game are set according to the jackpot symbol selected at the time of the jackpot determination. As shown in Fig. 9, the jackpot symbols are broadly classified into "variable symbols" and "normal symbols". The jackpot symbols consist of four types of symbols, "jackpot symbol A" to "jackpot symbol D".

The "jackpot pattern A", which is a "probability variable pattern", is a pattern that, when set, results in 15 rounds of jackpot play. After the jackpot play ends, the game state is set to probability variable (high probability) and normal power support state. The "jackpot pattern B", which is a "probability variable pattern", is a pattern that results in 10 rounds of jackpot play. After the jackpot play ends, the game state is set to probability variable and normal power support state.

The "normal pattern" "jackpot pattern C" is a pattern that results in 15 rounds of jackpot play. After the jackpot play ends, the game state is set to non-probability change (low probability) and normal power support. The "normal pattern" "jackpot pattern D" is a pattern that results in 10 rounds of jackpot play. After the jackpot play ends, the game state is set to non-probability change and normal power support.

Next, the variation tables for the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The variation table is a table for setting the variation time of the symbol accompanying the judgment of whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a win or loss. As shown in FIG. 10, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a "first variation table 00" and a "first variation table 01" as variation tables for the first special symbol. Then, the variation time of the first special symbol is set from either the "first variation table 00" or the "first variation table 01" according to the game situation and the random number value extracted due to the ball entering the first starting hole 23.

"First Fluctuation Table 00" has multiple types of fluctuation times with different lengths, and the average fluctuation time is 15 seconds. Similarly, "First Fluctuation Table 01" has an average fluctuation time of 30 seconds.

The pachinko machine 1 is provided with "second variable table 00", "second variable table 01" and "second variable table 02" as variable tables for the second special symbols. The variable time of the second special symbol is set from one of "second variable table 00" to "second variable table 02" depending on the game situation and the random number value extracted due to the ball entering the second starting hole 24.

The "second fluctuation table 00" has an average fluctuation time of 6 seconds. The "second fluctuation table 01" has an average fluctuation time of 15 seconds. The "second fluctuation table 02" has an average fluctuation time of 180 seconds.

(5. Start-up process)
Next, the startup process executed by the main control device 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. The startup process is executed when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 11, the main control unit 40 sets a stack pointer to a stack address as the first process of the startup process (process S1). Next, the main control unit 40 sets the interrupt vector address of the interrupt vector table to the corresponding register (process S2) and also sets the built-in register (process S3). The interrupt vector address is used to specify the start address of the interrupt processing program in the address space (memory space), which will be described later.

Next, the main control unit 40 reads the register of the input port (process S4) and determines whether the power outage stop signal is OFF or not (process S5). Then, if the power outage detection signal remains ON and the determination is negative (process S5: No), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has not reached the predetermined voltage. In this case, the main control unit 40 returns to process S4 and repeatedly executes processes S4 and S5 until the power outage stop signal is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the power outage detection signal switches to OFF and the result is positive (Process S5: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that the voltage supplied from the power supply board 45 has reached or exceeded the predetermined voltage and is in a stable voltage supply state, and permits writing to the RWM 630 (Process S6).

After process S6, the main control unit 40 executes an initial setting process (process S7). This initial setting process (process S7) mainly sets the transition mode. After that, the main control unit 40 prohibits interrupts (process S8) and executes register evacuation (process S9). Furthermore, the main control unit 40 executes a gaming performance calculation process (process S10) that calculates gaming performance such as base values. In other words, the main control unit 40 performs calculations related to gaming performance outside the area of the RWM 630.

After process S10, the main control unit 40 executes register restoration (process S11) and also permits interrupts (process S12), and returns to process S8. In this way, the main control unit 40 repeatedly executes processes S8 to S12 in the startup process. Meanwhile, the main control unit 40 periodically (e.g., at 4 ms intervals) executes an interrupt process (see FIG. 12) described below between the execution of process S12 and the execution of process S8 again.

(6. Interrupt Processing)
Next, the interrupt process executed by the main control unit 40 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 12, the main control unit 40 sets a timer and a watchdog timer as the first process executed in the interrupt process (process S21). In process S21, the main control unit 40 sets various timers provided in the main control unit 40 and clears and restarts the watchdog timer.

After process S21, the main control device 40 determines whether the mode value stored in the mode value storage area 637 is "3" (process S22). As a result, if the mode value is "3" (process S22: Yes), it can be determined that the pachinko machine 1 is set to the game stop mode as the transition mode. In other words, it can be determined that the pachinko machine 1 is in a state in which it is not possible to start playing, and is waiting for the power switch 450 to be switched to OFF. Therefore, in this case, the main control device 40 performs interrupt permission (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 11).

On the other hand, if the mode value stored in the mode value storage area 637 is not "3" (Process S22: No), the main control device 40 executes a timer update process to update various timers provided in the main control device 40 (Process S23). Next, the main control device 40 executes an input determination process (Process S24), which is a process related to the entry of game balls into various starting holes and various winning holes. Details of the input determination process (Process S24) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. After Process S24, the main control device 40 executes a win/loss determination process (Process S25), which is a process related to win/loss determination and jackpot play. Details of the win/loss determination process (Process S25) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17.

After process S25, the main control unit 40 executes a game state setting process (process S26) in which, if the game state has changed, a signal to that effect is sent to the hall computer 500. In process S26, the main control unit 40 sends a signal to the hall computer 500 after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, after the jackpot game (special game) or winning game (regular game) has ended in the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above. Note that, if the pachinko machine 1 is connected to a test firing device (not shown), the main control unit 40 sends a test signal indicating that the game state has changed to the test firing device (not shown) in process S26.

After process S26, the main control unit 40 performs an error monitoring process (process S27) to monitor whether an error has occurred. Examples of errors that the main control unit 40 monitors in the error monitoring process (process S27) include an open error indicating that the front frame 11 or the inner frame 30 is open, a radio wave error indicating that an abnormal radio wave has been detected by a radio wave sensor (not shown), and a vibration error indicating that an abnormal vibration has been detected by a vibration sensor (not shown).

After process S27, the main control device 40 executes a prize ball command transmission process (process S28) to transmit a prize ball command to the payout control device 41. Then, based on the received prize ball command, the payout control device 41 executes the payout of prize balls set for each of the various starting holes or various winning holes into which the ball entered.

After process S28, the main control device 40 executes a performance data output process (process S29) in which image data, audio data, etc. corresponding to the game content are created during execution, and output to the sub-integrated control device 42. Furthermore, if the main control device 40 detects the occurrence of an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it will appropriately notify the error by displaying an error on the performance pattern display device 47, lighting or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting audio from the speaker 112, etc., depending on the content of the detected error.

After process S29, the main control unit 40 executes an external output process (process S30) to the hall computer 500 via the external connection terminal board 38. In process S30, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 510, the second large prize opening solenoid 511, and the normal power function solenoid 512 to the hall computer 500 based on the processing contents of the hit/miss determination process (process S25) described above. Also, in process S30, if the main control unit 40 detects an error in the error monitoring process (process S27) described above, it transmits a security signal to the hall computer 500. Note that if a test firing device is connected to the pachinko machine 1, the main control unit 40 transmits data related to the first large prize opening solenoid 510, the second large prize opening solenoid 511, and the normal power function solenoid 512 and a security signal to the test firing device in process S30.

As shown in FIG. 13, after process S30, the main control unit 40 performs register save (process S31) and executes performance display data creation process (process S32). In process S32, the main control unit 40 creates data to display on the performance display device 403 the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) executed outside the RWM 630 area during the startup process (see FIG. 11) and the test results of the test firing test. After process S31, the main control unit 40 performs register restore (process S33).

After process S33, the main control unit 40 executes a segment data creation process (process S34). In process S34, the main control unit 40 creates segment data for controlling the light emission of each common (8-bit display area related to an LED segment) of various LEDs provided on the performance display unit 403 in preparation for displaying the data created in process S31 on the performance display unit 403.

After process S34, the main control unit 40 displays game performance and test firing data on the performance display device 403 as a display process (process S35) for various display devices. Also, in process S35, the main control unit 40 performs variable display and final display of various patterns on the first special pattern display device 281, the second special pattern display device 283, and the normal pattern display device 285 according to the game status being played. After process S35, the main control unit 40 allows an interrupt (process S36) and returns to the startup process (see FIG. 11).

The main control unit 40 executes the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the startup process (Figure 11), while performing the process related to displaying the calculation results of the performance display calculation process (process S10) in the interrupt process. In this regard, the main control unit 40 performs the performance display calculation process (process S10), which has a large processing volume, in the startup process, thereby preventing interrupt prohibition (process S8, see Figure 11) from being executed before the performance display calculation process (process S10) is completed. On the other hand, the main control unit 40 can improve the efficiency of display control by executing the display process for the performance display device 403 at the same timing as the display process for the first special chart display device 281, etc.

(7. Input Determination Process)
Next, the input judgment process (process S24) executed in the interrupt process (see FIG. 12) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the main control device 40 executes the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) as the first process of the input judgment process (process S24). The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) is a process executed when a game ball enters the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24. The details of the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15.

After process S101, the main control device 40 executes a normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102). The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) is a process that is executed when a game ball enters the normal ball operation port 21. Details of the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) will be described later with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16.

After process S102, the main control unit 40 executes a winning number count process (process S103). The winning number count process (process S103) is a process executed when a gaming ball enters the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27. Specifically, in process S103, when the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, or the general winning opening switch 508 detects a gaming ball, the main control unit 40 adds "1" to the value of a counter that counts the number of gaming balls that have entered the first large winning opening 25, the second large winning opening 26, or the general winning opening 27.

After process S103, the main control unit 40 executes the out count process (process S104). The out count process (process S104) is a process for tallying up the number of outs used to calculate the game performance. Specifically, in process S104, when the first special symbol start port switch 503, the second special symbol start port switch 504, the normal symbol activation switch 505, the first count switch 506, the second count switch 507, the general winning port switch 508, and the out port switch 509 detect a game ball, the main control unit 40 adds "1" to the value of the counter that counts the number of outs.

After process S104, the main control unit 40 judges whether the frequency of balls entering the general winning opening 27 is abnormal (process S105). Specifically, in process S105, the main control unit 40 judges that fraud has occurred if the number of game balls entering the general winning opening 27 within a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) exceeds a specified number (e.g., 10 balls). As a result, if the main control unit 40 judges that the frequency of balls entering is normal and the judgment is negative (process S105: No), it ends this process as is and returns to the interrupt process (see FIG. 12).

On the other hand, if the ball entry frequency is abnormal and the result is a positive judgment (Process S105: Yes), the main control unit 40 sends a fraud alarm command to the payout control unit 41 and the sub-integrated control unit 42 (Process S106), and ends this process. In Process S106, the payout control unit 41, which has received the fraud alarm command from the main control unit 40, turns on the fraud alarm lamp 410 (see Figure 3) provided on the payout control unit 41.

In addition, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received a fraud notification command from the main control device 40, issues an error notification by turning on or blinking the frame side decorative lamp 113, outputting a sound from the speaker 112, etc. Furthermore, the performance pattern control device 43, which has received a fraud notification command from the sub-integrated control device 42, displays a warning on the performance pattern display device 47 to the effect that fraud has occurred. The error notification via sound output from the speaker 112 ends 30 seconds after the error notification begins, and the warning display on the performance pattern display device 47 and the error notification by the frame side decorative lamp 113 end 5 minutes after the error notification begins.

(7-1. Special ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15. The special ball entry confirmation process (process S101) extracts and reserves a plurality of first special ball random numbers according to the entry into the first special ball start hole 23, and extracts and reserves a plurality of second special ball random numbers according to the entry into the second special ball start hole 24. Then, it is a process of transmitting various commands resulting from the entry into the first special ball start hole 23 and the second special ball start hole 24 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

15, the "special drawing entry confirmation process" first determines in process S110 whether or not the first special drawing start port switch 503 detects an entry into the first special drawing start port 23. If the determination is negative (process S110: No), the process proceeds to process S115.
If the determination is affirmative (process S110: Yes), in process S111, it is determined whether the number of reserved memories of the first special symbol stored in the reserved memory area 631 for the first special symbol is full (whether the upper limit number has been reached). If the determination is affirmative (process S111: Yes), the process proceeds to process S115.

If the result of the process S111 is negative (process S111: No), the random numbers for determining the jackpot of the first special chart, the random numbers for determining the jackpot pattern, the random numbers for determining the reach, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted in process S112. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area 631 for the first special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area 631 for the first special chart as reserved memory for the first special chart. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the first special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, the first special chart pre-reading judgment process of process S113 is executed. In this pre-reading judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot is made, it is confirmed whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot and the random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the temporary memory area of the reserved memory area 631 for the first special chart are specific numerical values. For example, as a specific numerical value, it is confirmed whether or not it is a numerical value that is judged to be a jackpot, a numerical value that is judged to be a super reach or a reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a guaranteed jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot that is granted normal power support, etc. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment of the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S114, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the incremented value of the reserved memory counter of the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

The look-ahead command is preferably sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot or reach. Of course, it may be configured to send a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the look-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a look-ahead performance that suggests the possibility of a jackpot or reach in the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 47. For example, the look-ahead performance may be a performance related to the reserved memory of the first special chart, on the condition that the reserved memory of the first special chart is full and a game ball enters the first special chart start hole 23.

In the next process S115, the second special chart start port switch 504 determines whether or not a ball has entered the second special chart start port 24. If the determination is negative (process S115: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see FIG. 14) and ends this process. If the determination is positive (process S115: Yes), the process determines in process S116 whether or not the number of reserved memories for the second special chart stored in the second special chart reserved memory area 632 is full (whether or not the upper limit number has been reached). If the determination is positive (process S116: Yes), the process returns.

If the result of the process S116 is negative (process S116: No), in process S117, the random numbers for determining the big win of the second special chart, the random numbers for determining the big win pattern, the random numbers for determining the small win pattern, the random numbers for reaching the limit, the random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc. are extracted. The various extracted random numbers are stored in a temporary memory area of the reserved memory area 632 for the second special chart. Furthermore, the various random numbers stored in the temporary memory area are stored in the main memory area of the reserved memory area 632 for the second special chart as reserved memory for the second special chart. Furthermore, the random numbers stored in the specified memory area are stored as reserved memory. Note that even if the reserved memory number for the second special chart is "0", various random numbers such as the win/lose random number extracted when the game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value.

Next, in process S118, a pre-reading judgment process for the second special chart is executed. In this pre-reading judgment process, before the judgment of whether or not it will be a jackpot is made, it is confirmed whether the random numbers for determining a jackpot and the random numbers for determining a jackpot pattern stored in the temporary memory area of the reserved memory area 632 for the second special chart are specific numerical values. For example, as a specific numerical value, it is confirmed whether or not it is a numerical value that is judged to be a jackpot, a numerical value that is judged to be a super reach or a reach, and further, in the case of a jackpot, whether or not it is a guaranteed jackpot, whether or not it is a jackpot that is granted normal power support, etc. In this process, a pre-reading command indicating the judgment result of the pre-reading judgment for the second special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, in process S119, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the incremented value of the reserved memory counter for the first special chart is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

The look-ahead command is preferably sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 when there is a possibility of a jackpot or reach. Of course, it may be configured to send a look-ahead command to the sub-integrated control device 42 every time, regardless of the judgment content. In response to the look-ahead command, the sub-integrated control device 42 performs a look-ahead performance that suggests the possibility of a jackpot or reach in the reserved memory patterns of the performance pattern display device 47. For example, the look-ahead performance may be a performance related to the reserved memory of the second special chart, on the condition that the reserved memory of the second special chart is full and a game ball enters the second special chart start hole 24.

In the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number is stored in a pre-set temporary memory area, and then the random number stored in the temporary memory area is stored in the main reserved memory area. Not limited to this, if the number of reserved memories is not full, the extracted random number may be stored in the temporary memory area and the main reserved memory area, respectively. Furthermore, when a random number is extracted due to a ball entering the first special ball start hole 23 or the second special ball start hole 24, the extracted random number is stored in the temporary memory area. Then, it is confirmed whether the number of reserved memories is full, and if not, the random number stored in the temporary memory area may be stored in the main reserved memory area. In this case, if the number of reserved memories is full, the random number stored in the temporary memory area is erased.

In the special ball entry confirmation process (process S101), the look-ahead determination process looks ahead and determines the random numbers stored in the temporary memory area, but it is not limited to this and may also look ahead and determine the random numbers stored in the subject's reserved memory area.

(7-2. Normal ball entry confirmation process)
Next, the normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) executed in the input judgment process (process S24, see FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. The normal ball entry confirmation process (process S102) extracts and reserves random numbers related to multiple normal balls according to the entry into the normal ball operation port 21. Then, it is a process that transmits various commands resulting from the entry into the normal ball operation port 21 to the sub-integrated control device 42.

As shown in FIG. 16, the "regular ball entry confirmation process" first determines in process S121 whether or not a ball has been detected entering the regular symbol operation port 21 by the regular symbol activation switch 505. If the determination is negative (process S121: No), the process returns to the input determination process (see FIG. 14) and ends this process. If the determination is positive (process S121: Yes), the process determines in process S122 whether the number of reserved regular symbols stored in the regular symbol reserved memory area 633 is full (whether the upper limit has been reached). If the determination is positive (process S122: Yes), the process returns.

If the result of the process S122 is negative (process S122: No), in process S123, random numbers for determining whether a regular figure is a winning number, for determining a winning pattern, for determining a variation pattern, etc. are extracted. Then, the various extracted random numbers are stored in the regular figure reserve memory area 633 as reserved memories for regular figures. Note that even if the reserved memory number for regular figures is "0", the various random numbers extracted when a game ball enters the regular figure operation port 21 are stored in the same way as when there is a memory number less than the maximum value. Then, in process S124, the reserved memory counter indicating the reserved memory number for regular figures is incremented, and a reserved number instruction command indicating the value of the incremented reserved memory counter for regular figures is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42.

(8. Correct/incorrect decision process)
Next, the winning/losing determination process (process S25) executed in the interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the main control device 40 executes the winning/losing determination process (process S200) for the normal game winning/losing determination and the winning game (normal game) as the first process executed in the winning/losing determination process (process S25). Details of the normal game winning/losing determination process (process S200) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 22.

Next, the main control device 40 executes a special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300) which is a process for determining whether the first or second special pattern has been won, and for the jackpot game (special game). Details of the special pattern win/loss determination process (process S300) will be described later with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 35.

(8-1. Normal drawing correctness judgment process)
Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 18 to 22, we will explain the "regular pass/fail determination process" (process S200) executed in the pass/fail determination process (process S25, see Figure 17).

As shown in FIG. 18, the main control unit 40 determines whether the normal power device 22 that operates during a winning game (normal game) is in operation (processing S201) as the first process executed in the normal game win/loss determination process (processing S200). In process S201, if the normal power device 22 is in operation and the determination is positive (processing S201: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines that a winning game is in progress and proceeds to the normal game process (processing S250).

On the other hand, if the normal electric device 22 is not operating and the judgment is negative (Process S201: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner on the normal pattern display device 285 (Process S202). As a result, if the normal pattern is being displayed in a changing manner and the judgment is positive (Process S202: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not the change time of the normal pattern being displayed in a changing manner has elapsed (Process S203).

Then, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S203: Yes), the main control unit 40 stops the change of the normal map, executes a confirmation display process to display the confirmation (Process S204), and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250). On the other hand, if the change time of the normal map being displayed has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S203: No), the main control unit 40 skips Process S204 and proceeds to the normal map game process (Process S250).

If the normal map is not being displayed in a changing state in process S202 and the result is negative (process S202: No), the main control device 40 determines whether the normal map is being displayed in a fixed state on the normal pattern display device 285 (process S205).

Then, if the confirmed display of the normal map is in progress and the judgment is positive (Process S205: Yes), the main control unit 40 judges whether the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed (Process S206). As a result, if the confirmed display time has not elapsed and the judgment is negative (Process S206: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to the normal map game processing (Process S250). On the other hand, if the confirmed display time of the normal map has elapsed and the judgment is positive (Process S206: Yes), the main control unit 40 executes the confirmed display end processing (Process S207).

In process S207, the main control device 40 sets the display of the normal symbol being confirmed and displayed on the normal symbol display device 285 to end. The main control device 40 also transmits a command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to end the performance related to the normal symbol on the performance symbol display device 47. After process S207, the main control device 40 proceeds to process S208 shown in FIG. 19.

As shown in FIG. 19, in process S208, the main control device 40 judges whether the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit or not. Then, if the result of the normal map hit/miss judgment is a hit and the judgment is affirmative (process S208: Yes), the main control device 40 performs processing to start the winning game (normal map game). Specifically, the main control device 40 performs processing to start the operation of the normal power device 22 (process S209). In addition, the main control device 40 transmits a winning game start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 to instruct the start of the winning game presentation (process S210), and starts timing the start interval time of the winning game. After process S210, the main control device 40 proceeds to normal map game processing (process S250, see FIG. 18).

On the other hand, in process S208, if the result of the normal drawing judgment is a miss and the judgment is negative (process S208: No), the main control device 40 skips processes S209 and S210 and proceeds to the normal drawing game processing (process S250).

Returning to FIG. 18, we will continue to explain the process for determining whether or not the regular map is correct (Process S200). In Process S205, if the regular map is not being displayed as confirmed and the result is negative (Process S205: No), the main control unit 40 determines whether or not there is a reserved memory for the regular map (Process S211).

As a result, if there is no reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is negative (processing S211: No), the main control unit 40 proceeds to regular map game processing (processing S250). On the other hand, if there is reserved memory for a regular map and the judgment is positive (processing S211: Yes), the main control unit 40 performs shift processing of the reserved memory for the regular map (processing S212) and performs a win/loss judgment based on the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories for the regular map. Also, in conjunction with this process S212, the main control unit 40 subtracts 1 from the number of reserved memories for the regular map. Then, after process S212, the process proceeds to process S213 shown in FIG. 20.

As shown in FIG. 20, in process S213, the main control unit 40 performs a win/lose determination based on the win/lose determination table (normal table) used for the normal figure and the win determination random number. As a result, if the result of the win/lose determination is a win and the determination is affirmative in process 214 (process S214: Yes), the main control unit 40 determines the winning pattern of the normal figure based on the winning pattern determination random number (process S215) and determines the variation pattern based on the variation pattern determination random number (process S216). After that, the main control unit 40 executes a win setting process (process S217) that sets the start interval time and end interval time of the winning game.

On the other hand, if the result of the win/loss judgment is a loss and the judgment is negative in process 214 (process S214: No), the main control unit 40 determines the losing symbol based on the random number for determining the winning symbol (process S218), and determines the fluctuation pattern based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern (process S219).

In addition, in processes S216 and S219, if the game state is a special probability state, a normal power support state, etc., the main control device 40 determines a fluctuation pattern so that the normal figure fluctuation time is shorter than in the normal state. For example, if the game state is a normal state, the main control device 40 selects a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 10 seconds, and if the game state is a special probability state or a normal power support state, it selects a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 0.5 seconds, which is shorter than in the normal state.

After process S217 or process S219, the main control device 40 transmits reserved memory information, including information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory of the regular pattern, to the sub-integrated control device 42 (process S220). Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received the reserved memory information, transmits the reserved memory information to the performance pattern control device 43 and updates the display content of the regular pattern reserved display (not shown) on the performance pattern display device 47.

After process S220, the main control device 40 transmits a normal map variation start command to the sub-integrated control device 42 (process S221). Process S221 is a pre-process for performing a performance corresponding to the normal map on the performance pattern display device 47 in conjunction with the display of the normal map variation on the normal pattern display device 285. Specifically, the main control device 40 transmits to the sub-integrated control device 42, as a normal map variation start command, a pattern variation start command including the result of the win/loss judgment and the normal map variation pattern, etc., and a performance designation command that designates a performance according to the winning pattern or losing pattern determined in process S215 or process S218. After process S221, the main control device 40 executes normal map game processing (process S250, FIG. 18).

Next, the normal game process (process S250) executed in the normal game win/loss determination process (process S200) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 21, the main control unit 40 determines whether the normal game device 22 is open (process S251) as the first process executed in the normal game process (process S250). Then, if the normal game device 22 is open and the determination is positive (process S251: Yes), the main control unit 40 proceeds to process S252 shown in FIG. 22.

As shown in FIG. 22, in process S252, the main control unit 40 judges whether or not four game balls have entered the normal power device 22 based on the detection signal of the second special chart start switch 504. Then, if the number of game balls that have entered the normal power device 22 has not reached four and the judgment is negative (process S252: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the normal power device 22 was released (process S253). Then, if the predetermined time has not passed since the normal power device 22 was released and the judgment is negative (process S253: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal chart game processing (process S250, see FIG. 21) and returns to the win/loss judgment processing (see FIG. 17).

On the other hand, if the number of game balls entering the normal power device 22 reaches four and the result of processing S252 is positive (processing S252: Yes), or if a predetermined time has elapsed since the normal power device 22 was opened and the result of processing S252 is positive (processing S253: Yes), the main control device 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 512 to close the normal power device 22 (processing S254). Next, the main control device 40 executes an end interval process (processing S255) that starts timing the end interval time. After processing S255, the main control device 40 ends the normal game process (processing S250) and returns.

Returning to FIG. 21, the explanation of the normal game process (process S250) will continue. If the judgment in process S251 is negative (process S251: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether or not it is during the end interval (process S256). As a result, if it is during the end interval and the judgment is positive (process S256: Yes), the main control unit 40 then judges whether or not the end interval time has elapsed (process S257).

As a result, if the result of the process S257 is a positive judgment (process S257: Yes), the main control device 40 executes the process of ending the winning game of the normal map in process S258, and transmits a winning game end command to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S259. Then, the sub-integrated control device 42, which has received the winning game end command, ends the winning game presentation. After process S259, the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250, see FIG. 21) and returns to the winning/losing judgment process (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, if the end interval time has not elapsed and the result of the judgment is a negative judgment (process S257: No), the main control device 40 ends the normal map game process (process S250) as it is, and returns to the winning/losing judgment process.

If the judgment in process S256 is negative (process S256: No), the main control unit 40 judges whether the start interval time has elapsed (process S260). As a result, if the start interval time has elapsed and the judgment is positive (process S260: Yes), the main control unit 40 drives the normal power device solenoid 512 in process S261 to open the normal power device 22. On the other hand, if the judgment in process S260 is negative (process S260: No), the main control unit 40 ends the normal game processing (process S250) as is and returns to the win/lose judgment processing.

(8-2. Special drawing right or wrong judgment processing)
Next, with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 to 35, the "special pattern hit/miss judgment process" (process S300) executed in the hit/miss judgment process (process S25, see Figure 17) will be described. The special pattern hit/miss judgment process (process S300) sequentially executes the "first special pattern hit/miss judgment process" shown in Figures 23 to 24, the "second special pattern hit/miss judgment process" shown in Figures 25 to 29, the "big hit game process" shown in Figures 30 to 33, and the "small hit game process" shown in Figures 34 to 35.

In the "special chart correctness determination process" (process S300), the correctness determination of the first special chart and the correctness determination of the second special chart are performed separately in the "first special chart correctness determination process" and the "second special chart correctness determination process".
As shown in Fig. 23, the "first special symbol hit/miss judgment process" first checks whether the special electric device is not in operation in process S301 and judges whether the player is not in a big hit game or a small hit game. If the judgment is negative (process S301: No), the process is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol hit/miss judgment process.

If the answer is positive (Process S301: Yes), it is determined in Process S302 whether the first special symbol is stopped from changing. If the answer is positive (Process S302: Yes), it is determined in Process S303 whether the determined symbol of the first special symbol is not yet displayed.

If the determination is positive in the process S303 (process S303: Yes), then in process S304 it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of the first special drawing. If the determination is negative (process S304: No), then return is made. If the determination is positive (process S304: Yes), then in process S305 the number of reserved memories of the first special drawing is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed. As a result of this shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the first special drawing becomes the subject of the judgment of whether or not it is correct.

Next, in process S310 shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the current gaming state is a special chance (high probability) state. Specifically, it is determined whether the chance flag is "1". The chance flag is a flag that indicates that the gaming state is in a chance state, and when it is set (the flag value is "1"), it is in a chance state. On the other hand, when it is released (the flag value is "0"), it is in a normal (low probability) state.

If the result of the process S310 is positive (S310: Yes), a judgment is made in process S311 by comparing the winning/losing determination table during a special bonus with the random number for determining a winning jackpot in the reserved memory of the first special chart that is the subject of the winning/losing determination. If the result of the process S310 is negative (S310: No), a judgment is made in process S312 by comparing the winning/losing determination table for a low probability with the random number for determining a winning jackpot in the reserved memory of the first special chart that is the subject of the winning/losing determination.

Next, in process S313, it is determined whether the second special chart is fluctuating towards a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S313: Yes), the hit/miss determination of the first special chart is forcibly determined to be a miss, and the process proceeds to process S320. If the determination is negative (process S313: No), in process S314, it is determined whether the hit/miss determination of process S311 or process S312 is a jackpot or not. If the determination is negative (process S314: No), the hit/miss determination of the first special chart is determined to be a miss, and the process proceeds to process S320.

If the result of the process S314 is positive (Process S314: Yes), the jackpot pattern is determined in Process S315 based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern in the reserved memory of the first special pattern that is the subject of the hit/miss determination. This determines one of the patterns "jackpot pattern A" to "jackpot pattern D" (see FIG. 9).

Next, in process S316, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the winning symbol of the first special symbol is determined from the selected variation table (see FIG. 10) based on the random number for determining the variation pattern of the reserved memory of the first special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. In this case, in the pachinko machine 1, a variation table is determined according to the previous winning symbol and the game state at the time of the hit/miss judgment. Then, from the determined variation table, a variation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern. Specifically, the variation pattern is determined from either the "first variation table 00" or the "first variation table 01" (see FIG. 10).

After the variation pattern is determined, the jackpot setting process is performed in process S317. In this process, based on the determined jackpot pattern, the contents of the jackpot game, such as implementing the 15R jackpot game, the transition to a certain probability state or a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the number of times these will continue, the time for the jackpot start presentation of the jackpot game implemented by the presentation pattern display device 47, the time for the jackpot end presentation, etc. are set.

Next, in process S318, information on the reserved memory of the first special chart after the hit/miss determination (e.g., information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the hit/miss determination is performed) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

Furthermore, in process S319, the first special symbol display device 281 performs pattern change start control, and transmits a pattern change start command and a pattern designation command to the sub integrated control device 42. Then, it returns. The change start command and pattern designation command include the change pattern of the first special symbol, the result of the judgment of whether the first special symbol is a hit or miss, etc. Depending on the configuration, a pattern confirmation command may be sent to indicate the end of the change time. However, this is not essential since the change time is specified in advance by the change pattern, etc.

If the result of the process S313 is positive (process S313: Yes) or the result of the process S314 is negative (process S314: No), the first special symbol is determined to be a miss, so the miss symbol is determined in process S320, and the fluctuation pattern of the miss symbol is determined in process S321 based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern in the reserved memory of the first special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. Furthermore, a miss setting process is performed in process S322. After that, the processes S318 and S319 are performed in the same way as when a hit is judged. Then, return is performed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25, the "second special chart hit/miss determination process" first checks in process S331 whether the special electric device is not in operation and determines whether the player is not in a big hit or small hit game. If the determination is negative (process S331: No), this process ends and the process returns to the special chart hit/miss determination process.

If the answer is positive (Process S331: Yes), it is determined in Process S332 whether the second special symbol is stopped from changing. If the answer is positive (Process S332: Yes), it is determined in Process S333 whether the fixed symbol of the second special symbol is not yet displayed.

If the determination is positive in the process S333 (process S333: Yes), then in process S334 it is determined whether or not there is a reserved memory of the second special design. If the determination is negative (process S334: No), then return is made. If the determination is positive (process S334: Yes), then in process S335 the number of reserved memories of the second special design is subtracted, and a shift process of the reserved memories is performed. As a result of this shift process, the oldest reserved memory among the reserved memories of the second special design becomes the subject of the determination of whether or not it is correct.

Next, in process S340 shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether the current game state is in a special pattern's special chance state. If the determination is positive (process S340: Yes), a determination is made in process S341 by comparing the winning/losing determination table during a special chance state with the random number for determining a jackpot for the second special pattern that is the subject of the winning/losing determination. If the determination is negative (process S340: No), a determination is made in process S342 by comparing the low-probability winning/losing determination table with the random number for determining a jackpot for the second special pattern that is the subject of the winning/losing determination.

Next, in process S343, it is determined whether the first special chart is fluctuating to indicate a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S343: Yes), the hit/miss determination of the second special chart is forcibly determined to be a miss, and the process moves to process S355. If the determination is negative (process S343: No), in process S344, it is determined whether the hit/miss determination of process S341 or process S342 indicates a jackpot.

If the result of the process S344 is positive (Process S344: Yes), the process S345 determines the jackpot pattern based on the random number for determining the jackpot pattern of the second special pattern that is the subject of the hit/miss determination. This determines one of the patterns "jackpot pattern A" to "jackpot pattern D" (see FIG. 9).

Next, in process S346, a fluctuation pattern such as the fluctuation time of the winning symbol of the second special symbol is determined from the selected fluctuation table (see FIG. 10) based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. In this case, as in process S316, the fluctuation table is determined according to the previous winning symbol and the game state at the time of the hit/miss judgment. Then, from the determined fluctuation table, a fluctuation pattern is determined based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern. As a result, a fluctuation pattern is determined from one of the tables "Second fluctuation table 00" to "Second fluctuation table 02" (see FIG. 10).

After the variation pattern is determined, the jackpot setting process is performed in process S347. In this process, the content of the jackpot game is set based on the determined jackpot pattern, for example, the 15R jackpot game is performed. In addition, the transition to the special state or the normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, the number of times these will continue, the time for the jackpot start effect of the jackpot game performed by the effect pattern display device 47, the time for the jackpot end effect, etc. are set.

Next, in process S348, information on the reserved memory after the hit/miss determination of the second special chart (e.g., information indicating a decrease in the reserved memory after the hit/miss determination is performed) is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 42.

In the next process S349, the second special symbol display device 283 performs symbol variation start control, and transmits a symbol variation start command and a symbol designation command to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, it returns. The variation start command and symbol designation command include the variation pattern of the second special symbol, the result of the judgment of whether the second special symbol is correct or not, etc. Furthermore, depending on the configuration, a symbol determination command may be sent to indicate the end of the variation time. However, this is not essential since the variation time is specified in advance by the variation pattern, etc.

If the result of the process S344 is negative (Process S344: No), a determination is made in Process S350 as to whether the result of the process S341 or the process S342 is a small win or not. If the result is positive (Process S350: Yes), a small win pattern is determined in Process S351 based on the random number for determining the small win pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the win/loss determination.

Next, in process S352, a variation pattern such as the variation time of the small winning symbol of the second special symbol is determined based on the random number for determining the variation pattern of the second special symbol that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. This determines one of the tables "Second Variation Table 00" to "Second Variation Table 02" (see FIG. 10).

Next, in process S353, a small win setting process is performed. In this process, based on the determined small win pattern, the contents of the small win game, the time of the small win start presentation of the small win game performed by the presentation pattern display device 47, the time of the small win end presentation, etc. are set. After that, the process S348 and the process S349 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the judgment in the process S343 is affirmative (process S343: Yes) or the judgment in the process S350 is negative (process S350: No), the second special chart is judged to be a miss, so the miss pattern of the second special chart is determined in process S355, and the fluctuation pattern, such as the fluctuation time of the miss pattern, is determined in process S356 based on the random number for determining the fluctuation pattern of the second special chart that is the subject of the hit/miss judgment. Next, a miss setting process is performed in process S357. After that, the process S348 and the process S349 are executed, and then the process returns.

If the determination is negative in the process S302 (FIG. 23) or the process S332 (FIG. 25) (process S302 or process S332: No), as shown in FIG. 27, in process S360, it is determined whether the pattern change time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern has elapsed (process S360). If the determination is positive (process S360: Yes), in process S361, the first special pattern display device 281 ends the change display and controls the first special pattern to be displayed in a confirmed manner, or the second special pattern display device 283 ends the change display and controls the second special pattern to be displayed in a confirmed manner. Furthermore, a command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and the performance pattern control device 43 to display the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the special pattern in a confirmed manner. Since the change time is specified by the change start command, a configuration may be adopted in which the pattern confirmation command is not sent. With this configuration, the performance display can be performed equally while suppressing the number of commands.

Next, in process S362, it is determined whether the special symbol confirmed and displayed in process S361 is a small win symbol. If the determination is positive (process S362: Yes), the interruption flag is set to "1" in process S363. Then, the process proceeds to "big win game process".

If the result of the process S362 is negative (S362: No), the process S364 determines whether the special symbol is a jackpot symbol. If the result of the process S362 is negative (S364: No), the process proceeds to "jackpot game process".
If the determination is affirmative (step S364: Yes), the stop flag is set to "1" in step S365. Then, the process proceeds to "big win game process."

If the determination in step S360 is negative (step S360: No), then in step S366 it is determined whether the interruption flag is set to "1". If the determination is positive (step S366: Yes), then in step S367 special chart variation interruption processing is performed. Then, the process proceeds to jackpot game processing.

The special chart change interruption process is a process for interrupting the change of the other special chart (first special chart) that is changing because one of the first and second special charts (second special chart) has been confirmed and displayed as a small win pattern. Furthermore, this process is a process for stopping the measurement of the change time of the other special chart, and when the small win game based on the confirmed display of one special chart ends, the change of the other special chart is resumed.

If the determination is negative in process S366 (process S366: No), then in process S368 it is determined whether or not the stop flag is set to "1". If the determination is negative (process S368: No), then the process proceeds to "jackpot game processing". If the determination is positive (process S368: Yes), then in process S369 special chart variation stop processing is performed, and then the process proceeds to "jackpot game processing".

The special chart change stop process is a process in which, since one of the first and second special charts has been confirmed and displayed as a winning pattern, the change of the other special chart that is currently changing is stopped at a losing pattern.

If the determination is negative in the process S303 or the process S333 (process S303 or process S333: No), as shown in FIG. 28, in process S370, it is determined whether or not the determined pattern display time for the first special chart or the second special chart has elapsed. If the determination is negative (process S370: No), the process proceeds to "jackpot game process".

On the other hand, if the judgment is positive (Process S370: Yes), in Process S371, control is performed to terminate the display of the confirmed pattern of the first special pattern by the first special pattern display device 281 or the display of the confirmed pattern of the second special pattern by the second special pattern display device 283, and a command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 to terminate the confirmed display of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first special pattern or the second special pattern.

Next, in process S372, it is determined whether the symbols on the first special chart or the second special chart are a combination that will result in a jackpot. If the determination is positive (process S372: Yes), it is determined in process S373 whether the special chance flag indicating the special chance state is "1". If the determination is negative (process S373: No), the process proceeds to process S375. If the determination is positive (process S373: Yes), the special chance flag is reset to "0" in process S374.

In process S375, it is determined whether the electric support flag, which indicates the normal electric support state, is "1". If the determination is negative (process S375: No), the process proceeds to process S377. If the determination is positive (process S375: Yes), the electric support flag is reset to "0" in process S376.

The power support flag is a flag that indicates that the game state is in a normal power support state. When it is set (the flag value becomes "1"), the game state is normal power support. On the other hand, when it is released (the flag value becomes "0"), the game state is non-normal power support.

These processes reset the game state regarding the special mode and normal power support mode during jackpot play to the normal state.

Next, in process S377, the operation of the condition device is started. The condition device is operated when the first or second special symbol is judged to be a jackpot and the jackpot symbol is displayed as a confirmed jackpot, thereby establishing the conditions for starting the jackpot game, and is a device necessary for the operation of the device for continuously operating the role in the jackpot game.

In the next process S378, the continuous operation device for the reels is operated. Furthermore, the special electric reels are operated in response to the operation of the continuous operation device for the reels. This makes it possible to start the jackpot game, and in the next process S379, the jackpot game start process is performed.

In the jackpot game start process, a command to start the jackpot game and information related to the jackpot game (jackpot opening time, opening pattern, jackpot ending time, number of rounds, etc.) are sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. After that, it moves to the "jackpot game process".

If the determination is negative in process S372 (process S372: No), as shown in FIG. 29, in process S380, it is determined whether the electric support flag is "1". If the determination is negative (process S380: No), the process proceeds to process S384. If the determination is positive (process S380: Yes), in process S381, the process counts the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart changed after the end of the jackpot game that caused the transition to the normal electric support state. In this case, the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart changed is the sum of the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart changed.

For example, in this embodiment, the number of times the normal power support state has ended is 30, and it is desirable for the process of counting the number of fluctuations to add "1" from the number "0" for each fluctuation other than the jackpot of the first and second special charts. Not limited to this, the process of counting the number of fluctuations may also be such that "1" is subtracted from the number of endings "30" for each fluctuation other than the jackpot of the first and second special charts.

Next, in process S382, it is determined whether the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart have changed has reached the end count (30 times) at which the normal power support state ends. That is, it is determined whether the value counted in process S381 is "30" (in a subtraction configuration, it is determined whether it is "0"). If the determination is negative (process S382: No), the process proceeds to process S384. If the determination is positive (process S382: Yes), the electric support flag is reset to "0" in process S383. This transitions the game state to a non-normal power support state.

The determination of whether or not to continue the normal power support state may be made by subtracting from a dedicated power support counter that counts the duration of the normal power support state, and determining whether or not the power support counter (number of times support is continued) after subtraction is "0".

Next, in process S384, a state designation command indicating whether the current game state is a special bonus state or a normal power support state or the like is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 after the special symbol determination time (600 ms).

The timing for sending the state designation command from the main control device 40 to the sub integrated control device 42 is after the special pattern is determined, but the state designation command may also be sent when the special pattern starts to change and when the power is restored.

Next, in process S385, it is determined whether the symbols on the second special chart are a combination that will result in a small win. If the determination is negative (process S385: No), the process proceeds to "big win game process". If the determination is positive (process S385: Yes), the process proceeds to process S386 to start the operation of the special electric device. In the following process S387, the process proceeds to start the small win game. In this process, a command to start the small win game and information related to the small win game (small win opening time, opening pattern, small win ending time, etc.) are sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, the process proceeds to "big win game process".

Next, the "big win game processing" and the "small win game processing" will be explained with reference to Figures 30 to 35.
As shown in Fig. 30, in the "big win game process", first, in process S400, it is determined whether the accessory continuous operation device is in operation. If the determination is negative (process S400: No), the process ends and proceeds to the "small win game process". On the other hand, if the determination is positive (process S400: Yes), it is determined in process S401 whether the first big win opening 25 is open.

If the result of the process S401 is negative (process S401: No), a process S402 determines whether or not the jackpot play is in an interval, and if the result is negative (process S402: No), a process S403 determines whether or not the jackpot end presentation is in progress. If the result is negative (process S403: No), a process S404 determines whether or not the jackpot start presentation time has elapsed. If the result is negative (process S404: No), the process returns to the special chart win/loss determination process. If the result is positive (process S404: Yes), the process S405 performs control to open the first large prize opening 25 in the first round. Also, in process S405, a command to start the jackpot play is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42. Then, the process returns.

If the result of step S401 is positive (step S401: Yes), as shown in FIG. 31, a determination is made as to whether or not 10 wins have been made in the first large prize opening 25 (prescribed number of wins) (step S410), or whether or not the opening time of the first large prize opening 25 has ended (step S411). If either result is positive (step S410 or step S411: Yes), the first large prize opening 25 is closed in step S412, and the process of starting the jackpot interval is executed in the following step S413. Then, the process returns (see FIG. 30). Note that if both steps S410 and S411 are negative (step S410: No, step S411: No), the process returns.

If the judgment is positive in the process S402 (FIG. 30) (Process S402: Yes), as shown in FIG. 32, it is judged in process S420 whether the jackpot interval time has elapsed. If the judgment is negative (Process S420: No), the process returns (see FIG. 30). If the judgment is positive (Process S420: Yes), it is judged in process S421 whether it is the final round. If the judgment is positive (Process S421: Yes), the process of jackpot end presentation is executed in process S422, and in this process, a jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 and presentation pattern control device 43, the jackpot game ends, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the result of step S421 is negative (step S421: No), the first large prize opening 25 is opened in the next round by the first large prize opening opening process of step S423, and then the process returns.

If the determination is positive in the process S403 (FIG. 30) (Process S403: Yes), as shown in FIG. 33, it is determined in process S430 whether the jackpot end presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (Process S430: No), the process returns (see FIG. 30). If the determination is positive (Process S430: Yes), a process is executed in process S431 to stop the operation of the device continuous operation device, and then a process is executed in process S432 to stop the operation of the condition device and the special electric device.

Next, in process S433, it is determined whether or not the setting is such that a special state will be established after the end of the special play in accordance with the jackpot pattern. If the determination is negative (process S433: No), the process proceeds to process S436. If the determination is positive (process S433: Yes), the number of special states to continue the special state is set in process S434. In this case, the special state will continue until the next jackpot, so for example, the number of special states is set to 10,000. Next, in process S435, the special state flag is set to "1". This grants the special state after the end of the jackpot play.

Next, in process S436, it is determined whether or not the normal power support state is set to occur after the end of the jackpot game according to the jackpot pattern. If the determination is negative (process S436: No), the process proceeds to process S439. If the determination is positive (process S436: Yes), in process S437, the number of times the normal power support state is continued is set to the number of times set in process S317 or process S347. Next, in process S438, the electric support flag is set to "1". This allows the normal power support state to be granted after the end of the jackpot game.

Next, in process S439, it is determined whether the value of the stop flag is "1". If the determination is negative (process S439: No), the process proceeds to process S441. If the determination is positive (process S439: Yes), the stop flag is reset to "0" in process S440.

In the next process S441, the process of sending a jackpot end command is executed, and in this process, the jackpot end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42, etc. In addition, in process S442, a state designation command such as a sure-win state or a normal power support state is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42, etc. Then, the process returns (see FIG. 30).

If the continuous operation device of the special device is not in operation in the process S400 (FIG. 30) (process S400: No), the process moves to the "small win game process". As shown in FIG. 34, in the "small win game process", first, in process S450, it is determined whether or not the special electric special device is in operation. If the determination is negative (process S450: No), the process ends and returns to the special chart win/loss determination process. If the determination is positive (process S450: Yes), it is determined in process S451 whether or not the small win start performance is in progress.

If the determination is positive in step S451 (step S451: Yes), then in step S452 it is determined whether the small win start presentation time has elapsed. If the determination is negative (step S452: No), then the process returns. If the determination is positive (step S452: Yes), then in step S453 the second large winning port 26 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. Then the process returns.

If the determination in step S451 is negative (step S451: No), then in step S454 it is determined whether the second large prize opening 26 is open or not. If the determination is positive (step S454: Yes), then it is determined whether 10 prizes have been won in the second large prize opening 26 (prescribed number of prizes) (step S455), or whether the opening time for the second large prize opening 26 has ended (step S456). If either of these is positive (step S455 or step S456: Yes), then in step S457 the second large prize opening 26 is closed. Then it returns. If both of these are negative (step S455 or step S456: No), then it returns.

If the determination in step S454 is negative (step S454: No), the operation of the special electric device is stopped in step S460, as shown in FIG. 35.

Next, in process S461, it is determined whether the interruption flag is "1". If the determination is positive (process S461: Yes), the interruption flag is reset to "0" in process S462. This causes the first special chart, whose fluctuation has been suspended, to resume fluctuation.

On the other hand, if the result of the process S461 is negative (process S461: No), a small win end command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S463. After this, a state designation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 42 in process S464, and the process returns. This ends the small win game.

(9. Jackpot and right-hit notification effects)
Next, with reference to Figures 36 and 37, the game progress and right-hit notification presentation regarding the occurrence of a jackpot on the pachinko machine 1 will be explained.

(9-1. Occurrence of a jackpot)
After starting play, in the normal state (low probability and non-normal power support state) in which the pachinko machine 1 aims for the first hit, it mainly performs a left-handed play in which the game ball is fired into the left game area 20L, aiming for the ball to enter the first special chart starting hole 23.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 1, in a low probability and non-normal power support state, the change time of the first special symbol associated with the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol is selected from the first change table 00, and the average change time is set to "15 seconds" (see FIG. 10). In contrast, in a low probability and non-normal power support state, the change time of the second special symbol associated with the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol (second change time) is selected from the second change table 02, and the average change time is set to "180 seconds" (see FIG. 10). In this way, in the pachinko machine 1, in a low probability and non-normal power support state, there is an extremely large time difference between the change time of the first special symbol and the change time of the second special symbol, and left-handed play is recommended because it is expected that hit/miss judgments will be performed far more frequently when aiming for the first special symbol than the second special symbol.

(9-2. Big Win Game)
As shown in FIG. 36 and FIG. 37, when a jackpot occurs, the pachinko machine 1 starts a jackpot game regardless of the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol or the second special symbol (see timing [A] in FIG. 37(a)(b)). In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is in a low probability and non-normal power support state during a jackpot game, regardless of whether the jackpot pattern that causes the jackpot is a probability variable pattern or a normal pattern. During a jackpot game, it is recommended to play a right-hand shot game in which the game ball is shot to the right play area 20R, aiming to enter the first large prize winning hole 25 (see timing [B] in FIG. 37(a)(b)). During a jackpot game, right-hand shot game is recommended for the following reasons. That is, although it is possible to enter the first large prize winning hole 25 by a left-hand shot game, the game property of the second special symbol becomes advantageous because the game transitions to a normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. For this reason, during a jackpot game, the reserved memory of the second special chart is stored along with the ball entering the first large winning port 25 by playing from the right, thereby increasing the fluctuation of the second special chart after the end of the jackpot game.

Furthermore, when a jackpot game is started and right-hit play is recommended, the pachinko machine 1 implements a right-hit notification effect on the effect pattern display device 47 to encourage the player to play right-hit play (see timing [C] in Figures 37(a) and (b)). In this case, the right-hit notification effect usually implements a first right-hit notification effect that notifies the player of right-hit play in a conspicuous display mode.

The right-hit notification effect continues when, for example, all rounds of play have ended and the big prize opening 25 is closed at the end of the jackpot game, and the player is unlikely to win a prize ball even if he shoots the game balls, so the right-hit notification effect is implemented as a second right-hit notification effect, which is less noticeable and appealing than the first right-hit notification effect, in order to suppress the shooting (see timing [Sa] in Figure 37 (a) and (b)).

(9-3. After the end of a jackpot game caused by a probability variation pattern)
Next, the game progress after the big win game ends will be described. Regardless of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special symbol, after the big win game in which the big win symbol is a probability variable symbol ends (see timing [E] in FIG. 37(a)), the game state of the pachinko machine 1 shifts to a probability variable state in which the probability of winning the first and second special symbols becomes high (see timing [O] in FIG. 37(a)).

In addition, after the end of a jackpot game in which the jackpot pattern is a probability variable pattern, the pachinko machine 1 is given a normal power support state until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern change (the total number of times both have changed) reaches a predetermined number of 10,000 times (see timing [K] in FIG. 37(a)).

In this case, the pachinko machine 1 is configured so that right-hand play continues in the special probability mode and normal power support mode after the end of the jackpot play. Specifically, in the normal power support mode, the pachinko machine 1 is configured so that the fluctuation time of the first special chart associated with the hit/miss judgment of the first special chart is selected from the first fluctuation table 00, and the average fluctuation time is set to "15 seconds" (see FIG. 10). In contrast, the fluctuation time of the second special chart associated with the hit/miss judgment of the second special chart in the normal power support mode is selected from the second fluctuation table 00, and the average fluctuation time is set to "6 seconds" (see FIG. 10).

In this way, the pachinko machine 1 has a shorter fluctuation time for the second special design than the first special design, and because the normal power support function makes it easier for the ball to land in the second special design start hole 24, the frequency with which hit/fail judgments are made for the second special design is higher than that for the first special design. This continues to recommend right-hand play in order to get the ball to land in the second special design start hole 24.

Then, the pachinko machine 1 continues to implement the right-hit notification presentation in accordance with the continued recommendation of right-hit play. In this case, after the end of the jackpot play, the presentation returns from the second right-hit notification presentation to the first right-hit notification presentation and continues.

In the pachinko machine 1, the first right hit notification is basically performed in the right hit notification performance when the probability of winning is increased and the normal power support state is in effect. When the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, the reserved memory does not increase any further and the player's profit is low even if the game ball is released, so the right hit notification performance continues, but is switched from the first right hit notification performance to the second right hit notification performance (see timing [Sb] in Figure 37 (a)). When the reserved memory of the second special chart decreases, the right hit notification performance is switched back from the second right hit notification performance to the first right hit notification performance.

In addition, even if the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, the right-hit notification effect indicates that there are reserved balls in the reserved memory that will become a jackpot based on a pre-reading judgment, and when the pre-reading effect is performed to indicate that there are reserved balls that will become a jackpot in response to the ball entering the second special chart starting hole 24 when the reserved memory is full, a third right-hit notification effect is implemented to encourage right-hit play in a display mode different from that of the first right-hit notification effect (see timing [T] in Figure 37 (a)). Note that the third right-hit notification effect is more noticeable and appealing than the second right-hit notification effect.

(9-4. After the end of a jackpot game caused by a normal symbol)
Next, the game progress after the end of the jackpot game in which the jackpot symbol is a normal symbol will be described. The pachinko machine 1 does not transition to a high probability state when the jackpot game is ended in a normal symbol, but is in a low probability state. In addition, the normal power support state continues until the number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol change after the jackpot game ends reaches a predetermined number (30 times). In this case, the pachinko machine 1 continues to recommend right-hit play, just like the high probability state and normal power support state after the jackpot game ends. Then, the right-hit notification performance continues to be performed in accordance with the continuation of the recommendation of right-hit play. In this case, the performance continues from the second right-hit notification performance at the end of the jackpot game back to the first right-hit notification performance.

Even in the case of a right-hit notification effect with low probability and normal power support, the pachinko machine 1 will implement the second right-hit notification effect when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full (see timing [Sb] in FIG. 37(b)). Furthermore, when a pre-reading effect is performed in response to a ball entering the second special chart start hole 24 when the reserved memory is full, the pachinko machine 1 will implement the third right-hit notification effect (see timing [T] in FIG. 37(b)).

In the pachinko machine 1, the normal power support ends when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 30 in a low probability normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game caused by a normal symbol (see timing [K] in Figure 37 (b)).

Furthermore, when the normal power support state ends, the pachinko machine 1 recommends a left-handed play in which the game ball is shot into the left game area 20L with the aim of landing in the first special chart start hole 23 (see timing [K] in FIG. 37(b)). Then, the pachinko machine 1 ends the right-handed play notification performance (see timing [K] in FIG. 37(b)).

(10. Right-hand hit notification)
Next, the details of the right hit notification effect will be described with reference to Figures 38 to 45. The right hit notification effect of this embodiment is a display effect that is performed in series with the effect of a big win game, the change of the pseudo effect pattern performed by the effect pattern display device 47 along with the change of the first special pattern or the second special pattern, etc. Not limited to this, the right hit notification effect may also perform an audio effect that notifies the right hit by audio together with the display effect.

(10-1. Right-hand hit notification process)
The "right hit notification process" shown in Figures 38 and 39 is a program process executed by the sub-integrated control device 42, and this process implements the first right hit notification performance (normal right hit notification performance).

As shown in FIG. 38, the "right hit notification process" first determines in process S501 whether the special probability flag, which indicates that the machine is in a special probability state, is "1" by referring to a command from the main control unit 40. If the determination is negative (process S501: No), then in process S502, determines whether the electric support flag, which indicates that the machine is in a normal electric support state, is "1" by referring to a command from the main control unit 40. If the determination is negative (process S502: No), then the process proceeds to process S506, which will be described later.

If the determination is affirmative in process S501 (process S501: Yes) or affirmative in process S502 (process S502: Yes), process S503 determines whether or not a command indicating the end of the confirmed display of the first special chart or the second special chart has been received from the main control device 40. For example, the command is sent from process S371 of the "second special chart correct/incorrect determination process" (FIG. 28). If the determination is negative (process S503: No), the process proceeds to process S506, which will be described later.

If the determination in step S503 is positive (step S503: Yes), then in step S504, it is determined whether the right-hit notification flag, which indicates that the end condition for the right-hit notification has been met, is "1." If the determination is negative (step S504: No), the process proceeds to step S506, which will be described later.

If the result of process S504 is positive (process S504: Yes), a process to end the right-hit notification display is performed in process S505. This process sends a command to the performance pattern control device 43 to end the right-hit notification display, and the right-hit notification display of the performance pattern display device 47 is ended under the control of the performance pattern control device 43.

Next, in process S506, it is determined whether or not a command to start a jackpot game has been received from the main control device 40. For example, the command is sent from process S405 of the "jackpot game process" (Figure 30). If the determination is negative (process S505: No), the process proceeds to process S508, which will be described later.

If the judgment in process S506 is positive (process S506: Yes), in process S507, a process is executed to start the first right-hit notification display in the normal notification mode. In this embodiment, after a jackpot, the game always transitions to the normal power support state and starts right-hit play, so the right-hit notification display starts when the jackpot game starts. This process sends a command to the performance pattern control device 43 to start the right-hit notification display, and the right-hit notification display starts on the performance pattern display device 47 under the control of the performance pattern control device 43.

Next, in process S508, it is determined whether or not a special pattern variation start command has been received from the main control device 40. For example, the command is sent from process S349 of the "second special pattern match/failure determination process" (Figure 26). If the determination is negative (process S508: No), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42 (see Figure 39).

If the result of step S508 is positive (step S508: Yes), then step S510 shown in FIG. 39 determines whether or not the right-hit notification effect is being performed. If the result of step S510 is negative (step S510: No), then the process returns.

If the result of step S510 is positive (step S510: Yes), then step S511 determines whether the special chance flag is "1." If the result of step S511 is negative (step S511: No), then the process proceeds to step S520, which will be described later. If the result of step S511 is positive (step S511: Yes), then step S512 adds "1" to the value of the special chance counter, which counts the number of times the first special chance chart and the second special chance chart change during the special chance state.

Next, in process S513, it is determined whether the value of the special chance counter, which counts the number of times the first and second special chance patterns change during the right-hit notification performance, is the limit value (10,000 times). In other words, in this process, it is determined whether it is time for the special chance state to end. If the determination is negative (process S513: No), in process S514, it is determined whether the special chance pattern change start command determined to be positive in process S508 (Figure 38) will result in a jackpot. If the determination is negative (process S514: No), return is made.

If the result of processing S513 is positive (Processing S513: Yes) or the result of processing S514 is positive (Processing S514: Yes), the right hit notification end flag is set to "1" in processing S515. By setting this right hit notification end flag to "1", the right hit notification performance ends (see Processing S503 and Processing S504).

In process S520, which is entered due to a negative judgment in process S511 (process S511: No), it is judged whether the electric support flag is "1". If the judgment is negative (process S520: No), the process returns. If the judgment is positive (process S520: Yes), in process S521, "1" is added to the value of the electric support counter, which counts the number of times the first special chart and the second special chart change in the normal electric support state.

Next, in process S522, it is determined whether the value of the electric support counter, which counts the number of times the first and second special charts change during the right-hit notification performance, is the limit value (30 times). In other words, in this process, it is determined whether it is the timing to end the normal electric support state. If the determination is negative (process S522: No), in process S523, it is determined whether the special chart change start command determined to be positive in process S508 (Figure 38) will result in a jackpot. If the determination is negative (process S523: No), return is made.

If the result of processing S522 is positive (Processing S522: Yes) or the result of processing S523 is positive (Processing S523: Yes), the right hit notification end flag is set to "1" in processing S523. By setting this right hit notification end flag to "1", the right hit notification performance ends (see Processing S503 and Processing S504).

(10-2. Right-Hit Notification Development Process A)
Next, referring to Figures 40 and 41, "Right hit notification development process A" and "Right hit notification development process B" will be described, which develop the second right hit notification presentation when the player's profit from right hit play is low, such as when the end interval of the jackpot game or the reserved memory of the second special chart is full during the right hit notification presentation. "Right hit notification development process A" and "Right hit notification development process B" are program processes executed by the sub integrated control device 42.

As shown in FIG. 40, the "Right Hit Notification Development Process A" first determines in process S550 whether or not the right hit notification is being performed. If the determination is negative (process S550: No), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42.

If the answer is positive (Process S550: Yes), in Process S551, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game is in progress. If the answer is negative (Process S551: No), the process returns. If the answer is positive (Process S551: Yes), in Process S552, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is in the final presentation.

If the determination in process S552 is negative (process S552: No), return is performed. If the determination is positive (process S552: Yes), a process is executed in process S553 to switch the right hit notification display to the second right hit notification display. This process sends a command to the performance pattern control device 43 to start the right hit notification display, and the second right hit notification display is started in the performance pattern display device 47 under the control of the performance pattern control device 43.

(10-3. Right-hit notification development process B)
As shown in Fig. 41, the "Right hit notification development process B" first determines whether or not the right hit notification performance is being performed in process S560. If the determination is negative (process S560: No), the process returns to the main routine executed by the sub-integrated control device 42.

If the answer is positive (Process S560: Yes), in Process S561, it is determined whether or not a jackpot game is in progress. If the answer is negative (Process S561: No), the process returns. If the answer is positive (Process S561: Yes), in Process S562, it is determined whether or not the reserved memory for the second special chart is full.

If the judgment in process S562 is negative (process S562: No), return is performed. If the judgment is positive (process S562: Yes), in process S563, it is judged whether or not to execute the second special chart pre-reading performance depending on the ball entering the second special chart starting hole 24. If the judgment is negative (process S563: No), in process S564, a process is executed to switch the right hit notification performance to the second right hit notification performance. This process sends a command to the performance pattern control device 43 to start the right hit notification performance, and the second right hit notification performance is started in the performance pattern display device 47 under the control of the performance pattern control device 43.

If the judgment in process S563 is positive (process S563: Yes), in process S565, a process is executed to switch the right hit notification display to the third right hit notification display. This process sends a command to the performance pattern control device 43 to start the right hit notification display, and the third right hit notification display is started in the performance pattern display device 47 under the control of the performance pattern control device 43.

(10-4. Display mode of effects)
Next, with reference to Figures 42 to 45, the display mode of the right-hit notification effect implemented in the effect pattern display device 47 will be described.
When the pattern variation of the first or second special chart starts in response to the win/loss judgment, the pachinko machine 1 starts the variation of the pseudo performance pattern corresponding to the first or second special chart in the performance pattern display device 47. As shown in FIG. 42(a), the display screen of the performance pattern display device 47 displays a pseudo performance pattern 700 consisting of three number patterns or the like corresponding to the variation of the first or second special chart in a large manner in the lower half. In addition, a character image 710 of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear", the main character of the pachinko machine 1, is displayed in the upper right part of the display screen. In the lower left part of the display screen, a first reserved memory display image 721 indicating the presence of the reserved memory of the first special chart is displayed. In the illustrated example, a black circle display indicates the presence of the reserved memory of the first special chart. In addition, in the lower right part of the display screen, a second reserved memory display image 722 indicating the presence of the reserved memory of the second special chart is displayed.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart is a hit, as shown in FIG. 42(b), a large pseudo-hit performance pattern 701 consisting of three identical patterns corresponding to the hit pattern of the first or second special chart is displayed in the lower half of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 47. In addition, a character image 710 of "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" with a broad smile is displayed.

If the result of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special chart is a small hit, as shown in FIG. 42(c), a small hit pseudo-performance pattern 702 consisting of three identical small hit patterns corresponding to the small hit patterns of the first or second special chart is displayed large in the lower half of the display screen of the performance pattern display device 47. In addition, a smiling "Tatsuyoshi the Bear" is displayed as the character image 710.

Next, an example of a right-hit notification effect will be described with reference to FIG. 43. The display example shown in FIG. 43(a) shows an example of a display when a jackpot game starts. When a jackpot game starts, a jackpot game start image 731, indicating that a jackpot game is about to start, is displayed in the center of the display screen of the effect pattern display device 47. In addition, a fighter making a fist pump is displayed as a second character image 711 at the bottom of the jackpot game start image 731. Then, as a right-hit notification effect, a first right-hit notification image 741, which encourages a right hit in a normal notification mode, is displayed prominently in a position toward the right of the upper right of the screen.

The example of the presentation display shown in FIG. 43(b) shows an example of a display in a state where round play has progressed while a jackpot game is continuing. While a jackpot game is continuing, a first right-hit notification image 741, which encourages a right hit in a normal notification manner, is displayed in a position toward the right of the upper right of the display screen of the presentation symbol display device 47. In addition, directly below the first right-hit notification image 741, a round display image 732 indicating the current number of rounds played is displayed. In the illustrated example, the round display image 732 indicates that it is the seventh round, and increases as the rounds progress.

The example of the effect display shown in FIG. 43(c) shows an example of the display of the end interval of the jackpot game after the end of the final round (jackpot game end effect). When the final round ends, a jackpot game end image 733 indicating that the jackpot game is ending is displayed in the center of the display screen of the effect pattern display device 47, urging the player to try to win the next jackpot. In this case, since the jackpot winning hole 25 is closed due to the end of the final round, a second right hit notification image 742 is displayed in a position toward the right of the top of the display screen of the effect pattern display device 47 as a right hit notification effect, urging the player to refrain from firing while continuing the right hit game.

In this way, the big prize opening 25 is closed during the end interval of the big prize game, and since the reserved memory of the second special chart is full due to right-hitting play during the big prize game, the player will refrain from firing in accordance with the second right-hit notification image 742 (second right-hit notification effect). In addition, since the big prize opening 25 is closed and no prize balls are won, the second right-hit notification effect may also be implemented during the start interval of the big prize game and the inter-round interval between each round during the big prize game.

Next, referring to FIG. 44, an example of a right-hit notification effect in the normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game will be described. The effect display example shown in FIG. 44(a) shows an example of a display when the normal power support state starts immediately after the end of a jackpot game, regardless of whether it is a probability change or not. When the normal power support state starts, the display screen of the effect pattern display device 47 displays a first right-hit notification image 741 that encourages right-hitting in a normal notification manner in a conspicuous position on the right side of the upper part of the screen. In addition, just below the first right-hit notification image 741, an electric support start image 751 is displayed, indicating that the normal power support state has started and the duration of the normal power support state. Furthermore, an electric support count display 761 is displayed on the display screen in a position on the right side in the middle between the top and bottom. The electric support count display 761 shows the current special chart fluctuation count on the left side and the number of times it has ended on the right side. Since the example shows the state before the special chart fluctuation starts, the fluctuation count is "0".

The example of the presentation display shown in FIG. 44(b) shows an example of a display in which the normal power support state continues as gameplay progresses after the end of a jackpot game. While the normal power support state continues, a first right-hit notification image 741 is displayed on the display screen of the presentation symbol display device 47 in the normal notification manner, encouraging the player to hit to the right. Directly below this is also displayed an electric support continuation image 752, indicating that the normal power support state is continuing. The electric support count display 761, which indicates the continuation of the normal power support state, increases the fluctuation count as the game progresses. The example shows that the special symbol has fluctuated 12 times.

The display example shown in FIG. 44(c) shows a display example when the normal power support state continues and the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full. In this case, when the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full, the reserved memory does not increase any further and the player's profit is low even if the game ball is released, so the right hit notification display continues, but the right hit notification display is switched from the first right hit notification image 741 to the second right hit notification image 742, and the player is prompted to refrain from releasing the game ball. As the game progresses and the reserved memory of the second special symbol is consumed and the reserved memory of the second special symbol becomes available, the right hit notification display is switched from the second right hit notification image 742 to the first right hit notification image 741.

The example of the display shown in FIG. 45(a) shows a display example when the normal power support state continues and the pre-reading performance of the second special chart can be performed. In this case, the pre-reading performance is a performance that indicates that there is a jackpot or the like reserved in the reserved memory of the second special chart in response to the ball entering the second special chart starting hole 24 when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full. Therefore, even if the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, the third right hit notification image 743, which is more noticeable and appealing than the second right hit notification image 742, is displayed on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 47 as a right hit notification performance. The third right hit notification image 743 is also appealing like the first right hit notification image 741, but is a display form that can be distinguished from the first right hit notification image 741.

The form of the right-hit notification display when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full is not limited to a form in which the right-hit notification image 742 is displayed in a small size to make it less noticeable and less obvious, but may be a right-hit notification image 744, which is displayed in a dark background to make it less noticeable and less obvious, as another special display form of the right-hit notification display, as shown in FIG. 45(b).

After that, as the game progresses, it is desirable to indicate that the normal power support state has ended by the number of times the special chart has changed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 45(c), the right-hit notification effect is erased at a position toward the right of the top of the display screen of the effect pattern display device 47, leaving a blank area, and below that, an electric support end image 753 is displayed, indicating that the normal power support state has ended.

(11. Effects of the First Embodiment)
The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration. That is, it is provided with a first game area 20L through which game balls can flow when the game balls are shot with a first shooting intensity, and a second game area 20R through which game balls can flow when the game balls are shot with a second shooting intensity different from the first shooting intensity. It also has a first start port 23 arranged so that game balls flowing down at least the first game area 20L can enter, and a normal operation port 21 arranged in the second game area 20R. It also has a normal electric device 22 arranged at a position where game balls flowing down the game area where at least the normal operation port 21 is arranged can enter, and opens according to the result of a lottery resulting from the ball entering the normal operation port 21, and a second start port 24 where the game ball can enter or becomes easy to enter by opening the normal electric device 22. Furthermore, the device is provided with a flow-down notification performance implementation means (processing S507) for implementing a flow-down notification performance that encourages game balls to flow down in the first game area 20L or the second game area 20R. The flow-down notification performance implementation means is provided with a plurality of types of flow-down notification performances with different performance modes when implementing a flow-down notification performance that encourages game balls to flow down in either the first game area 20L or the second game area 20R, and is configured to implement a second flow-down notification performance different from the first flow-down notification performance by establishing a predetermined condition set in advance during implementation of the first flow-down notification performance.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment also includes a winning/losing determination means (process S300) that performs a winning/losing determination based on numerical data relating to the first special symbol extracted due to a ball entering the first starting hole 23 or numerical data relating to the second special symbol extracted due to a ball entering the second starting hole 24, and a reserved memory means (process S112, process S117) that stores the extracted numerical data as reserved memory until the reserved upper limit number is reached when the execution condition for the winning/losing determination is not met, and consumes the reserved memory by executing the winning/losing determination based on the execution condition being met. The flow-down notification performance implementation means is configured to implement a second flow-down notification performance different from the first flow-down notification performance when the predetermined condition is that the number of memories in the reserved memory reaches a preset value.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the flow-down notification performance implementation means has multiple types of predetermined conditions with different settings, and when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first flow-down notification performance is being implemented, a second flow-down notification performance is implemented. And when the second predetermined condition is satisfied while the first flow-down notification performance is being implemented or while the first flow-down notification performance is being implemented, a third flow-down notification performance different from the first flow-down notification performance and the second flow-down notification performance is implemented.

According to the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, during a jackpot game or in a normal power support state that is favorable for balls entering the second special chart start hole 24, the first right hit notification effect is performed to encourage the flow of game balls into the right game area 20R, so that advantageous playability can be provided to the player. In addition, when the large prize entry hole 25 is closed, such as during the end interval of a jackpot game, the pachinko machine 1 changes the right hit notification effect to a second right hit notification effect that is less appealing than the first right hit notification effect, so the player can use the second right hit notification effect as an indicator to suppress the launch of game balls and reduce the launch of wasted balls. Furthermore, the pachinko machine 1 performs the second right hit notification effect when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full and the reserved memory does not increase in the normal power support state, so the player can use the second right hit notification effect as an indicator to suppress the launch of game balls and reduce the launch of wasted balls.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 1, when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full in the normal power support state, a look-ahead performance is performed to indicate the expected jackpot probability of the reserved memory in response to a ball entering the second special chart start port 24. When the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, the second right-hit notification performance is performed to reduce the firing of wasted balls, while a third flow-down notification performance, which has a stronger appeal than the second flow-down notification performance, is performed under the second predetermined condition that the reserved memory of the second special chart is full and a look-ahead performance is performed in response to a ball entering the second special chart start port 24. This allows the player to use the third right-hit notification performance as an indicator to fire game balls, and the look-ahead performance can increase the player's expectation of a jackpot.

As described above, when implementing a right-hit notification performance, the pachinko machine 1 can implement multiple types of right-hit notification performances with different presentation patterns, allowing the player to use these as indicators to continue or stop the firing of game balls, thereby reducing the firing of wasted balls. In addition, since the right-hit notification performance is continued by changing the presentation pattern without stopping the right-hit notification performance, it is possible to prevent player confusion as to which game area to aim for.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to perform the second right hit notification performance during the end interval of the jackpot game, but in addition to this, it is also possible to perform the second right hit notification performance during the start interval of the jackpot game when the jackpot game has started but the large prize winning hole 25 is not yet open, or during the inter-round interval when the large prize winning hole 25 is closed between each round of the jackpot game. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 may shorten the opening time of the first large prize winning hole 25 and the second large prize winning hole 26 depending on the game content of the jackpot game or the small prize game, and perform the second right hit notification performance when it is unlikely that a ball will enter these holes. It is preferable to perform the first right hit notification performance when a left hit is detected during the second right hit notification performance during the jackpot game.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will implement a second right-hit notification effect when the reserved memory of the second special chart becomes full during the right-hit notification effect in the special probability state or normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game, but it is considered that the first right-hit notification effect will be implemented if a left hit is detected during the second right-hit notification effect in the special probability state or normal power support state.

The second right hit notification effect may be performed not only when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, but also when it reaches a predetermined number of memories before it is full. Furthermore, the second right hit notification effect may be performed when the variable time of the second special chart is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, such as during a reach effect. Furthermore, the second right hit notification effect may be performed in combination with the reserved memory number and the variable time. For example, it is possible to perform the second right hit notification effect when there is a predetermined reserved memory number and the variable time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. This provides the following effect. That is, even if there is a predetermined reserved memory number, if the variable time is short, the reserved memory will be lost immediately when the firing is stopped, and the firing must be resumed, making it meaningless to stop the firing. Furthermore, the second right hit notification effect and the first right hit notification effect are frequently switched over, which is annoying for the player. Therefore, the second right hit notification effect can be performed when there is a predetermined reserved memory number and the variable time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, thereby eliminating the inconvenience for the player.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the third right hit notification effect is implemented when a pre-reading effect is performed in response to a ball entering the second special chart start port 24 when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to implement the third right hit notification effect when a special effect such as showing the expected jackpot of the change in response to a ball entering the second special chart start port 24 is performed when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full. In addition, the third right hit notification effect is not limited to when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, but may also be implemented when a specific effect such as showing the expected jackpot of the change in response to a ball entering the second special chart start port 24 is performed. In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may implement the second right hit notification effect instead of the third right hit notification effect when there is a jackpot or a memory with a high possibility of a jackpot in the reserved memory of the second special chart. In other words, if there is a jackpot in the reserved memory, there is no need to save the reserved memory, and a different notification from the usual presentation is given, so the player can increase their anticipation of a jackpot by receiving the second right-hit notification presentation.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has three types of right-hit notification effects, the first, second, and third, but the types of effects may be increased further. For example, as a right-hit notification effect (corresponding to the second right-hit notification effect) that aims to reduce wasted balls in right-hit play, it is possible to implement different types of effects during big win play, small win play, and even in a special probability state or a normal power support state. On the other hand, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may have the first right-hit notification effect and the third right-hit notification effect common to each other.

In the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment, the right-hit notification effect is not limited to a display effect, but may be a right-hit lamp that encourages right-hit play, or a sound that notifies the right-hit. In these cases, it is desirable to reduce the number of wasted balls by changing the color and state of the lamp, the sound quality, and the volume.
In addition, this embodiment is configured to transition to a normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game, but this is not limited to this, and it is also possible to set times when the normal power support state is transitioned to and times when it is not transitioned to after the end of a jackpot game depending on the jackpot pattern.

Second Example
(12. General configuration of the pachinko machine according to the second embodiment)
Next, a pachinko machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present invention is suitable for a pachinko machine in which a game advantageous for winning small wins (so-called small win rush) is played in a sure-win and non-normal power support state. The basic configuration of the pachinko machine of this embodiment is the same as that of the previous embodiment, and the differences will be mainly described.

(12-1. Jackpot pattern)
The big win symbols used in the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 46. As shown in Fig. 46, the big win symbols consist of four types of symbols, "Big Win Symbol A" to "Big Win Symbol D".

The "jackpot pattern A" is a "high probability pattern" that will result in 15 rounds of jackpot play and a high probability (high probability) and normal power support state after the jackpot play ends. Similarly, the "jackpot pattern B" is a "high probability pattern" that will result in 10 rounds of jackpot play and a high probability and normal power support state after the jackpot play ends.

The "normal pattern" "jackpot pattern C" is a pattern that will result in 15 rounds of jackpot play, and after the jackpot play ends, a non-probability change (low probability) and normal power support state will be set. Similarly, the "normal pattern" "jackpot pattern D" is a pattern that will result in 10 rounds of jackpot play, and after the jackpot play ends, a non-probability change and normal power support state will be set.

In the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the normal power support state continues regardless of whether the "high probability symbol" or "normal symbol" is selected, until the number of times the first special symbol and the second special symbol change after the jackpot game ends reaches 30 times. This allows the "jackpot symbol A" and "jackpot symbol B" to transition to a high probability symbol and non-normal power support state after the jackpot game ends, making it possible to develop into a small jackpot rush.

(12-2. Special chart fluctuation table)
Next, the variation tables of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described with reference to Fig. 47. As shown in Fig. 47, the pachinko machine of this embodiment has a "first variation table 00" and a "first variation table 01" as variation tables for the first special symbol. The "first variation table 00" has a plurality of different variation times, and the average variation time is set to 15 seconds. Similarly, the "first variation table 01" has an average variation time of 600 seconds.

The pachinko machine is equipped with "second fluctuation table 00," "second fluctuation table 01," and "second fluctuation table 02" as fluctuation tables for the second special chart. "Second fluctuation table 00" has an average fluctuation time of 6 seconds. "Second fluctuation table 01" has an average fluctuation time of 2 seconds. "Second fluctuation table 02" has an average fluctuation time of 600 seconds.

(13. Jackpot and right-hit notification in the second embodiment)
Next, with reference to Figures 48 and 49, the game progress and right-hit notification presentation regarding the occurrence of a jackpot in the pachinko machine of this embodiment will be explained.

(13-1. Occurrence of a jackpot)
After starting play, in the normal state (low probability and non-normal power support state) in which the pachinko machine aims for the first hit, it mainly uses a left-handed play in which the game ball is fired into the left game area 20L, aiming for the ball to enter the first special chart starting hole 23.

Specifically, in a pachinko machine with low probability and non-normal power support, the fluctuation time associated with the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol is selected from the first fluctuation table 00, and the average fluctuation time is set to "15 seconds" (see FIG. 47). In contrast, in a pachinko machine with low probability and non-normal power support, the fluctuation time associated with the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol is selected from the second fluctuation table 02, and the average fluctuation time is set to "600 seconds" (see FIG. 47). In this way, in a pachinko machine with low probability and non-normal power support, there is an extremely large time difference between the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol, and left-handed play is recommended because aiming for the first special symbol will result in far more hit/miss judgments than the second special symbol.

(13-2. Big Win Game)
As shown in Figures 48 and 49, when a jackpot occurs, regardless of whether the first or second special chart is a hit or not, the pachinko machine starts a jackpot game (see timing [A] in Figures 49(a) and (b)). The pachinko machine also enters a low probability and non-normal power support state during the jackpot game. Right-hand play is recommended during the jackpot game (see timing [B] in Figures 37(a) and (b)). The reason why right-hand play is recommended during the jackpot game is that, as in the first embodiment, after the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to a normal power support state, making the playability of the second special chart advantageous, so that the right-hand play accumulates the reserved memory of the second special chart along with the ball entering the first large winning hole 25 during the jackpot game, and increases the fluctuation of the second special chart after the jackpot game ends.

Furthermore, when a jackpot game is started and right-hit play is recommended, the pachinko machine performs a right-hit notification effect on the effect pattern display device 47 to encourage the player to play right-hit play (see timing [C] in Figures 49 (a) and (b)). In this case, the right-hit notification effect usually performs the first right-hit notification effect.

The right-hit notification effect continues when, for example, all rounds of play have ended at the end of a jackpot game and the jackpot opening 25 is closed, and the player is unlikely to win a prize ball even if he or she fires the game balls, so a second right-hit notification effect is implemented to suppress firing (see timing [Sa] in Figure 49 (a) and (b)).

(13-3. After the end of a jackpot game caused by a probability variation pattern)
Next, the game progress after the big win game ends will be explained. Regardless of the hit/miss judgment of the first or second special symbol, after the big win game in which the big win symbol is a probability variable symbol ends (see timing [E] in FIG. 49(a)), the game state shifts to a probability variable state in which the probability of winning the first and second special symbols becomes high (see timing [O] in FIG. 49(a)).

In addition, after the end of a jackpot game in which the jackpot pattern is a probability variation pattern, the pachinko machine is given a normal power support state (see timing [F] in Figure 37 (a)). In this case, the normal power support state continues until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern change (the total number of times for both) reaches 30 times.

The pachinko machine is configured so that right-hand play continues in the special probability mode and normal power support mode after the end of the jackpot play. Specifically, in the normal power support mode, the pachinko machine is configured so that the fluctuation time associated with the hit/miss determination of the first special chart is selected from the first fluctuation table 00, and the average fluctuation time is set to "15 seconds" (see FIG. 47). In contrast, the fluctuation time associated with the hit/miss determination of the second special chart in the normal power support mode is selected from the second fluctuation table 00, and the average fluctuation time is set to "6 seconds" (see FIG. 47).

In this way, the pachinko machine has a shorter fluctuation time for the second special design than the first special design, and because the normal power support function makes it easier for the ball to land in the second special design start hole 24, the frequency with which hit/fail judgments are made for the second special design is higher than that for the first special design. This continues to recommend right-hand play in order to get the ball to land in the second special design start hole 24.

Then, the pachinko machine continues to implement the right-hit notification display in accordance with the continued recommendation of right-hit play. In this case, after the end of the jackpot play, the display will return from the second right-hit notification display to the first right-hit notification display and continue.

In pachinko machines, the first right-hit notification is basically performed during right-hit notification during the special probability mode and normal power support mode. Then, when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full, the right-hit notification continues, but switches from the first right-hit notification to the second right-hit notification (see timing [Sb] in Figure 49 (a)). When the reserved memory of the second special chart decreases, the right-hit notification reverts from the second right-hit notification to the first right-hit notification.

In a pachinko machine, when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 30 times in the special symbol and normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game caused by a special symbol, normal power support ends (see timing [K] in Figure 49(a)). However, since the special symbol state continues, a small jackpot rush occurs in the special symbol and non-normal power support state (see timing [Sa] in Figure 49(a)), and the recommendation to play with the right hand continues, and the right hand hit notification performance continues accordingly.

In this case, the pachinko machine 1 also performs the second right-hit notification effect when the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full as a right-hit notification effect. Furthermore, even if the reserved memory of the second special symbol is full, if a pre-reading determination indicates that there is a reserved ball in the reserved memory that will be a jackpot, and a pre-reading effect is performed indicating that there is a reserved ball that will be a jackpot in response to the ball entering the second special symbol starting hole 24 when the reserved memory is full, a third right-hit notification effect is performed to encourage right-hit play (see timing [T] in FIG. 49(a)).

(13-4. After the end of a jackpot game caused by a normal symbol)
Next, the game progress after the end of the jackpot game in which the jackpot pattern is a normal pattern will be explained. The pachinko machine does not transition to a high probability state when the jackpot game in which the normal pattern is the end is a low probability state. Also, the normal power support state will be in effect until the number of times the first special pattern and the second special pattern change after the jackpot game has ended reaches 30 times. In this case, the pachinko machine continues to recommend right-hit play. Then, following the continuation of the recommendation for right-hit play, the right-hit notification performance will continue to be performed. In this case, the performance will continue by returning from the second right-hit notification performance at the end of the jackpot game to the first right-hit notification performance.

Even in the case of a right-hit notification effect with low probability and normal power support, the pachinko machine will implement the second right-hit notification effect when the reserved memory of the second special chart is full (see timing [Sb] in FIG. 49(b)). Furthermore, when a pre-reading effect is performed in response to a ball entering the second special chart start hole 24 when the reserved memory is full, the pachinko machine will implement the third right-hit notification effect (see timing [T] in FIG. 49(b)).

In pachinko machines, when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 30 times in a low probability and normal power support state after the end of a jackpot game caused by a normal symbol, normal power support ends (see timing [K] in Figure 37 (b)). In this case, the machine is in a low probability and non-normal power support state, so there is no small jackpot rush.

Then, as the normal power support state ends, the pachinko machine recommends a left-handed play in which the game ball is shot into the left play area 20L with the aim of landing in the first special chart start hole 23 (see timing [K] in FIG. 49(b)). Then, the pachinko machine ends the right-handed play notification presentation (see timing [K] in FIG. 49(b)).

(14. Effects of the Second Embodiment)
As described above, according to the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the right-hit notification effect is carried out even during a small win rush when the machine is in a special mode and has no regular power support, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be achieved.

15. Other Embodiments
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the pachinko machine of the first or second embodiment, when the normal power support state ends and transitions to a low probability and non-normal power support state, it is recommended to play a left-handed game in which the game ball is shot to the left play area 20L, aiming for the ball to enter the first special chart starting hole 23. Therefore, as another embodiment, a left-handed hit notification performance (corresponding to the flow-down notification performance described in the claims) that encourages the player to play a left-handed game may be implemented.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 50(a), it is desirable to display a first left-hit notification image 771, which encourages left-hitting in a normal notification manner, prominently in a position toward the left at the top of the screen on the display screen of the performance pattern display device 47 (corresponding to the first flow-down notification performance described in the claims).

In addition, in the pachinko machine of the first or second embodiment, if the reserved memory of the first special symbol becomes full while the left hit notification effect is continuing in a low probability and non-normal power support state, the reserved memory will not increase any further and the player's profit will be low even if the game ball is fired. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 50(b), it is desirable to continue the left hit notification effect, but switch from the first left hit notification image 771 to the less appealing second left hit notification image 772 (corresponding to the second flow-down notification effect described in the claims) to encourage the player to refrain from firing the game ball. Furthermore, as the game progresses and the reserved memory of the first special symbol is consumed and the reserved memory of the first special symbol becomes memorizable, the left hit notification effect is switched from the second left hit notification image 772 to the first left hit notification image 771.

Furthermore, when the left hit notification performance is continued in a low probability and non-normal power support state, and the reserved memory of the first special chart is full and a pre-reading performance of the reserved memory of the first special chart is performed in response to the ball entering the first special chart starting hole 23, as shown in FIG. 50 (c), a third left hit notification image 773 that is more noticeable and appealing than the second left hit notification image 772 is displayed as a left hit notification performance (corresponding to the third flow-down notification performance described in the claims). Note that the third left hit notification image 773 is as appealing as the first left hit notification image 771, but it is desirable to have a display form that can be distinguished from the first left hit notification image 771. Note that the pachinko machine of this embodiment may be configured to execute the second left hit notification image 772 when there is a jackpot or a memory with a high possibility of a jackpot in the reserved memory of the first special chart. In other words, if there is a jackpot in the reserved memory, there is no need to save the reserved memory, and a different notification from the usual presentation is given, so the player's anticipation of a jackpot can be heightened by the second right-hit notification presentation.

In this embodiment, the third left hit notification image 773 is displayed when a pre-reading effect is performed in response to a ball entering the first special chart starting hole 23 when the reserved memory of the first special chart is full, but this is not limited to this. For example, it is conceivable to display the third left hit notification image 773 when a special effect is performed, such as showing the expected jackpot probability of the change in response to a ball entering the first special chart starting hole 23 when the reserved memory of the first special chart is full. In addition, the display of the third left hit notification image 773 is not limited to when the reserved memory of the first special chart is full, but may also be implemented when a specific effect is performed, such as showing the expected jackpot probability in response to a ball entering the first special chart starting hole 23.

Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to an enclosed gaming machine in which the launched gaming balls are collected inside the gaming machine and then launched again by the launching device, and the number of balls held by the player is managed as data using a storage medium such as an IC card. It may also be applied to a reel type gaming machine.

1: Pachinko machine, 2: Game board, 20 Game area, 20L: Left game area (first game area), 20R: Right game area (second game area), 21: Normal game operation port, 22: Normal electric device, 23: First special game start port (first start port), 24: Second special game start port (second start port), 25: First big prize opening, 26: Second big prize opening, 40: Main control device (holding memory means, winning/losing determination means), 42: Sub integrated control device (flow down notification performance implementation means) 46: Performance pattern display device

Claims (1)

a first game area into which the game ball can flow when the game ball is shot with a first shooting intensity;
a second game area in which the game ball can flow down when the game ball is shot at a second shooting intensity different from the first shooting intensity;
A first starting port arranged so that at least a game ball flowing down the first game area can enter;
A normal play opening disposed in the second play area;
A normal electric device is arranged in a position where a game ball flowing down the game area where at least the normal play opening is arranged can enter, and opens according to the result of a lottery resulting from the ball entering the normal play opening;
A second starting hole through which the game ball can enter or can be easily entered by opening the normal electric device;
A winning/losing determination means for performing a winning/losing determination based on numerical data extracted due to the ball entering the first starting hole or numerical data extracted due to the ball entering the second starting hole;
A display means for displaying a special symbol in a variable manner in response to the winning/losing judgment, and then displaying the special symbol in a definite manner to notify the result of the winning/losing judgment;
a reserved storage means for storing the extracted numerical data as reserved memory until a reserved upper limit number is reached when the execution condition for the pass/fail judgment is not satisfied, and for depleting the reserved memory by executing the pass/fail judgment based on the satisfaction of the execution condition;
and a flow-down notification performance implementation means for implementing a flow-down notification performance that encourages the flow-down of game balls in the first game area or the second game area,
The flow-down notification performance implementation means includes:
The game machine is provided with a plurality of types of flow-down notification effects having different presentation modes for implementing the flow-down notification effect that encourages the game balls to flow down in either the first game area or the second game area;
A gaming machine which implements a second flowing down notification performance different from the first flowing down notification performance when the number of memories in the reserved memory reaches a predetermined number while a first flowing down notification performance is being implemented, and which implements a third flowing down notification performance different from the first flowing down notification performance and different from the second flowing down notification performance when the number of memories in the reserved memory reaches the predetermined number while the first flowing down notification performance is being implemented and when the ball enters the second starting hole and the numerical data in the reserved memory is a specific value.

Images