JP7464990B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

The above gaming machines include a configuration in which if the gaming ball enters the starting hole validly, a win/loss determination is made, and if the result of the win/loss determination is a win, a big win game is executed in which the big win hole is opened. In the case of this gaming machine, the result of the win/loss determination is notified to the player through a game presentation consisting of one or more of images, sounds, lights, vibrations, etc., thereby increasing the player's anticipation of a win.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-57583

In conventional gaming machines, multiple types of game presentations are set, and the probability of a winning judgment result being notified is indicated to the player depending on the type of game presentation. However, there is a tendency for the game presentations to be standardized, which may lead to a decrease in interest in the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming.

The gaming machine according to claim 1 comprises: a determination means for determining whether a jackpot has been reached or not when a game ball has entered a starting hole; an image display device for displaying an image of a pattern game in which three rows of performance symbols are changed from a variable state to a variable stop state, and when a jackpot has been reached, an image of the three rows of performance symbols being a combination of a jackpot is displayed as an image of the pattern game in response to a ready state in which two of the three rows are stopped from varying with the same type of performance symbols as the other two rows, and when a miss has been reached, an image of the three rows of performance symbols being a combination of random numbers is displayed as an image of the pattern game in response to the remaining one row being stopped from varying with a different type of performance symbols from the other two rows, after the ready state; and an image display device for displaying an image of the pattern game in a manner according to a result of a setting of a performance mode, and when the performance mode is set to a predetermined one, a display device for displaying one when the three rows of performance symbols are displayed in a ready state in an image of the current pattern game within a specific period consisting of N (>2) consecutive pattern games. The game device is provided with an effect control means for starting to display an image of one reach effect on the image display device as a background image for a pattern game , and the effect control means , in response to the image of one reach effect being displayed in a current pattern game within the specific period, starts to display an image of the one reach effect as an effect for non-definitely notifying a player in advance that three rows of effect patterns will form a jackpot combination in the current pattern game if a cumulative number of times the image of the one reach effect is displayed within the specific period does not reach a predetermined value M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and less than N) in response to the image of the one reach effect being displayed in a current pattern game within the specific period, and starts to display an image of the one reach effect as an effect for definitely notifying a player in advance that three rows of effect patterns will form a jackpot combination in the current pattern game, regardless of whether the display of the image of the one reach effect will be continuous or not, in response to the image of the one reach effect being displayed in a current pattern game within the specific period, starts to display an image of the one reach effect as an effect for definitely notifying a player in advance that three rows of effect patterns will form a jackpot combination in the current pattern game .
According to the above means, a predetermined non-deterministic effect becomes a deterministic effect when it is performed two or more predetermined times within a specific period, so that it is possible to provide the player with a new interest in playing the game while paying attention to the number of occurrences of the predetermined non-deterministic effect.
The gaming machine described in claim 2 is characterized in that the specific period is set to a period during which the predetermined presentation mode is set that does not include the final pattern game, and when the predetermined presentation mode is set and the current pattern game exceeds the specific period and becomes the final pattern game, three rows of presentation patterns are always displayed in a reach state in the current pattern game, and an image of one reach presentation is always started to be displayed in that reach state .
According to the above means, it is possible to display a predetermined non-deterministic presentation image regardless of the result of the judgment of whether the final variation in a specific period is a win or a loss, so that it is possible to give the player a high sense of expectation for a win in the final variation.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to increase the enjoyment of the game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display of FIG. 3, showing displays provided in the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of win and the opening pattern of the large prize opening. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a hit determination table, (B) is a big hit type determination table, (C) is a small hit type determination table, (E) is a normal pattern hit determination table, and (F) is a normal pattern change pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of an interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a start port sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a general operation process. 13 is a flowchart of normal symbol waiting processing. This is a flowchart of the normal pattern correctness determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal pattern random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during normal pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of the normal symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of special chart operation processing. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 1 (jackpot game). This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 2 (small hit game). This is a flowchart of special electric device processing 2 (small hit game). 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. This is a flowchart for processing the number of reserved balls. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 2 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. A diagram showing the storage results of pre-read information in a performance control microcomputer. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on an image display device before the start of a winning game. This is a diagram showing images of Super Reach Effects 1 and 2. This is a diagram showing images of Super Reach Effects 3 and 4. A figure showing video of the wind warning performance. 13 is a flowchart of a setting process for preview effects, etc. 13 is a flowchart of a variable performance pattern selection process. This is a video of the final Super Reach performance 1 in the shortest first time-saving state. This is the footage after the end of the first, shortest time-saving state. (a) is a flowchart of the variable presentation pattern selection process at the final episode of the shortest first time-saving state, and (b) is a flowchart of other processing after selecting Super Reach Presentation 1 at the final episode of the shortest first time-saving state. This is a video of a time-saving fluctuation cut-in effect. This is a video of a time-saving variable reach performance. This is a reach selection table in the second time-saving state.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an example. In the following, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a type 1/2 mixed type pachinko game machine capable of executing a jackpot game in which a player can be awarded a predetermined amount of game profit (e.g., prize balls) when a jackpot pattern is displayed as a jackpot pattern when the variable pattern display ends (when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot) and when a game ball that enters a variable ball entrance that can be entered based on the stopped display of a small hit pattern passes through a predetermined specific area (when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through a specific area in the variable ball entrance).

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50, and the game board 2 is configured to be freely attached and detached from the game machine frame 50. Figure 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The game machine frame 50 is configured to have a front frame 51 with a decorative surface, a main frame 52 to which the game board 2 and the like are attached, and an outer frame 53 for attaching the pachinko game machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall, and the front frame 51, the main frame 52, and the outer frame 53 are pivotally supported at one side end and each is configured to be openable and closable.

The front frame 51 is also provided with a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 that can store game balls and supply them to the launching device, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 that stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also provided with a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (collectively referred to as the "effect button 63") that can be operated by the player during game effects that are executed as the game progresses, and is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 66 and a speaker 67.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 51 is provided with a handle base 60. This handle base 60 is located in the lower right corner of the front frame 51 and protrudes forward from the front frame 51 so that the player can grasp it with his fingers. A launch handle 60a is attached to this handle base 60 so that it can rotate around an axis that faces in the front-to-rear direction. This launch handle 60a can be rotated clockwise by the player's fingers while holding the handle base 60 with the player's fingers, and is used to launch the game ball with a launch strength that corresponds to the amount of clockwise operation (rotation angle).

As shown in FIG. 1, the handle base 60 is provided with an air outlet 60b. This air outlet 60b is a through hole, and an electromagnetic air pump 60c (see FIG. 5) is fixed in the handle base 60 behind the air outlet 60b. This air pump 60c blows air forward from the air outlet 60b toward the outside of the handle base 60. When a player holds the handle base 60 with his or her fingers and operates the launch handle 60a, the air from the air outlet 60b is blown onto the player's fingers. This air is blown as a notice that makes the player expect that a situation advantageous to the player will occur, and the air pump 60c corresponds to a blowing means, a game part, and a performance device, the notice of the wind corresponds to an invisible performance, and the air blowing function of the air pump 60c corresponds to a predetermined game function.

The effect buttons 63 function as input means that allow input by the player, and different effect buttons can be used depending on the type of game effect. When the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b is operated while a game effect is being executed, a predetermined operation-related effect is performed based on the operation. Note that the configuration of the effect buttons 63 is not limited to the form of this embodiment 1, and may be any input means that allows the player to input, or may be an input means (e.g., a retractable type, a touch sensor type, etc.) where the player directly touches the button portion to input, or may be a non-contact type input means (e.g., a photoelectric type, etc.) where input is made by detecting the proximity of a part of the player's body.

The game board 2 has a game area 3, in which game balls launched by operating the launch handle 60 flow down, surrounded by a rail member 4. The game board 2 is also provided with a decorative board lamp 5. A number of game nails 16 protrude from the game area 3 to guide the game balls. A ball return prevention piece 6 is also provided at the tip of the rail member 4, which can prevent game balls once guided to the game area from returning to the launching device.

In addition, near the center of the game area 3, an image display device 7 consisting of a liquid crystal display device is provided. A display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a performance pattern display area 7b (also called a "performance pattern display section") on which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply called "performance pattern 8") are displayed, and the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed in synchronization with the display of the first special pattern and the display of the second special pattern, which will be described later. The performance pattern display area 7b is composed of three pattern display areas, for example, "left," "middle," and "right," and the left pattern display area displays the left performance pattern 8L, the middle pattern display area displays the middle performance pattern 8C, and the right pattern display area displays the right performance pattern 8R. This image display device corresponds to a specified display means.

Each of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R consists of a number of symbols (identification information) that represent, for example, the numbers "1" to "9." The left, center, and right effect symbols stopped and displayed in the effect symbol display area 7b display the results of the first special symbol variation display (i.e., the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also simply called "hit/miss judgment")) displayed on the first special symbol display 41a (also called the "first special symbol display section") described below (see FIG. 4), and the results of the second special symbol variation display (the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment) displayed on the second special symbol display 41b (also called the "second special symbol display section") so that the player can easily recognize them. Note that the first special symbol, second special symbol, and effect symbol, or both, may be referred to simply as "symbol" or "identification information."

For example, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit, it is possible to stop and display the performance symbols with the same three digits such as "777" or "555" (also called "hit performance symbols"). Also, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, the performance symbols may be stopped and displayed with the same three digits such as "222" or "666" (also called "hit performance symbols"), as in the case of a big hit, or with a preset chance symbol such as "135" (a predetermined specific variety symbol where at least one of the three symbols is different) or a special symbol such as "3★3" (also called "small hit performance symbols"). In addition, when the performance symbols are displayed as three identical repeat numbers (also called "winning performance symbols") in both the case of a big win and a small win, different symbol combinations may be displayed for the big win and the small win, or the same symbol combination may be displayed to make it difficult for the player to distinguish between a big win and a small win. In addition, if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a miss, it is possible to display the performance symbols as a variety of numbers (also called a "miss performance symbol") in which at least one of the three symbols is different, such as "637" or "373".

This allows the player to easily grasp the progress of the game by looking at the stopped effect symbols, or conversely, makes it difficult to grasp the progress of the game from the stopped effect symbols. In other words, the player does not generally grasp the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment by directly looking at the special symbols displayed on the first special pattern display device 41a or the second special pattern display device 41b, but rather by looking at the effect symbols (pseudo symbols) displayed in the effect symbol display area 7b. It is not necessary to set the positions of the left, center, and right pattern display areas separately, and the left, center, and right effect pattern display areas may each be the entire pattern display area (effect symbol display area 7b). In addition, the variable display of the effect symbols can be, for example, scrolled up and down, left and right, diagonally, etc.

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to displaying game effects using the aforementioned effect patterns (effect pattern game effects), winning game effects executed in response to winning games and demo effects for waiting customers are also displayed. In addition to effect patterns such as numbers, effect images other than effect patterns, such as background images and character images, are also displayed in the effect pattern game effects, winning game effects and demo effects.

The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 also has a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) that displays the first effect hold 9a according to the number of stored first special symbol holds described below, and a second effect hold display area 9d (second effect hold display section) that displays the second effect hold 9b according to the number of stored second special symbol holds described below. Depending on the display mode (display number) of the first effect hold or second effect hold, the number of stored first special symbol holds displayed on the first special symbol hold display 43a (see FIG. 4) described below and the number of stored second special symbol holds displayed on the second special symbol hold display 43b can be clearly shown to the player.

Near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7, a center ornament 10 is provided so as to surround the performance pattern display area 7b. At the bottom of the center ornament 10, a stage section 11 is provided, which has a game ball rolling surface on which the game ball can roll. In addition, a hollow warp section 12 is provided at the left part of the center ornament 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives game balls flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, discharges the game balls from the warp exit, and guides them to the stage section 11. Game balls guided to the rolling surface of the stage section 11 are more likely to enter the first starting hole 20 described below than game balls that are not guided to the stage section 11. In addition, at the top of the center ornament 10, a decorative member 13 is arranged, which has an electric member such as an LED (board lamp 5) that can be lit depending on the game status and is shaped like letters, figures, etc.

In addition, a movable decorative member 14 is provided at the top of the center decorative body 10, behind the decorative member 13, which can move in response to game effects. In FIG. 3, only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible, but, for example, when a game effect that has a relatively high probability of winning is executed, the movable decorative member 14 falls downward and covers the front of the display screen 7a, making most of it visible. This increases the player's sense of anticipation for a win (a big win or a small win).

A fixed winning device 19 is provided below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, and includes a non-variable first starting hole 20 that does not change the ease with which the game ball can enter. Based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 20, a random number for determining whether the special symbol is a winner (random number for determining whether the first special symbol is a winner) is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is met, a win/loss determination for the first special symbol (first special symbol win/loss determination) is executed and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the first special symbol is displayed as a still image based on the result of the win/loss determination (first special symbol win/loss determination).

A variable winning device 22 (also called a "variable starting hole") is provided below the first starting hole 20. The variable starting hole 21 changes the ease with which the game ball can enter the hole. Based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 21, a random number for determining whether the special symbol is a winner (random number for determining whether the second special symbol is a winner) is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is met, a win/loss determination of the second special symbol (second special symbol win/loss determination) is executed and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the second special symbol is displayed as a stop based on the result of the win/loss determination (second special symbol win/loss determination).

The variable winning device 22 includes a movable member 23, and opens and closes the second starting hole 21 by the operation of the movable member 23. This opening and closing operation allows the second starting hole 21 to change from a first state (closed state) to a second state (open state) in which the probability of a game ball entering the hole is higher than that of the first state. The movable member 23 is driven by a second starting hole solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment 1, the second starting hole 21 allows game balls to enter only when the movable member 23 is in the open state, and does not allow game balls to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. Note that the second starting hole 21 does not have to be completely unable to allow game balls to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in the closed state, as long as it is more difficult for game balls to enter the hole when the movable member 23 is in the closed state than when the movable member 23 is in the open state.

To the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, a first large prize winning device 31 (also called the "first variable ball entry port") is provided, which operates when a large prize game is executed, as described below. The first large prize winning device 31 is equipped with a first large prize winning port 30 and an opening/closing member 32, and the first large prize winning port 30 is opened by the opening operation of the opening/closing member 32, and the first large prize winning port 30 is closed by the closing operation of the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize winning port solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). The first large prize winning port 30 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. In other words, the first variable ball entry port 31 can be changed between a ball entry-disabled state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter and a ball entry-enabled state (open state) in which game balls can enter, by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 32.

In addition, above the first large winning opening 30 in the game area 3 and at the lower right of the center decoration 10, a second large winning device 36 (also called the "second variable ball winning opening") is provided, which operates when a small winning game is executed as described below. The second large winning device 36 is equipped with a second large winning opening 35 and an opening/closing member (wing member) 37, and the second large winning opening 35 is opened by the opening operation of the opening/closing member 37, and the second large winning opening 35 is closed by the closing operation of the opening/closing member 37. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large winning opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). The second large winning opening 35 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state. In other words, the second variable ball winning opening 36 can be changed between a ball-entry-disabled state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter and a ball-entry-enabled state (open state) in which game balls can enter by the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 37.

Inside the second large prize winning device 36, a specific area 39 (also called V or V area) is formed (provided) through which the game ball that entered the second large prize winning opening 35 can pass. In this pachinko game machine 1, the jackpot game described below is started based on the detection that at least one of the game balls that entered the second large prize winning opening 35 has passed through the specific area 39. In other words, the specific area 39 is the jackpot game start port. In addition, the second large prize winning device 36 is provided with a movable piece (a member that changes the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area) (not shown) for creating a state in which the game ball can pass through the specific area 39 (open state) and a state in which the game ball cannot pass through (closed state). This function of starting the jackpot game corresponds to a predetermined game function.

This movable piece closes the specific area 39 when the second large prize winning device 36 is not in operation, i.e., when the opening/closing member 37 closes the second large prize winning opening 35, and starts an operation (a predetermined operation) to open the specific area 39 when the second large prize winning device 36 starts to operate, i.e., when the opening/closing member 37 that opens and closes the second large prize winning opening 35 starts to open. In other words, the movable piece starts to operate in conjunction with the opening operation of the opening/closing member 37. The movable piece also operates in a predetermined operation pattern, and returns to a state in which the specific area 39 is closed when a predetermined operation time has elapsed. This movable piece is also called a "movable member that allows (opens) or prevents (closes) the passage of game balls to the specific area."

As a result, when a game ball enters the opened second large winning opening 35 and the timing at which the game ball reaches a position (the entrance of the movable piece) where it is guided to the specific area 39 coincides with the timing at which the movable piece opens the specific area 39, the game ball passes through the specific area 39 (V-passing) and the big win game begins. On the other hand, if these timings do not coincide, the game ball is discharged directly to the outside of the machine without passing through the specific area 39, and the big win game does not begin. In addition, as the predetermined operation pattern of the movable piece, an operation pattern in which the game ball changes between the closed state and the open state multiple times, or the time for which the game ball is in the open state or the closed state multiple times differs, may be set. Then, the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area may be changed depending on the timing at which the opening/closing member 37 of the second large winning opening is opened (the state at which the game ball can enter) after the start of the predetermined operation pattern is opened.

In the right area of the center ornament 10 in the game area 3, a gate 28 (game ball passage opening) through which game balls can pass is provided. Random numbers for determining whether a normal pattern is a hit or miss are obtained based on the passage of a game ball through the gate 28, and when a predetermined condition is met, a normal pattern hit or miss determination is executed to determine whether the second start opening 21 should be opened or not, and the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner and is displayed as a stop based on the result of the normal pattern hit or miss determination. When a winning normal pattern is displayed as a stop, the second start opening 21 is opened. Furthermore, multiple general ball entrance openings 27 are provided at the bottom of the game area 3.

The game area 3, in which various ball entry ports are arranged, can be divided into a left game area (first game area) 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area (second game area) 3B on the right side. A left hit is a hit that shoots a game ball so that it flows down the left game area 3A, and a right hit is a hit that shoots a game ball so that it flows down the right game area 3B. In this pachinko game machine 1, when starting a game, a left hit is used to aim for the ball to enter the first start port 20. On the other hand, when a hit/miss judgment based on the ball entering the first start port 20 results in a hit (jackpot) and the game state changes, a right hit is used to aim for the ball to enter the gate 28, the second start port 21, the first big prize port 30, and the second big prize port 35. When a game ball enters the first start gate 20, the second start gate 21, the first major prize gate 30, the second major prize gate 35, or the general ball entrance gate 27, a predetermined number of game balls (also called "prize balls") are paid out from each of the ball entrance gates.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the main display 40 is disposed at the lower right of the game board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) for displaying the first special symbol as it changes and stops, a second special symbol display 41b (second special symbol display section) for displaying the second special symbol as it changes and stops, and a normal symbol display 42 (normal symbol display section) for displaying the normal symbol as it changes and stops. The main display 40 also includes a first special symbol reserve display 43a for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information (first special symbol reserve) stored for the first special symbol, a second special symbol reserve display 43b for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information (second special symbol reserve) stored for the second special symbol, and a normal symbol reserve display 44 for displaying the number of operation reserves (normal symbol reserve) stored for the normal symbol display 42.

The main display 40 also includes a win indicator 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit (big hit or small hit), a round indicator 45 that indicates the number of rounds of the winning game that will be executed if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a hit, a game status indicator 46 that indicates that the variable time shortening function (time shortening function) is operating, and a launch direction indicator 47 that indicates the direction in which the game ball is launched, i.e., whether it should be hit to the right or left. The display of the various indicators included in the main display 40 is controlled by the main control unit described below.

Here, the round indicator 45 is composed of two LEDs, one for 5R and one for 10R. When the special chart 1 jackpot pattern A, the special chart 1 jackpot pattern B, or the special chart 1 jackpot pattern C is displayed as a jackpot pattern, the lamp for 5R is displayed as a light, and the display mode is "5R▲10R△" (for example, ▲: lit, △: unlit). When the special chart 2 jackpot pattern A is displayed as a jackpot pattern, the lamp for 10R is displayed as a light. These lamps are displayed as a light when the corresponding jackpot pattern is displayed as a confirmed jackpot pattern. In addition, when a jackpot is achieved based on passing through a specific area via a small jackpot, a lamp is displayed indicating the number of rounds obtained by adding one to the number of rounds of the small jackpot game that is executed after passing through the specific area. Specifically, as the small win pattern, the special chart 2 small win pattern A or the special chart 2 small win pattern B is displayed as a stop, and when the game ball passes through a specific area in the second large winning hole opened by the small win play, a 10R lamp is displayed with 9 rounds plus 1 round for the small win. Specifically, the display mode is "5R △ 10R ▲". Also, as the small win pattern, the special chart 2 small win pattern C or the special chart 2 small win pattern D is displayed as a stop, and when the game ball passes through a specific area in the second large winning hole opened by the small win play, a 5R lamp is displayed with 4 rounds plus 1 round for the small win.

The display of the first special symbol is triggered (based on) the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting hole 20. The display of the second special symbol is triggered by the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 21. In the following explanation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are sometimes collectively referred to as special symbols. Furthermore, the first special symbol display device 41a and the second special symbol display device 41b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol display unit 41. Furthermore, the first special symbol reserve display device 43a and the second special symbol reserve display device 43b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve display unit 43.

In the special symbol display section 41, the special symbol (identification information) is displayed variably for a predetermined time, and then displayed as a stopped special symbol (stopped symbol), and the result of the lottery (judgment, special symbol hit/miss judgment, big hit lottery, small hit lottery, etc.) based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21 is announced by the stopped special symbol. The stopped special symbol is one special symbol selected from multiple types of special symbols by the special symbol hit/miss judgment. If the stopped symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information) (i.e., if it is a big hit symbol or small hit symbol), a special game (a big hit game or a small hit game) is played in which the first large winning hole 30 or the second large winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the stopped specific special symbol (hit type) that is displayed as a stopped special symbol.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i-p", and a plurality of display modes (maximum 256 combinations) can be displayed by the combination of turning on and off each LED. Similarly, the second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a-h", and a plurality of display modes (maximum 256 combinations) can be displayed by the combination of turning on and off each LED. The first special symbol display 41a displays a special symbol (first special symbol) according to the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment, and the second special symbol display 41b displays a special symbol (second special symbol) according to the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment. Note that before the special symbol is displayed stationary, the special symbol is displayed for a predetermined change time, and the display mode can be, for example, a mode in which each LED is lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right in a predetermined order.

In this embodiment 1, three types of jackpots, "Special 1 jackpot A to C", are provided as the type of jackpot when the result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (see Figures 6 (A) to (C)). In addition, there is no small hit as a result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment. These jackpots are displayed in an identifiable manner by the display mode of the first special pattern display 41a. For example, when the result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, if the type is "Special 1 jackpot A", the three "ijn" LEDs are turned on and the rest are turned off, and if it is "Special 1 jackpot B", the four "jnkl" LEDs are turned on and the rest are turned off. In addition, display modes different from other jackpots are also determined for the other special 1 jackpots. In addition, if the result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is a miss, the two "lo" LEDs are turned on and the rest are turned off. Furthermore, even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is "Special symbol 1 big hit A," the game state to which the player transitions after the big hit game is set to differ depending on the game state at that time (normal state, first time-saving state, or second time-saving state).

In addition, when the result of the second special pattern hit/miss judgment is a big hit, one type of big hit is provided, "Special pattern 2 big hit A" (see Fig. 6 (A) to (C)), and when the result is a small hit, four types of small hits are provided, "Special pattern 2 small hit A to D" (see Fig. 6 (A) to (C)). These big hits or small hits are displayed identifiably by the display mode of the second special pattern display 41b (combination of the lighting and extinguishing of each LED) in the same manner as the first special pattern display 41a described above. In addition, the display mode of the special pattern display unit 41 corresponding to each hit (big hit and small hit) can be one display mode for multiple hit types (including modes in which only the operating state of the time-saving function or the opening extension function differs), one display mode for one hit, or multiple display modes for one hit, and similarly, one or multiple display modes can be displayed for misses. If there are multiple display modes, the display mode may be selected, for example, by random number selection, and the display of the special symbol display unit 41 may be controlled based on the selected display mode.

In this embodiment 1, if the display mode of the special symbol (stopped symbol) displayed in a stopped state is a big win (first specific mode) or a small win (second specific mode), the content of the benefit given to the player will differ depending on the type of big win or small win. This will be described in more detail later.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether or not a special pattern has been won is acquired based on the ball entry, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored in a special pattern reservation memory unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. In detail, if the ball enters the first starting hole 20, it is stored in the first special pattern reservation memory unit (not shown) as the first special pattern reservation, and if the ball enters the second starting hole 21, it is stored in the second special pattern reservation memory unit (not shown) as the second special pattern reservation. An upper limit is set for the number of special pattern reservations that can be stored in each special pattern reservation memory unit, and the upper limit in this embodiment 1 is "4" for the first special pattern reservation memory unit and "4" for the second special pattern reservation memory unit. These first special pattern reservation memory unit and second special pattern reservation memory unit are also called "first acquired information storage means" and "second acquired information storage means", respectively, and are also collectively called "acquired information storage means". Furthermore, the number of special chart reserves that can be stored in each special chart reserve memory section (upper limit) can be set arbitrarily during the game machine design stage, taking into consideration gameplay and specifications, etc., and it is possible to set the upper limit to be the same for the first special chart reserve memory section and the second special chart reserve memory section, or to set the upper limit of the first special chart reserve memory section to be higher than the upper limit of the second special chart reserve memory section, or to set the upper limit of the second special chart reserve memory section to be higher than the upper limit of the first special chart reserve memory section.

The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols memory unit are consumed when it becomes possible to display the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols. Consumption of reserved special symbols means judging the random numbers for determining whether the special symbols correspond to the reserved special symbols, and executing the display of the special symbols to show the result of the judgment. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the special symbols based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the ball entering, that is, even if the display of the special symbols is being executed or a special game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to judge whether the special symbol is entered for the ball, up to a specified number.

The number of reserved special drawings stored in the reserved special drawing memory unit is displayed on the first reserved special drawing display 43a and the second reserved special drawing display 43b. Specifically, the first reserved special drawing display 43a is composed of two LEDs, "uv", and displays the number of reserved first special drawings by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of reserved first special drawings. For example, when the number of pending items is "0", the display may show "u□v□" (for example, □ is off, ● is red, ▲ is green) with both LEDs turned off; when the number of pending items is "1", the display may show "u□v●" with the "u" LED turned off and the "v" LED turned red; when the number of pending items is "2", the display may show "u●v□" with the "u" LED turned red and the "v" LED turned off; when the number of pending items is 3, the display may show "u●v●" with both LEDs lit red; and when the number of pending items is "4" (the upper limit), the display may show "u▲v▲" with both LEDs lit green.

The second special chart reserved indicator 43b is composed of two LEDs, "wx", and displays the number of second special chart reserved by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of second special chart reserved. For example, when the reserved number is "0", it can be displayed as "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: red light) with both LEDs turned off, when the reserved number is "1", it can be displayed as "w□x●" with the "w" LED turned off and the "x" LED turned on red, when the reserved number is "2", it can be displayed as "w●x□" with the "w" LED turned on red and the "x" LED turned off, when the reserved number is 3, it can be displayed as "w●x●" with both LEDs turned on red, and when the reserved number is "4" (the upper limit), it can be displayed as "w▲x▲" with both LEDs turned on green.

The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner when (based on) the game ball passes through the gate 28. The normal symbol display 42 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, then stops, and the normal symbol (stopped symbol) displayed in a stopped state notifies the player of the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the game ball passing through the gate 28. The normal symbol displayed in a stopped state is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol hit/miss judgment. If the normal symbol displayed in a stopped state is a predetermined specific normal symbol (a winning normal symbol), an auxiliary game is played in which the second start hole 21 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of two "st" LEDs, and displays the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment by the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the judgment result is a hit, a winning normal symbol with both LEDs lit is displayed as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: off). If the judgment result is a miss, a missing normal symbol with only the "t" LED lit is displayed as "s□t■". Note that a missing normal symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is displayed, a variable display of the normal symbol is executed for a predetermined variable time, and the variable display state is, for example, a state in which both LEDs alternately light up and go out.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether or not a normal pattern is a hit is acquired based on the passing, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored as a normal pattern reserve in a normal pattern reserve memory unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. An upper limit is set for the number of normal pattern reserves that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit, and the upper limit in this embodiment 1 is four. The normal pattern reserve stored in the normal pattern reserve memory unit is consumed when it becomes possible to display the normal pattern based on the normal pattern reserve. The consumption of the normal pattern reserve means judging the random number for judging whether or not a normal pattern is a hit corresponding to the normal pattern reserve, and executing the normal pattern display to show the judgment result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the normal pattern based on the passing of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the passing, that is, even if the display of the normal pattern is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, the right to judge the normal pattern for the passing can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

The number of reserved regular maps stored in the reserved regular map memory unit is displayed on the reserved regular map display 44. Specifically, the reserved regular map display 44 is composed of two LEDs, "qr", and displays the number of reserved regular maps by lighting up the LEDs according to the number of reserved regular maps. For example, when the reserved number is 0, the display mode is "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: red lit, ▲: green lit), with both LEDs off, and when the reserved number is 1, the display mode is "q□r●", with the "q" LED off and the "r" LED lit in red. In addition, the reserved numbers 2 to 4 are also determined in the same way as the first special map reserved display 43a.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 is equipped with a main control board 80 (also called the "main control unit" and "game control unit") that controls game progress and game profits, such as determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, determining whether a normal symbol is a hit or not, and transitioning game states, a sub-control board 90 (also called the "sub-control unit" and "performance control unit") that controls performances executed as the game progresses, a payout control board 110 (also called the "payout control unit") that controls the payout of game balls, and an image control board 100 (image control unit) that controls the display of the performance symbol 8 displayed on the image display device 7, the symbol displayed on the performance display 102, the performance first special symbol reserve display 103a, and the performance second special symbol reserve display 103b, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board storage case that stores the main control board 80 is provided in the approximate center of the rear side (back side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and above this main control board case is a storage case for the image control board, etc., that stores the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the image control board 100, and above this storage case for the image control board, etc., is a sub-control board storage case that stores the sub-control board 90. Also, below and to the left of the main control board case is a payout control board case that stores the payout control board, and to the right of that is a power supply board case that stores the power supply board 109.

The main control board 80 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcomputer") 81 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 corresponds to a judgment means and a pre-judgment means, and transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards, etc. via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81. The ROM may also be external. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is provided with the special pattern reservation memory section (first special pattern reservation memory section and second special pattern reservation memory section) and the normal pattern reservation memory section described above.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected are the first start port sensor 20a, the second start port sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the first large prize port sensor 30a, the second large prize port sensor 35a, the specific area sensor 39a, and the general ball entry port sensor 27a. These various sensors are also referred to as "detection means."

The first start port sensor 20a is provided in the first start port 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21a is provided in the second start port 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided in the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize port sensor 30a is provided in the first large prize port 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize port 30. The second large prize port sensor 35a is provided in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize port 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in a specific area 39 in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have passed through the specific area 39. The general ball entrance sensor 27a is provided in each general ball entrance 27 and detects game balls that enter the general ball entrance 27.

In addition to these sensors, a non-specific area sensor may be provided in the second large prize opening 35 to detect that a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 has not passed through the specific area 39. This allows a game ball that has entered the second large prize opening to be detected as having passed through either the specific area sensor or the non-specific area sensor, and if an incident occurs in which the game ball remains in the second large prize opening (ball jamming or fraud), an error notification of the incident can be issued, making it possible to quickly resolve the incident.

The solenoids connected include the second start port solenoid 24, the first large prize port solenoid 33, and the second large prize port solenoid 38. The second start port solenoid 24 is for driving the movable member 23 of the variable prize device 22. The first large prize port solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize port solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36.

Furthermore, the main control board 80 is connected to a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reserved display 43a, a second special symbol reserved display 43b, a normal symbol reserved display 44, a round display 45, a game status display 46, a launch direction display 47, and a win display 48. In other words, the display control of these main displays 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 110 is connected to a payout device 120 that pays out prize balls and loan balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enabling ball lending based on information stored in an inserted prepaid card (game value storage medium) or the like), as well as to a launching device 112 via a launch control board 111 (also called the "launch control unit"). The launching device 112 includes a launch handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

The payout control board 110 is equipped with a payout control one-chip microcomputer 116 (also called the "payout control microcomputer") that controls the payout of game balls from the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The payout control microcomputer 116 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the payout of game balls, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The payout control microcomputer 116 drives the payout motor 121 of the payout device 120 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 81 and signals from the card unit 135 connected to the pachinko game machine 1 via the input/output circuit 117. The paid-out game balls are detected by payout sensors 122 and 123 for counting. When the player operates the handle 60 (see FIG. 1) of the launching device 112, the touch switch 114 detects the player's contact with the launching handle 60, and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the launching handle 60. The launching motor 113 is then controlled to launch the game ball with a strength that corresponds to the magnitude of the detection signal from the launch volume 115.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 91 for controlling the presentation of the pachinko game machine 1 (the "microcomputer for controlling presentation") that controls the presentation of the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The microcomputer 91 for controlling presentation includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the presentation as the game progresses, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The microcomputer 91 for controlling presentation transmits and receives data to and from other boards via an input/output circuit 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built into the microcomputer 91 for controlling presentation. The ROM may also be external.

The image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107 are connected to the sub-control board 90. The performance control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 corresponds to a performance control means, and causes the CPU of the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 ("image control microcomputer") of the image control board 100 to perform display control of the image display device 7, the performance display device 102, the performance first special pattern reserve display device 103a, and the performance second reserve display device 103b based on a command received from the main control board 80. The RAM of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores image data such as still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance patterns, reserve patterns, etc.) and background images. The CPU of the image control board 100 reads image data from the ROM based on a command from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

The performance display 102 is made up of two LEDs, and performs a change display and a stop display in accordance with the change display and stop display of the performance pattern 8, and displays the stop display in a display mode that indicates the display result of the performance pattern 8 (the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment) by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. In addition, the performance first special pattern hold display 103a and the performance second hold display 103b are also made up of two LEDs. And, by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors, the performance first special pattern hold display 103a is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c and the number of reserved items displayed in the first special pattern hold display 43a. In addition, the performance second special pattern hold display 103b is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the second performance hold display area 9d and the number of reserved items displayed in the second special pattern hold display 43b. This is because it is possible that the performance pattern, the first performance hold display section, or the second performance hold display section may become partially or entirely invisible when the character pattern is displayed on almost the entire display screen 7a (performance pattern display section) or when the movable decorative member 14 is operated to cover the performance pattern display area 7b (performance pattern display section) of the display screen 7a, and therefore such a display is provided. Note that a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided instead of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

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

In addition, based on commands received from the main control board 80, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines the light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state and light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 from the data stored in the ROM, and controls the lighting of lamps (LEDs) such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 drives an electric drive source such as a motor or solenoid connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80 to operate the movable decorative member 14. As described above, the movable decorative member 14 is a so-called movable gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10 (behind the decorative member 13). The performance control microcomputer 91 determines operation pattern data (also called "drive data") for operating the movable decorative member 14 in a predetermined operating mode from the data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, and controls the operation of the movable decorative member 14 based on the determined operation pattern data. Note that a CPU may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, and in that case, the CPU may be made to execute the lighting control of the lamp and the operation control of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be implemented on the lamp control board 107, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

The sub-control board 90 is also connected to a first effect button detection switch 63c and a second effect button detection switch 63d, which detect when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b (see FIG. 1) is operated (pushed, rotated, pulled, etc.). Therefore, when the player performs a specified input operation on the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b, a signal is output from the corresponding effect button detection switch to the sub-control board 90. The first effect button 63a and the second effect button 63b are collectively referred to simply as "effect buttons", and the first effect button detection switch 63c and the second effect button detection switch 63d are collectively referred to simply as "effect button detection switches".

As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-control board 90 is connected to the movable decorative member 14 and the air pump 60c via the lamp control board 107 and the relay board 108, and the relay board 108 drives and controls the air pump 60c according to the operation pattern data from the sub-control board 90. The lamp control board 107 may also be equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RAM. In this case, the CPU of the lamp control board 107 drives and controls the air pump 60c based on the operation pattern data previously stored in the ROM.

Next, the control related to the hit/miss judgment in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 will be described. In this embodiment 1, the results of the special symbol hit/miss judgment are "big hit (first result, first specific result)", "small hit (second result, second specific result)", and "miss". In the case of a "big hit", a "big hit symbol" (first specific identification information) is displayed as a stop on the special symbol display section 41. In the case of a "small hit", a "small hit symbol" (second specific identification information) is displayed as a stop on the special symbol display section 41. In the case of a "miss", a "miss symbol" is displayed as a stop on the special symbol display section 41. When a big hit or a small hit is judged, a "special game" is executed in which the first big winning hole 30 or the second big winning hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed. The special game executed when a big hit is obtained is called a "big hit game", and the special game executed when a small hit is obtained is called a "small hit game (sub-game)".

There are multiple types of winnings in this embodiment 1. As shown in Figures 6 (A) to (C), the winning types of the first special pattern (special pattern 1) are "special pattern 1 big win A to C", and the winning types of the second special pattern (special pattern 2) are "special pattern 2 big win A" and "special pattern 2 small win A to D", and stop patterns (big win pattern, small win pattern) corresponding to each winning type are provided. In the special pattern 1 big win, the first big winning hole 30 opens, and in the special pattern 2 big win and special pattern 2 small win, the second big winning hole 35 opens. Therefore, the first big winning hole 30 provided in the lower area (downstream side) of the play area is a big winning hole that is driven exclusively (exclusively for the first special pattern, exclusive for the first identification information) when the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is a big win. In addition, the second large prize opening 35, which is provided in the upper area (upstream side) of the game area from the first large prize opening 30, is a large prize opening that is driven exclusively (exclusively for the second special symbol, exclusive for the second identification information) when the second special symbol hit/miss judgment results in a big win or a small win. In addition, instead of this mode, the first large prize opening may be a large prize opening exclusively for big wins that is driven when the first special symbol hit/miss judgment results in a big win and when the second special symbol hit/miss judgment results in a big win, and the second large prize opening may be a large prize opening exclusively for small wins (exclusively for small win V) that is driven when the second special symbol hit/miss judgment results in a small win and when the big win is achieved by passing through a specific area.

As shown in FIG. 6, there are three game states: a normal state (low base state), a first time-saving state (high base state), and a second time-saving state (high base state). Depending on which game state the jackpot occurs in, the game state set after the jackpot game ends may differ (or may be the same). The first and second time-saving states correspond to time-saving states, and the differences between the first and second time-saving states are explained below. The first time-saving state is provided with a time-saving function (open extension function) for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 50 times). And, even if the number of times the special pattern has been displayed after the first time-saving state is set and before the number of times has reached the predetermined number (e.g., the 15th spin), the time-saving function (open extension function) is terminated based on the occurrence of a small jackpot.

In other words, the first time-saving state ends the time-saving function (open extension function) before the start of the small win game if either of the following occurs: the number of times the special symbol changes (for example, 50 times) is executed after the first time-saving state is set (during which there is no big win or small win), or if a small win occurs before the number of times the special symbol changes (for example, 50 times) is executed. Therefore, if a small win occurs in the first time-saving state, the small win game, which aims for the game ball to pass through a specific area, is executed in the low base state (normal state). In the small win game executed in this low base state (normal state), if the game ball passes through the specific area, a big win occurs, and the big win game is executed. Then, after the big win game ends, a predetermined game state is set.

In addition, the second time-saving state is provided with a time-saving function (open extension function) for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 90 times). Even if a small win occurs before the number of times the variable display of the special pattern reaches a predetermined number (e.g., the 15th spin) after the second time-saving state is set, the time-saving function (open extension function) does not end. In other words, the second time-saving state ends the time-saving function (open extension function) when the number of times the variable display of the special pattern is executed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 90 times) after the second time-saving state is set (during which there is no big win or small win). Therefore, when a small win occurs in the second time-saving state, a small win game that aims for the game ball to pass through a specific area is executed in the high base state (second time-saving state, time-saving state). In the small win game executed in this high base state (second time-saving state, time-saving state), if the game ball passes through the specific area, a big win occurs, and the big win game is executed. After the big win game ends, a predetermined game state is set.

In this way, the first time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state ends with a small hit, and the second time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state does not end with a small hit. As a result, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are both time-saving states, but they differ in that the small hit game is performed in a low base state (first time-saving state) and in a high base state (second time-saving state). Also, in the first time-saving state, if a small hit game is performed and the game ball passes through a specific area to result in a jackpot, the jackpot is determined to have occurred in a low base state. Also, in the second time-saving state, if a small hit game is performed and the game ball passes through a specific area to result in a jackpot, the jackpot is determined to have occurred in a high base state.

In this way, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state have different timings for ending the time-saving state, which makes the game state different at the time when the ball passes through the specific area and a jackpot occurs, and depending on the game state, a different game state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state) is set after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, in the first time-saving state, a small jackpot occurs and a small jackpot game is executed, the game ball passes through the specific area and a jackpot occurs, and a jackpot game is executed, and in the first time-saving state, the small jackpot is used as a trigger to end the time-saving state. On the other hand, in the second time-saving state, a small jackpot occurs and a small jackpot game is executed, the game ball passes through the specific area and a jackpot occurs, and a jackpot game is executed, and in the second time-saving state, the time-saving state is ended by the jackpot, not by the small jackpot, but by the jackpot.

In addition, even if a small win occurs before the number of times the special symbol changes after the first time-saving state is set reaches the predetermined number of times, the small win will be used as a trigger to end the time-saving state at that point. Therefore, if the game ball cannot pass through the specific area in the subsequent small win game (the game ball is not fired, or is fired but cannot pass through the specific area), the big win game will not be executed after the small win game ends, and the game will be played in the normal state (low base state).

On the other hand, in the second time-saving state, even if a small win occurs before the number of times the special symbol changes after the second time-saving state is set reaches a predetermined number, the time-saving state is not terminated by the small win at that point. Therefore, even if the game ball cannot pass through the specific area in the subsequent small win game (the game ball is not launched, or is launched but cannot pass through the specific area), the big win game is not executed after the small win game ends, but the game state remains in the second time-saving state (high base state) and the game is played. From this point of view, the second time-saving state (third game state) can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first time-saving state (second game state). In addition, since the time-saving function (opening extension function) is activated in the first time-saving state (second game state), it can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state (first game state).

In this way, in the pachinko game machine of this embodiment, even if the time-saving state is the same, different timings are set for ending the time-saving state. By having such multiple time-saving states, when a game ball enters the large prize entry port that opens with a small win and the game ball passes through a specific area ("jackpot via small win" or "small win V"), the game state at the time of the jackpot is different depending on the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state). Also, as shown in Figures 6 (A) to (C), even if the type of win is the same, the game state set after the end of the jackpot game may differ depending on the game state at the time of the jackpot (jackpot due to small win V).

Specifically, as described above, in the normal state (low base state) of the pachinko game machine of this embodiment 1, the game proceeds by making the game ball enter the first starting hole 20 by hitting it from the left. Therefore, the game is mainly played by executing the first special symbol hit/miss judgment. As shown in FIG. 6 (A), in the normal state (low base state), the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and when the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is the special symbol 1 big hit A, the first big prize winning hole is opened (ball entry possible state) and 5 rounds of big hit game are executed. In addition, when the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit, the probability that the big hit will be the special symbol 1 big hit A is set to 15%. Then, after the big hit game related to the special symbol 1 big hit A is finished, it is set to the first time-saving state in which the time-saving number of times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function) is set to 90 times.

In addition, in the normal state, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 1 big hit B, a 5-round big hit game is played to open the first big prize entry port. If the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit, the probability that the big hit will be a special symbol 1 big hit B is 35%. After the big hit game related to the special symbol 1 big hit B is over, the first time-saving state is set to 50 times the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function). In addition, in the normal state, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 1 big hit C, a 5-round big hit game is played to open the first big prize entry port. If the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big hit, the probability that the big hit will be a special symbol 1 big hit B is 50%. After the jackpot game related to Special Chart 1 Jackpot B ends, the machine is set to the first time-saving state, in which the number of time-saving times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated) is set to five.

In the jackpot game that is executed when the special jackpot A or special jackpot C is obtained, the number of times the first large winning hole 30 is opened and the opening time are set to "once" and "25 seconds" per round. Therefore, if the player simply performs the firing operation according to the firing navigation (e.g., "Please hit to the right!!") executed on the gaming machine, the game ball can easily enter the first large winning hole 30, and it is possible to receive approximately 500 game balls (gain a game profit) in the jackpot game. In addition, in this embodiment, when the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is executed in the normal state and a jackpot is obtained, the game state after the jackpot game ends is not set to the more advantageous second time-saving state, but is set to the first time-saving state. As will be described in detail later, when a specific jackpot is obtained in the first time-saving state, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the second time-saving state that is advantageous to the player.

In addition, although it is not the main judgment performed in the normal state, if the player hits the right side by mistake or intentionally, the second special symbol judgment may be performed even in the normal state. Furthermore, in the normal state (non-time-saving state), the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is set longer than in the time-saving state (see FIG. 8(F)), and the hit probability of the normal symbol judgment is also set lower than in the time-saving state (see FIG. 8(E)). Therefore, in the normal state, even if a right hit is performed, the frequency with which the second special symbol judgment is performed per unit time is very low compared to the first special symbol judgment, and the game cannot be played efficiently.

In the normal state, if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 jackpot A, 10 rounds of jackpot play is played to open the second large prize opening. If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the probability that the jackpot will be a special symbol 2 jackpot A is 100% (i.e., the type of jackpot is set to one). After the jackpot play related to the special symbol 2 jackpot A ends, the game is set to a second time-saving state in which 500 time-saving times (activation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function) are set. This second time-saving state in which 500 time-saving times are set is considered to be the most advantageous game state for the player.

In addition, in the normal state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 small hit A and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a big hit, a 10-round big hit game is executed to open the second big prize entry port. In addition, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, the probability that the small hit will be a special symbol 2 small hit A is 25%. After the big hit game related to the big hit that becomes a special symbol 2 small hit A and passes through the specific area ends, the first time-saving state is set to 90 times the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function). In addition, in the normal state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 small hit B and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a big hit, a 10-round big hit game is executed to open the second big prize entry port. In addition, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, the probability that the small hit will be a special symbol 2 small hit B is 20%. Then, after the end of the jackpot game related to the jackpot that becomes Special Chart 2 Small Win B and passes through the specific area, the game is set to the first time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times (activation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function) is set to 50.

In addition, in the normal state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 small hit C and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a big hit, a 5-round big hit game is executed to open the second big prize entry port. In addition, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, the probability that the small hit will be a special symbol 2 small hit C is 20%. After the big hit game related to the big hit that becomes a special symbol 2 small hit C and passes through the specific area ends, the first time-saving state is set to 90 times the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function). In addition, in the normal state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 small hit D and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a big hit, a 5-round big hit game is executed to open the second big prize entry port. In addition, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, the probability that the small hit will be a special symbol 2 small hit D is 35%. Then, after the end of the big win game related to the big win that becomes a special chart 2 small win D and passes through the specific area, the game is set to the first time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times (activation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function) is set to 50.

In the jackpot game that is executed when the special 2 jackpot A is obtained, the number of times the second large winning hole 35 is opened and the opening time are set to "once" and "25 seconds" per round. Therefore, if the player simply performs the firing operation according to the firing navigation (for example, "Please hit to the right!", etc.) executed on the gaming machine, the game ball can easily enter the second large winning hole 35, and it is possible to receive approximately 1,000 game balls (gain a game profit) in the jackpot game. Also, as shown in Figures 6 (A) to (C), when the result of the second special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, all are set to the second time-saving state after the jackpot game ends. Also, in the normal state (low base state), only when the result of the second special pattern hit/miss judgment is a special 2 jackpot A, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the second time-saving state, which is the most advantageous state for the player. If a jackpot is hit in any other way, the game state after the jackpot game ends will be set to the first time-saving state.

In addition, in the case of a jackpot in the normal state, even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct hit), or even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit that passes through a specific area and becomes a jackpot (small hit V), the game state at the time of the jackpot is always the low base state (normal state).

Next, the mode of game execution in the first time-saving state will be described. As described above, in the first time-saving state (high base state) and the second time-saving state (high base state), the game proceeds by making the game ball enter the second starting hole 21 by hitting from the right. Therefore, the game is mainly performed by executing the second special symbol hit/miss judgment. In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is set shorter than that in the normal state (see FIG. 8 (F)), and the hit probability of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment is also set higher than that in the normal state (see FIG. 8 (E)). As a result, in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the frequency of the ball entering the second starting hole by hitting from the right is higher than the frequency of the ball entering the first starting hole by hitting from the left, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is also set shorter. Therefore, the frequency of the special symbol hit/miss judgment executed per unit time is higher for the second special symbol hit/miss judgment than for the first special symbol hit/miss judgment. Therefore, in the first time-saving state (high base state) and the second time-saving state (high base state), it is more advantageous for the player to perform the second special symbol hit determination by hitting to the right, and the game can be played more efficiently.

As mentioned above, the first and second time-saving states are normally played by hitting the ball to the right to determine whether the second special symbol has been selected, but if pending information related to the first special symbol remains after the end of the jackpot game related to the so-called first jackpot (a jackpot in normal state), the first special symbol selection determination can be performed even in the first or second time-saving state. Also, if the player accidentally or unintentionally hits the ball to the left and the game ball enters the first starting hole, the first special symbol selection determination can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 6(B), in the first time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 1 jackpot A, after the jackpot game related to special symbol 1 jackpot A ends, the game is set to a second time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function) is set to 90. Note that as shown in FIG. 6, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the distribution probability of the jackpot type do not change even if the game state changes, so a description is omitted.

In the first time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 1 big hit B, after the big hit game related to special symbol 1 big hit B ends, the second time-saving state is set to a time-saving number of 90 times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated).In the first time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 1 big hit C, after the big hit game related to special symbol 1 big hit C ends, the second time-saving state is set to a time-saving number of 90 times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated).

As mentioned above, the first time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state ends (returns to the normal state) even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit. If the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct hit), the timing of the jackpot is in a high base state (time-saving state), so regardless of whether the result is a special symbol 1 jackpot A or C, after the jackpot game ends, the game will be set to the second time-saving state, which is the most advantageous for the player, with the time-saving count set to 90.

In addition, in the first time-saving state (high base state), the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 jackpot A, after the jackpot play related to the special symbol 2 jackpot A ends, the second time-saving state is set in which the number of time-saving times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated) is set to 500. If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct jackpot), the timing of the jackpot is the high base state (time-saving state), so when the special symbol 2 jackpot A occurs, after the jackpot play ends, the second time-saving state, which is the most advantageous to the player, is set in which the number of time-saving times is set to 500.

In addition, in the first time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit A and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the first time-saving state is set to 90 times the time-saving number (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) after the jackpot game ends.In addition, in the first time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit B and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the first time-saving state is set to 50 times the time-saving number (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, in the first time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit C and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the first time-saving state in which 90 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.In addition, in the first time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit D and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the first time-saving state in which 50 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.

The first time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state ends (returns to the normal state) even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, so whether the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is any of Special Chart 2 Small Hit A to Special Chart 2 Small Hit D, the game state transitions to the low base state at that timing, and the timing when the game ball passes through the specific area in the subsequent small hit game, that is, the timing of the big hit, is the low base state. In other words, if a big hit occurs by passing through the specific area via Special Chart 2 Small Hit A to Special Chart 2 Small Hit D in the first time-saving state, it is determined that the big hit occurred in the low base state. Then, the game state after the big hit game ends is set to exactly the same game state as when a big hit occurs by passing through the specific area via Special Chart 2 Small Hit A to Special Chart 2 Small Hit D in the normal state (see Figures 6 (A) and (B)).

As mentioned above, in the first time-saving state, normally, the game ball is placed in the second starting hole by hitting from the right, and the game progresses mainly based on the judgment of whether the second special symbol is a hit or not. Therefore, in order to move from the first time-saving state to the more advantageous second time-saving state, the result of the judgment of whether the second special symbol is a hit or not must be a hit and the hit game must be executed. If a hit is achieved via a small hit, after the hit game ends, the state is set to the first time-saving state and is not set to the second time-saving state. This allows the player to focus on the transition mode to a hit (whether it is a direct hit or a small hit V) rather than simply hoping for a hit, and to increase the fun of the game.

As shown in FIG. 6(C), in the second time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 1 jackpot A, after the jackpot game related to the special symbol 1 jackpot A ends, the second time-saving state is set to 90 times the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function). Note that as shown in FIG. 6, the number of rounds of the jackpot game and the distribution probability of the jackpot type do not change even if the game state changes, so a description is omitted.

In the second time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 1 big hit B, after the big hit game related to the special symbol 1 big hit B ends, the second time-saving state is set to a time-saving number of 90 times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated).In the second time-saving state (high base state), a first special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 1 big hit C, after the big hit game related to the special symbol 1 big hit C ends, the second time-saving state is set to a time-saving number of 90 times (time-saving function and opening extension function are activated).

As mentioned above, the second time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state does not end (remains in the time-saving state) even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit. If the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct hit), the timing of the jackpot is a high base state (time-saving state), so regardless of whether the result is a special symbol 1 jackpot A to C, after the jackpot game ends, the game is set to the most advantageous second time-saving state for the player, in which the number of time-saving times is set to 90. In other words, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct hit), the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the same game state as in the first time-saving state.

In addition, in the second time-saving state (high base state), the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed, and when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a special symbol 2 jackpot A, after the jackpot game related to the special symbol 2 jackpot A ends, the second time-saving state is set to 500 times the number of time-saving times (operation of the time-saving function and the opening extension function). If the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct jackpot), the timing of the jackpot is the high base state (time-saving state), so when it becomes a special symbol 2 jackpot A, after the jackpot game ends, the most advantageous second time-saving state for the player is set to 500 times the number of time-saving times. In this case, too, since it is a direct jackpot, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the same game state as in the first time-saving state.

In addition, in the second time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit A and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the second time-saving state in which 90 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.In addition, in the second time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit B and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the second time-saving state in which 90 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.

In addition, in the second time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit C and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the second time-saving state in which 90 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.In addition, in the second time-saving state (high base state), if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is special symbol 2 small hit D and the game ball passes through a specific area to hit the jackpot, the game will be set to the second time-saving state in which 90 times of time-saving (time-saving function and open extension function are activated) are set after the jackpot game ends.

The second time-saving state is a game state in which the time-saving state does not end even if the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit, but continues (remains in the time-saving state), so even if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is either Special Symbol 2 Small Hit A or Special Symbol 2 Small Hit D, the game state does not transition to the low base state at that timing, and the time-saving state (high base state) continues even when the game ball passes through the specific area in the subsequent small hit game. In other words, the timing of the jackpot will be the high base state. In other words, if in the second time-saving state, a jackpot occurs by passing through the specific area via Special Symbol 2 Small Hit A or Special Symbol 2 Small Hit D, it is determined that the jackpot occurred in the high base state. The game state after the big win game ends is set to a favorable game state (second time-saving state) that differs from the normal state and the first time-saving state in which the big win occurs by passing through a specific area via special chart 2 small win A to special chart 2 small win D (see Figures 6 (A) to (C)).

In this way, once the game state has transitioned to the second time-saving state, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set to the second time-saving state, regardless of whether the jackpot is reached via a small jackpot or a direct jackpot. Also, the second time-saving state is set to a larger number of time-saving times (average number) after the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot is reached via a small jackpot than the first time-saving state, so the time-saving state (second time-saving state) is more likely to continue (the time-saving state is less likely to end), making it easier for the player to earn a large amount of game profit in a short period of time.

The first time-saving state draws attention to the transition mode to a jackpot (whether it's a direct jackpot or a small jackpot V), while the second time-saving state does not change the transition mode of the game state depending on the transition mode to a jackpot (the second time-saving state is set for both a direct jackpot and a small jackpot V), providing a sense of security and drawing attention to the amount of game profit obtained. This also makes it possible to diversify the game state and the gameplay, and provide a highly entertaining gaming machine.

In addition, as another aspect of the above-mentioned embodiment, in FIG. 6(A), in the normal state, when the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed and the special symbol 2 jackpot A is obtained, the end of the jackpot game is set to the second time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 500. In place of this aspect, in the normal state, when the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is executed and the special symbol 2 jackpot A is obtained, the end of the jackpot game may be set to the first time-saving state in which the number of time-saving times is set to 90. With this aspect, from the normal state, no matter how the jackpot is hit, the second time-saving state is not set after the end of the jackpot game, and it is possible to make it possible to transition to the most advantageous second time-saving state without first passing through the first time-saving state. This increases the player's motivation to master the game and increases their interest in the game.

Here, the jackpot game that is played when a jackpot occurs is composed of multiple rounds (R) in which the first or second large prize opening is opened. The time-saving state means a state in which the variable time-saving function (time-saving function) for special and normal symbols is activated, as described below. In addition, in this embodiment 1, when the time-saving function is activated, the opening extension function is also activated, which extends and increases the opening time and number of openings when the second starting hole 21 is opened more than usual. The game state of the pachinko game machine 1 in this embodiment 1 will be described in detail later.

"Special Chart 2 Small Wins A to D" are all small wins in which the second large winning hole 35 opens once and for an opening time of 1.6 seconds. In addition, in a small win (small win game), the number of times the large winning hole opens is not called the number of rounds but simply the number of openings. In addition, in all of "Special Chart 2 Small Wins A to D", when at least one of the game balls that enter the second large winning hole 35 passes through the specific area 39 (hereinafter also referred to as "V passing"), the second or subsequent rounds begin after passing through the V (the small win game is considered the first round).

In addition, as will be described in detail later, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment 1 is provided with a random number for determining whether the special symbol is a hit, which takes a value in the range of "0 to 65535" (see FIG. 7 (A)). The jackpot determination values in the first special symbol hit determination and the second special symbol hit determination are both "65209 to 65535", and the small hit determination value in the second special symbol hit determination is "1 to 936" (see FIG. 8 (A)). In other words, the probability of a jackpot is "approximately 1/200", and the probability of a small hit on the special symbol 2 is "approximately 1/70". For this reason, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state) in which the second special symbol hit determination is mainly performed, a jackpot via a small hit (small hit V) occurs with a higher probability than a direct hit. In addition, in the embodiment, when a small win occurs and a small win game is played in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), if you simply hit the ball to the right according to the launch navigation executed by the gaming machine (or if you continue firing), there is a probability of about 99% that the game ball will enter the second large winning hole during the small win game, and the game ball that entered will pass through the specific area. Note that, instead of this mode, the probability of passing through the specific area during a small win game may be set to about 50%.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the determination of whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a miss is made based on the "special symbol hit/miss determination random number (also called "hit/miss determination information" or "acquired information")", the determination of the type of big hit in the case of a big hit is made based on the "jackpot type determination random number (also called "jackpot type determination random number" or "jackpot type determination information")", and the determination of the type of small hit in the case of a small hit is made based on the "small hit type determination random number (also called "small hit type determination random number" or "small hit type determination information"). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the special symbol hit/miss determination random number takes a value in the range of "0 to 65535", the big hit type determination random number takes a value in the range of "0 to 199", and the small hit type determination random number takes a value in the range of "0 to 199". The random numbers (acquired information) obtained based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21 include random numbers for determining whether a special pattern has been hit, random numbers for determining the type of big win, and random numbers for determining the type of small win, as well as "variable pattern random numbers (also called "variable pattern information")."

The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining the fluctuation pattern including the fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern random number has a value in the range of "0 to 198". The random numbers obtained based on the passage of the gate 28 include a random number for determining whether or not the normal pattern is a hit, as shown in FIG. 7 (B). The random number for determining whether or not the normal pattern is a hit is a random number for determining whether or not to play the auxiliary game that opens the second starting hole 21 (normal pattern lottery). The normal pattern random number has a value in the range of "0 to 240".

Next, the game states of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment 1 will be explained. The pachinko gaming machine 1 has multiple game states depending on the combination of the probability fluctuation function for special and normal symbols, the fluctuation time reduction function, and the opening extension function, which are in the activated or deactivated state. Note that since the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment 1 is a type 1/type 2 mixed type, it does not have a probability fluctuation function for special symbols.

The state in which the variable time shortening function is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "time shortening state (first time shortening state, second time shortening state)," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time shortening state (normal state)." In the time shortening state and non-time shortening state, the hit/miss determination is performed using the hit determination table shown in FIG. 8 (A). Specifically, the probability of a big hit being determined in the hit/miss determination for the special symbols (big hit probability) is "approximately 1/200" for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In addition, the probability of a small hit being determined in the hit/miss determination for the special symbols (small hit probability) is "0" for the first special symbol and "approximately 1/70" for the second special symbol, and the first special symbol is set to have no small hit (see FIG. 8 (A)). In addition, instead of this mode, a small hit may also be set as a result of the hit/miss determination for the first special symbol, so that a big hit occurs via a small hit.

In addition, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the average value of the special symbol fluctuation time (the time from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the average value of the special symbol fluctuation time in the non-time-saving state (normal state). In other words, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is set so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (normal state) (see FIG. 9). As a result, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is faster (the frequency of the special symbol fluctuation per unit time is higher), and effective ball entry into the starting hole (ball entry that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

In addition, in this embodiment, there are multiple time-saving states, a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state, and the average value of the special pattern change time (the time from the start of the change display to the final display) in the second time-saving state, which is a game state that is more advantageous to the player, is shorter than the average value of the special pattern change time in the first time-saving state.

The probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function for the normal pattern are set to operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function (first time-shortening state or second time-shortening state) of the special pattern (second special pattern). In other words, the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of the normal pattern operate in the time-shortening state of the special pattern (first time-shortening state or second time-shortening state) and do not operate in the non-time-shortening state (normal state). Therefore, in the time-shortening state (first time-shortening state or second time-shortening state), the hit probability in the normal pattern hit/miss judgment is higher than in the non-time-shortening state (normal state). In other words, the normal pattern hit/miss judgment (normal pattern judgment) is performed using a normal pattern hit judgment table in which the value of the normal pattern random number (hit random number) judged as a hit is greater than the normal pattern hit judgment table used in the non-time-shortening state (see FIG. 8 (E)). In other words, when the probability fluctuation function of the normal symbol display 42 is activated, the probability that the result of the normal symbol fluctuation display will be a winning symbol (the stopped symbol will be a normal winning symbol) is higher than when it is not activated.

In addition, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the change time of the normal pattern is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment 1, the change time of the normal pattern is 30 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 8 (F)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the opening time of the second start hole 21 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the second start hole 21 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the opening number increase function of the variable winning device 22 is activated. Specifically, in the non-time-saving state, when the result of the normal pattern hit/miss judgment is a hit, the opening/closing member 37 of the variable winning device 22 performs a 0.2-second opening operation once, and the second start hole is in the open state during that period. In addition, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), if the result of the normal pattern hit/miss judgment is a hit, the opening/closing member 37 of the variable winning device 22 will perform an opening operation of 2.0 seconds three times. Note that the opening time extension function and the opening count increase function are sometimes collectively referred to simply as the "opening extension function."

When the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time reduction function for normal symbols, as well as the opening extension function of the variable winning device 22, are operating, the second starting hole 21 opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 21 more frequently (also called the "high frequency state") than when these functions are not operating (also called the "low frequency state" or "predetermined frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is called the "high base state", and the state in which they are not operating is called the "low base state". In the high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have.

In this embodiment, the high base state is one in which all of the probability fluctuation function, fluctuation time reduction function, and opening extension function of the variable winning device 22 for normal symbols are functioning, but the high base state (high frequency state) does not necessarily require all of the above functions to be activated. In other words, it is sufficient that the operation of at least one of the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time reduction function for normal symbols, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22 makes it easier for the second starting hole to open (higher ball entry frequency) than when that function is not activated. In addition, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time reduction state of the special symbol. The function that generates such a high base state can also be called the "high base generation function."

The game state that is set after the end of a jackpot game is the time-saving state and the high base state (see Figure 6). Therefore, this game state is also called the "time-saving high base state." As mentioned above, the end condition for this time-saving high base state differs depending on the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state). When the end condition is met, the game state is set to the normal state, which is a non-time-saving state and a low base state. This game state is also called the "non-time-saving low base state." Note that when playing pachinko game machine 1 for the first time, the game state (initial state) after powering on is the non-time-saving low base state (normal state).

In the high base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball from the right into the right play area (right side area) 3B than by hitting the ball from the left into the left play area 3A. The second starting hole is located in a position where a ball launched into the right play area can enter, but a ball launched into the left play area cannot (or is difficult to enter). The gate 28 is also located in a position where a ball launched into the right play area can enter. In addition, in the high base state, the second starting hole 21 is more easily opened than in the low base state, and the chances of the ball entering the starting hole (second starting hole) are higher when the ball is launched into the right play area and aimed at the second starting hole 21 than when the ball is launched into the left play area and aimed at the first starting hole 20. Therefore, the ball is hit from the right to enter the second starting hole 21 while passing through the gate 28, which is the trigger for determining whether the normal symbol is a hit or not. As a result, in a high base state, hitting from the right can provide more starting balls (opportunities for determining whether the special symbol is a hit or not), which is more advantageous for the player. In this state (high base state), the launch direction indicator 47 (also called the "first launch notification means"), which is displayed and controlled by the main control unit 80, is controlled to light in a predetermined manner, and notifies the player that the ball should be launched into the right play area. In this embodiment, the ball is also played by hitting from the right in big win and small win games, so the launch direction indicator 47 notifies the player that the ball should be launched into the right play area.

On the other hand, in the low base state, it is more advantageous to advance the game by hitting the game ball to the left game area (left side area) 3A by hitting it from the left than by hitting it from the right. The first starting hole is arranged in a position where a game ball launched into the left game area can enter. Also, the first starting hole may be arranged so that a game ball launched into the right game area cannot enter the first starting hole, or it may be arranged so that a game ball launched into the right game area can enter the first starting hole. When arranged so that a game ball can enter the first starting hole, the possibility of the game ball entering the first starting hole is higher when the game ball is launched into the left game area than when the game ball is launched into the right game area. Also, in the low base state, the second starting hole 21 is less likely to be opened than in the high base state, so the possibility of the ball entering the starting hole is higher when the game ball is launched into the left game area and aimed to enter the first starting hole 20 than when the game ball is launched into the right game area and aimed to enter the second starting hole 21. As a result, in the low base state, hitting the ball from the left to get it into the first starting hole 20 is more advantageous to the player than hitting from the right, as it allows for more starting balls (opportunities to determine whether the special symbol has been hit). In this state (low base state), the launch direction indicator 47, which is displayed and controlled by the main control unit 80, is controlled to light up (display controlled) in a predetermined manner different from that in the high base state, to notify the player that the ball should be launched into the left play area.

Specifically, the launch direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs, "yz", and indicates the launch direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game status. For example, in a low base state, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the left game area by displaying "y□z□" (e.g., □: off, ■: on) with both LEDs off. In addition, in a high base state and during a winning game, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the right game area by displaying "y■z■" (e.g., □: off, ■: on).

[Main control main processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control unit) will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 38. The counter, flag, status, buffer, etc., which appear in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 81, are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80. When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided in the main control board 80 reads out the main control main processing program shown in Fig. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing first performs initial settings (S101). In the initial settings, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller) settings, various flags, statuses, and counters are reset, etc. The initial value of the flag is "0", i.e. "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". The initial settings (S101) are performed only once after the power supply is turned on, and are not performed thereafter. In addition, in this Example 1 and the drawings, the ordinary pattern may be referred to as the "ordinary pattern", the special pattern may be referred to as the "special pattern", the first special pattern may be referred to as the "special pattern 1" or "first special pattern", and the second special pattern may be referred to as the "special pattern 2" or "second special pattern".

Following the initial setting (S101), interrupts are prohibited (S102), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the values of the various random number counters shown in FIG. 7 are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the value of each random number counter reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. The updated random number counter values are stored sequentially in a specified update value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the main control board 80.

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S104). While the interrupt is permitted, the interrupt process (S105) can be executed. This interrupt process (S105) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80 at a cycle of, for example, 4 ms. Then, after the interrupt process (S105) is completed and before the next interrupt process (S105) is started, the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU when the interrupt is prohibited, the interrupt process (S105) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is permitted (S104).

[Interrupt handling]
Next, the interrupt process (S105) will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the interrupt process (S105), first, the output process (S201) is executed. In the output process (S201), the commands (control signals) set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub-control board 90 and the payout control board 110. The commands output here include a start ball entry command, and are information on the game state, the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment, the pattern as the hit type (big hit pattern, small hit pattern), the fluctuation pattern, etc. This command is, for example, made of 2 bytes of information. The upper 1 byte is information on the type of command, and the lower 1 byte is information on the content of the command. The information output in this S201 includes the look-ahead information. This look-ahead information corresponds to the advance judgment result, and includes the look-ahead result of the fluctuation pattern, the look-ahead result of the hit type, the look-ahead result of the time-saving state, and the look-ahead result of the remaining time-saving number of times.

In the input process (S202) that follows the output process (S201), the detection signals detected by the various sensors (first start hole sensor 20a, second start hole sensor 21a, first large prize hole sensor 30a, second large prize hole sensor 35a, general ball hole sensor 27a, etc. (see Figure 5)) attached to the pachinko game machine 1 are read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. In addition, a detection signal from the lower tray full switch that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in, and stored in the output buffer of the RAM 84 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S203) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed in the main control main process of Figure 10. That is, the update process of the various random number counter values (including the normal symbol random number counter value) shown in Figure 7 is performed both during the execution period of the timer interrupt process (S105) and during other periods (the period from the end of the interrupt process (S105) until the start of the next interrupt process (S105)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S203), the start port sensor detection process (S204), normal symbol operation process (S205), special symbol operation process (S206), reserved ball count process (S207), and power cut monitoring process (S208) are executed. After that, other processes not closely related to the present invention (S209) are executed, and the interrupt process (S105) is terminated. Then, the main control main process S102 to S104 are repeatedly executed (see FIG. 10) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), the interrupt process (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection process]
12, in the start gate sensor detection process (S204), first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether or not the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S301). If the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (YES in S301), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls with normal symbols (the number of reserved normal symbols, specifically, the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved normal symbols provided in the RAM) is 4 or more (S302), and if the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (NO in S301), it proceeds to S305.

If the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is four or more (YES in S302), proceed to S305. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is not four or more (NO in S302), add "1" to the number of reserved balls for normal symbols (S303), and perform the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304). In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not a normal symbol has been selected (label-TRND-H, FIG. 7 (B)) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM is acquired, and the acquired random number value (acquired information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for normal symbols in the normal symbol reserved memory section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

In S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 21, that is, whether a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 21a (S305). If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 21 (NO in S305), the process proceeds to S309. However, if a game ball has entered the second start hole 21 (YES in S305), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (the number of reserved second special charts, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved second special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) has reached 4 (the upper limit) (S306). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 has reached 4 (YES in S306), the process proceeds to S309. However, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is less than 4 (NO in S306), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (S307).

Then, the special pattern 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) is performed. In the special pattern 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special pattern is a hit (label-TRND-A), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win (label-TRND-AS), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of small win (label-TRND-KS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7 (A) are acquired), and the acquired results of the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win, the value of the random number counter for determining the type of small win, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter are stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for special pattern 2 in the second special pattern reserved memory section of the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81. Then, the process proceeds to the special pattern 2 hit/miss read-ahead process of S1202A and the special pattern 2 fluctuation pattern read-ahead process of S1203A in sequence.

[Special Chart 2 Win/Loss Prediction Processing]
When the game control microcomputer 81 transitions to the special chart 2 hit/miss readout process of S1202A, it performs a readout process to see if it is a big hit or not and a readout process to see if it is a small hit or not, and if it reads that it is neither a big hit nor a small hit, it reads that it is a miss. If it reads that it is a big hit in this readout process, it performs a readout process for the big hit type, and depending on the readout result of the big hit type, it performs a readout process for the time-saving state and the number of remaining time-saving times. If it reads that it is a small hit in this readout process, it performs a readout process for the small hit type, and depending on the readout result of the small hit type, it performs a readout process for the time-saving state and the number of remaining time-saving times. Each of these look-ahead processes is performed in the same procedure as the special chart 2 hit/miss determination process in Figure 22, and the look-ahead results of the hit/miss read, the look-ahead results of the type of big hit, the look-ahead results of the type of small hit, the look-ahead results of the time-saving status, and the look-ahead results of the remaining time-saving status are set as look-ahead information in the output buffer of the RAM, and are output to the sub-control board 90 by the output process of S201.

[Special Chart 2 Variable Pattern Pre-reading Processing]
When the game control microcomputer 81 moves to the special chart 2 variation pattern pre-reading process of S1203A, it pre-reads the variation pattern. This pre-reading process is performed in the same procedure as the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process of Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, and the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern according to the result of pre-reading the win/loss in the previous special chart 2 win/loss pre-reading process and the acquisition result of the value of the variation pattern random number counter in the previous special chart 2 related random number acquisition process from the table data of Fig. 9, and sets the selection result of the variation pattern in the output buffer of the RAM of the main control board 80 as pre-reading information. That is, when the number of reserved balls for the special chart 2 is added in response to the game ball entering the second starting hole 21, the pre-reading result of the variation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and is output to the sub-control board 90 and the payout control board 110 in the output process of S201.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 20, the game control microcomputer 81 transitions from S309 to S310 in Fig. 12 and determines whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (the number of reserved first special charts, specifically the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved first special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) has reached four (the upper limit). If it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is less than four, one is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 in S311, and special chart 1 related random number acquisition processing is performed in S312. In this special pattern 1 related random number acquisition process, the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not a special pattern has been won, the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win, the value of the random number counter for determining the type of small win, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired in the update value memory area of the RAM (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7(A) are acquired), and the acquired results of the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win to the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter are stored in an address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for special pattern 1 in the first special pattern reserved memory section of the RAM of the game control microcomputer 81. Then, the process proceeds in sequence to the special pattern 1 win/loss read-ahead process of S1204A and the special pattern 1 read-ahead process of S1205A.

[Special Chart 1 Win/Loss Prediction Processing]
When the game control microcomputer 81 transitions to the special chart 1 hit/miss readout process of S1204A, it performs a readout process of whether it is a big hit or not and a readout process of whether it is a small hit or not, and if it predicts neither a big hit nor a small hit, it predicts a miss. If it predicts a big hit in this hit/miss readout process, it performs a readout process of the big hit type, and performs a readout process of the time-saving state and the number of remaining time-saving times according to the result of the big hit type readout. If this game control microcomputer 81 predicts a small hit in the hit/miss readout process, it performs a readout process of the small hit type, and performs a readout process of the time-saving state and the number of remaining time-saving times according to the result of the small hit type readout. Each of these look-ahead processes is performed in the same procedure as the win/lose determination process for Special Chart 1 in Figure 26, and the look-ahead results of win/lose, the look-ahead results of the type of win, the look-ahead results of the time-saving status, and the look-ahead results of the remaining number of time-saving rounds are set in the output buffer of the RAM, and are output as look-ahead information to the sub-control board 90 and the payout control board 110 in the output process of S201.

[Special Chart 1 Variable Pattern Pre-reading Processing]
When the game control microcomputer 81 moves to the special chart 1 variation pattern pre-reading process of S1205A, it pre-reads the variation pattern. This variation pattern pre-reading process is performed in the same procedure as the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process of Fig. 27 and Fig. 28, and the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern according to the result of the pre-reading of the win/loss in the previous special chart 1 win/loss pre-reading process and the acquisition result of the value of the variation pattern random number counter in the previous special chart 1 related random number acquisition process from the table data of Fig. 9, and sets the selection result of the variation pattern in the output buffer of the RAM of the main control board 80 as pre-reading information. That is, when the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is added in response to the game ball winning the first starting hole 20, the pre-reading result of the variation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM, and is output as pre-reading information to the sub-control board 90 and the payout control board 110 in the output process of S201.

[General action processing]
After the start-up sensor detection process (S204), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal symbol operation process (S205) shown in Fig. 13. In the normal symbol operation process (S205), the process related to the normal symbol display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and each stage is assigned a "normal symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4". If the "normal map operation status" is "1" (YES in S401), normal pattern waiting processing (S402) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "2" (NO in S401, YES in S403), normal pattern changing processing (S404) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), normal pattern determination processing (S406) is performed; if the "normal map operation status" is "4" (NO in all S401, S403, and S405), normal electric accessory processing (S407) is performed. Note that the normal map operation status is initially set to "1".

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 14, in the normal symbol waiting process (S402), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not "0" (NO in S501), the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process described later is performed (S502). In addition, after the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process (S502), the normal symbol change pattern selection process is performed (S503). In the normal symbol change pattern selection process, by referring to the normal symbol change pattern selection table shown in FIG. 8 (F), if the game state is in the time-saving state, the normal symbol change pattern with a normal symbol change time of 1 second is selected. On the other hand, if the game state is in the non-time-saving state, the normal symbol change pattern with a normal symbol change time of 30 seconds is selected. In addition, after the normal symbol change pattern selection process, the normal symbol random number shift process (S504) described later is performed. In addition, following the normal pattern random number shift process (S504), the normal pattern variation start process is performed (S505) and the process is terminated. In the normal pattern variation start process, the normal pattern variation display is started in the normal pattern variation pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal pattern variation start process, a normal pattern variation start command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 of the start of the normal pattern variation.

[Normal pattern correctness determination process]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process (S502), first, the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit is read (S601). Next, it is judged whether the time-saving flag is ON (i.e., whether the game state is in the time-saving state or not) (S602). In S602, if it is judged that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, that the game state is in the time-saving state (YES in S602), it is judged whether or not there is a hit by the high probability normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the table for the time-saving state (hit judgment value is "0" to "239") of the normal symbol hit judgment table shown in FIG. 8 (E) (S604), and the process proceeds to S605. In other words, it is judged whether or not the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) read out matches any of the hit judgment values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, i.e., that the game is not in the time-saving state (NO in S602), then a determination is made as to whether or not there is a win based on a low-probability normal symbol win/loss determination made on the table for the non-time-saving state (win determination values are "0" and "1") in the normal symbol win determination table shown in Figure 8 (E), and processing proceeds to S605.

Then, in S605, it is determined whether the result of the normal symbol hit/miss determination (S603, S604) is a hit (normal symbol hit) or not (S605), and if it is determined to be a miss (NO in S605), the missing normal symbol (normal symbol miss symbol) to be displayed when it stops is determined and set in the output buffer of RAM (S606), and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit (normal symbol hit) in S605 (YES in S605), the winning normal symbol (normal symbol hit symbol) to be displayed when it stops is determined and set in the output buffer of RAM (S607), the normal symbol hit flag is turned ON (S608), and processing ends.

[Normal pattern random number shift processing]
Following the normal pattern variation pattern selection process (S503), the normal pattern random number shift process (S504) is executed. As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal pattern random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal pattern reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each normal pattern reserved in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is shifted by one from the current position to the side that is read earlier in time (S702). Then, the address space that is the storage location of the top reserved memory in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is made empty ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth normal pattern reserved is cleared to 0 (S703), and the process is completed. In this way, the normal pattern reserved is consumed in the reserved order.

[Normal pattern change processing]
As shown in Fig. 17, in the normal pattern variation process (S404), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern variation time has elapsed (S801), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S801), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S801), a normal pattern variation stop command is set (S802) and the normal pattern operation status is set to "3" (S803). Then, other processes such as stopping the normal pattern variation display with the display result (won normal pattern or lost normal pattern) according to the result of the random number for normal pattern hit/miss judgment are performed (S804), and this process is terminated.

[Normal pattern determination process]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal pattern determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern hit flag is ON (S901). If the normal pattern hit flag is not ON (NO in S901), the normal pattern operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the normal pattern hit flag is ON (YES in S901), it is then determined whether the time-saving flag is ON, that is, whether the time-saving state is in progress (S902). If the time-saving state is in progress (YES in S902), the opening pattern during the time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S903). As described above, the opening pattern during the time-saving state is an opening pattern in which a 2.0-second opening is repeated three times. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter, which counts the number of times the second starting hole 21 is opened, is set to "3".

On the other hand, if the game is not in the time-saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S906). As mentioned above, the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is an opening pattern in which a 0.2-second opening is performed once. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter is set to "1". Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal operation status is set to "4" (S904), and this process ends.

[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in Fig. 19, in the normal electric accessory process (S407), first, it is determined whether the normal winning end flag is ON (S1001). The normal winning end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second starting hole 21 has ended in the auxiliary game that was executed as a winning.

If the normal hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second start port 21 is open (S1002). If it is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the second start port 21 has arrived (S1003). If not (NO in S1003), the process is terminated. If it has arrived, the second start port 21 is opened (S1004), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the second start port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to close the second start port 21 has arrived (i.e., whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the second start port 21 was opened) (S1005). If not (NO in S1005), the process is terminated. If it has arrived (YES in S1005), the second start port 21 is closed (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second start hole 21 (S1006), the value of the second start hole opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second start hole opening counter is "0" or not (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), the process is terminated to open the second start hole 21 again. On the other hand, if it is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal win end process is performed to end the auxiliary play (S1009), and the normal win end flag is set (S1010) to terminate the process. Note that the second start hole opening counter becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened (the movable member 23 is opened) three times during the time-saving state, and becomes "0" when the second start hole 21 is opened once during the non-time-saving state.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol win end flag is ON in S1001 (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 has ended for the number of times set in S903 or S906, so the normal symbol win end flag is turned OFF (S1011), the normal symbol win flag is turned OFF (S1012), the normal symbol operation status is set to "1" (S1013), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol wait process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (Figure 16).

[Special diagram operation processing]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol operation processing (S206) following normal symbol operation processing (S205). In the special symbol operation processing (S206), as shown in Fig. 20, the processing related to the special symbol display device 41 and the big prize device (the first big prize device 31 and the second big prize device 36) is divided into five stages, and "special symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4, 5" is assigned to each stage. Then, if the "special symbol operation status" is "1" (YES in S1101), special symbol waiting processing (S1102) is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "2" (NO in S1101, YES in S1103), special symbol changing processing (S1104) is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "3" (NO in S1101, S1103, YES in S1105), special symbol determination processing (S1106) is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "4" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105, YES in S1107), special electric device processing 1 (S1108) for a big win game is performed. If the "special symbol operation status" is "5" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105, S1107), special electric device processing 2 (S1109) for a small win game is performed. In addition, the special chart operation status is initially set to "1".

[Special symbol standby process]
As shown in FIG. 21, in the special symbol waiting process (S1102), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting port 21 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201). If the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, if there is no special symbol 2 related random number obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting port 20 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 1) is "0" (S1206). Then, if the number of reserved balls in the special symbol 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no special symbol 1 related random number obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port 20, it is determined whether the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is being processed to be a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers is being executed) (S1211), and if so (YES in S1211), the process is terminated, and if not (NO in S1211), a standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

In S1201, if the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 is not "0" (NO in S1201), that is, if there is one or more Special Chart 2 related random numbers obtained based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21, the Special Chart 2 hit/miss determination process (S1202), Special Chart 2 change pattern selection process (S1203), Special Chart 2 random number shift process (S1204), and Special Chart 2 change start process (S1205) described below are performed in this order. In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value related to the second starting hole 21 but there is one or more memories of the random number counter value acquired based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, the special chart 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207), the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), the special chart 1 random number shift process (S1209), and the special chart 1 variation start process (S1210) described later are performed in this order. Thus, in this embodiment 1, the variation display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the second special pattern reservation is "0" (YES in S1201). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation (the variation display of the second special pattern) is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation (the variation display of the first special pattern). In this embodiment 1, a win/loss determination based on the second reserved special symbol is more likely to result in a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than a win/loss determination based on the first reserved special symbol (Figure 8 (B)).

[Special diagram 2 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202), first, the value (label-TRND-A) of the random number counter for special symbol hit/miss judgment (oldest memory) stored in the lowest area of the second special symbol reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first of the second special symbol reserved) is read out as a judgment value (S1302). Next, a hit/miss judgment is performed based on the hit judgment table of FIG. 8 (A) (S1303). In this hit judgment table, the big hit judgment value in the hit/miss judgment of the special symbol 1 (first special symbol hit/miss judgment) and the hit/miss judgment of the special symbol 2 (second special symbol hit/miss judgment) is set to "65209 to 65535" (big hit probability: 1/approximately 200). In addition, the small hit judgment value of the special symbol 2 in the hit/miss judgment of the special symbol 2 (second special symbol hit/miss judgment) is set to "1 to 936".

Next, in S1304, it is determined whether the result of the hit/miss determination (second special symbol hit/miss determination) is a jackpot (S1304), and if it is determined that the result of the hit/miss determination (S1303) is a "jackpot" (YES in S1304), the value of the random number counter for determining the jackpot type (LABEL-TRND-AS) is read out, the jackpot type is determined based on the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 8 (B) (S1310), the jackpot symbol is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the jackpot type (S1311), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1312), and the process ends.

When determining whether or not a win is associated with the first special symbol, the type of the win is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first special symbol, and when determining whether or not a win is associated with the second special symbol, the type of the win is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the second special symbol. The type of the win is determined based on the game state (current game state) when the determination is made. That is, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not, whether the first time-saving state flag is ON or not, and whether the second time-saving state flag is ON or not, and if the time-saving flag is not ON, the type of the win is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the non-time-saving state. If the time-saving flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the game is in the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, and if the game is in the first time-saving state, the type of the win is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the first time-saving state, and if the game is in the second time-saving state, the type of the win is determined using the jackpot type determination table for the second time-saving state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1304 that the result of the hit/miss judgment (S1303) is not a "big hit" (NO in S1304), then it is determined whether or not it is a small hit (S1305). Here, in the case of a hit/miss judgment related to the second special symbol, it is determined whether the value of the random number counter for the special symbol hit/miss judgment (label-TRND-A) matches any of the small hit judgment values "1 to 936" for special symbol 2 (see FIG. 8 (A)). Then, if it is determined in S1305 that the result of the hit/miss judgment is not a "small hit" (NO in S1305), the losing symbol is determined (S1309) and the process ends. In other words, if the result of the hit/miss judgment (S1303) is neither a "big hit" nor a "small hit" (NO in S1304, NO in S1305), the result is a "miss."

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1305 that the result of the small win determination (S1305) (the result of the hit/miss determination) is a "small win" (YES in S1305), the value of the random number counter for determining the small win type (label-TRND-KS) is read out, the small win type is determined based on the small win type determination table shown in FIG. 8 (C) (S1306), the small win pattern is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the small win type (S1307), the small win flag is set ON (S1308), and processing ends. In addition, in the case of a hit/miss determination related to the second special pattern, the small win type is determined using the small win type determination table for the second special pattern. The small win type is also determined based on the game state (current game state) at the time of the determination. That is, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON, whether the first time-saving state flag is ON, whether the second time-saving state flag is ON, and if the time-saving flag is not ON, the small hit type is determined using the small hit type determination table for the non-time-saving state, and if the time-saving flag is ON, it is determined whether the state is the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, and if the state is the first time-saving state, the small hit type is determined using the small hit type determination table for the first time-saving state, and if the state is the second time-saving state, the small hit type is determined using the small hit type determination table for the second time-saving state. Also, in S1308, the small hit flag corresponding to the small hit type determined in S1306 (the determination result of S1306) is turned ON.

[Special Chart 2 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
In the special symbol waiting process (FIG. 21), the special symbol 2 winning/losing determination process (S1202) is followed by the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203). As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, in the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, it is determined whether the game state is in a non-time-saving state (normal state) (whether the time-saving flag is ON or not) (S1401). Then, if it is determined in S1401 that it is in a non-time-saving state (normal state) (YES in S1401), it is then determined whether the big win flag is ON or not (S1402). In S1402, when it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1402), the table for jackpots during the second special symbol non-time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special symbol, non-time-saving state, and jackpot) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1403), and the process proceeds to S1404. In this process, the fluctuation pattern P9 is selected. In addition, since the fluctuation display of the second special symbol is not scheduled (and the possibility of it being performed is low) in principle during the non-time-saving state, the number of types of fluctuation patterns is set to be fewer than that of the first special symbol.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1402 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1402), then it is determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (S1405). Then, if it is determined in S1405 that the small win flag is ON (YES in S1405), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value by referring to the table for the second special pattern non-time-saving state small/medium win (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special pattern, non-time-saving state, and small win) (S1407), and the process proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, fluctuation pattern P10 is selected.

Also, in S1405, if it is determined that the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1405), the table for misses during the second special pattern non-time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special pattern, non-time-saving state, and misses) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1406), and processing proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, fluctuation pattern P11 is selected.

In addition, in S1401, if it is determined that the game state is not in a non-time-saving state, that is, in a time-saving state (NO in S1401), as shown in FIG. 24, in S1408, it is determined whether the time-saving state is the first time-saving state (S1408). In S1408, if it is determined that the time-saving state is the first time-saving state (YES in S1408), it is then determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1409). In S1409, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1409), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the table for jackpots in the second special pattern first time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special pattern, the first time-saving state, and a jackpot) (S1410), and the process proceeds to S1404. In this process, one of the fluctuation patterns P14, 15, and 16 is selected. In addition, during the time-saving state, the main focus is on displaying the second special symbol changes, so there are more types of change patterns set for the second special symbol than for the first special symbol.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1409 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1409), then it is determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (S1411). Then, if it is determined in S1411 that the small win flag is ON (YES in S1411), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value by referring to the table for the second special pattern, first time-saving state, and small/medium win (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special pattern, the first time-saving state, and a small win) (S1413), and processing proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, one of the fluctuation patterns P17, 18, or 19 is selected.

Also, in S1411, if it is determined that the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1411), the table for misses during the first time-saving state of the second special symbol (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special symbol, the first time-saving state, and misses) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1412), and processing proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, one of the fluctuation patterns P20 to P24 is selected. In the case of a miss, if the selected fluctuation pattern is P20 to P22, a miss reach performance is executed as the game performance, so a relatively long fluctuation time is set. In addition, in the case of a miss, if the fluctuation pattern P20 to P22 is not selected, P23 is selected if the reserved number at the time of selecting the fluctuation pattern is 0 or 1, and P24 is selected if the reserved number is 2 or 3.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1408 that the time-saving state is not the first time-saving state, i.e., the second time-saving state (NO in S1408), then it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON or not (S1414). If it is determined in S1414 that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1414), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the table for jackpots during the second special symbol and second time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special symbol, the second time-saving state, and a jackpot) (S1415), and the process proceeds to S1404. In this process, one of the fluctuation patterns P27, 28, or 29 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1414 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S1414), then it is determined whether or not the small win flag is ON (S1416). Then, if it is determined in S1416 that the small win flag is ON (YES in S1416), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value by referring to the table for the second special pattern, second time-saving state, medium and small win (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special pattern, the second time-saving state, and a small win) (S1418), and processing proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, one of the fluctuation patterns P30, 31, or 32 is selected.

Also, in S1416, if it is determined that the small win flag is not ON (NO in S1416), the table for misses during the second special symbol and second time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the second special symbol, the second time-saving state, and misses) is referenced, and a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (S1417), and processing proceeds to S1404. Specifically, in this embodiment 1, one of the fluctuation patterns P33 to P37 is selected. In addition, in the case of a miss, if the selected fluctuation pattern is P33 to P35, a miss reach performance is executed as the game performance, so a relatively long fluctuation time is set. In addition, in the case of a miss, if the fluctuation pattern P33 to P35 is not selected, P36 is selected if the reserved number at the time of selecting the fluctuation pattern is 0 or 1, and P37 is selected if the reserved number is 2 or 3.

After the variation pattern is selected as described above, other processing (S1404) shown in FIG. 23 is performed, and then this processing ends. In other processing (S1404), a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM. The set variation pattern designation command is included in a variation start command, which will be described later, and is sent to the sub-control board 90 by output processing (S201).

[Special Figure 2 Random Number Shift Processing]
As shown in Fig. 25, in the special chart 2 random number shift process (S1204), first, the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is decremented by 1 (S1501). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the second special chart reserved memory unit is shifted to the lower side (for example, to the address "0000" side when the second special chart reserved memory unit consists of an address space corresponding to addresses "0000" to "0003") (S1502). Then, "0" is set in the top address space of the second special chart reserved memory unit, that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth reserved second special chart (if the upper limit number has been stored) is cleared to 0 (S1503), and this process is completed.

After executing the special symbol 2 random number shift process (S1204), the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1205) in FIG. 21 is executed. In the special symbol 2 variation start process (S1205), the special symbol operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM to start the variation display of the second special symbol.

In the special pattern waiting process (S1102) of FIG. 21, if the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special pattern 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), the special pattern 1 hit/miss determination process (S1207), special pattern 1 change pattern selection process (S1208), special pattern 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special pattern 1 change start process (S1210) are performed in this order.

[Special diagram 1 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 26, in the special pattern 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207), the process (S1602 to S1608) is performed in the same flow as the special pattern 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202) shown in FIG. 22. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process is omitted. However, since this process is a process related to the special pattern 1, in S1602, the random number counter value for special pattern hit/miss judgment (label-TRND-A) stored in the lowest area of the first special pattern reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first one of the first special pattern reserved) is read out, and a hit/miss judgment is performed based on the hit judgment table of FIG. 8 (A) (S1603). In addition, as a result of the hit/miss judgment (S1603) of the first special pattern (special pattern 1), it is different from the special pattern 2 hit/miss judgment process in that it does not have a small hit.

[Special Chart 1 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
As shown in Figures 27 and 28, in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), processing (S1701 to S1716) is performed in the same manner as the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203) shown in Figures 23 and 24. Therefore, a detailed description of this process will be omitted.

[Special Figure 1: Random number shift processing]
As shown in Fig. 29, in the special chart 1 random number shift process (S1209), first, the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is decremented by 1 (S1801). Next, the storage location of various counter values in the first special chart reserved memory unit is shifted to the lower side by one (S2002). Then, "0" is set in the top address space of the first special chart reserved memory unit, that is, (if the upper limit number has been stored) the RAM area corresponding to the fourth reserved first special chart is cleared to 0 (S1803), and this process is completed.

After executing the special symbol 1 random number shift process (S1209), the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1210) in FIG. 21 is executed. In the special symbol 1 variation start process (S1210), the special symbol operation status is set to "2" and a variation start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM to start the variation display of the first special symbol.

[Special pattern change processing]
As shown in Fig. 30, in the special symbol variation process (S1104), first, it is determined whether the variation time of the special symbol (variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in S1203 or S1208 in Fig. 21, see Fig. 9) has elapsed (S1901). If it is determined that the variation time has not elapsed (NO in S1901), the process ends. This allows the variation display of the special symbol to continue.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Next, in S1903, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S1903), and if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1903), the value of the time-saving counter is decremented by 1 (S1904), and the process proceeds to S1905. In S1905, it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter has become "0" (S1905), and if it is determined that the value of the time-saving counter has become "0" (YES in S1905), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1906), the first time-saving state flag is turned OFF (S1907), the second time state flag is turned OFF (S1908), and the process proceeds to S1909.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1903 that the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S1903), and if it is determined in S1905 that the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1905), the process proceeds to S1909. In S1909, the special symbol operation status is set to "3" (S1909), and other processing is performed, such as stopping the special symbol variable display based on the results of the special symbol hit/miss determination random number, the big hit type determination random number, and the small hit type determination random number (S1910), and the process ends.

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 31, in the special symbol determination process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), the value of the round counter that counts the number of rounds executed during the jackpot game is set based on the ON jackpot flag, and the number of openings and opening time per round of the first jackpot opening 30 (see FIG. 6) are set (S2002). As described above, in this embodiment 1, the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the special jackpot 1 is "5R", and the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the special jackpot 2 is either "5R" or "10R", so in S2002, the value of the round counter is set to either "5" or "10", and the number of openings and opening time per round of the first jackpot opening 30 are set to "1 time" and "25 seconds".

After completing the processing of S2002, in order to start the jackpot game, the jackpot opening command is set (S2003), the opening performance of the jackpot game starts (S2004), and the special chart operation status is set to "4" (S2005).

In addition, if it is determined in S2001 that the big win flag is not ON (NO in S2001), it is determined whether the small win flag is ON or not (S2006). If the small win flag is ON (YES in S2006), the value of the small win opening counter that counts the number of times the big win opening (second big win opening 35) is opened during the small win game is set, and the opening time of the second big win opening 35 (see FIG. 6) is set (S2007). As described above, in this embodiment 1, since the number of times and the opening time of the second big win opening 35 during the small win game are "1 time" and "1.6 seconds", in S2007, the value of the small win opening counter is set to "1" and the opening time is set to "1.6 seconds".

After completing the processing of S2007, a small win opening command is set to start the small win game (S2008), the opening performance of the small win game is started (S2009), the special chart operation status is set to "5" (S2010), and processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2006 that the small win flag is not ON (NO in S2006), neither the big win game nor the small win game will start, so the special chart operation status is set to "1" (S2011), and processing ends.

[Special Electric Device Processing 1 (Big Hit Game)]
As shown in FIG. 32, in the special electric device processing 1 (S1108), first, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON or not (S2103), and if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S2103), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2104). In other words, during the execution of the jackpot game, it is controlled to a non-time-saving state (low base state). In this embodiment 1, since the non-time-saving state is always in a low base state, it is also controlled to a low base state during the execution of the jackpot game. Next, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON or not (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of all the jackpot winning holes (first jackpot winning hole or second jackpot winning hole) in the jackpot game has ended (the jackpot game has ended).

If it is determined in S2105 that the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), it is then determined whether the jackpot opening is in progress (S2106). If it is determined in S2106 that the jackpot opening is not in progress (NO in S2106), it is determined whether it is time to open the jackpot opening, that is, whether the jackpot opening time has elapsed and it is time to start the first round, or whether the interval time between rounds has elapsed and it is time to start the next round (next opening) (S2107). If it is determined in S2107 that it is not time to start a round (NO in S2107), the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2107 that it is time to start a round (YES in S2107), the first jackpot opening device 31 is operated (S2110) to open the first jackpot opening 30 according to the opening pattern (see FIG. 6) corresponding to the type of jackpot, and the process ends.

If it is determined in S2106 that the large prize opening is open (YES in S2106), it is determined whether the number of balls entering the large prize opening in that round has reached the specified maximum number of balls (10 per round in this embodiment 1) (S2111). If it is determined in S2111 that the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2111), it is then determined whether it is time to close the large prize opening, that is, whether a specified opening time (see FIG. 6, 25 seconds) has elapsed since the large prize opening was opened (S2112). If it is determined in S2112 that the opening time of the large prize opening has not reached the specified time (NO in S2112), the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2111 that the prescribed number of winning balls has been reached (YES in S2111), or that the opening time of the first large prize opening 30 has reached the prescribed time (YES in S2112), in other words, if it is determined that one of the two round ending conditions has been met, the large prize opening that was open is closed (S2113). Then, the round counter value is decremented by 1 (S2114), and it is then determined whether the round counter value is "0" (S2115). If it is determined in S2115 that the round counter value is not "0" (NO in S2115), the process ends in order to start the next round.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2115 that the round counter value is "0" (YES in S2115), a jackpot ending command is set (S2116) and the jackpot ending performance is started (S2117) as a jackpot ending process that ends the jackpot game. Then, a jackpot ending flag is set (S2118) and the process is terminated. If the current jackpot is a 10R jackpot, the round counter becomes "0" when the large prize winning hole is opened 10 times, and if it is a 5R jackpot, the round counter becomes "0" when the large prize winning hole is opened 5 times. Also, as mentioned above, in the case of a jackpot game via a small jackpot, the opening in the small jackpot game is regarded as the execution of one round, so in the case of a 5R jackpot, one opening (regarded as one round) is performed in the small jackpot game, and the remaining four rounds are opened in the jackpot game.

In addition, if it is determined in S2105 that the jackpot end flag is ON (YES in S2105), the final round has ended, so it is next determined whether or not the execution time (ending time) of the jackpot ending performance has elapsed (S2119). If it is determined in S2119 that the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2119), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2119 that the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2119), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2120), and the game status setting process (S2121) described below is performed. Then, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2122), the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2123), and the process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the special symbol standby process (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation process (FIG. 20).

[Special Electric Device Processing 2 (Small Win Game)]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the special electric device processing 2 (S1109), first, it is determined whether or not the first time-saving state flag indicating that the game state is the first time-saving state is ON (S2230). This is because if the game state when a small win occurs is the first time-saving state, the time-saving flag is turned OFF before the large prize winning port (second large prize winning port) is opened by the small win game, and the game state is shifted to the low base state. In this embodiment, the process of determining whether or not the game state is the first time-saving state and turning the time-saving flag OFF is performed in association with the start process of the small win game, but this is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the timing of determining whether or not the game state when a small win occurs is the first time-saving state may be performed within the process of determining whether or not the second special symbol wins. In other words, if the small win occurs in the first time-saving state, the timing of turning the time-saving flag OFF may be any time as long as the time-saving flag can be turned OFF reliably before the large prize winning port is opened by the small win game. Although the timing for turning off the time-saving flag differs, in all cases the game state transitions from the time-saving state (high base state, first time-saving state) to the normal state (low base state) based on the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment (second special pattern hit/miss judgment) being a small hit.

If it is determined in S2230 that the first time-saving state flag is ON, i.e. that a small win has occurred in the first time-saving state (YES in S2230), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2231) and processing proceeds to S2201. As a result, the small win game will be played in the low base state from then on. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2230 that the first time-saving state flag is not ON (NO in S2230), processing proceeds directly to S2201. As a result, if the time-saving flag is ON and the game is in the second time-saving state, the small win game will be played in the high base state with the time-saving flag turned ON. Also, even if a small win occurs in the low base state with the time-saving flag OFF, the small win game will be played in the low base state with the time-saving flag OFF.

In S2201, it is determined whether the small win end flag is ON (S2201). The small win end flag is a flag that indicates that all openings of the second large prize opening 35 have been completed in the small win game. If it is determined in S2201 that the small win end flag is not ON (NO in S2201), it is determined whether the second large prize opening 35 is currently open (S2202). If it is determined in S2202 that the large prize opening is not currently open (NO in S2202), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the second large prize opening 35 has arrived, that is, whether the time for the small win opening has passed and it is time to start the first opening, or whether the interval time between multiple openings has passed and it is time to start the next opening (S2203).

If it is determined in S2203 that it is not the timing to open the large prize opening (NO in S2203), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2203 that it is the timing to open the large prize opening (YES in S2203), the second large prize device 36 is operated to open the second large prize opening 35 in accordance with the small prize opening pattern (see FIG. 6) (S2204), and the operation of the movable piece (not shown) is started in accordance with a predetermined operation pattern to open the specific area 39 provided in the second large prize device 36 (S2205), and further, a V valid period is set to determine that the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is valid (S2206), and the process ends. In addition, judging that the detection of a game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is valid means that the jackpot flag is turned ON based on the detection of a game ball by the specific area sensor 39a, and judging that the detection of a game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is invalid means that the jackpot flag is not turned ON even if a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a.

Here, in this embodiment 1, the opening pattern of the second large prize opening 35 in a small win game is set to "1 time" for the number of openings and "1.6 seconds" for the opening time. Also, in this embodiment 1, the operation pattern of the movable piece is set to open the specific area 39 for "0.75 seconds" when the second large prize opening 35 starts to open, and then to open again for "0.75 seconds" after a "0.1 second" closed state, and to close the specific area 39 in accordance with the closing of the second large prize opening 35. Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the V effective period is set to several seconds during the opening of the second large prize opening 35 in a small win game and after the closing of the second large prize opening 35 (after the opening of the second large prize opening 35 in a small win game is completed). The V valid period is set not only during the opening of the second large prize opening 35 but also for several seconds after the second large prize opening 35 is closed, taking into consideration the possibility that, for example, a game ball that entered the second large prize opening 35 just before the opening of the second large prize opening 35 is finished may be detected by the specific area sensor 39a after the second large prize opening 35 is closed (passing through the specific area 39). This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which a game ball that entered the second large prize opening 35 does not win a jackpot even though it legitimately passes through the specific area 39. In this embodiment 1, the V valid period is set to "2.6 seconds", and in addition to the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 during a small win game of "1.6 seconds", the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is judged to be valid for "1 second" after the second large prize opening 35 is closed.

If it is determined in S2202 that the second large prize opening 35 is open (YES in S2202), then it is determined whether the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35 has reached the specified maximum number of balls (10 in this embodiment 1) (S2207). If it is determined in S2207 that the specified number of balls has not been reached (NO in S2207), then it is determined whether it is time to close the second large prize opening 35, that is, whether a specified opening time (see FIG. 6) has elapsed since the second large prize opening 35 was opened (S2208). Then, if it is determined in S2208 that the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 has not elapsed (NO in S2208), the process proceeds to S2211.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2207 that the number of balls entering the second large prize opening 35 has reached the specified number of balls (YES in S2207), or if it is determined in S2208 that the opening time of the second large prize opening 35 has elapsed (YES in S2208), the second large prize opening 35 is closed (S2209), the value of the small prize opening counter is decremented by 1 (S2210), and processing proceeds to S2211. Note that in this embodiment 1, since the opening pattern of the second large prize opening 35 in a small prize game is set to "1 time" opening and "1.6 seconds" opening time, it is practically impossible for 10 game balls to enter the second large prize opening 35. For this reason, the possibility of a positive judgment being made in the processing of S2207 is virtually zero.

Next, in S2211, it is determined whether or not a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the specific area 39) (S2211). If it is determined in S2211 that a gaming ball has been detected by the specific area sensor (YES in S2211), the process proceeds to S2220 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. 34. If it is determined that no detection has been detected (NO in S2211), it is determined whether or not the value of the small win opening counter is "0" (S2212). If it is determined in S2212 that the value of the small win opening counter is not "0" (NO in S2212), the process ends as is. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2212 that the value of the small win opening counter is "0" (YES in S2212), the process proceeds to small win end processing in S2213. In S2213, as a small win ending process to end the small win game, a small win ending command is set and the small win ending performance is started (S2214). Then, the small win end flag is turned ON (S2315), and the process ends. In this embodiment 1, the small win opening counter becomes "0" when the second large winning opening 35 is opened once.

In S2201, if it is determined that the small win end flag is ON, that is, a small win game has been executed and the game ball has not passed through the specific area (YES in S2201), one opening of the second large winning port 35 has been completed, so it is determined whether or not the ending time of the small win has elapsed (S2216), and if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2216), the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2216 that the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2216), the small win end flag is turned OFF (S2217), the small win flag is turned OFF (S2218), and the processing proceeds to S2232. In S2232, it is determined whether or not the first time-saving state flag is ON (S2232), and if it is determined that the first time-saving state flag is not ON (NO in S2232), the processing proceeds to S2219. Also, if it is determined in S2232 that the first time-saving state flag is ON (YES in S2232), the first time-saving state flag is turned OFF (S2233) and processing proceeds to S2219. In S2219, the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2219) and processing ends. As a result, in the next interrupt processing, the special symbol standby processing (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation processing (FIG. 20).

In addition, if a small hit occurs in the second game state, the time-saving flag is not switched from ON to OFF when the small hit game starts. Furthermore, the game state setting process (S2121, FIG. 35) is not performed when the small hit game ends. In other words, if a small hit occurs in the first time-saving state or normal state, the game state does not change before and after the small hit game is executed. On the other hand, if a small hit occurs in the second time-saving state, the game state changes before and after the small hit game is executed. This makes it possible to diversify the game state and increase interest in the game.

In S2211, if it is determined that the specific area sensor 39a has detected a game ball (YES in S2211), a process for generating a big win via a small win V, that is, a process for ending the small win game and starting the big win game, is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 34, it is determined whether the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V valid period (S2220). Then, in S2220, if it is determined that the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the V valid period (YES in S2220), the small win flag is turned OFF (S2221), the big win flag is turned ON (S2222), and a V passing command is set (S2223). Here, in this embodiment 1, as described above, a small win flag is provided corresponding to each small win type. In addition, as shown in Figures 6(A) to (C), the type of jackpot via the small jackpot V (5R jackpot, 10R jackpot) is determined according to the type of small jackpot.

In addition, in this embodiment 1, as the big hit flags, there are a special chart 1 big hit flag A corresponding to the special chart 1 big hit A, a special chart 1 big hit flag B corresponding to the special chart 1 big hit B, a special chart 1 big hit flag C corresponding to the special chart 1 big hit C, and a special chart 2 big hit flag A corresponding to the special chart 2 big hit A. As the small hit flags, there are a special chart 2 small hit A flag corresponding to the special chart 2 small hit A, a special chart 2 small hit B flag corresponding to the special chart 2 small hit B, a special chart 2 small hit C flag corresponding to the special chart 2 small hit C, and a special chart 2 small hit D flag corresponding to the special chart 2 small hit D. In addition, the jackpot flags that are set when a jackpot occurs via small hit V include a jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit A corresponding to a jackpot via special chart 2 small hit A, a jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit B corresponding to a jackpot via special chart 2 small hit B, a jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit C corresponding to a jackpot via special chart 2 small hit C, and a jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit D corresponding to a jackpot via special chart 2 small hit D.

For this reason, in S2222, based on the small hit type of the small hit flag turned OFF in S2221, i.e., the small hit flag turned ON in S1308 or S1608, the corresponding jackpot flag for the small hit via V jackpot type (either the jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit A, the jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit B, the jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit C, or the jackpot flag via special chart 2 small hit D) is turned ON (S2222).

In S2224, based on the jackpot flag that was turned ON in S2222, the value of the round counter that counts the number of rounds executed during the jackpot game is set, and the number of openings and the opening time per round of the first large prize winning port 30 (see FIG. 6) are set (S2224). In this embodiment 1, as shown in FIGS. 6(A) to (C), the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the jackpot via small prize V is either "5R" or "10R", so in S2224, the round counter value is set to either "4" or "9" obtained by subtracting the number of openings performed in the small prize game, and the number of openings per round and the opening time of the second large prize winning port are set to "1 time" and "25 seconds".

After completing the processing of S2224, a jackpot opening command is set to start the jackpot game (S2225), the opening performance of the jackpot game is started (S2226), and the special chart operation status is set to "4" (S2227). Note that this opening command can be a command that can be identified as an opening command related to a jackpot game that is executed when the game ball passes through a V based on a small jackpot game (also called a "small jackpot V").

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2220 that the specific area sensor did not detect the game ball during the V valid period (NO in S2220), the current detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is not valid and there is a possibility of fraud, so error processing is performed without generating a V big win via a small win (S2227), and processing ends as it is. Examples of error processing include an abnormal state notification indicating that the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a occurred when it is not during the V valid period, or a process of temporarily stopping (interrupting) the process related to the special pattern change, such as the acquisition of various random numbers based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 and the judgment of whether the special pattern is hit or not. In addition, the abnormal state notification or the temporary suspension of the game progress due to the execution of the error processing can be released by the establishment of a predetermined release condition, and examples of the release condition include the passage of time, restarting the power, clearing the RAM, etc.

[Game Status Setting Process]
As shown in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, in the game state setting process (S2121), first, it is determined whether the game state at the time of a jackpot (when a jackpot is determined by the special symbol hit/miss determination, when the game ball passes through a specific area during a small jackpot game) was in a time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag was ON or OFF, and whether the game state was in a high base state or a low base state) (S2301). For example, by determining whether the second time-saving state flag is ON, whether the first time-saving state flag is ON, and the type of the jackpot flag, it is possible to determine whether the game state was in a time-saving state at the time of a jackpot game. This is because, depending on the jackpot type related to the jackpot game executed this time and the game state at the time of the jackpot game, it is possible to set the game state after the jackpot game ends to a different game state (game state period) even if the jackpot type is the same.

For example, when judging whether the game state at the time of a jackpot was in the time-saving state, if it is judged that the second time-saving state flag is ON, it can be judged that the time-saving state at the time of the jackpot was in the time-saving state regardless of the type of jackpot. Also, if it is judged that the first time-saving state flag is ON, and the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (a direct hit), it can be judged that the time-saving state at the time of the jackpot was in the time-saving state. On the other hand, if the jackpot was a V jackpot via a small hit, it can be judged that the time-saving state at the time of the jackpot was not in the time-saving state. Also, if both the first time-saving state flag and the second time-saving state flag are OFF, it can be judged that the game state at the time of the jackpot was not in the time-saving state (normal state) regardless of the type of jackpot.

If it is determined in S2301 that the time-saving state at the time of the jackpot was not the time-saving state, i.e., that the game state at the time of the jackpot was the low base state (NO in S2301), it is then determined whether the jackpot was achieved by passing through a specific area, i.e., whether it was a jackpot via a small jackpot (S2302). If it is determined in S2302 that the jackpot was not achieved by passing through a specific area, i.e., that the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment was a jackpot (a direct jackpot) (NO in S2302), it is determined whether the jackpot type was special symbol 2 jackpot A (S2303). If it is determined in S2303 that the jackpot type is Special Chart 2 Jackpot A (YES in S2303), the time-saving counter is set to "500" (S2304), and it is determined whether the first time-saving state flag is ON (S2324). If it is determined that the first time-saving state flag is ON (YES in S2324), the time-saving flag is set ON (S2305), the second time-saving state flag is set ON (S2306), and processing ends. If it is determined in S2324 that the first time-saving state flag is not ON (NO in S2324), processing proceeds to S2305. As a result, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set to the second time-saving state.

If it is determined in S2303 that the jackpot type is not Special Chart 2 Jackpot A, i.e., that it is any of Special Chart 1 Jackpot A to C (NO in S2303), the time-saving counter is set to "90", "50" or "5" depending on the jackpot type (S2307), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2308), the first time-saving state flag is turned ON (S2309), and processing ends. As a result, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the first time-saving state.

If it is determined in S2302 that the jackpot was a result of passing through a specific area, that is, that the result of the special pattern hit/miss determination was a small hit and the jackpot was generated by passing through a specific area during small hit play (V via small hit) (YES in S2302), the time-saving counter is set to "90" or "50" depending on the type of small hit (jackpot type) (S2310), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2311), the first time-saving state flag is turned ON (S2312), and processing ends. As a result, the game state after the end of the jackpot play is set to the first time-saving state.

If it is determined in S2301 that the time-saving state at the time of the jackpot was the time-saving state, i.e., the game state at the time of the jackpot was the high base state (YES in S2301), it is then determined whether the jackpot was achieved by passing through a specific area, i.e., whether it was a jackpot via a small jackpot (S2313). If it is determined in S2313 that the jackpot was not achieved by passing through a specific area, i.e., the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination was a jackpot (a direct jackpot) (NO in S2313), it is determined whether the jackpot type was special symbol 2 jackpot A (S2314). If it is determined in S2314 that the jackpot type is Special Chart 2 Jackpot A (YES in S2314), the time-saving counter is set to "500" (S2315), and it is determined whether the first time-saving state flag is ON (S2326). If it is determined that the first time-saving state flag is ON (YES in S2326), the first time-saving state flag is turned OFF (S2327), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2316), the second time-saving state flag is turned ON (S2306), and processing ends. If it is determined in S2326 that the first time-saving state flag is not ON (NO in S2326), processing proceeds to S2316. As a result, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is set to the second time-saving state.

In S2314, if it is determined that the jackpot type is not the special chart 2 jackpot A, that is, it is any of the special chart 1 jackpots A to C (NO in S2314), the time-saving counter is set to "90" regardless of the jackpot type (S2318), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2319), the second time-saving state flag is turned ON (S2320), and the processing is terminated. As a result, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the second time-saving state. In this embodiment, if a jackpot occurs in a high base state, if the jackpot type is the special chart 2 jackpot A, the time-saving counter is set to "500", and if the jackpot type is the special chart 1 jackpot A to C, the time-saving counter is set to "90". In addition to this mode, if a jackpot occurs in a high base state, the time-saving counter may be set to "500" regardless of whether the jackpot type is the special chart 2 jackpot A or the special chart 1 jackpot A to C. In other words, if the result of the special symbol hit judgment in the high base state is a jackpot, all may be switched to the second time-saving state, which is the most advantageous for the player (the time-saving state lasts longer). This allows the player to play with a sense of security.

In S2313, if it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot that occurred by passing through a specific area, that is, the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the jackpot is a jackpot that occurred by passing through a specific area during a small hit game (V via small hit) (YES in S2313), regardless of the type of small hit (jackpot type), the time-saving counter is set to "90" (S2310), the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2311), the second time-saving state flag is turned ON (S2312), and the processing ends. As a result, the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the second time-saving state. As a result, if a jackpot occurs via a small hit in the second time-saving state, the setting period of the time-saving state (average value) becomes longer than the first time-saving state, and the state remains in the second time-saving state thereafter, allowing the player to feel at ease and aim to win a large amount of game profits, thereby increasing his or her interest in the game.

The value of this time-saving counter is decremented by one each time the special symbol is displayed, and when the counter value reaches "0", the game state changes from a high base state to a low base state.

[Reserved ball count processing]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball number process (S207) following the special symbol operation process (S206). In the reserved ball number process (S207), as shown in Fig. 40, first, the reserved ball number of special symbol 1, the reserved ball number of special symbol 2, and the reserved ball number of normal symbols stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 are read (S2501). Next, the reserved ball number data (reserved ball number command for transmitting the reserved ball number information to the sub-control board 90, etc.) is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2502).

[Power off monitoring process]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the reserved ball count process (S207) followed by the power off monitoring process (S208). In the power off monitoring process (S208), as shown in Fig. 38, first, it is determined whether or not a power off signal has been input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a power off signal input (YES in S2601), data regarding the current state of the gaming machine (whether or not it is in a special mode, whether or not it is a winning game, how many reserved balls there are, how many times the special mode/time reduction mode is left, etc.) is stored in the RAM (S2602), the power off flag is turned ON (S2603), and then the loop process is performed without returning to the interrupt process (Fig. 11).

[Sub-control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 will be described with reference to Figures 39 to 45. The counters, flags, status, buffers, etc., which appear in the description of the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91, are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-controller). When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the program of the sub-control main process shown in Figure 39 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main process, first, a CPU initialization process is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack setting, constant setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), etc. are set, and various flags, status, and counter resetting are performed.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). If the result of this determination is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) and the process proceeds to S4004. On the other hand, if the result of the determination is YES (YES in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is not initialized and the process proceeds to S4004. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of the RAM are not normal (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized, but if the power-off signal is ON due to a power outage or the like but the contents of the RAM are maintained normal (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized. When the RAM is initialized, various flags, statuses, and counter values are reset. Note that S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after the power is turned on (when the power is turned on) and are not executed thereafter.

In S4004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, a random number seed update process is executed (S4005). In the random number seed update process (S4005), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. The updated random number counter values are sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90. The random numbers for determining effects include a random number for determining a preview effect that determines a preview effect, and a random number for determining a performance pattern that determines a performance pattern. The method of updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. When updating, the random number value may be added by 2 instead of by 1. The random number for determining effects is obtained at a predetermined timing. This timing can be, for example, when a control signal (starting ball entry command) notifying that a starting ball has been entered is sent from the main control board 80, when a control signal (starting ball entry command) notifying the start of a change is sent from the main control board 80, or when a change performance pattern described later is determined. The acquired random numbers for determining effects are stored in a specified random number counter value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

When the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100, the voice control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. Each control board (each control unit) that receives the command executes various effects (such as effect pattern game effects and special game effects associated with big win games and small win games) using various effect devices (such as the image display device 7, the speaker 67, the board lamp 5, the air pump 60c, the frame lamp 66, and the movable decorative member 14) according to the received command. The effect control microcomputer 91 then permits interruption (S4007). Thereafter, S4004 to S4007 are looped. When interrupts are enabled, it is possible to execute receive interrupt processing (S4008), 2 ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4010).

[Receive interrupt processing]
In the reception interrupt process (S4008), as shown in FIG. 40, it is determined whether the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON, that is, whether the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 has been input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 91 (S4101). If it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4101 that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), the various commands sent from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4102), and the process is terminated. This reception interrupt process (S4008) is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 41, the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) first performs an input process to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signal from the performance button detection switches 63c and 63d (S4201). Next, a lamp data output process to output the lamp data created in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (described later) (S4202). Next, a drive data output process to create and output drive data for driving the movable decorative member 14 (S4203). Then, a watchdog timer process to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 42, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) first performs a received command analysis process (S4301) to be described later. Next, the firing notification process after the end of the big win game is performed (S4302). In this firing notification process after the end of the big win game (S4302), when the game state after the end of the big win game is set to a low base state, the firing direction is returned from the right game area to the left game area, that is, the firing notification performance that suggests changing from right hitting to left hitting is controlled (adjusted).

Next, illumination control processing is performed to create the lamp data to be output (data that controls the lighting of the panel lamps 5 and frame lamps 66) and manage the performance time (S4303). Next, switch state acquisition processing is performed to store the switch data created in the 2 ms timer interrupt processing in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4304). Next, switch processing is performed to set the display content of the display screen 7a, etc. based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition processing (S4305). After that, other processing is performed, such as updating the random numbers for determining the performance (S4306).

[Received command analysis process]
As shown in Figures 43 and 44, in the received command analysis process (S4301), the performance control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not it has received a start ball entry command from the main control board 80 (main control unit) (S4401), and if it determines that it has received the start ball entry command (YES in S4401), it performs ball entry performance start processing (S4402) and proceeds to processing of S4403. If it determines in S4401 that it has not received the start ball entry command (NO in S4401), it proceeds to processing of S4403 without performing ball entry performance start processing. The main control board 80 outputs the look-ahead information (the look-ahead result of winning or losing, the look-ahead result of the type of winning, the look-ahead result of the time-saving state, the look-ahead result of the number of remaining time-saving times, and the look-ahead result of the variation pattern) set in the output buffer of the RAM to the sub-control board 90 as a start-going command, and the performance control microcomputer 91 detects the look-ahead information as part of the start-going command in S4402 and stores the detection result of the look-ahead information in the look-ahead information area of the RAM. This look-ahead information area is an area in which up to four look-ahead information detection results are stored, as shown in Figure 46, and the look-ahead information detection results are stored in the order in which they were detected.

The ball entry performance start process is executed when a start ball entry command is received from the main control unit 80, indicating that a ball has entered the first starting gate 20 or the second starting gate 21. By performing this process, the sub-control unit 90 stores unconsumed performance hold information in the performance hold memory unit (first performance hold memory unit 104 and second performance hold memory unit 105), controls the display (controls changes to the number of displays and display mode of the performance holds) of the performance holds (first performance hold 9a and second performance hold 9b) displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and performs so-called pre-reading performance (also called "pre-performance") based on the information acquired by the main control unit when the ball enters the starting gate.

When a game ball enters the first starting hole 20, information indicating the acquired information acquired based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 is transmitted from the main control unit 80 to the sub-control unit 90, and is added and stored in the first performance hold memory unit 104 of the sub-control unit 90 as unconsumed performance hold information (performance information). The upper limit of the number of reserved performance information (also called "first performance hold") stored in the first performance hold memory unit is set to the same number (4) as the number of first special pattern holds stored in the first special pattern hold memory unit, and the number of memories at each time is also set to be the same. The upper limit of the number of reserved performance information (also called "second performance hold") stored in the second performance hold memory unit is set to the same number (4) as the number of second special pattern holds stored in the second special pattern hold memory unit, and the number of memories at each time is also set to be the same. In addition, when a variation start command described later is received, if it indicates the first special pattern, the oldest performance hold information stored in the corresponding first performance hold memory unit 104 is deleted. The same applies if the game ball enters the second starting hole 21.

In S4403 of FIG. 43, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control unit (S4403), and if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4403), the fluctuation performance start process described below is performed (S4404) and processing transitions to S4407. If it is determined that a fluctuation start command has not been received in S4403 (NO in S4403), the fluctuation performance start process is not performed and processing transitions to S4407. In S4407, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control unit (S4407), and if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4407), the fluctuation performance end process described below is performed (S4408) and processing transitions to S4409. If it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has not been received in S4407 (NO in S4407), the fluctuation performance end process is not performed and processing transitions to S4409.

Next, in S4409, it is determined whether an opening command has been received from the main control unit (S4409), and if it is determined that an opening command has been received (YES in S4409), opening command reception processing is performed (S4410) and processing proceeds to S4411. If it is determined that an opening command has not been received in S4409 (NO in S4409), processing proceeds to S4411 without performing opening command reception processing. In S4411, it is determined whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit (S4411), and if it is determined that an ending command has been received (YES in S4411), ending command reception processing is performed (S4412) and processing proceeds to S4413. On the other hand, if it is determined that an ending command has not been received in S4411 (NO in S4411), processing proceeds to S4413 without performing ending command reception processing.

Next, it is determined whether or not a V-pass command (a command indicating that V has passed based on the occurrence of a small win game) has been received from the main control unit (S4413), and if it is determined that a V-pass command has been received (YES in S4413), a V-pass notification command is set (S4414) and processing proceeds to S4415. The V-pass command is a command that notifies the sub-control board 90 from the main control board 80 that the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is one of the special pattern 2 small hits A to D, and that the game ball that entered the second large winning port during the small win game has passed through a specific area during the V valid period. This YES judgment in S4413 corresponds to the activation of the game function. When the V-pass notification command is sent to the image control board 100 (image control unit) or the like in the command sending process (S4006), the CPU of the image control board 100 reads out predetermined image information from the ROM of the image control board 100 and continues the big win game presentation on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. This notifies the player that the game ball has passed through the specific area 39 and that the big win game is being executed. On the other hand, if the V-pass command cannot be received during the V valid period, a word such as "End" is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and the big win game presentation ends without starting the big win game. If it is determined in S4413 that the V-pass command has not been received (NO in S4413), the process proceeds to S4415 without setting the V-pass notification command. In S4415, other processes are executed and the process ends.

In addition, even if the game ball detects a specific area outside the V valid period, a V passage command containing information that can identify the passage outside the V valid period may be received. In this way, based on the reception of the V passage command outside the valid period, an error notification can be performed using the speaker 67, image display device 7, frame lamp 66, board lamp 5, etc. controlled by the sub-control unit 90.

[Variable performance start processing]
As shown in FIG. 45, in the variable performance start process (S4404), first, in S4501, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a performance determination random number acquisition process (S4501) to acquire performance determination random numbers such as a preview performance determination random number and a performance pattern determination random number. Specifically, in this embodiment, the preview performance determination random number has a wind preview performance random number, and at the timing of receiving a variation start command from the main control unit 80, the process of S4501 is performed to acquire a predetermined value (acquired information) from each random number. In addition, in the preview performance setting process (S4506) described later, the preview performance to be executed in conjunction with the variable display of the performance pattern (special pattern) is determined based on the acquired value.

Next, in S4502, the effect control microcomputer 91 analyzes the fluctuation start command (S4502). The fluctuation start command includes a fluctuation pattern designation command (information designating the fluctuation pattern) that designates the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The information designating the fluctuation pattern includes the fluctuation pattern information (P1 to P17) shown in FIG. 9, game state information designating the current game state, the judgment result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment, and pattern information designating the hit type (see FIG. 8). The fluctuation pattern information, game state information, pattern information, and the like can also be used in other processes other than the fluctuation effect start process executed thereafter.

Next, at S4503, the performance control microcomputer 91 references the current mode status (S4503). The mode status is used to determine the performance mode to be executed. The mode status is a value between "1" and "5," and each value is assigned to a performance mode A through E.

Here, the presentation mode refers to the manner of presentation in the image display device 7, and when the presentation mode is different, some or all of the presentation modes of the game presentation such as the notice presentation and the reach presentation are different. Specifically, the image displayed on the image display device 7 is different, such as the characters, items, and background images that appear, and the presentation pattern game presentation can also be executed in a manner corresponding to the presentation mode. In addition, when multiple game presentations (such as notice presentations and reach presentations) are provided, different game presentations may be executed depending on the presentation mode. In this embodiment, presentation modes A, D, and E are executed when the game is controlled to a low base state, and presentation mode B is executed when the game is controlled to a high base state. Also, presentation mode C is executed when the game is controlled to a low base state after the end of the big win game and the second special pattern is displayed in a variable manner. Therefore, by checking which of the presentation modes A to C the game is in, the player can understand the current game state.

Next, in S4504, a variable presentation pattern determination table is set to determine the variable presentation pattern (also called the "presentation pattern") of the image display device 7, the panel lamps 5, the movable decorative members 14, etc., controlled by the presentation control microcomputer 91 (S4504). Specifically, a presentation pattern variable mode determination table (not shown) for determining the variable mode of the presentation pattern is set as the variable presentation pattern determination table based on the variable pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80. In this embodiment, a different presentation pattern variable mode determination table is set depending on the game state and presentation mode.

Next, in S4505, a variable presentation pattern that matches the specified variable presentation pattern and corresponds to the presentation mode indicated by the referenced mode status is selected based on the variable presentation pattern table set in S4504 (S4505).

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, multiple reach effects (normal reach effects, super reach effects, etc.) and character effects are set as the change modes of the performance symbols, and in S4505, based on the performance symbol change mode determination table, it is decided which of these effects will be performed, or whether these effects will not be performed (also called "normal change"). It is then possible to determine which of these effects will be executed, and to perform a pre-notification effect that suggests in advance the occurrence of the effect to be executed.

When the super reach effect is executed as a game effect, it is set so that the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when the normal reach effect is executed. In other words, the super reach effect is a game effect with a higher jackpot reliability (possibility of a jackpot) than the reach (normal reach) effect.

Next, in S4506, a process for setting the preview performance, etc. is performed. In the process for setting the preview performance, etc. (S4506), it is determined which of the preview performance types will be executed in the variable performance pattern based on the performance determination random number obtained in S4501. It also determines the performance pattern to be displayed as a stop (also called the "stop performance pattern"). The variable performance pattern is determined by these processes (S4505 and S4506).

Next, in S4507, a variable presentation start command is set to start the presentation pattern game presentation, etc. based on the variable presentation pattern selected in S4505 and S4506 (S4507), and the variable presentation start process is terminated.

When the variable effect start command set in S4505 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the CPU of the image control board 100 reads data corresponding to the variable effect start command from the ROM of the image control board 100, and displays the image of the effect pattern game on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 in response to playing back the detection result of the data. This image of the effect pattern game has an image of the pattern game and an image of the effect game. The image of the pattern game displays the effect patterns in three horizontal rows, the left row, the middle row, and the right row, and the display mode of the image of the pattern game is set to a normal mode and a time-saving mode. The normal mode displays three rows of effect patterns in sequence in a scrolling state and a scrolling stop state, and the time-saving mode displays three rows of effect patterns in a scrolling stop state. The image of the effect game is displayed as a background image of the image of the pattern game, and the images of the multiple reach effects are displayed as the image of the effect game.

The effect patterns displayed as a result of the image of the effect pattern game are, for example, a combination of odd numbers such as "777" when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a 10R jackpot, and a combination of even numbers such as "666" when the result is another jackpot (5R jackpot). In the case of a small jackpot, it may be a combination of predetermined chance numbers such as "135" or a combination of small jackpot-only patterns such as "3☆3". In addition, when there is a reach and a miss, a variety of patterns in which one of the three effect patterns, such as "787", is different from the other effect patterns, and when there is a reach and a miss, a variety of patterns in which at least one of the three effect patterns, such as "635", is different from the other effect patterns, is selected. Note that the above-mentioned stop display mode of the effect patterns is one example, and when there is a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a miss, it is possible to change what is displayed as the stop effect pattern as appropriate.

Figure 47 (a) shows a scene in which, in a normal state, a first special symbol hit determination is made based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20, the result of the first special symbol hit determination is a jackpot (for example, special symbol 1 jackpot A), and after a scrolling display of three rows of performance symbols is performed on the display screen 7a, the three rows of performance symbols are displayed stopped in a jackpot combination.

Figure 47 (b) shows an image in which the player is instructed on the direction of the ball to be fired during a jackpot game (win game) based on the fact that the three rows of performance symbols in Figure 47 (a) are a jackpot combination. In the normal state, the game is played by hitting from the left, and during a jackpot game, a small jackpot game, and a time-saving state, the game is played by hitting from the right. For this reason, an instruction to "hit right" is given before the jackpot game starts. Specifically, a specific character 210 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 7a, and a first firing direction notification image 202 is displayed to the right of the specific character 210. This image 202 has a right arrow suggesting the firing of the game ball to the right game area and the words "hit right" below the right arrow, suggesting the player to fire the game ball to the right game area. This image in Figure 47 (b) continues for a certain period of time from before the start of the jackpot game until just after the start of the jackpot game or until a ball is detected entering the big prize hole. This image 202 also indicates to the player that the winning game is about to begin. This winning game is a general term for both the big win game and the small win game.

Figure 47(c) shows an image displayed on the image display device 7 during the execution of a jackpot game after the jackpot game has started. On the left side of the display screen, the same character 210 as in Figure 47(b) is displayed in a different display mode from that in Figure 47(b). On the right side of the display screen, a second launch direction notification image 203 is displayed. This image 203 depicts the characters "right hit" and a right arrow in a different mode from that in Figure 47(b). Below these characters "right hit" and right arrow, a round display section 204 is provided, and five "circles" indicating the number of rounds are displayed in the round display section 204. These five "circles" images indicate that five rounds of jackpot game will start. At the bottom of the display screen, an acquired profit display section 205 is provided. This acquired profit display section 205 is an area in which the amount of game profit given to the player (the number of game balls paid out) is displayed.

Figures 47(d)-(f) and 48(g) show images of a small win being achieved and a small win game being played as the game ball passes through a specific area. Figure 47(d) shows an image in which, in the first time-saving state, a second special symbol hit determination is made based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21, the result of the second special symbol hit determination is a small win (for example, special symbol 2 small win A), and the scrolling display of three rows of performance symbols stops with the small win combination.

Figure 47 (e) is an image that is displayed before the start of a small win game, suggesting to the player the direction in which the game ball will be launched. Specifically, a character 210 is displayed on the left side of the display screen 7a, and a first launch direction notification image 202 is displayed to the right of the specific character 210. This image 202 has a right arrow suggesting that the game ball will be launched into the right play area, and an image of "right hit" below the right arrow. This image 202 begins to be displayed before the start of a small win game, and is erased before the start of a small win game.

Figure 47 (f) is an image displayed during a small win game. Here, a remaining time display section 206 is provided at the bottom of the display screen, and the remaining time 206a is displayed (decrementally displayed) in real time on the remaining time display section 206. This remaining time display is in addition to the image in Figure 47 (e) and indicates the remaining time for a small win game. The player must make the game ball enter the second large prize entry hole during a small win game before the remaining time display reaches "0" and enter a specific area. In both cases of a big win and a small win, the same combination of three rows of pattern elements is displayed, and then a common first launch direction notification image 202 is displayed, but the remaining time display section 206 is only displayed when a small win occurs. If the game ball passes through a specific area during a small win game before the remaining time display reaches "0", a big win will occur at that point, and the first launch direction notification image 202 in FIG. 47(b) will not be displayed, and the big win game presentation image in FIG. 47(c) will be displayed.

The pachinko game machine 1 has a high base state (time-saving state, first time-saving state, second time-saving state) and a low base state (normal state) as game states, and the game state is switched based on whether the result of the special pattern hit/miss determination is a big hit or a small hit. In particular, the transition from the low base state to the high base state is performed after the big hit game ends.

<Super Reach Effects 1-4>
48 and 49 are images of Super Reach Effects 1 to 4. Each of these Super Reach Effects 1 to 4 images occurs in a reach state where the left and right columns of the scroll display stop with the same type of performance pattern after the performance pattern starts to be displayed in three horizontal rows, the left row, the middle row, and the right row, in the center of the display screen 7a in a scroll state (see FIG. 48a). When each of the images of Super Reach Effects 1 to 4 starts to be displayed, the three rows of performance patterns move from the center of the display screen 7a to the top end in a reduced state while remaining in the reach state (see FIG. 48b). Each of these images of Super Reach Effects 1 to 4 is displayed as a background image of the three rows of performance patterns, and is set to a performance content in which two silhouette patterns fight each other. Each of these images of Super Reach Effects 1 to 4 is set to an image of the final attack and an image of the ending. The final attack image starts with an image of a final attack scene in which one silhouette image launches a final attack on the other silhouette image, and ends with an image of the other silhouette image staggering due to damage from the attack. The ending image suggests to the player the ending of the final attack image, and there are two types: a victory ending, suggesting that one silhouette image has defeated the other silhouette image with an attack, and a defeat ending, suggesting that it was not possible to defeat it.

<Super reach effect 1>
The image of Super Reach Performance 1 is composed of moving images of a female silhouette fighting with a dinosaur silhouette, with (d) of Fig. 48 being an image of a victory ending suggesting that the female has defeated the dinosaur, and (e) of Fig. 48 being an image of a defeat ending suggesting that the female was unable to defeat the dinosaur. The image of the final attack of this Super Reach Performance 1 begins with an image of the female kicking the dinosaur (see Fig. 48b), which shows the dinosaur staggering from the damage of the kick, and the image of the dinosaur staggering is replaced with a star image suggesting that the dinosaur has been damaged (see Fig. 48c). The image of this Super Reach Performance 1 is the one that is set to have the highest reliability among the images of Super Reach Performances 1 to 4.

<Super reach performance 2>
The image of Super Reach Performance 2 is made up of moving images of a female silhouette fighting a male silhouette, with (h) in Fig. 48 being an image of a victory ending suggesting that the female has defeated the male, and (i) in Fig. 48 being an image of a defeat ending suggesting that the female was unable to defeat the male. The image of the final attack of this Super Reach Performance 2 begins with an image of the female thrusting at the male, and the male staggering from the damage of the thrust, and the image of the male staggering is replaced with an image of a star (see g in Fig. 48). The image of this Super Reach Performance 2 is the one that is set to have the second highest reliability among the images of Super Reach Performances 1 to 4.

<Super reach effect 3>
The image of Super Reach Performance 3 consists of a moving image of a ninja silhouette fighting with a dinosaur silhouette, and Fig. 49(d) is an image of the victory ending suggesting that the ninja has defeated the dinosaur. The image of the final attack of this Super Reach Performance 3 begins with an image of the ninja slashing at the dinosaur with a sword, and the dinosaur staggering from the damage, and the image of the dinosaur staggering is replaced with an image of a star (see Fig. 49(c)). The image of this Super Reach Performance 3 is set to be the third most reliable of the images of Super Reach Performances 1 to 4.
<Super reach effect 4>
The image of Super Reach Performance 4 consists of a moving image of two dinosaur silhouettes fighting each other, and (g) of Fig. 49 is an image of a victory ending suggesting that one dinosaur has defeated the other. The image of the final attack of this Super Reach Performance 4 begins with an image of one dinosaur biting the other dinosaur, causing the other dinosaur to stagger from the damage, and the image of the other dinosaur staggering is replaced with an image of a star (see f of Fig. 49). The image of this Super Reach Performance 4 is the one with the lowest reliability setting among the images of Super Reach Performances 1 to 4.

<Wind preview>
FIG. 50 shows an image of the wind notice effect. The image of this wind notice effect is composed of a pattern imitating a dryer and a pattern imitating the wind blowing out of the dryer's air outlet (see c in FIG. 50), the pattern of the dryer's air outlet is displayed in a downward inclination from left to right, and the pattern of the wind is displayed as a moving image of a trajectory flowing from the upstream dryer's air outlet to the downstream lower right. Each of these two patterns is directed from the center of the display screen 7a to the handle base 60 of the front frame 50 (see g), and contributes to directing the player's attention to the handle base 60. The image of this wind notice effect is cut in after the image of the super reach effect 2 is temporarily erased, and is erased according to the passage of a certain time from the start of display. The image of this wind notice effect corresponds to a visible effect image that graphically embodies the activation of an invisible effect function such as a blowing function, and is an aspect in which the wind moves in a predetermined trajectory from left to lower right.

The video of the wind warning effect starts to be displayed when the air pump 60c is not driven, and when the video of the wind warning effect starts to be displayed, the wind blowing of the wind warning effect starts. This wind blowing of the wind is achieved by driving the air pump 60c to blow air onto the fingers of the player's right hand, and corresponds to an invisible effect. In other words, the air pump 60c starts to be driven when the player's attention is directed towards the handle base 60, and the player can easily feel the wind blown from the air pump 60c through the air outlet 60b of the handle base 60 onto the fingers of his right hand while focusing his gaze on the reach state.

The air pump 60c is stopped when a certain time has elapsed since it started to operate, and wind is blown onto the fingers of the player's right hand for a certain period of time so that the player can feel the wind. When the air blowing for this wind notice effect is stopped, the image of the wind notice effect is erased from the display screen 7a, and the display of the image of Super Reach effect 2 is resumed from the point of pause (see d). When this wind notice effect is performed, the image of Super Reach effect 2 will end in a win with a 100% probability (see f in Figure 50), and the three rows of effect symbols will form a jackpot combination. This wind notice effect is performed in effect mode B (high base state).

Figure 51 is a specific example of the setting process for preview effects, etc., in S4506, and the effect control microcomputer 91 judges in S5000 whether the current game state is a specific first time-saving state. This specific first time-saving state is a first time-saving state in which the remaining number of time-saving times is initially set to "50 times", and the effect control microcomputer 91 judges that it is in a specific first time-saving state during the period from when it receives either a special chart 1 big hit B, a special chart 2 small hit B, or a special chart 2 small hit D in a non-time-saving state until the remaining number of time-saving times becomes zero, or during the period from when it receives either a special chart 2 small hit B or a special chart 2 small hit D in the first time-saving state until the remaining number of time-saving times becomes zero (see Figure 6).

When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects judges in S5000 that the state is the specific first time-saving state, it judges in S5001 whether the received result of the fluctuation pattern is fluctuation pattern P15. This fluctuation pattern P15 is for a special chart 2 jackpot that is selected when a jackpot is determined in response to the game ball entering the second starting hole 21 in the first time-saving state (see Figures 6 and 9), and the image of the Super Reach effect 2 is selected in response to the selection of fluctuation pattern P15.

When the performance control microcomputer 91 determines in S5001 that the received fluctuation pattern is fluctuation pattern P15, it compares the obtained value of the wind warning random number with multiple judgment values in S5002. The value of this wind warning random number was obtained by the performance control microcomputer 91 in S4591, and if the obtained value of the wind warning random number is the same as any of the multiple judgment values, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines in S5502 that a wind warning performance is present.

When the performance control microcomputer 91 determines in S5002 that a wind warning performance is present, it detects operation pattern data for the wind warning performance from the ROM and transmits it from the relay board 108 to the lamp control board 107. This operation pattern data is for controlling the operation of the air pump 60c, and the air pump 60c is driven according to the operation pattern data while the wind warning performance image is being displayed, and air is blown out from the air outlet 60b of the handle base 60 in visual coordination with the wind warning performance image. This wind warning performance occurs during a specific 50 times of the first time-saving state from the player's point of view, and when the wind warning performance occurs, it is guaranteed to be a jackpot, and the game transitions to the second time-saving state in which the maximum of 500 times of time saving is granted (see FIG. 6). In other words, the wind warning performance is executed as a definite performance that notifies the player of a jackpot.

<Super reach effect 1 in the shortest first time-saving state (excluding the final episode)>
The image of Super Reach Presentation 1 becomes a definite presentation that definitively informs the player of a big win or a small win when it is displayed for the second time within the specific period of Presentation Mode C, and is displayed as an image of a non-definite presentation that non-definitely informs the player of a big win or a small win except for the second time within the specific period of Presentation Mode C. This Presentation Mode C is a mode in which the game is controlled to a low base state after the end of a big win game and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is a first time-saving state in which the remaining number of time-saving times is initially set to the shortest number of times, five.

The image of Super Reach performance 1 is prohibited from being displayed during the first change of performance mode C. This image of Super Reach performance 1 is always displayed during the final fifth change of performance mode C, and is displayed as a notification image of the end of a specific performance mode to notify the player that performance mode C is ending. After the end of this performance mode C, the game state returns from the first time-saving state to a non-time-saving state. In other words, the image of Super Reach performance 1 during the fifth change of performance mode C is also displayed as a notification image of the end of time-saving to notify the player that the game state is returning to a non-time-saving state.

The Super Reach 1 image is assigned a different reliability of a jackpot depending on the number of times it is displayed during the second to fourth variations of the mode C. If the Super Reach 1 image is displayed twice within a specific period from the second variation to the fourth variation of the mode C, the second Super Reach 2 image will result in a winning outcome with a 100% probability. This mode C is set when the type of hit of the special chart 1 jackpot C is determined in response to the game ball entering the first starting hole 20 in a non-time-saving state (see Figure 6). In this non-time-saving state, the game ball enters the first starting hole 20 in response to being launched from the left, and the mode C is set with the highest probability when a jackpot is determined in response to the game ball entering the first starting hole 20 (see Figure 6).

Figure 52 is a specific example of the variable presentation pattern selection process executed by the presentation control microcomputer 91 in S4505, where the presentation control microcomputer 91 determines in S5101 whether the current game state is the shortest first time-saving state. This process is performed by determining whether the current variable presentation pattern selection process is in a non-time-saving state and has occurred within five times since the hit type of Special Chart 1 Big Hit C was received, and if the presentation control microcomputer 91 determines that it is not in the shortest first time-saving state, it transitions to S4506 and sets the variable presentation pattern using the procedure described above. In this case, Super Reach Presentation 1 is treated as a non-determined presentation.

When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects judges in S5101 that the state is the shortest first time-saving state, it adds "1" to the counter value in S5102. This counter measures the number of times the shortest first time-saving state continues, and is initially set to "0" in response to receiving a hit type of special chart 1 big hit C in a non-time-saving state. When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects judges in S5102 that the number of times the shortest first time-saving state continues, it judges in S5103 whether the counter value is "1". If it judges that the counter value is "1", it prohibits the selection of a variable performance pattern for Super Reach Performance 1 in S5104. Then, in S4506, it sets a variable performance pattern from the remaining multiple options excluding the variable performance pattern for Super Reach Performance 1 in the above-mentioned procedure. In other words, the image of Super Reach Performance 1 is not displayed the first time the shortest first time-saving state occurs.

If the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance judges in S5103 that it is not the first time in the shortest first time-saving state, it judges in S5106 whether it is the final fifth time in the shortest first time-saving state. If it judges that it is any of the second to fourth times in the shortest first time-saving state, it judges in S5105 whether flag F is set to the off state. This flag F is set to the on state when the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance selects the variable presentation pattern for Super Reach Presentation 1 with a losing ending in any of the second to fourth times in the shortest first time-saving state in S4506, and if the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 is not displayed in the second to fourth times in the shortest first time-saving state, the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance selects the variable presentation pattern in the above-mentioned procedure from among a plurality of options including the variable presentation pattern for Super Reach Presentation 1 in S4506.

The Super Reach Presentation 1 of the losing ending is a selection target when the presentation control microcomputer 91 receives a miss determination result from the game control microcomputer 81, and the Super Reach Presentation 1 of the winning ending is a selection target when the presentation control microcomputer 91 receives a big win or small win determination result from the game control microcomputer 81. If the Super Reach Presentation 1 of the winning ending is selected, the first time-saving state ends after the image of the Super Reach Presentation 1 is displayed. In other words, if the image of the Super Reach Presentation 1 of the winning ending is displayed in the second to fourth fluctuations of presentation mode C, the current presentation mode C ends, and the image of the Super Reach Presentation 1 will not be displayed again in the current presentation mode C.

If the image of the Super Reach performance 1 ending with a loss has been displayed in the second or third variation of the performance mode C, the performance control microcomputer 91 judges whether the flag F is on in S5105, and judges whether the winning or losing result received from the game control microcomputer 81 is a loss in S5108. If it is judged that the winning or losing result received is a loss, the selection of the variable performance pattern for the Super Reach performance 1 is prohibited in S5109. Then, in S4506, the variable performance pattern is set in the above-mentioned procedure from among the remaining multiple options excluding the variable performance pattern for the Super Reach performance 1. In other words, if the image of the Super Reach performance 1 ending with a loss has been displayed in the second variation of the performance mode C, the image of the Super Reach performance 1 ending with a loss will not be displayed in the third and fourth variations, and if the image of the Super Reach performance 1 ending with a loss has been displayed in the third variation, the image of the Super Reach performance 1 ending with a loss will not be displayed in the fourth variation.

When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the presentation judges in S5108 that the received result of winning or losing is a big win or a small win, it sets the forced selection of the variation presentation pattern for Super Reach Presentation 1 in S5110. In this forced selection setting state, the variation presentation pattern for Super Reach Presentation 1 with a winning ending is selected in S4506. That is, if the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 with a losing ending has been displayed in the second variation of presentation mode C, when the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 occurs in the third or fourth variation, the image of said Super Reach Presentation 1 will always be the winning ending, and if the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 with a losing ending has been displayed in the third variation of presentation mode C, when the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 occurs in the fourth variation, the image of said Super Reach Presentation 1 will always be the winning ending, and in either case, the three rows of presentation symbols will be a winning combination.

<Super reach effect 1 in effect mode C (final episode)>
The microcomputer 91 for controlling the presentation transitions from S5106 to S5107 and sets the forced selection of Super Reach presentation 1 in the final variation of presentation mode C, regardless of whether the received result of winning or losing is a miss, a big win, or a small win. In this forced selection setting state, a variation presentation pattern for Super Reach presentation 1 is selected in S4506. In other words, the image of Super Reach presentation 1 is always displayed in the final variation of presentation mode C. The image of this Super Reach presentation 1 is set to have the highest reliability among the Super Reach presentations 1 to 4, and the image of Super Reach presentation 1 in the final variation of presentation mode C contributes to increasing the player's expectations for the continuation of the high base state.

Figure 53 shows an image of Super Reach Presentation 1 displayed on the image display device 7 at the final variation of Presentation Mode C. In this case, the "LAST" image is displayed to inform the player that this is the final variation of Presentation Mode C (see a). The letter image is erased when a certain time has passed since the start of display, and after the letter image is erased, a charge presentation image corresponding to the presentation image is displayed for a certain period of time. This charge presentation image encourages the player to appropriately launch the game ball, and begins with a "Charge Special Chart 2" image (see b). This "Charge Special Chart 2" image encourages the player to increase the number of times Special Chart 2 is reserved (the judgment result of whether Special Chart 2 is a hit or not), and a specific display area 7b is set above the "Charge Special Chart 2" image, and a "Right Hit" image is displayed within the specific display area 7b to encourage the player to hit the game ball to the right.

When a certain amount of time has elapsed since the start of the display of the charge effect image, the display content of the charge effect image is changed. This change involves erasing the "right hit" image from the specific display area 7b, and switching the "charge special chart 2" image to a right hit notification image (see c). This right hit notification image encourages the player to hit the game ball to the right, and has a "right-facing arrow" image and a "right hit" image. The initial "charge special chart 2" image of this charge effect image corresponds to the second instruction image, and the "right hit" image in the initial specific display area 7b corresponds to the first instruction image.

After the right-hit notification image starts to be displayed, an image of the remaining time is added to the right-hit notification image (see d). This remaining time image includes an image of "charging" and an image of "5:00 remaining", and the "5:00 remaining" image is displayed counting down to "0" in sync with the subtraction of the value of Timer T. This remaining time image is erased when the value of Timer T is subtracted to "0". When the remaining time image is erased, the "charge complete" image is displayed (see e), and when a certain amount of time has passed since the "charge complete" image started to be displayed, the "right hit", "right arrow" and "charge complete" images are erased. The charge performance image refers to the period from the start of the display of the "Charge Special Chart 2!" image (see b) to the erasure of the "right hit" to "charge complete" images.

When the charge effect image is erased, the image of Super Reach effect 1 starts to be displayed (see f). The image of the ending of this Super Reach effect 1 is set including the result of the pre-reading of the special chart 2 reserved at the time when the charge effect image is erased, and if the final round of the performance mode C is a miss and all the pre-reading results of the special chart 2 reserved are misses, the image of the final Super Reach effect 1 ends with a defeat ending after passing through the final attack scene (see g) (see h). If the final round of the performance mode C is a big hit or small hit, the image of this final Super Reach effect 1 ends with a victory ending after passing through the final attack scene (see i), and even if the final round of the performance mode C is a miss, if the pre-reading result of the special chart 2 reserved includes a big hit or small hit, it ends with a victory ending after passing through the final attack scene. In other words, the image of the ending of Super Reach effect 1 informs the player of the result of the judgment of the final round whether it is a hit or a miss and the result of the advance judgment of the hit or a miss together, and corresponds to a notification image.

When the image of Super Reach performance 1 ends with a winning or losing outcome, the image of the Reach end performance is displayed (see a in FIG. 54). This image notifies the player that the image of Super Reach performance 1 has ended, and has a picture of "battle end". This image of the Reach end performance corresponds to the time-saving end image, and is displayed as a change according to the result of the pre-reading of the Special Chart 2 Reserve when there is a pre-reading result of the Special Chart 2 Reserve. In the image of this Reach end performance, the performance pattern of the combination of three rows of misses is displayed in a time-saving mode. The three rows of performance patterns in this time-saving mode are displayed only once when there is one pre-reading result of the Special Chart 2 Reserve (see b), only twice when there are two (see b to c), only three times when there are three (see b to d), and only four times when there are four (see b to e), and notify the player of the advance judgment result of whether the Special Chart 2 is a hit or a miss in a different manner from the image of the conclusion of Super Reach performance 1.

When the image of the reach end effect is erased, a left hit notification image is displayed (see f). This left hit notification image encourages the player to hit the game ball to the left, and has the image of a "left-pointing arrow" and the image of "left hit". These reach end effect images and left hit notification images are displayed in the normal state after the shortest first time-saving state has ended, and after the image of the left hit notification is erased, the image of the effect pattern game that basically corresponds to the judgment result of special chart 1 in the normal state begins to be displayed (see g). This left hit notification image corresponds to an image that instructs the player to change the launch direction of the game ball.

Figure 55 (a) shows the variable presentation pattern selection process that the presentation control microcomputer 91 performs in the final round of presentation mode C. The presentation control microcomputer 91 sets the value of timer T to an initial value of "5000 msec" in S5201. This timer T measures the remaining time from when the final presentation pattern game of presentation mode C starts to when the charge presentation image is erased. When the presentation control microcomputer 91 initializes timer T in S5201, it sets the final variable presentation pattern of presentation mode C to one that includes an incomplete Super Reach presentation 1 that does not include an ending in S5202, and sets the value of flag Fs to an ON state in S5203. This incomplete Super Reach presentation 1 is before the winning ending and losing ending are reached, and is for displaying the images from a to g in Figure 53.

Figure 55 (b) shows the processing contents of other processing in S4306 after the presentation control microcomputer 91 has set a variable presentation pattern for the incomplete Super Reach Presentation 1, and in S5301 the presentation control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not flag Fs is on. This presentation control microcomputer 91 determines that flag Fs is on when the charge presentation image is displayed, and in S5302 measures the remaining display time of the charge presentation image by subtracting a fixed value from the value of timer T. The image of the remaining time in Figure 54 (d) notifies the player of the result of subtracting the value of timer T in S5302.

The performance control microcomputer 91 subtracts the value of timer T in S5302, and then compares the result of the subtraction of the timer T value with "0" in S5303. If it determines that the result of the subtraction of the timer T value is "0" here, it sets the end of the charge performance image in S5304 and proceeds to S5305. The image control microcomputer 101 erases the charge performance image in response to the end of the charge performance image being set.

When the performance control microcomputer 91 transitions to S5305, it detects the storage result of the special chart 2 pre-reading information. Then it transitions to S5306, and sets the ending of the currently displayed Super Reach performance 1 in the final change of performance mode C. This ending is set to a winning ending if the reception result of the hit type in the final round is a big hit or a small hit (see i in FIG. 53), and is set according to the detection result of the special chart 2 pre-reading information if the reception result of the hit type in the final round is a miss. In other words, the ending of the final Super Reach performance 1 is set to a winning ending if the detection result of the special chart 2 pre-reading information includes a big hit or a small hit, and is set to a losing ending if it does not include either a big hit or a small hit (see h in FIG. 53), and the judgment result of the final round of hit/failure and the advance judgment result of the special chart 2 are notified to the player together.

The microcomputer 91 for controlling effects sets the outcome of the final Super Reach effect 1 in S5306, and then sets the Reach end effect and the left hit notification effect (see f in FIG. 54) in S5307. This processing is performed according to the number of pieces of special chart 2 pre-reading information detected in S5305, and the following [1] to [5] are the processing contents of the microcomputer 91 for controlling effects in S5307.

[1] If there are four pieces of special chart 2 look-ahead information, the reach end performance is set as a total of four images corresponding to each of the four look-ahead information, and a left-hit notification performance is set as the last part of the fourth reach end performance. In this reach end performance, the performance pattern of the losing combination is displayed four times in a time-saving mode.
[2] If there are three pieces of special chart 2 look-ahead information, the reach end performance is set as a total of three images corresponding to each of the three look-ahead information, and a left-hit notification performance is set as the last part of the third reach end performance. In this reach end performance, the performance pattern of the losing combination is displayed three times in a time-saving mode.
[3] If there are two pieces of special chart 2 look-ahead information, the reach end performance is set as a total of two images corresponding to each of the two look-ahead information, and a left-hit notification performance is set as a part of the end of the second reach end performance. In this reach end performance, the performance pattern of the losing combination is displayed twice in a time-saving mode.
[4] If there is only one special chart 2 look-ahead information, the reach end performance is set as a total of one image corresponding to that one look-ahead information, and a left-hit notification performance is set as the last part of the reach end performance. In this reach end performance, the performance pattern of the losing combination is displayed once in a time-saving mode.
[5] If the special chart 2 pre-reading information is 0, a reach end performance is set as part of the final variation of the performance mode C, and a left-hit notification performance is set as part of the end of the reach end performance. In this reach end performance, the performance pattern of the losing combination is not displayed.

<Big hit notice function (reserved image)>
Each time the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance receives the pre-reading information from the microcomputer 81 for controlling the game, the microcomputer 91 stores the reception results of the pre-reading information in the pre-reading information area of the RAM in the order in which it was received (see FIG. 46). This pre-reading information area is an area in which up to four reception results of the pre-reading information are stored, and the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance displays the reserved images in a manner according to the pre-reading information in the pre-reading information area in each of the longest second time-saving state and the second time-saving state of the normal length. The longest second time-saving state is the second time-saving state set when the winning type is "Special chart 2 big win A" (see FIG. 6), and the time-saving function of "500 times" is given. The second time-saving state of the normal length is set when the winning type is "Special chart 1 big win A to C and Special chart 2 small win A to D" (see FIG. 6), and the time-saving function of "90 times" is given.

In the normal length and longest second time-saving states, the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects selects the display mode of the reserved pattern from the normal mode and the special mode according to the type of winning in the pre-reading information in the pre-reading information area. The white "circle" in FIG. 56 is the reserved pattern in the normal mode, and in the second time-saving state, the microcomputer 91 for controlling the effects displays the reserved pattern in the normal mode except in predetermined special cases. This reserved pattern in the normal mode corresponds to a non-deterministic effect that notifies the player that a big win, small win, or miss will occur in the performance pattern game corresponding to the reserved pattern.

The black "●" in FIG. 56 is a reserved pattern in a special mode, and when the hit type of the special chart 2 big hit A is stored as the look-ahead information in the normal length and the longest second time-saving state, the performance control microcomputer 91 displays the reserved pattern corresponding to the look-ahead information according to the hit type in a special mode. For example, when the hit type of the look-ahead information with the third oldest reserved order of "2" is the special chart 2 big hit A (see FIG. 46), as shown in FIG. 56, the third reserved pattern from the left is displayed in a special mode, and it is notified with 100% confidence that the longest second time-saving state will be set in response to the occurrence of a big hit in the image of the performance pattern game corresponding to the reserved pattern of the special mode. That is, the first reserved pattern from the left corresponds to the oldest look-ahead information, the second reserved pattern from the left corresponds to the second oldest look-ahead information, the third reserved pattern from the left corresponds to the third oldest look-ahead information, and the first reserved pattern from the right corresponds to the latest look-ahead information.

<Time-saving cut-in effect/Time-saving reach effect>
The effect control microcomputer 91 instructs the image control microcomputer 101 to display an image of a time-saving variable cut-in effect or an image of a time-saving variable reach effect as an image of effect pattern play in the normal length and the longest second time-saving state.

<Time-saving cut-in effect>
56 shows images of time-saving cut-in effects 1 to 4. The images of these time-saving cut-in effects 1 to 4 are commanded to be displayed by the effect control microcomputer 91 to the image control microcomputer 101 in response to receiving a hit type of a miss from the game control microcomputer 81 in the second time-saving state, and are not commanded to be displayed when a hit type of a small hit or a big hit is received. In other words, the images of time-saving cut-in effects 1 to 4 are for a time-saving mode for a miss, and are displayed from the player's point of view with a high probability of less than 100% as images of a performance pattern game corresponding to a reserved picture in a normal mode.

The video of time-saving cut-in performance 1 begins with a cut-in of a scene from the fight in the video of Super Reach performance 1 (see a), and the video of time-saving cut-in performance 2 begins with a cut-in of a scene from the fight in the video of Super Reach performance 2 (see c). The video of time-saving cut-in performance 3 begins with a cut-in of a scene from the fight in the video of Super Reach performance 3 (see d), and the video of time-saving cut-in performance 4 begins with a cut-in of a scene from the fight in the video of Super Reach performance 4 (see e). Each of these time-saving cut-in performances 1 to 4 ends with an image of the three rows of performance symbols overlapping in front of the cut-in video in a losing combination.

<Time-saving variable reach performance (second time-saving state of normal length)>
57 shows images of time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4. The images of these time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4 are instructed to be displayed by the effect control microcomputer 91 to the image control microcomputer 101 in response to receiving a hit type of big hit, small hit, or miss from the game control microcomputer 81 in the second time-saving state, and when any image of the time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4 is displayed in the second time-saving state from the player's point of view, there is a possibility that either a big hit or a small hit will occur in that change. In other words, the images of the time-saving variable cut-in effects 1 to 4 notify the player of a miss with a 100% probability in each of the second time-saving states, and the images of the time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4 are given a reliability of over "0%" that will result in either a big hit or a small hit.

Figure 58 (a) shows the selection probability of Super Reach effects 1 to 4 when the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a big hit or small hit type in the second time-saving state of normal length, and Figure 58 (b) shows the selection probability of Super Reach effects 1 to 4 when a miss hit type is received, and in the second time-saving state of normal length, the hit reliability of "highest", "high", "medium", and "low" is set in that order for the time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4.

The image of time-saving variable reach performance 1 starts with the image of the final fighting scene of Super Reach performance 1 (see a in FIG. 57) and ends with the image of a winning or losing ending (see b). The image of time-saving variable reach performance 2 starts with the image of the final fighting scene of Super Reach performance 2 (see c) and ends with the image of a winning or losing ending. The image of time-saving variable reach performance 3 starts with the image of the final fighting scene of Super Reach performance 3 (see d) and ends with the image of a winning or losing ending. The image of time-saving variable reach performance 4 starts with the image of the final fighting scene of Super Reach performance 4 (see e) and ends with the image of a winning or losing ending.

<Time-saving variable reach performance (longest second time-saving state)>
When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance receives a small hit type or a miss hit type in the longest second time-saving state, it does not select the time-saving variable reach performance 1 (see d and e in FIG. 58). When the microcomputer 91 for controlling the performance receives a big hit type in the longest second time-saving state, it selects the time-saving variable reach performance 1 (see c in FIG. 58) and commands the microcomputer 101 for image control to display the time-saving variable reach performance 1. The image of this time-saving variable reach performance 1 notifies the big hit or small hit with the "highest" reliability in the second time-saving state of normal length, and warns the big hit with 100% reliability in the longest second time-saving state.

When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a big win type or a miss type in the longest second time-saving state, it does not select time-saving variable reach effects 2 to 4 (see c and e in Figure 57). When the effect control microcomputer 91 receives a small win type in the longest second time-saving state, it selects time-saving variable reach effects 2 to 4 in that order with a probability of "high," "medium," or "low," and instructs the image control microcomputer 101 to display the selection result of time-saving variable reach effects 2 to 4. In the normal length second time-saving state, the images of these time-saving variable reach effects 2 to 4 notify of a big win or a small win with a reliability of less than 100%, and in the longest second time-saving state, they warn of a small win with a reliability of 100%.

According to the above-mentioned first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
Since the image of the wind advance notice effect, which embodies the activation of the air pump 60c and shows the wind flowing from the right to the lower left, is displayed on the image display device 7, it is possible for the player to recognize the discharge of wind from the wind pattern, and it is possible for the player to recognize information on the blowing location that should be of interest other than the blowing function from the wind trajectory. Therefore, the player can obtain multiple pieces of information at once from one effect image, which increases the fun of the game.
Since the wind pattern is displayed in such a manner that the air pump 60c is located on one side of the wind flow, the player can recognize the air blowing function to which he should pay attention by directing his attention to one side of the wind flow. Moreover, since the wind pattern is displayed in such a manner that the air pump 60c is located on the downstream side of the wind flow, the player can recognize the air blowing function by directing his attention to the downstream side along the movement of the wind.

Since both the wind picture and the air blowing function are displayed while the image of the super reach performance 2 is displayed, the player can notice the air blowing function to which he should pay attention from the movement of the wind picture even when he is paying attention to the image of the super reach performance 2.
Since the activation of the air blowing function and the display of the wind pattern are performed as a definite performance that definitely informs the player of a big win, it is possible to reliably give the player an opportunity to enjoy the definite performance.
An air pump 60c is provided. This allows for a novel invisible air blowing effect, which enhances the interest of the game. Furthermore, when the invisible air blowing effect is performed, a wind pattern is displayed in a manner that visualizes the activation of the air blowing function. This allows the player to easily notice the invisible air blowing effect, which prevents the player from continuing the game without noticing the invisible air blowing effect.

Since the super reach performance 1 is performed as a confirmed performance when the number of times of performance is two within a specific period of the performance mode C, it is possible to provide a player with a new interest in playing a game while paying attention to the number of times the super reach performance 1 occurs.
The specific period is set to a period not including the final fluctuation in the presentation mode C. Therefore, it is possible to display the image of the Super Reach Presentation 1 regardless of the judgment result of the final fluctuation in the specific period, so that it is possible to give the player a particularly high sense of expectation for the final fluctuation.
Display of the image of Super Reach performance 1 is prohibited in the first change of performance mode C. As a result, when a loss is notified with the image of Super Reach performance 1 in the final round of performance mode C, the probability that the image of Super Reach performance 1 for the final round will be the second time within a specific period is suppressed to a low value, so that it is possible to reduce the probability that a player feels uncomfortable when a loss is notified with the image of Super Reach performance 1 for the final round.

When displaying the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 in the final variation of Presentation Mode C, the current hit/loss judgment result and the advance hit/loss judgment result are notified to the player together in the image of the conclusion of Super Reach Presentation 1. This increases the probability that a hit will be notified in the image of Super Reach Presentation 2 in the final variation of Presentation Mode C, so it becomes possible to increase the player's sense of expectation for the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 in the final variation.
In the final variation of the presentation mode C, before displaying the image of the conclusion of the Super Reach presentation 1, a presentation image having a "right-pointing arrow" pattern and a "right hit" pattern indicating the launch direction of the game ball and a "charge special chart 2" pattern indicating the increase in the number of pre-determination results of the special chart 2 is displayed, so that the player can be given appropriate instructions for launching the game ball. Moreover, after the "right-pointing arrow" to "charge special chart 2" patterns are erased, an image in which the remaining time is counted down is displayed in the area where the "right-pointing arrow" pattern and the "right hit" pattern were displayed, so that the player can be given a sense of urgency to continue launching the game ball. Therefore, since the image of the conclusion can be displayed according to as many pre-determination results of the special chart 2 as possible in the image of the Super Reach presentation 1 of the final round, it is possible to increase the probability that the image of the winning conclusion will be displayed.

The final change in the first time-saving state, which is the shortest, displays an image of the conclusion of Super Reach performance 1, followed by an image of the Reach end performance, and the advance judgment result of whether or not Special Chart 2 has been won is displayed in a time-saving mode on the image of the Reach end performance, making it possible to clearly notify the player when the first time-saving state has ended.

Since a "left-pointing arrow" pattern and a "left hit" pattern instructing a change in the launch direction of the game ball are displayed after displaying an image of the reach end performance, it becomes possible to instruct the player on the appropriate launch direction of the game ball when returning from the first time-saving state to the non-time-saving state.
In the second time-saving state, the reserved picture corresponding to the result of the advance judgment of the big win is displayed in a special manner different from the usual manner, so that it becomes possible to inform the player of the big win in advance with certainty.
In the second time-saving state of normal length, the female character image of Super Reach Performance 1, the female character image of Super Reach Performance 2, the ninja character image of Super Reach Performance 3, and the dinosaur character image of Super Reach Performance 4 are displayed as non-definite effects (time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4), and in the longest time-saving state, they are displayed as definite effects, so that it becomes possible to give each character image different reliability according to the length of the time-saving state.

During the specific period of presentation mode C, the image of Super Reach Presentation 1 is presented as a special presentation with different reliability values, including 100%, depending on the number of times it is performed, providing the player with a new interest in the number of times Super Reach Presentation 1 occurs.

[Another aspect 1]
In the above embodiment, the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is not limited to a small hit. The result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment may be a small hit. In addition, a plurality of small hit types may be provided as the small hit, and the game state set after the big hit game ends when the small hit type passes through a specific area and becomes a big hit may be a different game state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state). In addition, the number of time-saving times to be granted may be set to different times.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, when a jackpot is obtained based on the execution of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment in the normal state, the second time-saving state is not set as the game state after the jackpot game ends. In place of this embodiment, when a jackpot is obtained based on the execution of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment in the normal state (V via small hit or direct hit), the game state after the jackpot game ends may be set to either the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state depending on the type of jackpot. Also, when the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the end of the jackpot game may be set to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state depending on the type of jackpot. Also, when the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through a specific area to become a jackpot, the end of the jackpot game may be set to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state depending on the type of small hit (jackpot type). Additionally, different lengths of time-saving counts may be set depending on the type of big win and the type of small win.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, in the first time-saving state, if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, the state transitions to the second time-saving state, and if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a jackpot, the state does not transition to the second time-saving state (the first time-saving state continues). In place of this mode, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot in the first time-saving state, depending on the type of jackpot, the state after the jackpot game may be set to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state. Also, in the first time-saving state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a jackpot, depending on the type of small hit (jackpot type), the state after the jackpot game may be set to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in the case of a jackpot in the second time-saving state, even if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, or even if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a jackpot, the second time-saving state continues after the jackpot game ends (it does not fall into the first time-saving state). In place of this mode, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot in the second time-saving state, depending on the type of jackpot, the first time-saving state may be set after the jackpot game ends, or the second time-saving state may be set (continued). Also, in the second time-saving state, when the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a small hit and the game ball passes through the specific area to become a jackpot, depending on the type of small hit (jackpot type), the first time-saving state may be set after the jackpot game ends, or the second time-saving state may be set (continued) depending on the type of small hit (jackpot type). Also, the normal state may be set.

[Another aspect 2]
In addition, the following aspects are possible as other aspects of the embodiment. In the first embodiment, the left hit notification effect (first left hit notification effect) shown in FIG. 47 is executed based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 provided in the right game area, but the present invention is not limited to this aspect. In another aspect 1, another ball entrance (general ball entrance 27, etc.) or another gate that is provided so as to be able to detect the game ball launched in the right game area (second launch area) may be provided, and the left hit notification effect (first left hit notification effect) may be executed based on the detection of the game ball by these. In addition, instead of the game ball detection means that detects the game ball, an operation amount detection means that detects the rotation amount (operation amount) of the launch handle may be provided, and when the operation amount detection means detects that the rotation amount (operation amount) has reached a predetermined amount (amount corresponding to a right hit), a process corresponding to FIG. 47 may be executed.

[Another aspect 3]
In addition, in the first embodiment, even if the game state is a low base state (excluding big win and small win), during the special state (during the display of the variation of the performance pattern related to the second special pattern), the launch notification effect (left hit notification effect) instructing a left hit is not executed, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the game state is a low base state (excluding big win and small win), and the left hit notification prohibition flag is OFF, the first left hit launch notification effect is executed when a right hit is detected. And, when the game state is a low base state (excluding big win and small win), and the left hit notification prohibition flag is ON, even if a right hit is detected, the first left hit launch notification effect is not executed, and "another launch notification effect" may be executed. Various display and execution modes of this "other launch notification effect" are conceivable. For example, like the first left-hit firing notification effect, it instructs the player to hit to the left, but it can be executed in a less conspicuous manner (a manner in which it is difficult for the player to recognize that he is in a state of playing a left-hit game) than the first left-hit firing notification effect. For example, when the "other firing notification effect" is displayed on the display screen 7a, it may be displayed in a small size so as to be less conspicuous than the first left-hit firing notification effect, or it may be displayed at the edge of the display screen 7a, or it may be displayed as a figure without displaying text. In addition, while the first left-hit firing notification effect is displayed on the display screen 7a so as to be conspicuous to the player, the "other firing notification effect" may be displayed in a manner such as lighting or blinking using a lamp or the like outside the display screen 7a.

[Another aspect 4]
In addition, in the first embodiment, when a jackpot game is executed based on the execution of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment in a non-time-shortening state (low base state), the probability that the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the time-shortening state (high base state) is set to 100%, but this is not limited to the above. The probability that the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the time-shortening state may be a predetermined probability less than 100%. In this case, it is possible to set the probability that a jackpot game is executed based on the execution of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment in a non-time-shortening state (low base state) and the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the time-shortening state higher than the probability that a jackpot game is executed based on the execution of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment in a time-shortening state (high base state) and the game state after the jackpot game ends is set to the time-shortening state. Also, it is possible to set the probability that a small hit is determined by the second special symbol hit/miss judgment higher than the probability that a small hit is determined by the first special symbol hit/miss judgment.

[others]
In the configuration of the gaming machine described above, "issuing a first game area launch notification based on the satisfaction of a specific condition" means that the first game area launch notification is made at least after a specific condition is satisfied, and may also be made based on the satisfaction of other conditions (for example, the launch area detection means detects a right hit).
In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, the "first gaming state in which the frequency of balls entering the variable start port is a predetermined frequency" includes a state in which balls cannot enter the variable start port, that is, a state in which the frequency of balls entering is zero, or a state in which balls are very difficult to enter and almost no balls enter the variable start port. In addition, the "specific display mode" refers to, for example, a big win display mode or a small win display mode. Note that multiple different display modes may be provided for each of the big win display mode and the small win display mode.

In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, "when a special game is executed based on a ball entering the variable start port, the game state after the special game is ended is more likely to be set to the second game state than when the special game is executed based on a ball entering the start port." Also, "the possibility of a special game being executed based on a ball entering the variable start port is higher than the possibility of a special game being executed based on a ball entering the start port." As a result, even after the first game state is reached, if there is pending information obtained based on a ball entering the variable start port, the possibility of a special game being generated again from the first game state or a second game state being generated is relatively high. Therefore, even if the first game state is reached, the first game area launch notification may not be executed until the variable display of the identification information related to the pending information, which indicates whether a special game or a second game state will be generated again, is completed. Then, if the special game or the second game state occurs again, the first game area launch notification may continue not to be executed, and if the special game or the second game state does not occur again (miss), the first game area launch notification may be executed.

In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, it is possible to "place at least one of the variable start opening or the game ball detection means capable of placing the variable start opening in a second state where the probability of the game ball entering the opening is high based on the detection of the game ball, in a position where the game ball shot into the first game area does not enter (does not detect) or where it is difficult to enter (detect) the game ball shot into the first game area." This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from entering the variable start opening in the first game state. Also, it is possible to "have a first launch strength and a second launch strength that is greater than the first launch strength, and place at least one of the variable start opening or the game ball detection means described above in a position where the game ball can enter the opening when shot at the second launch strength in the game area, but where the game ball cannot enter (cannot be detected) when shot at the first launch strength."

In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, "when the gaming state after the special game is ended is set to the second gaming state, the first gaming state can be set based on the identification information being displayed variably a predetermined number of times in the second gaming state, and when the second gaming state is set to the first gaming state, the first gaming area launch notification is not executed before the specific condition is established, and the first gaming area launch notification is executed after the specific condition is established." In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, "when the gaming state after the special game is ended is set to the second gaming state, the first gaming state can be set based on the identification information being displayed variably a predetermined number of times in the second gaming state, and when the second gaming state is set to the first gaming state, the first gaming area launch notification is not executed even if the launch area detection means detects a gaming ball before the specific condition is established, and the first gaming area launch notification is executed when the launch area detection means detects a gaming ball after the specific condition is established.

In addition, in the configuration of the gaming machine described above, "during the execution of the variable display of the identification information based on the reserved information of the reserved information storage means stored based on the ball entering the variable start port, the first gaming area launch notification may not be executed regardless of whether the gaming state when the launch area detection means detects the gaming ball is the first gaming state or the second gaming state."

In addition, the configuration of the gaming machine described above may be such that "a first game area launch detection means for detecting launch into the first game area is provided, and in the second game state, when a game ball is detected by the first game area launch detection means, a second game area launch notification indicating launch into the second game area is executed, and in the first game state, while the variable display of the identification information related to the reserved ball is being displayed, the first game area launch notification is not executed even if a game ball is detected by the second game area launch detection means, and the second game area launch notification is not executed even if a game ball is detected by the first game area launch detection means." Also, "in the first game state, after the variable display of the identification information related to the reserved ball information stored based on the ball entering the variable start hole is finished, when a game ball is detected by the second game area launch detection means, the first game area launch notification is executed, and the second game area launch notification is not executed even if a game ball is detected by the first game area launch detection means."

In addition, the above-mentioned gaming machine configuration may include a first starting port through which the gaming ball can enter, a variable second starting port in which the possibility of the gaming ball entering can be changed, a first winning/losing judgment means for executing a first winning/losing judgment based on the entry of the gaming ball into the first starting port, a second winning/losing judgment means for executing a second winning/losing judgment based on the entry of the gaming ball into the second starting port, a first variable ball entry port (first large winning port) that can be changed between a winning state in which the gaming ball can enter and a non-winning state in which the gaming ball cannot enter, a second variable ball entry port (second large winning port) that can be changed between a winning state in which the gaming ball can enter and a non-winning state in which the gaming ball cannot enter and has a specific area inside through which the gaming ball can pass, and a special game execution means for executing a special game that sets the first variable ball entry port or the second variable ball entry port to a winning state when the result of the first winning/losing judgment or the second winning/losing judgment is a winning state.

The game may also include a game state setting means for setting a first game state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port is a predetermined frequency, and a second game state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting port is higher than the first game state. In addition, the first game state in which the frequency of game balls entering the variable starting port is a predetermined frequency, and here, "predetermined frequency" includes 0. In addition, the game may also include a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a game ball enters the second variable starting port, which has a first specific result (jackpot) and a second specific result (small jackpot) as a result of the first hit/miss judgment or the second hit/miss judgment and is in a ball-entry possible state when the result of the first hit/miss judgment or the second hit/miss judgment becomes the first specific result, or the result of the first hit/miss judgment or the second hit/miss judgment becomes the second specific result, and the game ball enters the second variable starting port and passes through the specific area.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first or second large prize opening is opened once in one round, but the first or second large prize opening may be opened multiple times in one round, or there may be rounds with different numbers of openings.

In the above embodiment, the control process is to consume the second special chart reserved in priority over the first special chart reserved, i.e., the so-called special chart 2 priority control process, but it is not limited to this, and the control process may be to consume the first special chart reserved in priority over the second special chart reserved, i.e., the so-called special chart 1 priority control process. Also, without setting a priority order between the consumption of the first special chart reserved and the consumption of the second special chart reserved, the control process may be to consume the first special chart reserved and the second special chart reserved in order of the oldest stored, i.e., the so-called entry order (storage order) consumption control process.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 game machine) that has a big win and a small win as a result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment, and can play a big win game both when a big win occurs and when a small win occurs and the game ball passes through a specific area 39 provided in the big win opening, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention may be applied to a pachinko game (a so-called type 1 game machine) that can play a big win game only when the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment is a big win, or to a game machine equipped with a probability setting means that can set the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment to a low probability state where the probability of the big win is low and a high probability state where the probability of the big win is high. The present invention is applicable to all types of game machines, and the present invention may be implemented by combining some or all of the above embodiment, other aspects, and other configurations.

In the above embodiment, the wind pattern may be displayed in such a manner that the air pump 60c is located on the upstream side of the flow.
In the above embodiment, the wind image may be displayed and the air pump 60c may be activated simultaneously in the wind warning performance, or the wind image may be displayed after the air pump 60c is activated.
In the above embodiment, a wind warning effect may be performed as a definite effect that definitively notifies the player of a small win, or as a definite effect that definitively notifies the player of either a big win or a small win.

In the above embodiment, a wind pattern may be displayed as a non-definite effect that non-definitely notifies the player of a big win or a small win, and a wind pattern may be displayed and a blowing function may be enabled as a definite effect that definitely notifies the player of a big win or a small win. In this case, the number of types of advance notice effects increases, increasing the interest of the game.
In the above embodiment, it is also possible to configure the device to emit mist instead of wind from the air outlet 60b of the handle base 60 or to vibrate the handle base 60. In the former case, it is preferable to display a mist pattern instead of the wind pattern, and in the latter case, to display a wave pattern instead of the wind pattern.
In the above embodiment, wind may be discharged from the ball supply tray 61 or the surplus ball tray 62 instead of the handle base 60. In this case, it is preferable to display a wind pattern with a trajectory going from top to bottom.

In the above embodiment, when the game ball validly enters the specific area 39 of the second large winning opening 35, a picture such as "V" may be displayed on the image display device 7 to notify the player of the activation of the big win game function. In this case, it is preferable to make the picture such as "V" stand out to the player by moving the picture such as "V" in a fixed trajectory from the right side of the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, where the specific area 39 is located, toward the center, where the player's line of sight is.
In the above embodiment, when the gaming ball validly lands in the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, a picture may be displayed to indicate the ball to the player. When the gaming ball validly lands in the first starting hole 20, it is preferable to move the picture in a fixed trajectory from the first starting hole 20 side toward the center of the display screen 7a, and when the gaming ball validly lands in the second starting hole 21, it is preferable to move the picture in a fixed trajectory from the second starting hole 20 side toward the center of the display screen 7a.
In the above embodiment, the image of the third Super Reach performance 1 during the second to fourth changes in performance mode C may be taken as the confirmed performance.
In the above embodiment, the image of Super Reach performance 1 may be displayed at the final change of the first time-saving state, either "90 times" or "50 times", or the image of Super Reach performance 1 may be displayed at the final change of the second time-saving state, either "50 times", "90 times", or "500 times". In these cases, it is preferable to display the result of the judgment of the final time's win or loss and the result of the special chart 2 look-ahead together in the image of the final Super Reach performance 1.

In the above embodiment, it is also possible to prohibit the image of Super Reach performance 1 from being displayed during the first and second variations of performance mode C. In short, it is sufficient not to display the image of Super Reach performance 1 during the first or more predetermined variations of performance mode C, including the first variation.
In the above embodiment, a reliability of less than 100% may be set for the image of the second Super Reach performance 1 in the second to fourth variations of performance mode C. In this case, a higher reliability may be assigned to the image than the image of the first Super Reach performance 1, or a lower reliability may be assigned to the image.
In the above embodiment, different reliability levels according to the type of hit of the special chart 2 in the second time-saving state of normal length may be set for each of the time-saving variable reach effects 1 to 4. In this case, the highest reliability level for the special chart 2 big hit A, which will be set to the longest number of time-saving times, should be set for the super reach effect 4. This super reach effect 4 has the lowest hit reliability setting among the four.

In the above embodiment, in the longest second time-saving state, the time-saving variable reach effect 1 may be displayed as a confirmation effect in which the longest second time-saving state is set again.
In the above embodiment, the wind warning performance may be given a reliability of less than 100%.
In the above embodiment, the occurrence of the wind warning effect may be allowed in any of the non-time-saving state, the first time-saving state, and the second time-saving state.

The above examples include the following inventions [1-1] to [1-7] [2-1] [3-1] to [3-9] [4-1] in addition to the inventions described in the claims.

[1-1] A gaming machine comprising a presentation control means for controlling presentation, the presentation control means being capable of displaying on a specified display means a presentation image in which a picture indicating the activation of a specified gaming function moves in a specified trajectory.
According to the above means, it is possible for the player to recognize the type of game function from the pattern of the effect image, and it is also possible for the player to recognize information other than the type of game function from the movement of the pattern. Therefore, the player can obtain multiple pieces of information from one effect image at once, which increases the fun of the game.

[1-2] The gaming machine described in [1-1], wherein the presentation control means displays a presentation image of wind flowing in one direction, indicating that a gaming function that ejects wind is activated.
According to the above means, the player can recognize the wind being blown as a part of the effect from the wind image, and can recognize the source of the information that should be of interest from the direction of the wind image.
[1-3] The gaming machine described in [1-1] or [1-2], characterized in that the presentation control means displays a presentation image in which a gaming part having the gaming function is located on one side of the movement of a picture.
According to the above means, the player can recognize the game function to which he should pay attention by directing his attention to one side of the movement of the pictures.

[1-4] A gaming machine described in any one of [1-1] to [1-3], characterized in that the presentation control means displays a presentation image in which the gaming parts are positioned downstream of the movement of the picture.
According to the above means, the player can recognize the game function to which he should pay attention by directing his attention downstream along the movement of the symbols.
[1-5] The gaming machine according to any one of [1-1] to [1-4], characterized in that the effect control means activates the gaming function and displays the effect image during the display of a reach effect image that notifies the player of a win or loss determination result. This reach effect image has an image of a winning outcome that notifies the player of a win determination result and an image of a losing outcome that notifies the player of a losing determination result, and the state before the image of the outcome is displayed is referred to as the reach effect image being displayed.
According to the above means, even if the player is paying attention to the reach effect image, the player can notice the game function that should draw his/her attention from the movement of the picture.

[1-6] A gaming machine described in any of [1-1] to [1-5], characterized in that the presentation control means activates the gaming function and displays the presentation image as a definitive presentation that definitively notifies the player of a win.
According to the above-mentioned means, it becomes possible for the player to easily notice the valuable confirmation performance, so that the player can be reliably given an opportunity to enjoy the confirmation.
[1-7] A gaming machine described in any of [1-1] to [1-6], characterized in that the presentation control means performs one of enabling the game function and displaying the presentation image while a reach presentation image is being displayed as a non-definite presentation that non-definitely notifies the player of a win, and performs both of enabling the game function and displaying the presentation image while the reach presentation image is being displayed as a definite presentation that definitely notifies the player of a win.
According to the above means, the number of types of game presentations increases, which increases the interest in the game.
[2-1] A gaming machine comprising: a presentation device that produces an invisible effect in response to being activated; and a presentation control means that controls the effect, wherein the presentation control means is capable of displaying, on a specified display means, an image that shows the activation of the presentation device as being visualized when the presentation device is activated.
According to the above-mentioned means, it is possible to perform novel invisible effects, which enhances the interest of the game. Moreover, when an invisible effect is performed, a picture showing the invisible effect in a visualized form is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily make the player aware of the invisible effect, which prevents the player from continuing the game without noticing the invisible effect.

[3-1] A gaming machine comprising an effect control means for controlling effects and capable of performing non-definite effects that non-definitely notify a player of a win and definite effects that definitely notify a player of a win, wherein the effect control means executes a predetermined non-definite effect as a definite effect when the number of times the non-definite effect is executed reaches a predetermined value of two or more within a specific period of time in a predetermined effect mode.
According to the above means, a predetermined non-deterministic effect becomes a deterministic effect when it is performed two or more predetermined times within a specific period, so that it is possible to provide the player with a new interest in playing the game while paying attention to the number of occurrences of the predetermined non-deterministic effect.
[3-2] The gaming machine described in [3-1], wherein the specific period is set to a period that does not include the final change in the presentation mode.
According to the above means, it is possible to display a predetermined non-deterministic presentation image regardless of the result of the judgment of whether the final variation in a specific period is a win or a loss, so that it is possible to give the player a high sense of expectation for a win in the final variation.

[3-3] The gaming machine described in [3-1] or [3-2], wherein the presentation control means does not execute the specified non-deterministic presentation during one or more predetermined initial fluctuations, including the first fluctuation, of the presentation mode.
According to the above means, when a loss is notified by a predetermined non-deterministic effect image at the last time in a specific period, the probability that the non-deterministic effect will occur two or more times is kept to a low value, so that it is possible to reduce the probability that the player will feel uncomfortable when a loss is notified by the image of the non-deterministic effect at the last time.
[3-4] A gaming machine as described in any of [3-1] to [3-3], further comprising a pre-determination means for determining whether a game has been won or lost prior to the determination means when the game ball enters the starting hole, wherein the presentation control means is capable of displaying an image of the non-determined presentation at the final variation of the specific period, and wherein a notification image is displayed in the image of the non-determined presentation at the final variation to notify the player of the result of the determination of whether a game has been won or lost and the result of the pre-determination of whether a game has been won or lost together.
According to the above means, the probability of announcing a win is increased compared to when only the result of the final win/loss judgment is announced with an image of the final non-deterministic performance during a specific period, so it is possible to increase the player's expectations for a win in the final non-deterministic performance.

[3-5] The gaming machine described in any of [3-1] to [3-4], wherein the presentation control means displays a presentation image having a first instruction image indicating the direction in which the game ball is to be launched and a second instruction image indicating to increase the number of pre-determination results before displaying the notification image at the final fluctuation of the specific period, and after the presentation image is erased, an image in which the remaining time is counted down is displayed in the area where the first instruction image was displayed.
According to the above-mentioned means, the first instruction image and the second instruction image give the player appropriate instructions for launching the game ball, and the remaining time countdown image gives the player a sense of urgency for continuing to appropriately launch the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to display notification images according to as many pre-determination results as possible among the images of the non-deterministic performance of the final time in the specific period, and therefore it is possible to increase the probability of being notified of a win.
[3-6] The gaming machine according to any one of [3-1] to [3-5], characterized in that the effect control means is capable of displaying the image of the non-determined effect at the final variation at which a predetermined game state advantageous to the player ends, and after displaying the notification image, displays an end image notifying the end of the game state, and displays a pre-determination result of whether or not the player has won on the end image in an image in a different form from the notification image. This game state advantageous to the player is a game state that can provide the player with more benefits than the initial setting result of the game state, and a time-saving state, a high probability state, etc. correspond to advantageous game states.
According to the above-mentioned means, when the result of the judgment of whether the final round of a specified gaming state that is advantageous to the player is a win/lose and the results of the preliminary judgment are displayed together as a notification image, it becomes possible to clearly notify the player when the gaming state ends.

[3-7] A gaming machine described in any of [3-1] to [3-6], characterized in that the presentation control means displays an image instructing a change in the launch direction of the gaming ball after displaying the end image.
According to the above means, it is possible to instruct the player on the appropriate direction in which to launch the gaming ball.
[3-8] A gaming machine described in any of [3-1] to [3-7], characterized in that the presentation control means is capable of displaying a number of reserved pictures according to a result of a pre-determination of whether the player has won or lost, and in a predetermined gaming state that is advantageous to the player, the reserved pictures according to the pre-determination of whether the player has won can be displayed in a special manner different from the normal state.
According to the above means, it becomes possible to notify the player of a win in advance with certainty.
[3-9] A gaming machine described in any one of [3-1] to [3-8], characterized in that the presentation control means is capable of displaying a predetermined image as a non-definite presentation in a predetermined game state that is advantageous to the player, and displaying the image as a definite presentation in another game state that is advantageous to the player for a longer period of time than the predetermined game state.
According to the above means, it is possible to give different degrees of reliability to a given symbol depending on the length of the gaming state.

[4-1] A gaming machine comprising an effect control means for controlling effects, the effect control means being capable of executing a predetermined non-deterministic effect that non-deterministically notifies a player of a win within a specific period of time as a special effect with a reliability of different values including 100% depending on the number of times the effect is executed.
According to the above means, a special effect is executed within a specific period of time, the reliability of which varies depending on the number of times it is executed, so that it is possible to give the player a new interest in the number of times the special effect occurs.

7 is an image display device (display means), 80 is a main control board (judgment means, advance judgment means), 90 is a sub-control board (performance control means), and 100 is an image control board (image control means).

Claims (2)

A determination means for determining whether a jackpot or a miss has occurred when the game ball enters the starting hole;
an image display device which displays an image of a pattern game in which three columns of performance symbols are changed from a fluctuating state to a stopped state, and when a jackpot is determined, an image of the three columns of performance symbols becoming a jackpot combination is displayed as the image of the pattern game in response to a reach state in which two of the three columns are stopped from fluctuating with the same type of performance symbols as each other, and when a miss is determined, an image of the three columns of performance symbols becoming a random combination is displayed as the image of the pattern game in response to a reach state in which the remaining column is stopped from fluctuating with a different type of performance symbol from the other two columns, and
The device is provided with a presentation control means for presenting an image of a symbol game in a manner corresponding to a result of setting a presentation mode, and when three rows of presentation symbols are displayed in a ready state in an image of a current symbol game within a specific period consisting of N (>2) consecutive symbol games during a period in which the presentation mode is set to a predetermined one, the device starts displaying an image of one ready-to-win presentation as a background image of the symbol game on the image display device ,
The performance control means includes:
in response to the display of the image of the reach effect in the current symbol game within the specific period, if the cumulative number of times the image of the reach effect is displayed within the specific period does not reach a predetermined value M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2 and less than N), the image of the reach effect is started to be displayed as an effect for non-definitely notifying the player in advance that the three rows of effect symbols will form a jackpot combination in the current symbol game,
When the cumulative number of times that the image of the one reach effect is displayed during the current pattern play within the specific period reaches a predetermined value M in response to the image of the one reach effect being displayed during the current pattern play within the specific period, the gaming machine starts displaying the image of the one reach effect as an effect that definitively notifies the player in advance that three rows of performance symbols will form a jackpot combination during the current pattern play, regardless of whether the image of the one reach effect is displayed continuously or not . The specific period is set to a period during which the predetermined presentation mode is set, the period not including the final symbol game,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that when the predetermined presentation mode is set and the current pattern game exceeds the specific period and becomes the final pattern game, three rows of presentation patterns are always displayed in a reach state in the current pattern game and an image of one of the reach presentations is always started to be displayed in the reach state.

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