JP7475680B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) in which a game is played by shooting a game ball into a game area formed on a game board.

There is known a gaming machine that has a first start hole and a second start hole, and when a gaming ball enters the first start hole or the second start hole, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. In such a gaming machine, when the special symbol is displayed as a jackpot symbol, a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player is executed.

Among the gaming machines capable of playing the jackpot game described above, there are gaming machines that can be set to an electric support state in which the frequency of balls entering the second starting hole increases after the jackpot game ends (Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-170421 A

However, gaming machines that allow you to set the electric support state have become widely known among players in recent years, but there has been a problem in that it is difficult to say that they are sufficiently increasing interest in gaming.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can set the electric support state and can increase the interest in gaming.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention adopts the following configuration.
A special symbol variation means for performing a special symbol variation, which is a variation display of a special symbol, based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed;
A game state setting means for setting a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a frequency of game balls entering the starting hole is higher than that in the non-electric support state as game states;
In a gaming machine comprising:
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
The method further includes: adding means for adding the number of times of the stuck winning based on the non-jackpot fluctuation;
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the number of times of the hit reaches a specified number,
The adding means, when the non-big win fluctuation is performed during the non-electric support state, does not add the number of times of the stuck game if a first condition is established, and adds the number of times of the stuck game if a second condition is established ,
When the non-big win variation is performed during the non-electric support state, an addition suggestion effect can be executed that suggests whether or not the number of times of the stuck win has been added by the adding means.
It is characterized by:

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A special symbol variation means for performing a special symbol variation, which is a variation display of a special symbol, based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed;
A game state setting means for setting a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a frequency of game balls entering the starting hole is higher than that in the non-electric support state as game states;
In a gaming machine comprising:
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
The method further includes: adding means for adding the number of times of the stuck winning based on the non-jackpot fluctuation;
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the number of times of the hit reaches a specified number,
The adding means, when the non-big win fluctuation is performed during the non-electric support state, does not add the number of times of the stuck game if a first condition is established, and adds the number of times of the stuck game if a second condition is established,
During the non-electric support state, regardless of whether the number of times of the stuck game has been added or not, the number of times of the pseudo stuck game that is updated when the non-big win variation is performed can be displayed.
This may also be the case.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest in gaming in gaming machines that allow the electric support state to be set.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the surface configuration of the game board 20 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a segment display unit 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the types per type 1 and type 2 of this embodiment. An explanatory diagram illustrating the display contents of the performance display device 41 of this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the progress of the game when the first special chart is displayed in a variable manner in the non-electric support state in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the progress mode when the second special chart is displayed in a variable manner in the electric support state of this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a game control process executed by a CPU 201 of a main control board 200 in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram conceptually showing the variation pattern selection table of this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the types of variation pattern selection tables in this embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing the performance control processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in this embodiment. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing processing corresponding to a received command by a CPU 221 of a sub-control board 220 in this embodiment. FIG. An explanatory diagram showing the "expected probability of a jackpot" suggested by the reach effect of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the "ceiling reaching process" executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the "number of times of sticking" and the "number of times of pseudo sticking" in this embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" in this embodiment reaches the "ceiling number of times". This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" in this embodiment reaches the "ceiling number of times". FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the “first setting frequency” in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" corresponding to the "first setting frequency" in this embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram showing the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern" in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of the “second setting frequency” in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" corresponding to the "second setting frequency" in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram illustrating the manner in which the "ceiling number of times" and "pseudo number of times of losing" are displayed in this embodiment. An explanatory diagram showing the execution mode of the "number of times expansion effect" in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing configurable performance in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 2. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example 3.

In order to clarify the above-mentioned contents of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the right side when facing the front of the pachinko machine will be referred to as "right" and the left side will be referred to as "left."

The following examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Control circuit configuration:
B. Game Contents:
C. Game Control Processing:
D. Production Control Processing:
E. Reach Production:
F. Electric support state when the ceiling is reached:
F-1. Number of times stuck, number of times ceiling:
F-2. Ceiling Reaching Processing:
G. Ceiling number of times and electric support number of times:
G-1. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 1):
G-2. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 2):
G-3. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 3):
H. Ceiling Number of Times:
I. Variations:
I-1. Modification 1:
I-2. Modification 2:
I-3. Modification 3:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration of the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a front frame 4 is provided on the front part of the pachinko machine 1. A window 4a is formed in the approximate center of the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4b made of synthetic resin is fitted into this window 4a. A player can view the game area of a game board 20 (see FIG. 2) arranged at the back side through the window 4a (transparent plate 4b). In addition, a small window 4c is formed at the lower right of the window 4a in the front frame 4, and a transparent plate 4d such as a synthetic resin plate is fitted into this small window 4c. A player can view a segment display section 50 (see FIG. 2) of the game board 20 arranged at the back side through the small window 4c (transparent plate 4d). As will be described in detail later, the segment display section 50 is a display section that displays information related to a game by a combination of multiple LEDs.

An upper lamp 5a is provided above the window 4a in the front frame 4, a right side lamp 5b is provided on the right side of the periphery of the window 4a, and a left side lamp 5c is provided on the left side of the periphery of the window 4a. Upper speakers 6a are provided on the left and right upper sides of the window 4a, and a lower speaker 6b is provided below the front frame 4 (the front panel of the main frame, described below). The upper lamp 5a, right side lamp 5b, left side lamp 5c, upper speaker 6a, and lower speaker 6b are driven to enhance the presentation effects of the game.

An upper tray section 7 is provided below the window section 4a in the front frame 4. The upper tray section 7 stores game balls that are loaned out via a card unit 60 provided in correspondence with the pachinko machine 1, and game balls that are paid out from the pachinko machine 1. In addition, a lower tray section 8 is provided below the upper tray section 7, and stores game balls that are loaned out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7, and game balls that are paid out in excess of the capacity of the upper tray section 7.

A launch handle 9 is provided to the right of the lower tray 8 on the front frame 4. The rotation axis of the launch handle 9 is connected to a launch unit mounted on the rear side of the launch handle 9, and game balls stored in the upper tray 7 are supplied to this launch unit. When the player rotates the launch handle 9, the rotation is transmitted to the launch unit, which rotates the launch motor built into the launch unit, and the game balls are launched with a strength that corresponds to the angle of rotation.

Additionally, a performance button 10a that can be pressed by the player is provided on the edge of the upper tray 7, and a jog shuttle 10b that can be pushed or rotated by the player is provided to the left of the lower tray 8. Although not shown in the figure, a directional button 10c is provided on the edge of the upper tray 7 to the left of the performance button 10a. The directional button 10c is made up of four buttons (up button, down button, left button, right button) that correspond to the up, down, left and right directions. These performance button 10a, jog shuttle 10b, and directional button 10c are all performance operation units that are operated by the player, and when operated by the player when a specified condition is met, a specified game performance is performed.

Although not shown, a middle frame and a main frame are provided on the rear side of the front frame 4, and one end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the front frame 4 is rotatably supported relative to the middle frame, and one end (the left side in FIG. 1) of the middle frame is rotatably supported relative to the main frame. The main frame is a roughly rectangular frame assembled from wooden plate-like members, and the pachinko machine 1 is installed in the game hall by attaching this main frame to the island equipment. A game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame, and when the front frame 4 is rotated (opened) toward the front of the pachinko machine 1 relative to the middle frame, the game board 20 is exposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the surface configuration of the game board 20. As described above, the game board 20 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed in the center of the game board 20. The game balls launched from the launcher unit 261 (see FIG. 3) are released into the game area 21 through the gap between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 23, and flow down from the top to the bottom of the game area 21. The game area 21 is visible to the player through the window portion 4a of the front frame 4, so naturally, the game balls flowing down the game area 21 are also visible to the player through the window portion 4a.

A central device 40 is provided in approximately the center of the play area 21, and a performance display device 41 is provided approximately in the center of the central device 40. The performance display device 41 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various images for performances can be displayed on its display screen. The detailed display contents of the performance display device 41 will be described later.

Below the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21, there is a first starting hole 24, which is a starting hole whose opening size does not change (is constant) and through which game balls can always enter. Game balls that enter the first starting hole 24 are guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A first starting hole sensor 24s (see Figure 3) is provided in the internal passage of the first starting hole 24, and is capable of detecting game balls that enter the first starting hole 24.

In addition, a left normal symbol operation gate 71 through which the game ball can pass is provided at the lower left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21, and a left gate sensor 71s (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball is provided inside the left normal symbol operation gate 71. In addition, a right normal symbol operation gate 72 through which the game ball can pass is provided at the lower right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) in the game area 21, and a right gate sensor 72s (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball is provided inside the right normal symbol operation gate 72. Since the left normal symbol operation gate 71 and the right normal symbol operation gate 72 have the same function, in this specification, they are also collectively referred to as "normal symbol operation gates 71, 72" when they are not particularly distinguished. In addition, since the left gate sensor 71s and the right gate sensor 72s have the same function, in this specification, they are also collectively referred to as "gate sensors 71s, 72s" when they are not particularly distinguished.

In addition, below the right normal pattern activation gate 72, a second start port 25 is provided, which is an entry port (start port) where the possibility of game balls entering the port changes. That is, the second start port 25 has an opening and closing door 26 (hatched part in the figure) that can rotate in the front and rear directions of the pachinko machine 1, and can be changed between a closed state (ball entry disabled state) in which the opening and closing door 26 is approximately upright and game balls cannot enter the port, and an open state (ball entry enabled state) in which the opening and closing door 26 rotates to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and game balls can enter the port. In FIG. 2, the second start port 25 is shown in an open state. The game ball that enters the second start port 25 is guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A second start port sensor 25s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the internal passage of the second start port 25, and can detect the game ball that enters the second start port 25.

In addition, below the first starting hole 24 in the game area 21, a large, approximately rectangular opening is provided as a large opening for a large prize winning hole 28 (variable ball entry hole). The large prize winning hole 28 has an opening door 29 (hatched portion in the figure) that can be rotated in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 1, and can be changed between a closed state (ball entry not possible state) in which the opening door 29 is approximately upright and game balls cannot enter, and an open state (ball entry possible state) in which the opening door 29 is rotated to the front side of the pachinko machine 1 and game balls can enter. In FIG. 2, the large prize winning hole 28 is shown in an open state. Game balls that enter the large prize winning hole 28 are guided to the back side of the game board 20 through a passage provided inside. A large prize winning hole sensor 28s (see FIG. 3) is provided in the passage inside the large prize winning hole 28, and game balls that enter the large prize winning hole 28 can be detected.

In addition, below the second starting hole 25 in the game area 21 (the lower right corner of the game area 21), a protrusion 33 is provided that protrudes forward (toward the player) from the game board 20 surface. The upper surface of the protrusion 33 is inclined downward from the right side to the left side, forming a rolling surface 34 on which the game ball can roll from the right side to the left side (toward the center of the pachinko machine 1). A small winning hole 35 (variable ball entry hole) is provided in the middle of this rolling surface 34 (the middle part of the rolling direction of the game ball). This small winning hole 35 has an opening and closing door 36 (hatched part in the figure) that can slide (move) in the front and rear directions of the pachinko machine 1, and can be changed between a closed state in which the opening and closing door 36 slides (moves) forward to prevent the game ball from entering, and an open state in which the opening and closing door 36 slides (moves) backward to allow the game ball to enter. Naturally, the game ball rolling on the rolling surface 34 will enter the small prize opening 35 when the small prize opening 35 is open, and will pass above the small prize opening 35 (opening and closing door 36) without entering the small prize opening 35 when the small prize opening 35 is closed.

The game ball that enters the small winning opening 35 is guided to the specific opening 38 (so-called "V", the dashed line part in the figure) through a passage 37 (dashed line part in the figure) provided inside the protruding body 33. At least a part of the front wall of the protruding body 33 is formed from a transparent plate (has light transmission), and the player can see through the front wall of the protruding body 33 how the game ball that entered the small winning opening 35 is guided to the specific opening 38. A small winning opening sensor 35s (see Figure 3) is provided inside the small winning opening 35, and can detect the game ball that entered the small winning opening 35. In addition, a specific opening sensor 38s (see Figure 3) is provided inside the specific opening 38, and can detect the game ball that entered the specific opening 38.

In addition, around each of the above-mentioned gaming devices, there are provided other ball entry ports 30 through which the gaming balls can enter, as well as a windmill-shaped wheel 31 and numerous obstacle nails (not shown) that affect the flow path of the gaming balls. In addition, an outlet 32 is provided at the bottom of the gaming area 21, and gaming balls that do not enter any of the above-mentioned first start port 24, second start port 25, big prize port 28, small prize port 35, or other ball entry ports 30 are discharged from the outlet 32 to the back side of the gaming board 20.

The above-mentioned left normal symbol activation gate 71 and first start port 24 can be entered by game balls flowing down the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41). In contrast, the right normal symbol activation gate 72, second start port 25, large prize entry port 28, and small prize entry port 35 can be entered by (or passed through by) game balls flowing down the area to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41). In the following, firing a game ball so that it flows down the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) is also referred to as "left hit," and firing a game ball so that it flows down the area to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) is also referred to as "right hit." In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start hole 24, three game balls are paid out to the player, when a game ball enters the second start hole 25, four game balls are paid out to the player, and when a game ball enters the other ball entry hole 30, five game balls are paid out to the player. Also, when a game ball enters the big prize hole 28, ten game balls are paid out to the player, and when a game ball enters the small prize hole 35, three game balls are paid out.

A segment display unit 50 is provided at the lower right of the play area 21 on the game board 20, which displays information related to the game using a combination of LEDs. The segment display unit 50 is visible to the player through a small window 4c (see Figure 1) provided in the front frame 4. The display content of the segment display unit 50 will be described in detail later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the pachinko machine 1 is composed of many control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, etc. In detail, it is composed of a main control board 200 that controls the basic progress of the game, a sub-control board 220 that controls the performance of the game, an image and sound control board 230 that controls the display of images and the output of sounds under the control of the sub-control board 220, a lamp control board 226 that controls the light emission of lamps under the control of the sub-control board 220, a payout control board 240 that controls the lending and payout of game balls, and a launch control board 260 that controls the launch of game balls. These control boards are configured by connecting various peripheral LSIs together via a bus, such as a CPU (CPUs 201, 221, 231, etc. in FIG. 3) that performs various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM (ROMs 202, 222, 232, etc. in FIG. 3) that stores various programs and data to be executed by the CPU, a RAM (203, 223, 233, etc. in FIG. 3) in which the CPU stores temporary data when executing a program, and input/output circuits.

The main control board 200 is connected to a first start gate sensor 24s that detects a game ball that has entered the first start gate 24, a second start gate sensor 25s that detects a game ball that has entered the second start gate 25, a large prize gate sensor 28s that detects a game ball that has entered the large prize gate 28, a left gate sensor 71s that detects a game ball that has passed through the left normal pattern activation gate 71, a right gate sensor 72s that detects a game ball that has passed through the right normal pattern activation gate 72, a small prize gate sensor 35s that detects a game ball that has entered the small prize gate 35, and a specific gate sensor 38s that detects a game ball that has entered the specific gate 38. When a detection signal of a game ball is input from these sensors, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a command corresponding to the sensor that received the detection signal to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, etc.

The main control board 200 is also connected to a second start port solenoid 26m for opening and closing the opening door 26 provided in the second start port 25 (to open and close the second start port 25), a large prize port solenoid 29m for opening and closing the opening door 29 provided in the large prize port 28 (to open and close the large prize port 28), a small prize port solenoid 35m for opening and closing the opening door 36 provided in the small prize port 35 (to open and close the small prize port 35), a segment display unit 50, and the like. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 controls these operations by transmitting drive signals to the second start port solenoid 26m, the large prize port solenoid 29m, the small prize port solenoid 35m, and the segment display unit 50.

The sub-control board 220 is connected to the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, and the performance operation board 228. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the commands and performs a performance according to the contents. That is, it performs a performance by sending commands specifying the output image and output sound to the image/sound control board 230, and sending commands specifying the light emission patterns of the upper lamp 5a, the right side lamp 5b, and the left side lamp 5c (hereinafter also referred to as "various lamps 5a to 5c") to the lamp control board 226. In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 detects the player's operation of the performance button 10a, the jog shuttle 10b, or the direction button 10c via the performance operation board 228, it performs a performance corresponding to the operation.

The image and sound control board 230 includes a VDP 234, an image ROM 235, and an audio ROM 236 in addition to a CPU 231, a ROM 232, and a RAM 233. When the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it instructs the VDP 234 to display an image corresponding to the command. The VDP 234 reads image data (e.g., sprite data or video data) used to display the instructed image from the image ROM 235, generates an image, and outputs it to the display screen of the performance display device 41. When the CPU 231 of the image and sound control board 230 receives a command from the sub-control board 220, it reads audio data corresponding to the command from the audio ROM 236. Then, audio based on the audio data is output from the upper speaker 6a and the lower speaker 6b (hereinafter also referred to as "various speakers 6a, 6b") via the amplifier board 224.

The payout control board 240 is connected to a ball lending button 241 (not shown in FIG. 1) provided on the upper tray 7, a card unit 242 arranged in parallel with the pachinko machine 1, a payout motor 243, and the like. When the ball lending button 241 is operated, this signal is transmitted to the card unit 242 via the payout control board 240. The card unit 242 drives the payout motor 243 to lend game balls while communicating data with the payout control board 240. Also, when a payout command instructing the payout of game balls is received from the main control board 200, it drives the payout motor 243 to pay out game balls.

The payout control board 240 is also connected to a launch control board 260, which is connected to a launch device unit 261 having a launch motor 262 for launching game balls and a touch switch 263 for detecting that the player is touching the launch handle 9. When the launch control board 260 detects via the touch switch 263 that the player is touching the launch handle 9, it drives the launch motor 262 to launch game balls with a strength that corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9.

B. Game Contents:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game proceeds as follows. When the launch handle 9 is rotated with game balls stored in the upper tray 7, the stored game balls are supplied one by one to the launch unit 261 and launched into the game area 21 described above with reference to FIG. 2. The strength with which the game balls are launched corresponds to the rotation angle of the launch handle 9, so the player can make the game balls flow down to the desired area by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 9. For example, the game balls can be launched so that they flow down the area to the left of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) (left shot), or the game balls can be launched so that they flow down the area to the right of the central device 40 (performance display device 41) (right shot).

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state related to the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is appropriately set. In detail, the game state related to the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is set to a "non-electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is low (the frequency of the second starting hole 25 being in an open state is low)" or an "electric support state in which the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is high (the frequency of the second starting hole 25 being in an open state is high)". In the non-electric support state, game balls are more likely to enter the first starting hole 24 than the second starting hole 25, and in the electric support state, game balls are more likely to enter the second starting hole 25 than the first starting hole 24. Therefore, in the non-electric support state, the player can hit the ball to the left (aiming to land the ball in the first starting hole 24), and in the electric support state, the player can hit the ball to the right (aiming to land the ball in the second starting hole 25).

The segment display unit 50 is provided with an electric support display unit 58 that indicates that the above-mentioned electric support state is in progress. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the electric support display unit 58 has three LEDs arranged therein, and during the electric support state, the three LEDs are lit to indicate that the electric support state is in progress. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a right-hit display unit 59 that indicates that a right hit is to be performed. During the electric support state, the frequency with which game balls enter the second starting hole 25 is high, and the second starting hole 25 can receive game balls hit from the right, so that it is beneficial for the player to perform a right hit during the electric support state. Therefore, during the electric support state, the two LEDs arranged in the right hit display unit 59 are lit to encourage the player to perform a right hit.

<Special pattern change display>
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball hit from the left (mainly during a non-electric support state) can enter the first start hole 24. When a game ball hit from the left enters the first start hole 24 and is detected by the first start hole sensor 24s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a jackpot judgment random number described later) is obtained, and a jackpot judgment is made based on the judgment random number to determine whether the jackpot is a "jackpot," a "small jackpot," or a "miss." After making such a jackpot judgment, the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the jackpot judgment.

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball hit from the right can enter the second starting hole 25. When a game ball hit from the right enters the second starting hole 25 and is detected by the second starting hole sensor 25s, a predetermined judgment random number (such as a jackpot judgment random number described below) is obtained, and a jackpot judgment is made based on the judgment random number to determine whether the result is a "jackpot," "minor jackpot," or "miss." Once such a jackpot judgment is made, the second special pattern is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the jackpot judgment.

In this specification, the "first special design" is also referred to as the "first special design" and the "second special design" is also referred to as the "second special design." In addition, when there is no particular distinction between the "first special design" and the "second special design," they are collectively referred to as the "special design."

Here, the first special chart and the second special chart will be explained. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the segment display section 50. As described above, the segment display section 50 is provided at the lower right of the play area 21 on the play board 20 (see FIG. 2), and the player can see the segment display section 50 through the small window section 4c of the front frame 4 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display section 50 is provided with a first special chart display section 51 that displays the first special chart and a second special chart display section 52 that displays the second special chart, and nine LEDs are arranged in each of these display sections. The first special chart and the second special chart are displayed in a variable manner by switching which of the nine LEDs is lit in each display section, and are displayed stationary by turning on a specific LED among the nine LEDs.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, 200 types of "jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols 101-300)," 100 types of "small jackpot symbols (small jackpot symbols 301-400)," and one type of "miss symbol (miss symbol 401)" can be stopped and displayed as the first special symbols. In addition, 200 types of "jackpot symbols (jackpot symbols 501-700)," 100 types of "small jackpot symbols (small jackpot symbols 701-800)," and one type of "miss symbol (miss symbol 801)" can be stopped and displayed as the second special symbols. These types of symbols can be identified by the different combinations of lit LEDs.

When the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 24 (also referred to as the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" in this specification) is a "jackpot", the first special chart is displayed as one of the "jackpot patterns 101-300", when it is a "small hit", the first special chart is displayed as one of the "small hit patterns 301-400", and when it is a "miss", the first special chart is displayed as the "miss pattern 401". In the "jackpot determination for the first special chart", there is a probability of about 1 in 300 that the game is judged to be a "jackpot", and a probability of about 1 in 60 that the game is judged to be a "small hit".

In addition, if the result of the jackpot determination based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 25 (also referred to as the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" in this specification) is a "jackpot", the second special chart will be displayed as one of the "jackpot patterns 501-700", if it is a "small jackpot", the second special chart will be displayed as one of the "small jackpot patterns 701-800", and if it is a "miss", the second special chart will be displayed as the "miss pattern 801". Note that even with the "jackpot determination for the second special chart", there is a 1 in 300 chance of a "jackpot" being determined, and a 1 in 60 chance of a "small jackpot" being determined.

When the special pattern (first or second special pattern) is displayed as either a big win pattern, a small win pattern, or a miss pattern, the pattern is displayed in a static state until a predetermined time has elapsed in order to finalize the pattern (hereinafter also referred to as "confirmed display"). In the following, the game from when the special pattern starts to change and is displayed as a fixed pattern, that is, the game until the result of one changing display is obtained, is also referred to as "pattern changing game".

＜Jackpot Game＞
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a jackpot game can be executed in which the jackpot opening 28 is opened and multiple rounds of play are played. When a game ball enters the jackpot opening 28, many game balls are paid out (10 game balls are paid out each time one game ball enters), so the jackpot game is advantageous to the player. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the jackpot opening 28 can be entered by a game ball hit from the right, so naturally, it is beneficial for the player to hit from the right during the jackpot game. Therefore, during the jackpot game, the player is encouraged to hit from the right by turning on two LEDs arranged in the right hit display unit 59 of the segment display unit 50, as in the electric support state. In this embodiment, as such a jackpot game, a "one-type hit" and a "two-type hit" can be executed, which have different start triggers.

<Per type>
A type 1 win is started when the first or second special symbol is stopped and displayed with any of the jackpot symbols (when the result of the jackpot judgment for the first or second special symbol is "jackpot"). As for this type 1 win, multiple types with different "number of rounds" and "game state after jackpot play" can be executed according to the "type of jackpot symbol stopped and displayed".

That is, as shown in FIG. 5(a), when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with "jackpot pattern 101-200" (50% probability when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), "six rounds of play are played, and the game state after the jackpot game ends is in the electric support state (also referred to as "6R electric support type per" in this specification)" is played. Also, when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with "jackpot pattern 201-300" (50% probability when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern), "six rounds of play are played, and the game state after the jackpot game ends is in the non-electric support state (also referred to as "6R non-electric support type per" in this specification)" is played.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5(b), if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with "jackpot pattern 501-660" (80% probability when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a jackpot pattern), "10 rounds of play are played, and the game state after the jackpot game ends is in the electric support state (also referred to as "10R electric support type per" in this specification)" is performed. Also, if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with "jackpot pattern 661-700" (20% probability when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a jackpot pattern), "10 rounds of play are played, and the game state after the jackpot game ends is in the non-electric support state (also referred to as "10R non-electric support type per" in this specification)" is performed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a type 1 hit with a greater number of rounds of play is performed when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern than when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern. Also, the electric support state is set with a higher probability after a type 1 hit is completed when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern than when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern. From this, it can be said that it is more advantageous for the player to perform a variable display of the second special chart (a jackpot judgment for the second special chart) than when a variable display of the first special chart (a jackpot judgment for the first special chart) is performed.

<2 types per item>
The above has been explained about the one-type win. In contrast, the two-type win is started when the game ball enters the specific hole 38 (see FIG. 2). In detail, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with any small win symbol (when the result of the big win judgment for the first special symbol or the second special symbol is "small win"), a small win game is played in which the small winning hole 35 (see FIG. 2) is opened. Then, when a game ball enters the small winning hole 35 during this small win game and the game ball enters the specific hole 38, a two-type win is started.

As for the two-kind win, multiple types can be executed with different "number of rounds" and "game state after the big win game ends" depending on the "type of small win pattern stopped and displayed." That is, as shown in FIG. 5(c), when the first special pattern is stopped and displayed with "small win pattern 301-350" (when the first special pattern is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern and a two-kind win is started, there is a 50% probability), "six rounds are played and the game state after the big win game ends is the electric support state, a two-kind win (also referred to as "6R electric support two-kind win" in this specification)" is executed. In addition, if the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a "small win pattern 351-400" (if the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern and a two-type win is initiated, there is a 50% probability), "six rounds of play are played, and a two-type win in which the game state after the big win game ends is a non-electric support state (also referred to in this specification as a "6R non-electric support two-type win")" will be played.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5(d), if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with "small win pattern 701-780" (80% probability when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern and a two-type win is started), "10 rounds of play are played, and a two-type win in which the game state after the big win game ends is in the electric support state (also referred to as "10R electric support two-type win" in this specification)" is played. Also, if the second special chart is stopped and displayed with "small win pattern 781-800" (20% probability when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern and a two-type win is started), "10 rounds of play are played, and a two-type win in which the game state after the big win game ends is in the non-electric support state (also referred to as "10R non-electric support two-type win" in this specification)" is played.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (when the result of the big win judgment for the first or second special chart is a "small win"), a small win game is played in which the small winning port 35 (see FIG. 2) is opened. A double win is started when a game ball enters the small winning port 35 during this small win game and the game ball enters the specific port 38. However, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in the "small win game played when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or when a small win pattern is stopped and displayed during a non-electric support state)", the small winning port 35 is only opened for an extremely short time. In detail, in the "small win game performed when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state)", the small winning hole 35 is open for 5.0 seconds, but in the "small win game performed when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state)", the small winning hole 35 is open for only 0.2 seconds. Therefore, in the "small win game performed when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state)", it is almost impossible for the game ball to enter the small winning hole 35. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state), in most cases, a two-type win is not performed. In other words, the two-way comparison described above using Figure 5(c) is rarely performed.

In contrast, in a "small win game that is played when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small win symbol (or a small win game that is played when a small win symbol is stopped and displayed during an electric support state)," if a right hit is performed, there is a nearly 100% probability that the game ball will enter the small winning hole 35 and then the special hole 38. Therefore, when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small win symbol (or when a small win symbol is stopped and displayed during an electric support state), there is a nearly 100% probability that a two-type win will occur.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the first special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (or even if the small win symbol is displayed during a non-electric support state), in most cases a double win will not occur, and if the second special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (or if the small win symbol is displayed during an electric support state), a double win will occur with a nearly 100% probability. From this, it can be said that it is more advantageous for the player to have a variable display of the second special symbol (a jackpot determination for the second special symbol) than to have a variable display of the first special symbol (a jackpot determination for the first special symbol).

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a jackpot game of "6R electric support per type", "10R electric support per type", "6R electric support per type", or "10R electric support per type" is played, the electric support state is set after the jackpot game ends, and this electric support state is set continuously until 100 pattern change games (display of the first special chart and the second special chart change) are played unless a new jackpot game is played. Then, when the 100 pattern change games are played, a non-electric support state is set in place of the electric support state. In other words, when the electric support state is set with the end of the jackpot game, the remaining number of pattern change games that can be played in the electric support state (also referred to as the "electric support number of times" in this specification) is set to 100 times (an electric support state with 100 electric support times is set). For the player, the electric support state is more advantageous than the non-electric support state, so in the electric support state, the player can expect the jackpot game to start before the non-electric support state is set (before the electric support state ends).

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, one round of play ends when 10 game balls enter the machine (10 counts) or 30 seconds have passed, so in most cases 100 game balls (10 counts x 10 payouts) are paid out in one round of play. Naturally, therefore, more game balls will be paid out to the player in a jackpot game with a greater number of rounds than in a jackpot game with a smaller number of rounds. This allows the player to look forward to a jackpot game with a greater number of rounds.

In addition, while the jackpot game described above is being played, the number of rounds of the jackpot game being played is displayed on the round display section 55 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, three LEDs are arranged on the round display section 55, and of the three LEDs, the left and center LEDs are lit to indicate that a jackpot game with six rounds is being played, and the right and center LEDs are lit to indicate that a jackpot game with ten rounds is being played.

<Special design reserved>
When the game ball enters the first starting hole 24, as described above, the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" and the change display of the first special chart are performed, but these jackpot determinations and change displays are not performed immediately after the game ball enters the first starting hole 24, but rather the acquired judgment random number is temporarily stored as the first special chart reservation. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, the jackpot determination and the change display of the first special chart are performed based on the stored first special chart reservation. Such first special chart reservations are stored with an upper limit of four. The number of first special chart reservations stored (number of first special chart reservations) is displayed on the first special chart reservation display section 53 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the first special chart reserved display unit 53, and in this first special chart reserved display unit 53, turning off both of the two LEDs indicates that the number of first special charts reserved is 0, turning on one LED indicates that the number of first special charts reserved is 1, turning on two LEDs indicates that the number of first special charts reserved is 2, flashing one LED indicates that the number of first special charts reserved is 3, and flashing two LEDs indicates that the number of first special charts reserved is 4.

Furthermore, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 25, as described above, a "jackpot determination for the second special chart" and a change in the second special chart are made, but these jackpot determinations and change displays are not made immediately after the game ball enters the second starting hole 25; instead, the acquired judgment random number is temporarily stored as a second special chart reserve. Then, when a predetermined condition is met, a jackpot determination and a change in the second special chart are made based on the stored second special chart reserve. Such second special chart reserves are also stored up to an upper limit of four. The number of stored second special chart reserves (number of second special chart reserves) is displayed in the second special chart reserve display section 54 of the segment display section 50. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, two LEDs are arranged in the second special chart reserved display section 54, and in this second special chart reserved display section 54, turning off both of the two LEDs indicates that the number of second special charts reserved is 0, turning on one LED indicates that the number of second special charts reserved is 1, turning on two LEDs indicates that the number of second special charts reserved is 2, blinking one LED indicates that the number of second special charts reserved is 3, and blinking two LEDs indicates that the number of second special charts reserved is 4.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the first special symbol reserve or the second special symbol reserve is stored, the big win judgment and the change display for these reserves are not performed during the change display of any special symbol, during the confirmation display of any special symbol, during the big win game, or during the small win game. Also, if only the first special symbol reserve is stored among the first special symbol reserve and the second special symbol reserve, the big win judgment and the change display for the first special symbol are performed for the first special symbol reserve that was stored first, but if the second special symbol reserve is stored, the big win judgment and the change display for the second special symbol reserve are performed regardless of whether the first special symbol reserve is stored or not. In other words, the second special symbol is displayed in priority to the first special symbol (has a so-called second special symbol priority change function).

＜Normal symbol variation display, normal symbol winning game＞
As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a game ball hit from the left can pass through the left normal symbol operation gate 71, and a game ball hit from the right can pass through the right normal symbol operation gate 72. When a game ball passes through either the left normal symbol operation gate 71 or the right normal symbol operation gate 72 (normal symbol operation gates 71, 72) and is detected by either the left gate sensor 71s or the right gate sensor 72s (gate sensors 71s, 72s), a predetermined judgment random number (a normal symbol hit judgment random number described later) is obtained, and a normal symbol hit judgment is made to determine whether the game ball is a "normal symbol hit" or a "miss" based on the judgment random number. In other words, a normal symbol hit judgment may be made whether the game ball is hit from the left or the right.

Then, based on the result of this normal winning judgment, the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped. As shown in FIG. 4, the segment display unit 50 is provided with a normal pattern display unit 56 that displays normal patterns, and two LEDs are arranged in the normal pattern display unit 56. The normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner by switching which of the two LEDs is turned on in the normal pattern display unit 56, and is stopped by turning on a predetermined LED of the two LEDs. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, three types of patterns can be displayed as normal patterns: a normal winning pattern 1100 in which the left LED of the two LEDs is turned on, a normal winning pattern 1101 in which the right LED is turned on, and a normal losing pattern 1102 in which the left and right (two) LEDs are turned on. If the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning, the normal symbol is displayed as either the normal winning symbol 1100 or 1101, and if the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal missing, the normal symbol is displayed as the normal missing symbol 1102. When the normal symbol is displayed as a normal winning symbol or a normal missing symbol in this way, a display (confirmation display) is performed that maintains the state in which the symbol is displayed as stopped until a predetermined time has elapsed in order to confirm the displayed symbol. Then, if the normal symbol is displayed as a normal winning symbol, a normal winning game is performed in which the second starting hole 25 is opened and then closed.

The above-mentioned non-electric support state and electric support state are set by varying the probability of being judged as a "normal hit" in the normal hit judgment (also referred to as the "normal hit probability" in this specification), the mode of the normal symbol variable display, and the mode of normal hit play. In other words, in the non-electric support state, the normal hit probability is about 1 in 100, a long time is likely to be selected as the normal symbol variable time (either 1000 ms, 2000 ms, or 3000 ms is selected evenly), and during normal hit play, the second start hole 25 is only open for a short time (16 ms x 1 time).

In contrast, in the electric support state, the probability of hitting a normal symbol is approximately 99/100, and a short time is likely to be selected as the normal symbol fluctuation time (either 1000 ms, 1252 ms, or 1500 ms is selected evenly), and the second starting hole 25 is open for a long time (840 ms x 2 times) during a normal symbol hit. As a result, during the non-electric support state, the frequency (proportion) of the second starting hole 25 being open is low, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is also low. In contrast, during the electric support state, the frequency (proportion) of the second starting hole 25 being open is high, and the frequency of game balls entering the second starting hole 25 is also high.

<Display contents of the performance display device 41>
The processing for performing the above-mentioned game is mainly performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in accordance with the above-mentioned game, a performance is performed in which various images are displayed on the performance display device 41. The processing for performing such a performance is mainly performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220.

For example, the performance display device 41 performs a performance (hereinafter also referred to as "pattern change performance") in accordance with the variable display (pattern change game) of the first or second special symbol. That is, in synchronization with the start timing of the variable display (pattern change game) of the special symbol (first or second special symbol), the performance display device 41 simultaneously starts the variable display of the three decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c. After that, the variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c is performed in various modes until the variable time of the special symbol has elapsed. Then, in synchronization with the end timing of the variable display of the special symbol (stop display of the special symbol), the variable display of the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c ends. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to display (designed) symbols showing the 10 numbers from "1" to "9" as decorative symbols.

Figure 6(a) conceptually shows three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c changing and displaying at the same time. After the changing display starts and a predetermined time has elapsed, normally the left decorative pattern 41a is first displayed as a pattern showing any one of the numbers "1" to "9", then the right decorative pattern 41c is displayed as a stopped pattern, and finally the center decorative pattern 41b is displayed as a stopped pattern. The combination of the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c displayed as a stopped pattern on the performance display device 41 is configured to correspond to the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) displayed as a stopped pattern on the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 described above.

In detail, when the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a big win pattern, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c of the performance display device 41 are stopped and displayed as the same pattern combination (also called "double numbers" in this specification). Also, when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or when a small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state), the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "double numbers". That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a big win pattern, a single type win is performed, but when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or when a small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state), a double type win is performed (through a small win game) with a probability of approximately 100%. And since these are the same from the viewpoint of playing a jackpot game, even if the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern, and even if the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a small jackpot pattern (or if a small jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state), the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "double numbers."

On the other hand, when the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a losing pattern, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a pattern combination that does not match the same pattern (also referred to as "variable patterns" in this specification). Also, when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small winning pattern (or when a small winning pattern is stopped and displayed during a non-electric support state), the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "variable patterns". That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a losing pattern, a big win game is not played, but when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small winning pattern (or when a small winning pattern is stopped and displayed during a non-electric support state), a big win game (two types of wins) is not played in most cases. And since these are the same from the viewpoint that no big win game is being played, even if the first or second special pattern is stopped and displayed as a miss pattern, or even if the first special pattern is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or if a small win pattern is stopped and displayed during a non-electric support state), the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "barrages". In addition, the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c that are stopped and displayed will remain stopped and displayed (determined display) until the fixed display time for the special pattern has elapsed.

In this way, the special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 and the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c displayed on the performance display unit 41 correspond to each other in terms of display content, and when the special pattern being displayed in a variable manner is displayed as stopped, the three decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are also displayed as stopped. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the performance display unit 41 is located in a more conspicuous position than the first special pattern display unit 51 or the second special pattern display unit 52 (segment display unit 50), has a large display screen, and the display content is easy to understand, so that players usually play while viewing the screen of the performance display unit 41.

Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), if the left decorative pattern 41a, which is displayed first on the display screen of the effect display device 41, and the right decorative pattern 41c, which is displayed next, are displayed in a manner that could result in a "doublet," the player will be watching the decorative pattern change display (pattern change effect) with the expectation that the middle decorative pattern 41b, which is displayed last, will be displayed as a "doublet."

In this way, two decorative symbols (all but one of multiple decorative symbols) are displayed in a stopped state that could result in a "double number," and the final decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner. This is called a "reach effect," and the generation of this reach effect can increase interest in the game. The variable display of decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c can also be considered as "decorative symbol variation."

In addition, a first reserved display area 41d for indicating the reserved number of first special charts and a second reserved display area 41e for indicating the reserved number of second special charts are set at the bottom of the display screen of the performance display device 41. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the first reserved number of first special charts (maximum number is four) is indicated by displaying the same number of "reserved patterns (small circular patterns in the figure)" as the reserved number of first special charts in the first reserved display area 41d, and the second reserved number of second special charts (maximum number is four) is indicated by displaying the same number of "reserved patterns" as the reserved number of second special charts (maximum number is four) in the second reserved display area 41e. In the example shown in FIG. 6, it is shown that the reserved number of first special charts is four and the reserved number of second special charts is also four. Of course, the reserved number indicated by the reserved patterns displayed on the display screen of the performance display device 41 coincides with the reserved number indicated in the first special chart reserved display area 53 and the second special chart reserved display area 54 of the segment display unit 50.

<Main game progression>
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the game progresses mainly in the following manner. Figures 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing the progress of the main game in this embodiment. In particular, Figure 7 shows the progress of the main game in the non-electric support state, and Figure 8 shows the progress of the main game in the electric support state.

During the non-electric support state, the second starting hole 25 is rarely open. Therefore, even if a "right hit" is performed, the game ball rarely enters the second starting hole 25. Therefore, during the non-electric support state, as shown in FIG. 7, a game aiming for the ball to enter the first starting hole 24 is performed by "left hit" (a game in which the variable display of the first special chart is performed exclusively, also referred to as "game mainly based on the first special chart" in this specification). When the game ball enters the first starting hole 24 by left hit (ev.1), a "jackpot determination for the first special chart" is performed and the variable display of the first special chart is performed (ev.2). In the "jackpot determination for the first special chart", a "jackpot" is determined with a probability of about 1 in 300, so in most cases, the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a missing pattern. While the first special chart is repeatedly changed in this way, if the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" determines that a jackpot has occurred, the first special chart will be displayed as a jackpot pattern (ev. 3), and a jackpot of one type will be obtained (ev. 4).

Then, when this single type is over, as described above with reference to FIG. 5(a), there is a probability of about 50% that a non-electric support state is set (ev.5), and there is a probability of about 50% that a 100-cycle electric support state is set (ev.6). Of these, when a non-electric support state is set (ev.5), the frequency with which the second starting hole 25 is open remains low, so the above-mentioned game involving left-handed hitting (game mainly based on the first special chart shown in FIG. 7) is repeated.

In addition, in the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart (or the jackpot judgment during the non-electric support state)", a "small jackpot" is judged with a probability of about 1 in 60. If the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart (or the jackpot judgment during the non-electric support state)" judges a "small jackpot", the first special chart is displayed as a small jackpot pattern (or the small jackpot pattern is displayed as a small jackpot pattern during the non-electric support state) (ev. 7), and a small jackpot game is played (ev. 8). However, in the "small jackpot game played when the first special chart is displayed as a small jackpot pattern (or the small jackpot pattern is displayed as a small jackpot pattern during the non-electric support state)", the small prize hole 35 is only open for an extremely short time (0.2 seconds). In addition, the small prize hole 35 is provided in an area where a game ball hit from the right can enter (an area where a game ball hit from the left cannot enter). For this reason, in the "small win game that is played when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state)," it is almost impossible for the game ball to enter the small winning hole 35. Therefore, even if the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state), in most cases a double win will not occur.

On the other hand, when the electric support state is set (ev.6), the game proceeds as follows. That is, during the electric support state, the second starting hole 25 is frequently open, and it is easy to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 25. Therefore, during the electric support state, as shown in FIG. 8, a game is played in which the ball is aimed to enter the second starting hole 25 by "hitting to the right" (a game in which the variable display of the second special chart is exclusively performed, also referred to as "a game mainly based on the second special chart" in this specification). Then, when the game ball enters the second starting hole 25 (ev.11), a "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is performed and the variable display of the second special chart is performed (ev.12).

In the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart", as in the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart", a "jackpot" is judged with a probability of about 1 in 300. If a "jackpot" is judged, the second special chart is displayed with a jackpot pattern (ev. 13), and a type 1 win is performed (ev. 14).

When this single type ends, as described above with reference to FIG. 5(b), there is a probability of about 20% when a non-electric support state is set (ev. 15), and there is a probability of about 80% when an electric support state with 100 electric support cycles is set (ev. 16).

In addition, even in the "big hit judgment for the second special chart (or big hit judgment during the electric support state)", there is a probability of about 1 in 60 that it is judged to be a "small hit". If it is judged to be a "small hit", the second special chart is displayed as a small hit symbol (or the small hit symbol is displayed as a small hit symbol during the electric support state) (ev. 17), and the small hit game is played (ev. 18). Then, if the game ball enters the small winning port 35 during the small hit game and the game ball enters the specific port 38 (ev. 19), a double hit is played (ev. 20). On the other hand, even if a small hit game is played, if the game ball does not enter the specific port 38 (ev. 23), a double hit is not played. However, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in the "small win game performed when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a small win symbol (or in the small win game performed when the small win symbol is stopped and displayed during the electric support state)", the small winning hole 35 is open for 5.0 seconds. Therefore, when a small win game is played, if the right hit is performed, the game ball enters the small winning hole 35 and then the specific hole 38 with almost 100% probability. Therefore, when the "small win game performed when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a small win symbol (or in the small win game performed when the small win symbol is stopped and displayed during the electric support state)" is played, the two-type win is performed with almost 100% probability, and further, when the second special symbol is displayed with a variable display (or in the non-electric support state with a variable display), the two-type win is performed (through the small win game) with a probability of about 1 in 60.

When the two-type hit is over (ev.20), as described above with reference to FIG. 5(c), a non-electric support state is set with a probability of about 20% (ev.21), and an electric support state with 100 electric support times is set with a probability of about 80% (ev.22). Of these, when an electric support state with 100 electric support times is set (ev.22), the frequency with which the second starting hole 25 is in an open state remains high, so the above-mentioned right-hitting game (game mainly featuring the second special symbol shown in FIG. 8) will be repeated. In contrast, when a non-electric support state is set (ev.21), a left-hitting game (game mainly featuring the first special symbol) as described above with reference to FIG. 7 will be played.

When the electric support state is set, if the pattern change play is performed the number of times (100 times) for which electric support has been performed without a jackpot play being performed after that (when the number of times for electric support becomes 0), the non-electric support state will be set instead of the electric support state. In this case, the game of hitting the left hand as described above (the game mainly based on the first special symbol shown in Figure 7) will be performed.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a "jackpot determination for the second special chart (variable display of the second special chart)" is performed during the electric support state, the player can be made to feel as if a jackpot game is being played not only when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern, but also when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a small jackpot pattern (or when a small jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state). In other words, in the electric support state, the player can be made to feel as if a jackpot game is being played with a probability of about 1 in 50, which is the sum of the probability of a jackpot pattern being stopped and displayed in the variable display of the second special chart, which is about 1 in 300, and the probability of a small jackpot pattern being stopped and displayed, which is about 1 in 60.

C. Game control processing:
9 is a flow chart showing a game control process for controlling the progress of a game. The game control process is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 at a predetermined cycle (for example, based on a timer interrupt that occurs every 4 msec). The game control process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flow chart. In the following description, well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 201, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process will be omitted.

<Output processing>
As shown in Fig. 9, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the game control process, it first performs the output process (S100). In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in various processes described later, various commands to be sent to various control boards including the sub-control board 220 are stored in an output buffer secured in the RAM 203. In the output process (S100), the various commands stored in the output buffer in this way are sent to the various control boards. By doing so, for example, the sub-control board 220 controls the presentation in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 controls the drive of the payout motor 243 (payout of game balls).

<Input processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs input processing (S200). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters any of the first start hole 24, the second start hole 25, the other ball entry hole 30, the large prize entry hole 28, and the small prize entry hole 35, the game ball is paid out. Therefore, in the input processing (S200), it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the sensors (the first start hole sensor 24s, the second start hole sensor 25s, the large prize entry hole sensor 28s, the small prize entry hole sensor 35s, etc.) that detect these ball entries. As a result, if a game ball is detected, a payout command indicating the number of game balls to be paid out is stored in the output buffer described above. The payout command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the payout control board 240 in the next output processing (S100).

<Random number update process>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a random number update process (S300). As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a jackpot determination and a normal hit determination are made based on a predetermined determination random number. In more detail, a jackpot determination is made based on a "jackpot determination random number", and a normal hit determination is made based on a "normal hit determination random number". In addition, the variable display of the special symbol in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment is made based on a variable pattern described later, and this variable pattern is selected based on a "variation pattern selection random number".

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if the jackpot determination result is "jackpot", one of the multiple types of jackpot patterns is displayed as a stopped pattern, and if the jackpot determination result is "small jackpot", one of the multiple types of small jackpot patterns is displayed as a stopped pattern, and the type of pattern is selected based on the "pattern selection random number". In the random number update process (S300), these random numbers are updated. Note that these random numbers may be updated not only in the random number update process (S300), but also in the period from the end of the game control process to the start of the next game control process (next timer interrupt). Also, a dedicated circuit for random number update may be provided, and the random numbers may be updated by this dedicated circuit.

<Start port and other sensor detection processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a start hole etc. sensor detection process (S400). In this start hole etc. sensor detection process (S400), first, based on the detection result of the gate sensors 71s, 72s, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 71, 72. As a result, if the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gates 71, 72, it is determined whether the game is during a normal symbol win game, during a normal symbol variable display, or during a normal symbol fixed display. As a result, if the game is not during a normal symbol win game, during a normal symbol variable display, or during a normal symbol fixed display, a normal symbol win determination random number is obtained and the normal symbol win determination random number is stored.

After processing the gate sensors 71s and 72s in this manner, it is then determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first starting hole 24 based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 24s. If the result is that the gaming ball has entered the first starting hole 24, it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbols reserved has reached the upper limit of four. If the number of first special symbols reserved has not reached four, a jackpot determination random number, a variation pattern selection random number, and a design selection random number are obtained, and these random numbers are stored as first special symbols reserved. The first special symbols reserved (acquired information) are stored in a first special symbols reserved memory area (acquired information storage means) secured in RAM 203 so that the order of storage can be identified.

Here, the first special chart change display (pattern change game) is performed based on the jackpot determination random number, the change pattern selection random number, and the pattern selection random number acquired as the first special chart reservation. In addition, the performance (pattern change performance) performed in accordance with the first special chart change display is also performed based on the jackpot determination random number, the change pattern selection random number, and the pattern selection random number acquired as the first special chart reservation. Therefore, when the first special chart reservation is stored, even if the change display based on the first special chart reservation has not yet started (even if the change start condition has not been established), it is possible to determine the state of the change display and performance (pattern change game and pattern change performance based on the first special chart reservation) based on the first special chart reservation. For example, even before the change display based on the first special chart reservation is performed, it is possible to determine the result of the jackpot determination for the first special chart reservation (jackpot, small win, miss), the type of jackpot game to be started if the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot", whether or not a reach performance will be performed (whether or not the acquired information is predetermined information), etc. This type of determination is called a pre-determination, and in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the first special chart reservation is stored, a pre-determination is made for the first special chart reservation, and the result of the pre-determination is stored in association with the first special chart reservation.

In this way, once the first special chart reservation is stored and the preliminary judgment result for the first special chart reservation is stored, a preliminary judgment result command indicating this preliminary judgment result is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. The preliminary judgment result command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In this way, the sub-control board 220 is able to execute various effects based on the preliminary judgment result of the first special chart reservation. Note that if the game ball has not entered the first starting hole 24 or if the number of first special chart reservations has already reached four, no new first special chart reservations are stored and no preliminary judgment is made.

After the process for storing the first special symbol reservation has been performed in this manner, it is next judged whether or not the game ball has entered the second start hole 25 based on the detection result of the second start hole sensor 25s. As a result, if the game ball has entered the second start hole 25, it is judged whether or not the number of second special symbols reserved has reached the upper limit of four. Then, if the number of second special symbols reserved has not reached four, a jackpot determination random number, a variation pattern selection random number, and a design selection random number are obtained, and these random numbers are stored as second special symbol reservations. The second special symbol reservations are stored in a second special symbol reservation memory area secured in RAM 203 so that the order of storage can be identified. Once the second special symbol reservations have been stored in this manner, a pre-determination similar to that described above is also performed on the second special symbol reservations.

In this way, once the second special chart reservation is stored and the pre-determination result for the second special chart reservation is stored, a pre-determination result command indicating this pre-determination result is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. The pre-determination result command stored in the output buffer in this way is also sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). This makes it possible for the sub-control board 220 to execute various effects based on the pre-determination result for the second special chart reservation. Note that if the game ball has not entered the second starting hole 25 or if the number of second special chart reservations has already reached four, no new second special chart reservations are stored and no pre-determination is performed.

<Normal operation process>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a normal operation process (S500). In this normal operation process (S500), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs processes such as displaying the normal symbols in a variable manner and executing a normal winning game. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not a normal winning judgment random number has been stored in the above-mentioned start port sensor detection process (S400). As a result, if a normal winning judgment random number has been stored, the stored normal winning judgment random number is read out and a normal winning judgment is performed based on the normal winning judgment random number.

After the normal winning judgment is performed, it is judged whether the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning. If the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal winning, the normal winning pattern (stop pattern) to be displayed in the normal pattern change display is determined, and the determined normal winning pattern is stored. In other words, if the normal winning pattern 1100 is determined as the stop pattern, the LED to the left of the normal pattern display unit 56 (see FIG. 4) is stored as the result of the normal pattern change display. On the other hand, if the normal winning pattern 1101 is determined as the stop pattern, the LED to the right of the normal pattern display unit 56 (see FIG. 4) is stored as the result of the normal pattern change display. On the other hand, if the result of the normal winning judgment is a normal missing, the normal missing pattern 1102 is stored as the pattern (stop pattern) to be displayed in the normal pattern change display. In other words, it is memorized that the two LEDs on the left and right of the normal pattern display section 56 (see Figure 4) will be lit as a result of the current normal pattern change display.

Once the pattern (stop pattern) to be displayed in the normal pattern change display this time is stored, the normal pattern change time is set. In more detail, if in a non-electric support state, set it to 1000 ms, 2000 ms, or 3000 ms, and if in an electric support state, set it to 1000 ms, 1252 ms, or 1500 ms. Once the normal pattern change time is set, the normal pattern change display begins. Then, the normal pattern hit judgment random number that was the subject of this normal pattern hit judgment is erased from the memory area.

The above describes the processing when the normal pattern is not being played, the normal pattern is not being changed, or the normal pattern is not being confirmed. On the other hand, when the normal pattern is being changed, it is determined whether the change time of the normal pattern has elapsed. As a result, when it is determined that the change time has elapsed, the normal pattern being changed is displayed in a pre-stored manner. That is, when the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is a normal pattern hit and the normal pattern hit 1100 is to be displayed, the left LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on (the normal pattern hit 1100 is displayed), and when the normal pattern hit 1101 is to be displayed, the right LED of the normal pattern display unit 56 is turned on (the normal pattern hit 1101 is displayed). On the other hand, when the result of the normal pattern hit judgment is a miss, the left and right (two) LEDs of the normal pattern display unit 56 are turned on (the normal pattern miss 1102 is displayed). Once the normal pattern is displayed in this way, the confirmation display of the normal pattern will begin, so set the confirmation display time of the normal pattern.

In contrast, if a normal symbol is being displayed as confirmed, it is determined whether the confirmation display time has elapsed. If the confirmation display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the normal symbol that has been stopped (confirmed) this time is a normal winning symbol (the LED to the left of the normal symbol display unit 56 is lit). If the normal symbol that has been stopped is a normal winning symbol, the opening pattern (number of times it is opened, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the second start hole 25 for normal winning play is set.

In more detail, if the machine is in a non-electric support state, the opening pattern is set so that the second starting hole 25 is open only once for 16 ms. On the other hand, if the machine is in an electric support state, the opening pattern is set so that the second starting hole 25 is open only twice for 840 ms. Once the opening pattern is set in this way, the normal winning game will start.

When normal winning game is being played, the second starting port solenoid 26m is controlled to operate the opening and closing door 26 so that the second starting port 25 is in the open/closed state according to the above-mentioned opening pattern. Then, when the control according to this opening pattern is completed, the normal winning game ends. When the normal winning game ends, a normal winning game end command indicating the end of the normal winning game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The normal winning game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is also sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

<Special Action Processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs a special operation process (S600). In this special operation process (S600), the CPU 201 performs processes such as displaying the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) in a variable manner, executing a big win game, and executing a small win game. That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether the game is a big win game, a small win game, a variable display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), or a fixed display of the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol).

If the result is not any of these, it is determined whether or not a second special chart reservation is stored in the second special chart reservation memory area. If the result is that a second special chart reservation is stored in the second special chart reservation memory area, the second special chart reservation (jackpot determination random number, variable pattern selection random number, design selection random number) that was stored first among the stored second special chart reservations is read out. Then, a jackpot determination (jackpot determination for the second special chart) is made based on the jackpot determination random number contained in the read second special chart reservation. In the "jackpot determination for the second special chart", it is determined whether it is a "jackpot", "small hit", or "miss".

On the other hand, if the second special chart reservation is not stored, then it is determined whether or not the first special chart reservation is stored in the first special chart reservation memory area. As a result, if the first special chart reservation is stored in the first special chart reservation memory area, the first special chart reservation (jackpot determination random number, design selection random number, variation pattern selection random number) that was stored first among the stored first special chart reservations is read out. Then, a jackpot determination (jackpot determination for the first special chart) is made based on the jackpot determination random number contained in the read first special chart reservation. The "jackpot determination for the first special chart" also determines whether it is a "jackpot", "small hit", or "miss".

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the jackpot determination random number is a random number that is updated in the range of 0 to 65535 (a random number that can take 65536 values), and if the jackpot determination random number obtained as the first special chart reservation or the second special chart reservation is any of the values corresponding to a "jackpot", it is determined to be a "jackpot". By appropriately setting such a value corresponding to a "jackpot", the probability of determining a "jackpot" in both the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" and the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is set to approximately 1 in 300.

In addition, if the jackpot determination random number obtained as the first special chart reserved or the second special chart reserved is one of the values corresponding to a "small hit", it is determined to be a "small hit". By appropriately setting the value corresponding to such a "small hit", the probability of being determined to be a "small hit" in both the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" and the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is set to approximately 1 in 60.

If the result of the jackpot determination is "jackpot," the type of jackpot pattern to be displayed in the variable display of the current special pattern (variable pattern game) is selected based on the pattern selection random number included in the currently read first special pattern reservation or second special pattern reservation. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, jackpot patterns 101 to 300 can be displayed as the first special pattern, and jackpot patterns 501 to 700 can be displayed as the second special pattern. Therefore, when the first special pattern reservation is read, the jackpot pattern corresponding to the pattern selection random number read as the first special pattern reservation is selected as the pattern to be displayed in the variable display. In addition, when the second special reserved symbol is read, the jackpot symbol selection table in which symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the jackpot symbols 501 to 700 is referenced, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read as the second special reserved symbol is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. The jackpot symbol selection table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

Also, if the result of the big win judgment is a "small win," the type of small win pattern to be displayed in the variable display of the current special pattern (variable pattern game) is selected based on the pattern selection random number contained in the currently read first special pattern reservation or second special pattern reservation. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, small win patterns 301-400 can be displayed as the first special pattern, and small win patterns 701-800 can be displayed as the second special pattern. Therefore, when the first special pattern reservation is read, the small win pattern corresponding to the pattern selection random number read as the first special pattern reservation is selected as the pattern to be displayed in the variable display. In addition, when the second special symbol reservation is read, the small win symbol selection table in which symbol selection random numbers are assigned to the small win symbols 701 to 800 is referenced, and the small win symbol corresponding to the symbol selection random number read as the second special symbol reservation is selected as the symbol to be stopped and displayed. The small win symbol selection table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot determination is "miss," and the currently read special reserved symbol is the first special reserved symbol, then the miss symbol 401 is selected as the symbol to be displayed as a stopped symbol, and if the currently read special reserved symbol is the second special reserved symbol, then the miss symbol 801 is selected as the symbol to be displayed as a stopped symbol. The jackpot symbol, small win symbol, and miss symbol selected as the symbol to be displayed as a stopped symbol are stored in the stop symbol memory area secured in RAM 203.

After selecting the symbol to be displayed in this way, the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display (symbol variation game) is selected. The variation pattern is the time (variation time) from when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) starts to vary to when it is displayed in a stopped state, and each variation pattern is assigned information (variation pattern ID) to distinguish it from other variation patterns. The variation pattern selection table is referenced in the process of selecting the variation pattern. The variation pattern selection table is a table in which variation pattern selection random numbers are assigned to multiple variation patterns (variation pattern ID, variation time) as shown in FIG. 10. In the process of selecting the variation pattern, such a variation pattern selection table is referenced and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern selection random number read out this time as the first special symbol reserved or the second special symbol reserved is determined as the current variation pattern. Therefore, the probability that each variation pattern is selected is determined by the proportion of random numbers assigned to each variation pattern among the obtainable variation pattern selection random numbers.

The variation pattern selected in this manner is sent to the sub-control board 220 as a variation pattern designation command, which will be described later. When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command, it recognizes the variation pattern of the current symbol variation game based on the variation pattern designation command, and executes a symbol variation presentation with a presentation pattern based on (corresponding to) the recognized variation pattern.

In the process of selecting the above-mentioned variation pattern, the same variation pattern selection table is not always referenced, but a variation pattern selection table corresponding to various game progress situations is referenced. In detail, as shown in FIG. 11, a variation pattern selection table corresponding to the type of special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol), the currently set game state, the result of the jackpot determination, the number of stored first special symbol reserves and second special symbol reserves, etc. is referenced. In addition, although not shown, a variation pattern selection table corresponding to the type of 1 type or 2 types (the type of 1 type or 2 types described above with reference to FIG. 5) that is started this time is also referenced. In this way, it becomes possible to select a variation pattern corresponding to various game progress situations, and ultimately the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can execute a pattern variation presentation with a presentation pattern corresponding to various game progress situations.

For example, if the result of the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" or the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is "jackpot," the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executes a pattern change effect in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as "double numbers" after the reach effect. Also, if the result of the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is "small hit," the CPU 221 executes a pattern change effect in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are displayed as "double numbers" after the reach effect.

In addition, if the result of the "jackpot determination for the first special chart" or the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is "miss", a pattern change effect is executed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a "scattered pattern" without a reach effect, or after the reach effect. In addition, if the result of the "jackpot determination for the second special chart" is "small hit", a pattern change effect is executed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed in a "scattered pattern" without a reach effect, or after the reach effect. Each change pattern selection table is pre-stored in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

In this way, the symbol to be displayed in a stopped state in the current special symbol variable display is selected, and the variable pattern of the current special symbol variable display is selected, and then the special symbol variable display is started. Then, a variable pattern designation command indicating the currently selected variable pattern is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. The variable pattern designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). In addition, the first special symbol reserve or second special symbol reserve that was the subject of the current jackpot determination is erased from the first special symbol reserve memory area or second special symbol reserve memory area.

The above describes the processing when the game is not a big win game, a small win game, a special symbol (first or second special symbol) during a variable display, or a fixed special symbol display. In contrast, when the special symbol is during a variable display, it is determined whether the variable time of the variable special symbol has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the variable time has elapsed, the variable special symbol is displayed as a fixed special symbol stored in the fixed symbol storage area (fixed display is started). When the special symbol is displayed as a fixed special symbol, the fixed special symbol display time is set. Then, a variable stop command indicating that the special symbol has been displayed as a fixed special symbol is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The variable stop command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

If the special symbol is currently being displayed, it is determined whether the display time has elapsed. If the display time has elapsed, it is determined whether the special symbol that has been stopped (displayed) this time is a big win symbol, a small win symbol, or a miss symbol.

As a result, if the special symbol displayed as a stop symbol is a miss symbol, it is also determined whether or not the electric support state is set. Then, if the special symbol is displayed as a miss symbol during the electric support state, the number of electric support times is subtracted by one. As a result, if the number of electric support times becomes 0, the electric support state is replaced by a non-electric support state. When a new non-electric support state is set in this way, a game state designation command indicating the newly set game state (here, the non-electric support state) is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. Then, the game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

On the other hand, even if the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a small win symbol, first it is determined whether or not the electric support state is set, and if the electric support state is set, the number of electric support times is decremented by one. If the number of electric support times becomes 0 as a result, a non-electric support state is set instead of the electric support state. When a new non-electric support state is set in this way, a game state designation command indicating the newly set game state (here, the non-electric support state) is stored in the output buffer of RAM 203. Then, the game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

In addition, in response to the small win symbol being stopped and displayed, the opening pattern (number of times it is opened, the opening time, the closing time, etc.) of the small win hole 35 in the small win game is set. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in the small win game that is performed when the first special symbol is stopped and displayed as a small win symbol (or when the small win symbol is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state), the small win hole 35 is only open for 0.2 seconds, so such an opening pattern of the small win hole 35 is set.

In contrast, in a "small win game that is performed when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or a small win game that is performed when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state)", the small win opening 35 is in an open state for 5.0 seconds, so such an opening pattern of the small win opening 35 is set.

Once the opening pattern of the small winning opening 35 has been set in this manner, the small winning game begins. Then, a small winning game start command indicating the start of the small winning game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The small winning game start command stored in the output buffer is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

In addition, if the special symbol that is stopped is a jackpot symbol, the opening pattern (number of times to open, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the large prize opening 28 in one type is set. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of rounds during one type varies depending on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped. Therefore, the opening pattern of the large prize opening 28 is set in accordance with the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped. After the opening pattern of the large prize opening 28 is set in this way, the one type is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating the start of the one type is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the type of one type that is started this time (see FIG. 5). The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The above describes the processing when the special pattern is being confirmed and displayed. In contrast, when a small win is being played, the small win port solenoid 35m is controlled to operate the opening/closing door 36 so that the small win port 35 is opened or closed in the above-mentioned opening pattern (opening pattern that leaves the port open for 0.2 seconds or 5.0 seconds). Then, when the control of the small win port solenoid 35m (operation of the opening/closing door 36) according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is completed, a small win game end command indicating the end of the small win game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The small win game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

Then, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the small winning port 35 during the current small winning game. As a result, if a game ball has entered the small winning port 35 during the current small winning game, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the specific port 38. As a result, if the game ball has entered the specific port 38, the opening pattern (number of openings, opening time, closing time, etc.) of the large winning port 28 in the two-type winning is set to start the two-type winning. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of rounds during the two-type winning differs depending on the type of the small winning pattern stopped and displayed. Therefore, the opening pattern of the large winning port 28 is set in accordance with the type of the small winning pattern stopped and displayed. After the opening pattern of the large winning port 28 is set in this way, the two-type winning is started. Then, a big winning game start command indicating the start of the two-type winning is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. This jackpot game start command also includes information indicating the type of double win that will start this time (see Figure 5). The jackpot game start command stored in the output buffer is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

The above describes the processing when a small win is being played. In contrast, when a big win is being played (when a single type win or a double type win is being played), the large win opening solenoid 29m is controlled to operate the opening/closing door 29 so that the large win opening 28 is opened or closed in the opening pattern described above. Then, when a round play starts, a round play start command indicating the start of the round play is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203, and when the round play ends, a round play end command indicating the end of the round play is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The round play start command and round play end command stored in the output buffer in this way are sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

When the control of the big prize opening solenoid 29m (operation of the opening/closing door 29) according to the above-mentioned opening pattern is completed, the big prize game ends. Then, a big prize game end command indicating the end of the big prize game is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The big prize game end command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100). When the big prize game ends, the game state is set to a non-electric support state or an electric support state (electric support state with 100 electric support times) depending on the type of the big prize game (see FIG. 5). Even when the game state is set in this way, a game state designation command indicating the set game state is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The game state designation command stored in the output buffer in this way is sent to the sub-control board 220 in the next output process (S100).

<Pending number processing>
The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 then performs reserved number processing (S700). In this reserved number processing (S700), the number of reserved first special charts stored in the first special chart reserved memory area and the number of reserved second special charts stored in the second special chart reserved memory area are read out, and a reserved number transmission command indicating these numbers is stored in the output buffer of the RAM 203. The reserved number transmission command thus stored in the output buffer is also transmitted to the sub-control board 220 in the next output processing (S100). In this way, the sub-control board 220 can execute various performances based on these numbers, such as displaying reserved patterns corresponding to the number of reserved first special charts and the number of reserved second special charts on the performance display device 41.

The "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the special pattern change, which is the display of the special pattern change, can be regarded as a "special pattern change means", the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the big win game can be regarded as a "big win game execution means", and the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that can set the non-electric support state and the electric support state can be regarded as a "game state setting means". Also, the "CPU 201 of the main control board 200" that executes the small win game can be regarded as a "small win game execution means", the small winning hole 35 can be regarded as a "variable ball entry hole", and the specific hole 38 can be regarded as a "specific area".

D. Performance control processing:
12 is a flowchart showing the performance control process for controlling the performance. The performance control process is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 at a predetermined cycle (for example, based on a timer interrupt that occurs every 10 msec). The performance control process performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 will be described below according to the flowchart. Note that in the following description, well-known processes such as the initialization process of the CPU 221, the interrupt prohibition process, and the interrupt permission process will not be described.

When the performance control process starts, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 first performs a command analysis process (S800). Here, every time the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a command from the main control board 200, it stores the received command in a received command storage area of the RAM 223 as an external interrupt process. In the command analysis process (S800), it determines the performance that corresponds to the command stored in this received command storage area, i.e., the command received from the main control board 200, and stores the command to be sent to the image/audio control board 230, lamp control board 226, etc. to perform this performance in an output buffer secured in the RAM 223.

The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 then performs output processing (S900). In this processing, the command stored in the output buffer of the RAM 223 is sent to the image/audio control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. When a command is received from the sub-control board 220, the image/audio control board 230 displays an image corresponding to the received command on the performance display device 41, and outputs sound corresponding to the received command from the various speakers 6a, 6b, etc. In addition, the lamp control board 226 causes the various lamps 5a to 5c, etc. to emit light in a light emission pattern corresponding to the received command.

As described above, the sub-control board 220 cooperates with the image/sound control board 230, the lamp control board 226, etc. to execute various effects, but for ease of explanation in this specification, the execution of such various effects will also be expressed simply as "the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executing various effects."

Figure 13 shows the processing (various effects, etc.) performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in response to a command received from the main control board 200. As shown in Figure 13, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a pre-determination result command, it performs a pre-determination, which is a performance based on the pre-determination result. For example, an image of a character or the like corresponding to the pre-determination result may be displayed on the performance display device 41, or the reserved pattern displayed in the first reserved display area 41d and the second reserved display area 41e of the performance display device 41 may be changed to a mode corresponding to the pre-determination result. Note that the pre-determination performance does not need to be performed all the time when a pre-determination result command is received, and may be performed when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a predetermined execution lottery is won).

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the reserved number transmission command, it displays the same number of reserved symbols as the first special symbol reserved number and the second special symbol reserved number indicated by this command in the first reserved display area 41d and the second reserved display area 41e of the performance display device 41. It is not necessary to display both the first special symbol reserved number and the second special symbol reserved number at all times. For example, in a non-electric support state where left-handed play is performed, i.e., a state where a game is mainly played with the first special symbol, the first special symbol reserved number may be displayed, and in a non-electric support state where right-handed play is performed, i.e., a state where a game is mainly played with the second special symbol, the second special symbol reserved number may be displayed.

In addition, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a variation pattern designation command, it starts a pattern variation presentation (including the variation display of decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c) corresponding to the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern designation command in accordance with the variation display of the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern).

That is, when a variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) is received when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart" or the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart" is "jackpot" (when the first special chart or the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a jackpot pattern), a pattern variation performance in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "double numbers" is started after the reach performance. Also, when a variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) is received when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart (or jackpot judgment during the electric support state)" is "small hit" (when the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a small hit pattern, or when a small hit pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state), a pattern variation performance in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "double numbers" is started after the reach performance.

In addition, when a variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) is received that is selected when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart" or the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart" is "miss" (when the first special chart or the second special chart is stopped and displayed as a miss pattern), a pattern variation performance is started in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "barakeme" without a reach performance or after a reach performance. In addition, when a variation pattern (variation pattern designation command) is received that is selected when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart (or jackpot judgment during non-electric support state)" is "small hit" (when the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small hit pattern, or when a small hit pattern is stopped and displayed during non-electric support state), a pattern variation performance is started in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as "barakeme" without a reach performance or after a reach performance.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a small win game start command during the electric support state, it starts a small win game presentation indicating that a small win game is in progress. Then, when it receives a small win game end command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 ends the small win game presentation. When it receives a specific ball entry command during a small win game, it executes a specific ball entry presentation indicating that the game ball has entered the specific ball entry 38 (indicating that it has been confirmed that a two-type win will start). The specific ball entry command is a command transmitted from the main control board 200 when a game ball that has entered during a small win game enters the specific ball entry 38, in other words, when a two-type win is being performed. As a specific ball entry presentation, for example, a presentation is executed to display a letter image of "V".

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a jackpot play start command, it starts a jackpot play presentation indicating that a jackpot play is in progress. For example, when a jackpot play starts, it executes a fanfare presentation indicating the start of the jackpot play and starts displaying a video (a so-called movie) indicating that a jackpot play is in progress. It also executes a presentation indicating the number of rounds of the started jackpot play and a presentation indicating the game state (non-electric support state or electric support state) that will be set after the started jackpot play ends. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as such a jackpot play presentation, multiple jackpot play presentations with different aspects (for example, videos to be displayed, etc.) can be executed, and which jackpot play presentation is executed is determined according to a predetermined lottery result and the type of jackpot play.

When a round play start command is received during a jackpot game, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 starts a round play presentation (e.g., superimposed on the jackpot game presentation) to indicate that a round play is in progress. For example, a presentation showing the number of round plays in the jackpot game being played (e.g., a presentation showing 1R, 2R, 3R, etc.) is started. Then, when a round play end command is received, the round play presentation ends, and when a jackpot game end command is received, the jackpot game presentation ends.

When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives a game state designation command, it starts a presentation that corresponds to the set game state. For example, it executes a presentation in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c and their background images are changed to a form (such as color or shape) that corresponds to the game state, or, if an electric support state is set, starts a presentation that displays the remaining number of electric support times.

E. Reach Production:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as the reach performance described above with reference to Fig. 6 (b), four types of reach performances A to D can be executed. Since the symbol change performance is performed in response to a change pattern, these reach performances performed as part of the symbol change performance are also performed when the corresponding change pattern is selected.

In more detail, when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart" or the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart" is "jackpot", a pattern change effect corresponding to each reach performance is selected, and after the reach performance corresponding to this pattern is performed, a pattern change effect is performed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c stop and display as "double numbers". Also, when the result of the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart (or jackpot judgment during the electric support state)" is "small hit", a pattern change effect corresponding to each reach performance is selected, and after the reach performance corresponding to this pattern is performed, a pattern change effect is performed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c stop and display as "double numbers".

In addition, if the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart" or the "jackpot judgment for the second special chart" is "miss", a pattern change corresponding to each reach performance is selected, and after the reach performance corresponding to this pattern is performed, a pattern change performance is performed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c stop and display with "barakeme".In addition, if the result of the "jackpot judgment for the first special chart (or jackpot judgment during non-electric support state)" is "small hit", a pattern change performance corresponding to each reach performance is selected, and after the reach performance corresponding to this pattern is performed, a pattern change performance is performed in which the decorative patterns 41a, 41b, and 41c stop and display with "barakeme".

Reach effects A to D are effects that suggest the possibility of the first or second special chart stopping to display a jackpot pattern (possibility of a single type hit) or the possibility of the second special chart stopping to display a small hit pattern (or the possibility of a small hit pattern stopping to display during the electric support state) (possibility of a double type hit), in other words, the possibility of a jackpot game being played (also referred to as the "jackpot expectation" in this specification). The "jackpot expectation" suggested by these reach effects is lowest when reach effect A is performed, and increases as reach effect B is performed → reach effect C is performed → reach effect D is performed. This makes the player expect a reach effect that is higher than the "jackpot expectation" to be performed.

Figure 14 shows the "jackpot expectation rate" of reach performances A to D. As shown in Figure 14, the "jackpot expectation rate" is 10% when reach performance A is performed (there is a 10% probability that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a double number), 30% when reach performance B is performed (there is a 30% probability that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a double number), 40% when reach performance C is performed (there is a 40% probability that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a double number), and 50% when reach performance D is performed (there is a 50% probability that the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, and 41c are stopped and displayed as a double number).

This "expected chance of winning" is achieved by appropriately setting the execution probability of reach effects A to D (the probability that a fluctuation pattern corresponding to reach effects A to D will be selected). In detail, the execution probability of reach effects A to D (the probability that a fluctuation pattern corresponding to reach effects A to D will be selected) is achieved by appropriately setting the proportion of the fluctuation pattern selection random numbers assigned to each fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation pattern selection table described above with reference to Figure 10.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when "the first or second special symbol is displayed as a big win symbol" or "the second special symbol is displayed as a small win symbol (or there is a possibility that a small win symbol will be displayed during the electric support state)", in other words, when a one-type or two-type game is being played (when the decorative symbols 41a, 41b, 41c are displayed as a double number), the "execution probability of reach performance A" is set to be the lowest, and then to be set to be higher in the order of "execution probability of reach performance B" → "execution probability of reach performance C" → "execution probability of reach performance D".

On the other hand, when "the first or second special chart is stopped and displayed as a miss pattern" or "the first special chart is stopped and displayed as a small win pattern (or there is a possibility that a small win pattern will be stopped and displayed during a non-electric support state)", in other words, when a big win game is not being played (when decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c are stopped and displayed as scattered patterns), the "execution probability of reach performance A" is set to be the highest, and then it becomes lower as "execution probability of reach performance B" → "execution probability of reach performance C" → "execution probability of reach performance D".

As a result, the suggested "big win expectation" is lowest when reach performance A is performed, and increases as reach performance B is performed → reach performance C is performed → reach performance D is performed. As a result, the player is made to expect the performance of a reach performance with a higher "big win expectation" to be performed.

In addition, "Reach effects A to D," which indicate the possibility that the special symbol will stop and be displayed as a jackpot symbol (the likelihood of a jackpot), can also be considered "jackpot suggestion effects."

F. Electric support state when the ceiling is reached:
Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as described above using Figure 5, the electric support state is set after the completion of "one type of 6R electric support,""one type of 10R electric support,""two types of 6R electric support," and "two types of 10R electric support." In addition to this, the electric support state is also set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times."

F-1. Number of times stuck, number of times ceiling:
In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as the changing display of the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern), it is possible to execute a "changing display in which a big win pattern is stopped and displayed" (also referred to in this specification as a "big win change"), a "changing display in which a small win pattern is stopped and displayed" (also referred to in this specification as a "small win change"), and a "changing display in which a losing pattern is stopped and displayed" (also referred to in this specification as a "losing change").

In this embodiment, the "number of times of getting stuck" is the number of times a "miss variation" is performed in a non-electric support state. In other words, this "number of times of getting stuck" is incremented each time a "miss variation" is performed during a non-electric support state, but is not incremented even if a "small hit variation (small hit game)" is performed. Also, this "number of times of getting stuck" is reset to the initial value (0 times) when a one-type hit or two-type hit is performed. However, this "number of times of getting stuck" is not reset to the initial value (0 times) just by performing a "small hit variation (small hit game)" that can be the trigger for a two-type hit, and is reset to the initial value (0 times) if a two-type hit is performed after that.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the number of times the player has been stuck reaches the ceiling number, the non-electric support state is replaced with the electric support state. This allows the player to feel a sense of surprise, which can increase interest in the game. As will be described in more detail later, various numbers can be set as the ceiling number.

F-2. Ceiling Reaching Processing:
15 shows a flowchart of the "ceiling reach process". This process is executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as part of the "special operation process (S600 in FIG. 9)" in order to realize the setting of the electric support state described above.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the ceiling reaching process, it first judges whether or not the non-electric support state is being set (S1000). If the non-electric support state is being set (S1000: yes), it then judges whether or not the timing has come when the variable display of the special pattern (first special pattern or second special pattern) has ended (S1002).

As a result, if it is the timing when the special symbol fluctuation display has ended (S1002: yes), it is determined whether the currently ended special symbol fluctuation display is a "miss fluctuation" (S1004). As a result, if the currently ended special symbol fluctuation display is a "miss fluctuation" (S1004: yes), the "number of stuck wins" is incremented "1" (S1006). In this case, the "number of pseudo stuck wins" is also incremented "1" (S1008). In other words, if a "miss fluctuation" occurs during a non-electric support state, both the "number of stuck wins" and the "number of pseudo stuck wins" are incremented "1".

On the other hand, if the currently ended special symbol fluctuation display is a "small hit fluctuation" (S1010: yes), the "number of stuck wins" is not incremented, and the "number of pseudo stuck wins" is incremented "once" (S1008). In other words, if a "miss fluctuation" occurs during a non-electric support state, out of the "number of stuck wins" and the "number of pseudo stuck wins," only the "number of pseudo stuck wins" is incremented "once."

Here, the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" is the total number of times the "miss variation" is performed and the "small hit variation" is performed in the non-electric support state. In other words, as shown in FIG. 16, the "number of times of getting stuck" is added "once" only when a "miss variation" occurs, whereas the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" is added "once" when both a "miss variation" and a "small hit variation" occur. Therefore, the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" is the number of times that the "small hit variation" is performed that is more than the "number of times of getting stuck" (the number of times that the small hit variation is performed plus the number of times that it is performed).

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times a player gets stuck" reaches the "ceiling number", the electric support state is set, but even if the "pseudo number of times a player gets stuck" reaches the "ceiling number", the electric support state is not set. However, since the "pseudo number of times a player gets stuck" is the number obtained by adding the number of times a "small hit variation" is performed to the "number of times a player gets stuck", it can be said that the "pseudo number of times a player gets stuck" is information related to the "number of times a player gets stuck". Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, rather than executing a performance that directly indicates the "number of times a player gets stuck", a performance based on the "pseudo number of times a player gets stuck" is executed to indirectly suggest the "number of times a player gets stuck". This performance will be explained in detail later.

After the process of adding the "number of times of stuck games" and the "number of pseudo stuck games" has been performed as described above (S1006, S1008), it is then determined whether the "number of times of stuck games" has reached the "ceiling number" due to the current "miss fluctuation" (adding one to the number of stuck games) (S1012). As a result, if the "number of times of stuck games" has reached the "ceiling number" (S1012: yes), the electric support state is set (S1014). Then, the "number of times of stuck games" is set (reset) to "0 times" in preparation for the next counting of the "number of stuck games" (S1016), and the "pseudo number of times of stuck games" is set (reset) to "0 times" in preparation for the next counting of the "pseudo number of stuck games" (S1018). Also, when a single or double type bet is made (starts), the "Number of times of getting stuck" is set (reset) to "0 times" in preparation for the next count of the "Number of times of getting stuck," and the "Number of times of pseudo getting stuck" is set (reset) to "0 times" in preparation for the next count of the "Number of times of pseudo getting stuck."

When the "number of stuck games" or "pseudo number of stuck games" is added, a command indicating the "number of stuck games" or "pseudo number of stuck games" after the addition is sent to the sub-control board 220. When the "number of stuck games" or "pseudo number of stuck games" is reset, a command indicating this is sent to the sub-control board 220. When the electric support state is set, a command indicating this is also sent to the sub-control board 220.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "number of times you get stuck" is not added when a "small hit variation" occurs, but is added when a "miss variation" occurs. This allows for innovative gameplay in which the "timing at which the number of times you get stuck reaches the ceiling number" can be diversified (corresponding to the execution rate of the small hit variation and the miss variation), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if a game ball enters the small winning port 35 during the execution of a small winning game, and the game ball enters the specific port 38, a two-kind winning is executed. In other words, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, in addition to a one-kind winning, a two-kind winning is also possible. Therefore, it is possible to realize "the gameplay that allows the execution of two types of big winning games, a one-kind winning and a two-kind winning."

Here, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if it were possible to execute a double hit, the following problem may arise. That is, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of times a player is stuck is not added even when a small hit variation is performed, thereby realizing "the gameplay feature of diversifying the timing at which the number of times a player is stuck reaches the ceiling number (corresponding to the execution rate of small hit variation and miss variation)." However, when a small hit variation is performed, there is a possibility that a double hit will be performed and the number of times a player is stuck will be returned to the initial value (0 times), in which case the "gameplay feature of diversifying the timing at which the number of times a player is stuck reaches the ceiling number (corresponding to the execution rate of small hit variation and miss variation)" will be diluted.

Therefore, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if a "small win variation" occurs during the non-electric support state, the configuration is such that it is difficult to achieve a two-type win. In more detail, the small win game performed based on the "small win variation" during the non-electric support state has the small winning hole 35 open for a shorter period of time than the small win game performed based on the "small win variation" during the electric support state. In more detail, in the "small win game performed when the second special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or the small win game performed when the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the electric support state)", the small winning hole 35 is open for 5.0 seconds, and in the "small win game performed when the first special chart is stopped and displayed with a small win pattern (or the small win pattern is stopped and displayed during the non-electric support state)", the small winning hole 35 is open for only 0.2 seconds.

In this way, during the non-electric support state, it becomes more difficult for the game ball to enter the small winning port 35 during a small win game than during the electric support state, and therefore it becomes more difficult to get a double win (the number of times of a stuck win is less likely to be reset to 0). This makes it possible to prevent the dilution of the "gameplay of diversifying the timing at which the number of times of a stuck win reaches the ceiling number (corresponding to the execution rate of small win fluctuations and miss fluctuations)". In turn, it becomes possible to coexist the "gameplay of being able to play two types of big win games, one type and two types" and the "gameplay of diversifying the timing at which the number of times of a stuck win reaches the ceiling number (corresponding to the execution rate of small win fluctuations and miss fluctuations)", which makes it possible to increase interest in the game.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200, which adds up the "number of times of getting stuck", can also be considered as an "addition means". The "ceiling number of times" can also be considered as a "prescribed number of times". The "small hit fluctuation" and the "miss fluctuation" can also be considered as "non-big hit fluctuation". The occurrence of a "small hit fluctuation" can also be considered as a "first condition", and the occurrence of a "miss fluctuation" can also be considered as a "second condition".

G. Ceiling number of times and electric support number of times:

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times stuck" in the non-electric support state reaches the "ceiling number of times", the electric support state is set, and various values can be used for the "ceiling number of times" and the "electric support number of times" in this case.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the "number of times stuck" after the non-electric support state is set when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, or the "number of times stuck" after the non-electric support state is set when a jackpot game ends, reaches 300 times (first ceiling number), an electric support state of 50 times (first electric support number) is set. Then, thereafter, unless a jackpot game is played, the "number of times stuck" is counted from "1 time" each time the non-electric support state is set, and when the "number of times stuck" reaches 100 times (second ceiling number, which is less than the first ceiling number), an electric support state of 80 times (second electric support number, which is more than the first electric support number) is set.

This configuration allows for innovative gameplay in which the more "stuck times" in the non-electric support state, the shorter the "ceiling number of times" becomes (making it easier to set the electric support state), thereby increasing interest in the game.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, the number of electric support times may not be set based on the "number of times of getting stuck" until the first jackpot game is played after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1. Then, after the first jackpot game is played after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, the count of the "number of times of getting stuck" may be started from "1" each time a non-electric support state is set, unless a new jackpot game is played, and when this "number of times of getting stuck" reaches 100 times, the electric support state may be set to 80 times.

With this configuration, once the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, if a jackpot game is played at least once, the "ceiling number of times" will be set (if the number of times the player is stuck on the machine reaches the ceiling number of times, the electric support state will be set), so it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the player's attention to whether or not a jackpot game has been played at least once after the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1, thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition to the above-mentioned modes, the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" may be set in modes such as "F-1" to "F-3" shown below.

G-1. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 1):
For example, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "ceiling number of times" and the "electric support number of times" may be set to a number that corresponds to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period of time."

In this case, the "predetermined period" may be "the period from when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1 to the present", "the period from when the last jackpot game (the most recent jackpot game) was played to the present", "the period from when a jackpot game ends to when the next jackpot game starts", "the period from when a specific type of jackpot game (such as a single type jackpot game or a jackpot game with an electric support state) ends to when the next specific type of jackpot game is played", etc.

In addition, the "setting frequency of the electric support state" in this case can be the frequency at which some or all of the "electric support state set at the end of a jackpot game" and "electric support state set when the number of times a player gets stuck reaches the ceiling number of times" are set.

To give a specific example, as shown in Figure 19(a), the number of times the "electric support state" is set upon the end of a jackpot game during the "period from when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1 to the present" is counted. In addition, the number of times the jackpot game is executed during the "period from when the power is turned on to the pachinko machine 1 to the present" is also counted. Then, as shown in FIG. 19(b), when a non-electric support state is set instead of an electric support state (when setting the ceiling number of times and the electric support number of times), the above-mentioned "number of times that the 'electric support state' is set upon the end of a jackpot game in the 'period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present' is divided by the above-mentioned "number of times that the 'electric support state' is set upon the end of a jackpot game in the 'period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present'" to calculate the "number of times (0 or more and less than 1) that the 'electric support state' is set upon the end of a jackpot game per jackpot game in the 'period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present'", that is, the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period". In this specification, the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period" calculated in this way is also referred to as the "first setting frequency".

Once the "first setting frequency" is calculated in this way, the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" corresponding to this "first setting frequency" are set. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 20(a), if the "first setting frequency" is "0 or more and less than 0.3", the "ceiling number of times" is set to "40 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "100 times". In other words, when the non-electric support state is set, if the "first setting frequency" is "0 or more and less than 0.3", an electric support state of "electric support number of times 100 times" is set when the "stuck number of times" subsequently reaches "40 times".

Also, as shown in FIG. 20(b), if the "first setting frequency" is "0.3 or more and less than 0.7", the "ceiling number of times" is set to "70 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "70 times". In other words, if the "first setting frequency" is "0.3 or more and less than 0.7" when the non-electric support state is set, the electric support state of "electric support number of times 70 times" is set when the "stuck number of times" subsequently reaches "70 times".

Also, as shown in FIG. 20(c), if the "first setting frequency" is "0.7 or more and less than 1", the "ceiling number of times" is set to "100 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "40 times". In other words, if the "first setting frequency" is "0.4 or more and less than 1" when the non-electric support state is set, the electric support state of "electric support number of times 40 times" is set when the "stuck number of times" subsequently reaches "100 times".

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times of getting stuck" in the non-electric support state reaches the "ceiling number of times", the electric support state is set, but as described above with reference to FIG. 20, the "ceiling number of times" at this time can be set to a number corresponding to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)". In other words, when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches a number (ceiling number of times) corresponding to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)", the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state). Therefore, for players who expect the electric support state to be set sooner (with fewer getting stuck), it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times stuck" reaches the "ceiling number" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, but as described above with reference to FIG. 20, the "electric support number of times" at this time can be set to a number corresponding to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)". In other words, the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state) for a number (electric support number of times) corresponding to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)". Therefore, for players who expect the electric support state to be set with a larger number of electric support times, a novel gameplay can be realized that draws attention to the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)", making it possible to increase interest in the game.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may also be configured as follows. That is, if the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)" is a specified frequency, the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and if the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)" is not a specified frequency, the electric support state may not be set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times".

For example, the "ceiling number of times" is preset to "100 times." Then, when the "number of times of getting stuck" in the non-electric support state reaches "100 times," the "first setting frequency" for the "period from when the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present" is calculated. As a result, if the "first setting frequency" is "less than 0.5," the electric support state is set, and if the "first setting frequency" is "0.5 or more," the electric support state is not set.

In other words, if the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)" is a specified setting frequency (less than 0.5), the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", but if the specified setting frequency is not set (0.5 or more), the electric support state is not set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times". In this way, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the attention of the "setting frequency of the electric support state in a specified period (first setting frequency)" to players who expect the electric support state to be set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

G-2. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 2):
In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "ceiling number of times" and the "electric support number of times" may be set to numbers corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern."

To give a specific example, as shown in FIG. 21(a), when the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 201-230 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, the "ceiling number of hits" is set to "40 hits" and the "electric support number of hits" is set to "100 hits" when the "6R non-electric support type hit" ends. In other words, when the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 201-230 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, the electric support state of "electric support number of hits 100" is set when the "stuck number of hits" reaches "40 hits" afterwards.

Also, as shown in FIG. 21(b), if the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 231-270 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, when the "6R non-electric support type hit" ends, the "ceiling number of hits" is set to "70 hits" and the "electric support number of hits" is set to "70 hits." In other words, if the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 231-270 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, the electric support state of "electric support number of hits 70" is set when the "stuck number of hits" reaches "70 hits" afterwards.

Also, as shown in FIG. 21(c), if the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 271-300 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, when the "6R non-electric support type hit" ends, the "ceiling number of hits" is set to "100 hits" and the "electric support number of hits" is set to "40 hits." In other words, if the first special chart is displayed as one of the jackpot patterns 271-300 and a "6R non-electric support type hit" is performed, the electric support state of "electric support number of hits 40" is set when the "stuck number of hits" reaches "100 hits" afterwards.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times stuck" reaches the "ceiling number" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, but as described above with reference to FIG. 21, the "ceiling number" at this time can be set to the number corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern". In other words, when the "number of times stuck" reaches the number (ceiling number) corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern", the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state). Therefore, for players who expect the electric support state to be set sooner (with fewer number of times stuck), it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "type of jackpot pattern", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times stuck" reaches the "ceiling number" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, but as described above with reference to FIG. 21, the "electric support number" at this time can also be the number corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern." In other words, the electric support state of the number of times (electric support number) corresponding to the "type of jackpot pattern" is set (instead of the non-electric support state). Therefore, for players who are hoping that the electric support state will be set with a larger number of electric support times, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "type of jackpot pattern," and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" may be set to the number of times corresponding to the "type of jackpot game" that has been executed. For example, if "6R per type of non-electric support" has been executed, the "ceiling number of times" may be set to "40 times" and the "electric support number of times" may be set to "100 times", and if "10R per type of non-electric support" has been executed, the "ceiling number of times" may be set to "100 times" and the "electric support number of times" may be set to "40 times".

With this configuration, it is possible to realize innovative gameplay that draws the attention of players who are hoping for the electric support state to be set more quickly (with fewer hits), by making them pay attention to the "type of jackpot game", thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game. Also, it is possible to realize innovative gameplay that draws the attention of players who are hoping for the electric support state to be set with a greater number of hits, by making them pay attention to the "type of jackpot game", thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may also be configured as follows. That is, if the "type of jackpot pattern" displayed in a stopped state is a predetermined type, the electric support state may be set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and if the "type of jackpot pattern" displayed in a stopped state is not a predetermined type, the electric support state may not be set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times".

For example, the "ceiling number of times" is preset to "100 times." Then, when the "number of times of getting stuck" in the non-electric support state reaches "100 times," the "type of jackpot pattern" that was stopped and displayed when the previous jackpot game started is detected. As a result, if the "type of jackpot pattern" is jackpot pattern 201-250, the electric support state is set, and if the "type of jackpot pattern" is not jackpot pattern 201-250, the electric support state is not set.

In other words, if the "type of jackpot pattern" that is stopped and displayed is a specified type (jackpot pattern 201-250), the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", but if it is not a specified type (jackpot pattern 201-250) (0.5 or more), the electric support state is not set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times". In this way, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the attention of the "type of jackpot pattern" that is stopped and displayed when the previous jackpot game starts to players who are expecting the electric support state to be set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, if the "type of jackpot game" executed is a predetermined type, the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and if the "type of jackpot game" executed is not a predetermined type, the electric support state may not be set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times". For example, if a "6R non-electric support type 1 hit" is performed, the electric support state is set when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and if any other jackpot game is performed, the electric support state may not be set even if the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times".

With this kind of configuration, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the attention of players who are hoping that the "number of times the player has been stuck" will reach the "ceiling number of times" and that the electric support state will be set, to the "type of jackpot game", thereby increasing the interest of the player in the game.

G-3. Setting the ceiling number of times and the number of electric support times (part 3):
In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "ceiling number of times" and the "electric support number of times" may be set to numbers corresponding to the "frequency of execution of a jackpot game in a specified period of time."

In this case, the "predetermined period" may be the "period from when the power was turned on to the pachinko machine 1 until the present" or the "period during which the non-electric support state was set." In addition, the "set frequency of jackpot games" in this case may be the frequency at which some or all of the types of jackpot games that can be played are executed.

To give a specific example, as shown in Figure 22(a), the number of times "each type of 6R non-electric support" is executed in the non-electric support state during the "period from when the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present" is counted. In addition, the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner in the non-electric support state during the "period from when the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present" is also counted. Then, as shown in FIG. 22(b), when the non-electric support state is set instead of the electric support state (when setting the ceiling number of times and the number of times of electric support), the above-mentioned "number of times that "6R non-electric support per type" is executed in the non-electric support state during the "period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present"" is divided by the above-mentioned "number of times that the special pattern is displayed variably in the non-electric support state during the "period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present"" to calculate the "execution probability of "6R non-electric support per type" in the non-electric support state during the "period from when the power supply to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present", that is, the "execution frequency of the jackpot game in a specified period". In this specification, the "execution frequency of the jackpot game in a specified period" calculated in this way is also referred to as the "second setting frequency".

Once the "second setting frequency" is calculated in this way, the "ceiling number of times" and "electric support number of times" corresponding to this "second setting frequency" are set. In more detail, as shown in FIG. 23(a), if the "second setting frequency" is less than "1 in 500", the "ceiling number of times" is set to "40 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "100 times". In other words, when the non-electric support state is set, if the "second setting frequency" is less than "1 in 500", an electric support state of "electric support number of times 100 times" is set when the "stuck number of times" subsequently reaches "40 times".

Also, as shown in FIG. 23(b), if the "second setting frequency" is equal to or greater than "1 in 500" and less than "1 in 300", the "ceiling number of times" is set to "70 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "70 times". In other words, when the non-electric support state is set, if the "second setting frequency" is equal to or greater than "1 in 500" and less than "1 in 300", the electric support state of "electric support number of times 70 times" is set when the "stuck number of times" subsequently reaches "70 times".

Also, as shown in FIG. 23(c), if the "second setting frequency" is "1 in 300" or more, then the "ceiling number of times" is set to "100 times" and the "electric support number of times" is set to "40 times". In other words, when the non-electric support state is set, if the "second setting frequency" is "1 in 300" or more, then when the "stuck number of times" reaches "100 times", the electric support state of "electric support number of times 40 times" is set.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, and as described above with reference to FIG. 23, the "ceiling number of times" at this time can be set to the number corresponding to the "frequency of execution of the jackpot game in a specified period (second set frequency)". In other words, when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the number (ceiling number of times) corresponding to the "frequency of execution of the jackpot game in a specified period (second set frequency)", the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state). Therefore, for players who expect the electric support state to be set sooner (with fewer getting stuck), it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "frequency of execution of the jackpot game in a specified period (second set frequency)", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times stuck" reaches the "ceiling number" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, but as described above with reference to FIG. 23, the "electric support number" at this time can be set to a number corresponding to the "frequency of execution of jackpot games in a specified period (second set frequency)". In other words, the electric support state of the number of times (electric support number) corresponding to the "frequency of execution of jackpot games in a specified period (second set frequency)" is set (instead of the non-electric support state). Therefore, for players who expect the electric support state to be set with a larger number of electric support times, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws attention to the "frequency of execution of jackpot games in a specified period (second set frequency)", and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

The pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment may also be configured as follows. That is, if the "frequency of jackpot play in a specified period (second set frequency)" is a specified frequency, the electric support state is set when the "number of times you get stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", and if the "frequency of jackpot play in a specified period (second set frequency)" is not a specified frequency, the electric support state may not be set even if the "number of times you get stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times".

For example, the "ceiling number of times" is preset to "100 times." Then, when the "number of times of getting stuck" in the non-electric support state reaches "100 times," the "second setting frequency" for the "period from when the power to the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to the present" is calculated. As a result, if the "second setting frequency" is "less than 1 in 300," the electric support state is set, and if the "second setting frequency" is "1 in 300 or more," the electric support state is not set.

In other words, if the "frequency of jackpot games during a specified period (second set frequency)" is a specified set frequency (less than 1 in 300), the electric support state is set when the "number of times you get stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", but if the specified set frequency is not set (1 in 300 or more), the electric support state is not set even if the "number of times you get stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times". In this way, it is possible to realize a novel gameplay that draws the attention of players who expect the electric support state to be set when the "number of times you get stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times", to the "frequency of jackpot games during a specified period (second set frequency)", thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, the "number of electric support times" can also be understood as the "length of time during which the electric support state is set to continue."

H. Ceiling Number of Times:
As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, when the "number of times the ball gets stuck" reaches the "ceiling number of times" in the non-electric support state, the electric support state is set, and when the "ceiling number of times" is set in the non-electric support state, a presentation can be executed to display the "ceiling number of times".

In addition, although no effect is executed to display the "number of times you get stuck," it is possible to execute an effect to display the "pseudo number of times you get stuck." In other words, although it does not directly suggest the "number of times you get stuck (number of times you lose), it is possible to execute an effect that indirectly suggests the "number of times you get stuck" by displaying the "pseudo number of times you get stuck (number of times you lose + number of times you win)."

To give a specific example, as shown in FIG. 24, decorative patterns 42a, 42b, and 42c are displayed on the performance display device 41, along with the "ceiling count" and "pseudo stuck count." Then, each time the "pseudo stuck count" is incremented by "1," that is, each time a "small hit variation" or a "miss variation" occurs, the displayed "pseudo stuck count" is increased by one.

Here, the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck (number of times of missing fluctuations + number of times of small hit fluctuations)" is added not only when a "missing fluctuation" occurs, but also when a "small hit fluctuation" occurs, so it is of course likely to be greater than the "number of times of getting stuck (number of times of missing fluctuations)". For this reason, when the "number of times of getting stuck" reaches the "ceiling number", it is highly likely that the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" will be greater than the "ceiling number". However, the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" is only greater than the "number of times of getting stuck" by the number of times a "small hit fluctuation" has been executed. For this reason, when the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" becomes greater than the "ceiling number", it is possible to make the player hope that the "number of times of getting stuck" will soon reach the "ceiling number", which makes it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, the "number of pseudo-stuck hits" is increased by one each time a "small hit variation" or a "miss variation" occurs, and it is possible to execute a presentation that suggests whether a "small hit variation" or a "miss variation" has occurred. In more detail, it is possible to execute a presentation that suggests whether a "small hit variation" or a "miss variation" has occurred by utilizing the display mode of the "number of pseudo-stuck hits."

For example, as shown in FIG. 25(a), it is possible to execute a "number of times expansion effect" in which the "pseudo number of times of stuck play" displayed on the effect display device 41 is expanded for a certain period of time. Then, as shown in FIG. 25(b), if a "small hit variation" occurs, the "number of times expansion effect" is executed with an 80% probability, and if a "miss variation" occurs, the "number of times expansion effect" is executed with a 20% probability. In other words, the "number of times expansion effect" is executed with a higher probability when a "small hit variation" occurs than when a "miss variation" occurs.

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, even if a special pattern other than the "big win variation" is displayed, the "number of times you get stuck" is added or not added (depending on whether a small win variation or a miss variation has occurred), so the player can be made to pay attention to whether the "number of times you get stuck" has been added (whether a small win variation or a miss variation has occurred). In this regard, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, a "number of times expansion effect" that suggests whether a "small win variation" or a "miss variation" has occurred, in other words, a "number of times expansion effect" that suggests whether the "number of times you get stuck" has been added, can be executed, so that the player's attention can be further drawn to whether the "number of times you get stuck" has been added (whether a small win variation or a miss variation has occurred), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment can make the player expect that the "number of times expansion effect" will not be performed. In other words, the player expects the electric support state to be set at an earlier timing, but if a "small hit variation" is performed, the "number of times of stuck hits" is not added, so the timing of setting the electric support state is delayed accordingly. This makes the player expect that the "small hit variation" will not be performed. In this regard, since the "number of times expansion effect" is an effect that suggests that the "small hit variation" is more likely to have occurred (the number of times of stuck hits is not likely to be added) than a "miss variation," the player can be made to expect that the "number of times expansion effect" will not be performed, which makes it possible to increase the interest in the game. The "number of times expansion effect" can also be considered as an "addition suggestion effect."

I. Variations:
I-1. Modification 1:
In the above-described embodiment, the "increased number of times effect" may be executed in a manner corresponding to the "currently set performance."

That is, the pachinko machine 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment has a "performance setting function (so-called setting change function)" that sets the performance of the pachinko machine 1 based on the setting operation by the attendant of the game hall. In detail, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has six types of performance, performance 1 to performance 6, stored in advance as the performance of the pachinko machine 1. Then, when the attendant of the game hall performs the setting operation, one performance is set from the six types of performance, and the game proceeds based on this set performance. This performance setting function will be explained in detail below.

As shown in Fig. 26, the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment has six types of performances, performance 1 to performance 6, stored in advance as the performance of the pachinko machine 1. Of these, performance 1 stores that the probability of a jackpot being determined in a jackpot determination for the first or second special design (also referred to as the "jackpot probability" in this specification) is 1 in 300, performance 2 stores that the jackpot probability is 1 in 290, performance 3 stores that the jackpot probability is 1 in 280, performance 4 stores that the jackpot probability is 1 in 270, and performance 5 stores that the jackpot probability is 1 in 260.
Performance 6 stores a jackpot probability of 1 in 240.

Performances 1 to 6 are set by varying the number of random numbers that are determined to be jackpots (also referred to as "jackpot random numbers" in this specification) among the jackpot determination random numbers that can be obtained as the first special chart reserved or the second special chart reserved (also referred to as "obtainable random numbers" in this specification). For example, when performance 1 is set, a 1 in 300 random number among the obtainable random numbers is set as the jackpot random number to set the jackpot probability to 1 in 300. Such jackpot random numbers are pre-stored in the "jackpot random number storage area" of ROM 202 of main control board 200 in correspondence with performances 1 to 6 (for each of performances 1 to 6).

When a setting operation is performed by an attendant at the game center, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 stores one of the performances 1 to 6 (the performance corresponding to the setting operation) in the "setting performance storage area" of the RAM 203, and the performance (the performance corresponding to the setting operation) is set.

Various methods can be adopted as the setting operation performed by the attendant of the game hall. For example, when the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is not turned on, the setting key is inserted into the keyhole for the setting key and rotated to a predetermined position (a position where the performance can be set). Then, in this state, the power supply of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on, and the performance setting button is pressed to sequentially change the performance of the setting candidates. At that time, the performance of the setting candidates is displayed on a predetermined display unit (e.g., 7-segment display, etc.). Then, when the confirmation button is pressed, the performance that is the setting candidate at that time is set. At this time, the set performance (also referred to as "performance being set" in this specification) is stored in the "set performance storage area" of the RAM 203 (or a flash memory, not shown) by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. In addition, this "performance being set" is also stored in the RAM 223 (or a flash memory, not shown) of the sub-control board 220. The "currently set performance" stored in the RAM 223 of the sub-control board 220 is referenced by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 when suggesting the "currently set performance" to the player.

The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 progresses the game based on the performance thus set (the currently set performance). That is, when making a jackpot determination, the "currently set performance" is determined by referring to the "set performance storage area" of the RAM 203. The currently acquired jackpot determination random number is then compared with the jackpot random number corresponding to the "currently set performance" stored in the "jackpot random number storage area" of the ROM 202. As a result, if the currently acquired jackpot determination random number matches any of the jackpot random numbers corresponding to the "currently set performance", it is determined to be a jackpot, and if they do not match, it is determined to be a miss.

Naturally, among performances 1 to 6, the performance with the higher jackpot probability is the more advantageous performance for the player. Therefore, the player will have the expectation that the more advantageous performance will be set.

The ROM 202 of the main control board 200 stores multiple types of performance (performance 1 to performance 6), so it can also be considered as a "performance storage means." The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets the performance by storing the performance corresponding to the setting operation by the game hall attendant in the "set performance storage area" of the RAM 203. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 can also be considered as a "performance setting means." The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 progresses the game based on the "performance being set." Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 can also be considered as a "game progress means."

As described above, in the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to set one performance from performance 1 to performance 6 (switch the currently set performance), and the "number of times increase effect" may be executed in a manner corresponding to the "currently set performance."

In more detail, when the "pseudo number of times of stuck play" is displayed, an "execution lottery" is held each time the special symbol is displayed in a changing state. If this "execution lottery" is won, the above-mentioned "number of times expansion effect" is executed.

Then, by setting the winning probability of this "execution lottery" to a probability corresponding to the "performance being set", the "number of times expansion performance" is executed with a probability corresponding to the "performance being set". For example, as shown in FIG. 27, if the "performance being set" is "performance 1", the winning probability of the "execution lottery" is 95% when a "small hit variation" is performed, and 5% when a "miss variation" is performed. If the "performance being set" is "performance 2", the winning probability is 90% when a "small hit variation" is performed, and 10% when a "miss variation" is performed. If the "performance being set" is "performance 3", the winning probability is 85% when a "small hit variation" is performed, and 15% when a "miss variation" is performed. If the "performance being set" is "performance 4", the winning probability is 80% when a "small hit variation" is performed, and 20% when a "miss variation" is performed. If the "performance being set" is "performance 5", the winning probability is 75% when a "small hit variation" is performed, and 25% when a "miss variation" is performed. In addition, if the "current performance setting" is "Performance 6," there is a 70% chance that a "small hit fluctuation" will occur, and a 30% chance that a "miss fluctuation" will occur.

This allows players who are paying attention not only to whether the "number of times you get stuck" has been added (whether a small hit or a miss has occurred), but also to players who are trying to determine the "performance during the setting", by drawing their attention to the timing (frequency) of the "number of times increase effect", thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, winning the "execution lottery" with a winning probability corresponding to the "currently set performance" can also be considered as "a condition corresponding to the performance set by the performance setting means."

I-2. Modification 2:
In the above embodiment, the "number of times extended effect" may be executed in a display mode corresponding to the "performance currently being set." For example, a part of the image displayed in the "number of times extended effect" (e.g., a part of the image showing the number of pseudo-sticks) may be displayed in a color corresponding to the "performance currently being set."

In detail, as shown in FIG. 28, if the "current performance" is "performance 1", the color of part of the image displayed in the "number of times expansion effect" (for example, part of the image showing the number of times of pseudo-stuck play) is red with a 70% probability (first display mode) and blue with a 30% probability (second display mode); if it is "performance 2", the color is red with a 60% probability and blue with a 40% probability; if it is "performance 3", the color is red with a 50% probability and blue with a 50% probability; if it is "performance 4", the color is red with a 40% probability and blue with a 60% probability; if it is "performance 5", the color is red with a 30% probability and blue with a 70% probability; and if it is "performance 6", the color is red with a 20% probability and blue with an 80% probability. In other words, the more advantageous the "current performance" is for the player, the higher the probability that the color of part of the image displayed in the "number of times expansion effect" will be displayed in red.

This allows players who are paying attention to whether the "number of times you get stuck" has been added (whether a small win or a miss has occurred) to also focus on the images (decorative patterns 41a, 41b, 41c, etc.) displayed in the "number of times expansion effect," creating a novel gameplay that can increase interest in the game.

I-3. Modification 3:
In the above embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 16, the "number of times of stuck" is the number of times that the "missing fluctuation" is executed among the "small winning fluctuation" and the "missing fluctuation", and the "number of times of pseudo stuck" is the number of times that both the "small winning fluctuation" and the "missing fluctuation" are executed. However, the following configuration may be used.

For example, the first special symbol can be configured to be capable of displaying two types of losing symbols (losing symbols 801 and 802) in a stopped state. In other words, it is possible to execute a variable display of the special symbol that is displayed as a stopped state with losing symbol 801 (also referred to in this specification as the "first losing variable") and a variable display of the special symbol that is displayed as a stopped state with losing symbol 802 (also referred to in this specification as the "second losing variable").

As shown in FIG. 29, the "number of times of getting stuck" may be the number of times that the "second miss variation" of the "first miss variation" and the "second miss variation" is performed, and the "number of times of pseudo getting stuck" may be the sum of the number of times that the "first miss variation" and the "second miss variation" are performed. In other words, the "number of times of getting stuck" is incremented "once" only when the "second miss variation" of the "first miss variation" and the "second miss variation" is performed, whereas the "number of times of pseudo getting stuck" may be incremented "once" both when the "first miss variation" and the "second miss variation" are performed. Of course, in the third modification, the effect of displaying the "ceiling number of times" and the effect of displaying the "pseudo number of times of getting stuck" described above and the "number of times expansion effect" can be performed.

As described above, in variant 3, the "number of times you get stuck" is not incremented when the "first miss variation" occurs, but is incremented when the "second miss variation" occurs. This allows for innovative gameplay by diversifying the "timing at which the number of times you get stuck reaches the ceiling number" (corresponding to the execution rate of the first miss variation and the second miss variation), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

The "first miss fluctuation" and the "second miss fluctuation" can also be considered as "non-jackpot fluctuations." Furthermore, the occurrence of the "first miss fluctuation" can also be considered as the "first condition," and the occurrence of the "second miss fluctuation" can also be considered as the "second condition."

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of each claim, and includes a range that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, and improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally possess can be added as appropriate.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, it may be possible to execute an effect (also referred to as a "difference display effect" in this specification) that displays the difference between the "pseudo number of times of losing" and the "number of times of losing". For example, if a predetermined execution lottery is won, the "difference display effect" may be executed for a predetermined period of time. In this way, the player can recognize the difference between the "pseudo number of times of losing" and the "number of times of losing", and can thereby guess the timing when the "number of times of losing" will reach the "ceiling number of times", thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

Also, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko machine 1 that pays out game balls supplied from an island facility in a game hall to give the player a profit (game value) as a result of playing. The present invention can also be applied to a type of game machine that gives a game profit in a form other than "paying out game balls". For example, the present invention can be applied to a type of pachinko machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player by storing data indicating the amount of profit (magnitude of game value) corresponding to the entrance of game balls into various ball entrances, and in this case, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. Note that, as an example of a type of pachinko machine that converts game profit (game value) into data and gives it to a player, there can be mentioned a game machine that uses multiple game balls built into the pachinko machine by circulating them, specifically, a pachinko machine (so-called sealed game machine) that is configured to return game balls discharged to the back of the game board through various ball entrances or exits to the launch position and launch them again.

<Gaming machines A1 to A7 that can be extracted from the above-described embodiments>
The pachinko machine of the above-mentioned embodiment can also be regarded as the following gaming machines A1 to A7.

<Gaming machine A1>
＜Overview＞
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the hook has reached a certain number. If the first condition is met, the number of hooks is not added. If the second condition is met, the number of hooks is added.
<Claim format>
A special symbol variation means for performing a special symbol variation, which is a variation display of a special symbol, based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed;
A game state setting means for setting a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a frequency of game balls entering the starting hole is higher than that in the non-electric support state as game states;
In a gaming machine comprising:
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
The method further includes: adding means for adding the number of times of the stuck winning based on the non-jackpot fluctuation;
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the number of times of the hit reaches a specified number,
The adding means, when the non-jackpot fluctuation occurs during the non-electric support state, does not add to the number of times the player has been stuck if a first condition is met, and adds to the number of times the player has been stuck if a second condition is met.

Normally, the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state) when a jackpot game ends. In this regard, in this gaming machine, the electric support state is set (instead of the non-electric support state) when the "number of times you get stuck" reaches a specified number of times, which gives the player a sense of surprise and makes it possible to increase interest in the game. Furthermore, even when a non-jackpot fluctuation is performed, the "number of times you get stuck" is not added if the first condition is met, but is added if the second condition is met. This allows for innovative gameplay in which the "timing at which the number of times you get stuck reaches the specified number" is diversified (corresponding to the rate at which the first and second conditions are met), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Gaming Machine A2>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A1.
The first condition is that the first deviation variation is performed. The second condition is that the second deviation variation is performed.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A1,
As the special symbol variation, a loss variation in which a loss symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
Even if the losing symbol is stopped and displayed, the variable ball entrance is not opened.
As the deviation fluctuation, a first deviation fluctuation and a second deviation fluctuation having different execution modes can be executed,
The first condition is that the first miss variation is performed as the special pattern variation,
The gaming machine, characterized in that the second condition is that the second miss variation is performed as the special symbol variation.

In this type of gaming machine, the "number of times you get stuck" is not added when the first miss variation occurs, but is added when the second miss variation occurs. This allows for innovative gameplay in which the "timing at which the number of times you get stuck reaches a specified number" can be diversified (corresponding to the execution rate of the first miss variation and the second miss variation), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A3>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A1.
The first condition is that a small hit fluctuation occurs. The second condition is that a miss fluctuation occurs.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A1,
A small win game execution means is provided for executing a small win game when a small win variation in which a small win pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed,
The first condition is that the small win variation is performed as the special pattern variation,
The second condition is that a loss variation is performed in which a loss pattern different from both the big win pattern and the small win pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation.

In this type of gaming machine, the "number of times you get stuck" is not added when a small win variation occurs, but is added when a miss variation occurs. This allows for innovative gameplay in which the "timing at which the number of times you get stuck reaches a specified number" can be diversified (corresponding to the execution rate of small win variations and miss variations), making it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A4>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machine A3.
1 type 2 type. The number of times of getting stuck is reset by the execution of the big win game. The small win game performed based on the small win fluctuation during the non-electric support state has a shorter time in which the variable ball entrance is in the open state than the small win game performed based on the small win fluctuation during the electric support state.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A3,
During the execution of the small win game, the variable ball entrance is in an open state,
When a game ball enters the variable ball entrance during the execution of the small win game, and the game ball passes through a specific area, a big win game is also executed.
The number of times of the sticky game is reset to the initial value when a big win game is played.
The small win game performed based on the small win fluctuation during the non-electric support state has a shorter time during which the variable ball entrance is in an open state than the small win game performed based on the small win fluctuation during the electric support state.

In such gaming machines, if a gaming ball enters the variable ball entrance during the execution of a small hit game, and the gaming ball passes through a specific area, a big hit game is also executed. In other words, in addition to a "big hit game based on big hit fluctuations (also referred to as a "one type hit" in this specification)," this gaming machine can also execute a "big hit game based on small hit fluctuations (also referred to as a "two type hit" in this specification). This makes it possible to realize "the gameplay that allows the execution of two types of big hit games, one type hit and two type hit."

If this gaming machine were to be able to execute such a double win, the following problem could arise. That is, as described above, this gaming machine does not add to the number of times a player is stuck even when a small win variation occurs, thereby realizing "the gameplay feature of diversifying the timing at which the number of times a player is stuck reaches a specified number (corresponding to the execution rate of small win variations and miss variations)." However, when a small win variation occurs, there is a possibility that a double win will be performed and the number of times a player is stuck will be reset to its initial value, in which case the "gameplay feature of diversifying the timing at which the number of times a player is stuck reaches a specified number (corresponding to the execution rate of small win variations and miss variations)" would be diluted.

Therefore, in this gaming machine, during the non-electric support state, even if a small hit variation occurs, it is difficult to achieve a double hit. In detail, the variable ball entrance is open for a shorter period of time during a small hit game based on a small hit variation during the non-electric support state than during a small hit game based on a small hit variation during the electric support state. In this way, during the non-electric support state, it is more difficult for the game ball to enter the variable ball entrance during a small hit game than during the electric support state, and thus it is difficult to achieve a double hit (the number of times the ball gets stuck is less likely to be reset to the initial value). This makes it possible to prevent the dilution of the "gameplay of diversifying the timing at which the number of times the ball gets stuck reaches a specified number (corresponding to the execution rate of small hit variations and miss variations)." In turn, this allows for the coexistence of "the gameplay of being able to play two types of big win games, one type and two types," and "the gameplay of diversifying the timing at which the number of times a player is stuck reaches a certain number (corresponding to the execution rate of small win fluctuations and miss fluctuations)," making it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A5>
＜Overview＞
Subordinate to gaming machines A1 to A4.
When a non-jackpot fluctuation occurs during a non-electric support state, a presentation can be implemented that indicates whether or not the number of stuck wins has been added.
<Claim format>
In any one of the gaming machines A1 to A4,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the non-jackpot fluctuation occurs during the non-electric support state, an addition suggestion effect can be executed which suggests whether or not the number of times of stuck play has been added by the addition means.

In this type of gaming machine, the number of times a player has lost a jackpot may or may not be added even if a non-jackpot fluctuation occurs, so the player can be made to pay attention to whether or not the number of times a player has lost a jackpot has been added. In this regard, in this gaming machine, when a non-jackpot fluctuation occurs, it is possible to execute an addition suggestion effect that suggests whether or not the number of times a player has lost a jackpot has been added, so that the player's attention can be further drawn to whether or not the number of times a player has lost a jackpot has been added, making it possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

<Gaming Machine A6>
＜Overview＞
Dependent on gaming machine A5 When the conditions corresponding to the "currently set performance" are met, an addition suggestion effect can be executed.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A5,
A performance storage means for storing a plurality of types of performance as the performance of the gaming machine;
a performance setting means for setting one of the plurality of types of performance stored in the performance storage means based on a setting operation by a staff member of the game hall;
Equipped with
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when a condition corresponding to the performance set by the performance setting means is met, the addition suggestion presentation can be executed.

In this type of gaming machine, when the conditions corresponding to the "performance set by the performance setting means (currently set performance)" are met, an additional suggestion effect is executed. This allows for a novel gaming experience that draws the attention of not only players who are paying attention to whether the number of losing streaks has been added, but also players who are trying to determine the "currently set performance," by drawing their attention to the timing of the additional suggestion effect, thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

<Gaming machine A7>
＜Overview＞
Dependent on gaming machine A5. The "performance currently being set" can be suggested by utilizing the execution mode of the addition suggestion effect.
<Claim format>
In the gaming machine A5,
A performance storage means for storing a plurality of types of performance as the performance of the gaming machine;
a performance setting means for setting one of the plurality of types of performance stored in the performance storage means based on a setting operation by a staff member of the game hall;
Equipped with
The performance set by the performance setting means can be suggested by utilizing an execution mode of the addition suggestion presentation.

In such gaming machines, it is possible to suggest the "performance set by the performance setting means (performance currently being set)" by utilizing the execution mode of the addition suggestion effect. This allows for a novel gaming experience that draws the attention of not only players who are paying attention to whether the number of sticky plays has been added, but also players who are trying to determine the "performance currently being set" by drawing their attention to the execution mode of the addition suggestion effect, making it possible to increase interest in the game.

This invention can be used in gaming machines used in gaming halls.

1... Pachinko machine (game machine), 24... First start port, 25... Second start port, 28... Large prize port, 35... Small prize port, 38... Special prize port, 41... Performance display device, 50... Segment display section, 200... Main control board, 201... CPU (special symbol variation means, large prize game execution means, game state setting means, addition means, small prize game execution means, performance setting means, game progress means), 202... ROM (performance storage means), 220... Sub-control board, 221... CPU.

Claims (2)

A special symbol variation means for performing a special symbol variation, which is a variation display of a special symbol, based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed;
A game state setting means for setting a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a frequency of game balls entering the starting hole is higher than that in the non-electric support state as game states;
In a gaming machine comprising:
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
The method further includes: adding means for adding the number of times of the stuck winning based on the non-jackpot fluctuation;
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the number of times of the hit reaches a specified number,
The adding means, when the non-big win fluctuation is performed during the non-electric support state, does not add the number of times of the stuck game if a first condition is established, and adds the number of times of the stuck game if a second condition is established ,
When the non-big win variation is performed during the non-electric support state, an addition suggestion effect can be executed that suggests whether or not the number of times of the stuck win has been added by the adding means.
A gaming machine characterized by: A special symbol variation means for performing a special symbol variation, which is a variation display of a special symbol, based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole;
a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game when a jackpot variation in which a jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed as the special pattern variation is performed;
A game state setting means for setting a non-electric support state and an electric support state in which a frequency of game balls entering the starting hole is higher than that in the non-electric support state as game states;
In a gaming machine comprising:
As the special symbol variation, in addition to the jackpot variation, a non-jackpot variation in which a symbol different from the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed can be executed,
The method further includes: adding means for adding the number of times of the stuck winning based on the non-jackpot fluctuation;
The electric support state can be set based on the number of times the number of times the number of times of the hit reaches a specified number,
The adding means, when the non-big win fluctuation is performed during the non-electric support state, does not add the number of times of the stuck game if a first condition is established, and adds the number of times of the stuck game if a second condition is established,
This gaming machine is characterized in that during the non-electric support state, a pseudo number of times of stuck wins can be displayed, which is updated when the non-jackpot fluctuation is performed, regardless of whether the number of times of stuck wins has been added or not .

Images