JP7475727B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, among pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. In addition, among pachinko gaming machines, there are some that are configured to be controllable to a state in which the favorability of the gaming ball entering the starting hole is increased, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2015-97881 A

Nowadays, there is a demand for gaming machines that offer greater entertainment value.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance entertainment value.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine in which, if a winning prize is won in a winning lottery, a winning game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprising: a first start port as a start port through which a gaming ball can enter; a second start port as a start port through which a gaming ball can enter; operation means that can assume an operation state in which a gaming ball can enter the second start port and an inoperation state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the second start port; lottery means that executes the winning lottery when a gaming ball enters the start port; special game execution means that executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; reservation means that reserves the special game; The present invention is provided with a game state control means capable of controlling a specific game state in which a second special game, which is a special game from which a result of a winning lottery is derived, can be executed, and a non-specific game state in which the second special game is less likely to be executed than the specific game state or the second special game is not executed, a game counting means capable of counting the number of times the special game is executed, and an effect execution means for executing an effect, wherein the specific game states include a first specific game state which is controlled upon the completion of the winning game, and a second specific game state which is controlled upon the game counting means counting a specific number of times, and when the game is controlled to the second specific game state, a first specific game state which is established upon the execution of the special game a predetermined special number of times since the game was controlled to the second specific game state is established. The second specific game state is ended when at least one of a first condition and a second condition that is established when the winning game is awarded is established, and the effects include a special effect suggesting that the game will be controlled to the second specific game state, and a look-ahead effect that notifies or suggests the probability of winning of a reserved special game, and when a special game that triggers the game counting means to count the specific number of times is reserved, the look-ahead effect is executed for a specific period of time for a special game that is executed based on the result of a winning lottery that is executed when a game ball enters at least the first starting hole among special games that are executed after the special game, regardless of the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game. The gist of the invention is that when the game is controlled to the second specific gaming state, multiple special effects can be executed during the execution of multiple consecutive special games , and when the power supply is cut off and then started, the execution of the special effects is restricted until the end of the restriction period, thereby restricting the execution of at least some of the multiple special effects, and when the power supply is cut off after being controlled to the second specific gaming state and then started, if the number of times the special game has been executed counted by the game counting means has not been initialized, it is possible to notify that the game counting means has counted the specific number of times until the number of times the special game has been executed counted by the game counting means is initialized .

The present invention can increase interest.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical pachinko gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. An explanatory diagram explaining the types of jackpots. 13 is a flowchart showing special chart change processing. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rendering mode when power supply is started. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the symbol combinations when power supply is started. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the transition of presentation modes. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the game count display effect. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the countdown effect. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific transition performance. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating zone effects. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams illustrating a right-hit notification. 1A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a right-hit error notification, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an illegal winning error notification. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode. 13A to 13F are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode. 13A to 13D are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a transition manner of a presentation mode.

An embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described below with reference to Figs.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a pachinko game machine 10 as a game machine is provided with a game board YB. A game area YBa having a substantially circular shape in a front view is defined on the surface of the game board YB. A game ball shot out by a player operating a launch handle HD arranged on the front of the pachinko game machine 10 is guided down into the game area YBa. In addition, an image display device 11 having an image display area GH for displaying an image is provided in the approximate center of the game area YBa. The image display area GH of the image display device 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display unit. In the image display device 11, various display effects using images, such as a pattern change game using a performance pattern (decorative pattern), are displayed. In this embodiment, a pattern change game using a performance pattern (decorative pattern) is executed by the image display device 11. In the following description, a pattern change game using a performance pattern may be referred to as a performance game.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with decorative lamps La that provide light emission effects. The decorative lamps La are arranged on the frame (e.g., the front frame) and game board YB that constitute the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a speaker (sound output unit) Sp that outputs various sound effects such as sound effects and music, and provides audio effects. In this embodiment, the image display device 11, the speaker Sp, and the decorative lamps La are each capable of performing effects, and together they constitute a group of effect devices that perform the effects. The group of effect devices corresponds to the effect execution means that executes the effects.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of winning holes (ball winning holes) through which game balls can enter are arranged in the game area YBa of the game board YB. The winning holes include a first starting hole 12, a second starting hole 13, and a big winning hole 14.

The first starting hole 12 is a ball entry hole where the entry of a game ball can establish the conditions for starting a pattern change game using a special pattern. The first starting hole 12 is also a ball entry hole where the entry of a game ball establishes the conditions for paying out prize balls. In this embodiment, the first starting hole 12 is located below the image display device 11 and is open at all times so that game balls can be entered. A ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the first starting hole 12, and a means for detecting the game ball that has entered the first starting hole 12 (a start sensor (switch) SE1 shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage.

The second starting hole 13 is an entry hole where the entry of a game ball can establish the start condition of a pattern change game using a special pattern. The second starting hole 13 is also an entry hole where the entry of a game ball establishes the payout condition of a prize ball. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is located at the lower right of the image display device 11. The second starting hole 13 is closed so that the game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (a normal pattern is won) is not established. The second starting hole 13 is opened so that the game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a predetermined condition (a normal pattern is won) is established. The second starting hole 13 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second starting hole 13 is the actuator AC1 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the second starting hole 13 is connected to a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB, and a means for detecting the game ball that entered the second starting hole 13 (starting sensor (switch) SE2 shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage. In this embodiment, the second starting hole 13 is a starting hole that opens and closes the ball entry hole of the second starting hole 13 and has an opening and closing member that is operated by an actuator. The second starting hole 13 corresponds to a specific starting hole through which the game ball can enter. The state in which the second starting hole 13 is open corresponds to an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13, and the state in which the second starting hole 13 is closed corresponds to an inoperative state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. The actuator AC1 corresponds to an operating means that can take an operating state in which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 13 and an inoperative state in which the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13. In the following description, the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is met when a game ball enters the first starting hole 12 may be referred to as the first special game, and the "pattern change game using special symbols" in which the starting condition is met when a game ball enters the second starting hole 13 may be referred to as the second special game. Also, the first special game and the second special game may be collectively referred to simply as the special game.

The large prize opening 14 is an entrance where the prize ball payout condition is met by the entrance of a game ball. In this embodiment, the large prize opening 14 is located to the right of the first starting opening 12. The large prize opening 14 is closed so that game balls cannot enter it when a predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is not met. Then, the large prize opening 14 is opened so that game balls can enter it when a predetermined condition (a special symbol is won) is met. The large prize opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the large prize opening 14 is the actuator AC2 shown in FIG. 3. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that leads the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the large prize opening 14, and a means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large prize opening 14 (a count sensor (switch) CS shown in FIG. 3) is arranged in the ball passage.

In addition, an operating gate 18 is arranged in the game area YBa. In this embodiment, the operating gate 18 is located in the area to the right of the game area YBa, above the second start gate 13 and the big prize gate 14. The operating gate 18 has a gate opening 18a that is always open so that game balls can enter. A means (gate sensor (switch) GS shown in FIG. 3) for detecting game balls that enter and pass through is arranged in the gate opening 18a. The gate opening 18a of the operating gate 18 is a ball entrance opening through which the start condition of the normal pattern variable game using the normal pattern can be established by the game ball entering the gate. The second starting opening 13 operates from a closed state to an open state after a normal winning is won in the normal pattern winning lottery that is performed by the game ball entering the operating gate 18, and the winning normal pattern is derived in the normal pattern variable game.

In this embodiment, the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, and the big prize opening 14 are ball entry devices that pay out prize balls when a game ball enters them, and the conditions for the prize ball to be paid out are met when a game ball enters them. On the other hand, the operating gate 18 is not a ball entry device that pays out prize balls when a game ball enters it, and the conditions for the prize ball to be paid out are not met even if a game ball enters it.

In this embodiment, the player can adjust the strength of the launch handle HD to hit the game ball into the left or right area, and make the game ball enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, or the operating gate 18. Specifically, if the game ball is launched with a strong launch strength (a so-called right hit), the game ball is likely to be guided down into the right area and may enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, or the operating gate 18. Note that, since a right hit requires the game ball to be launched with force in order to reach the right area, the launch strength is adjusted to maximum strength or a strength slightly weaker than maximum strength.

On the other hand, when the game ball is launched with a weaker launch strength (so-called left hit), the game ball is more likely to be guided down to the left area and may enter the first starting hole 12. Also, when the game ball is launched from the left, it is not necessary to launch the game ball with as much force as when the game ball is launched from the right, so the strength is adjusted so that the launched game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, when the game ball is launched from the right, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting hole 12. Also, when the game ball is launched from the left, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, and the operating gate 18.

In this embodiment, the "left area" is an area located to the left of the center line C that bisects the play area YBa into left and right when the play board YB is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the "right area" is an area located to the right of the center line C when the play board YB is viewed from the front. In the pachinko game machine 10, a game ball launched by operating the launch handle HD is guided by the shot passage 19 located on the left side when the play board YB is viewed from the front, passes through the backflow prevention valve 20 located at the most downstream of the shot passage 19, and reaches the play area YBa. Therefore, the "left area" is also an area closer to the shot passage 19, and conversely, the "right area" is also an area farther away from the shot passage 19. The game ball guided down the left area passes to the left of the image display device 11 located in the play area YBa, and heads toward the outlet 21 located at the bottom of the play area YBa. Additionally, the game ball guided down the right-hand area passes to the right of the image display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads toward the outlet 21.

In this embodiment, a game ball that reaches the game area YBa will either enter one of the winning holes on the game board YB, or enter the out hole 21 without entering any of the winning holes. In the following description, a game ball that reaches the game area YBa may be referred to as a "valid ball." Game balls that enter one of the winning holes, and valid balls that enter the out hole 21 without entering any of the winning holes, are discharged outside the machine through a ball passage (not shown). In addition, a means for detecting valid balls (out sensor (switch) OS shown in Figure 3) is arranged in the ball passage. The out sensor OS is a detection means for detecting game balls used in a game.

The game board YB is also provided with special symbol display devices 23a, 23b, reserved display devices 24a, 24b, and normal symbol display device 25, as shown in FIG. 3. These display devices are located on the game board YB in areas that are visible to the player when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed from the front. For example, these display devices are provided on decorative members provided in the play area of the game board YB or on decorative members in the corners of the game board YB.

The special pattern display devices 23a and 23b play a special game, and a special pattern corresponding to the result of a winning lottery in the special game is derived. The special pattern display device 23a is a display device that plays a first special game, and the special pattern display device 23b is a display device that plays a second special game. In the first special game and the second special game, a winning lottery is held when the starting condition is met, and the probability of winning a jackpot in the winning lottery is the same. In the first special game and the second special game, the type of jackpot determined when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery and the determination rate of the same type of jackpot may be different, so that the degree of advantage when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery (for example, the number of prize balls, the period during which the rate of game balls entering the second starting hole 13 is improved, etc.) may be different.

When the start condition is met, a special game is played on the special pattern display device 23a or the special pattern display device 23b to determine the result of the winning lottery, and an effect game is also played on the image display device 11 using the effect patterns to determine a result according to the special pattern derived in the special game. In other words, the effect game is executed in response to the special game.

The special symbol display devices 23a and 23b are display devices equipped with light-emitting bodies. In the special game, any combination of the light-emitting bodies that make up the display devices is derived as a special symbol. The special symbols include a jackpot symbol that is derived when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, and a miss symbol that is derived when a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbols include a sure-win symbol and a time-saving symbol. The time-saving symbol includes a first time-saving symbol and a second time-saving symbol. The first time-saving symbol corresponds to the first jackpot symbol, and the second time-saving symbol corresponds to the second jackpot symbol.

In this embodiment, after a jackpot is won in a winning lottery and a jackpot pattern is derived in a special game, a jackpot game is generated according to the type of jackpot pattern derived. In a jackpot game, a round game that allows a game ball to enter the big prize opening 14 is played multiple times up to a predetermined specified number of rounds. When a jackpot game is generated, an opening time is set before the first round game starts, and an opening performance indicating the start of the jackpot game is performed during the opening time. Also, when a jackpot game is generated, an ending time is set when the final round game ends, and an ending performance indicating the end of the jackpot game is performed during the ending time.

The reserved display device 24a is a display device that displays the number of first special games (start reserved number) that are reserved for execution, and the reserved display device 24b is a display device that displays the number of second special games (start reserved number) that are reserved for execution. The normal symbol display device 25 plays a normal symbol variable game using normal symbols, and in the normal symbol variable game, a normal symbol is derived according to the result of a normal symbol winning lottery. The pachinko game machine 10 also has a right-hit display unit (not shown) that displays information instructing the game ball to be fired toward the right area, and a round display unit (not shown) that notifies the maximum number of rounds of play, which will be described later.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment has a probability variation function. In this embodiment, when the probability variation function is activated, the probability of winning a jackpot in a winning lottery varies from a low probability (normal probability) to a high probability. That is, the probability variation function is a function that varies the probability state from a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (normal probability) (hereinafter referred to as a low probability state) to a state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (hereinafter referred to as a high probability state). The high probability state is a game state in which it is easier to win a jackpot in a winning lottery compared to the low probability state, and is advantageous for the player. The high probability state is granted, for example, until the next jackpot game is granted.

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment also has a ball entry rate improvement function. The ball entry rate improvement function is a function that can impart a state in which the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as a specified ball entry hole is improved (hereinafter referred to as a "time-saving state"). The time-saving state is the so-called "electric support state" or "high base state". In the time-saving state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is improved, so it is recommended to play with a right-handed shot so that game balls can easily enter the second starting hole 13. On the other hand, in a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second starting hole 13 is lower than in the time-saving state, so it is recommended to play with a left-handed shot. In the following description, a state in which the time-saving state is not imparted may be referred to as a "non-time-saving state". The non-time-saving state is the so-called "non-electric support state" or "low base state". In this way, the ball entry rate improvement function is a function that changes the ball entry state from a non-time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is low, to a time-saving state in which the ball entry rate per unit time into the second starting hole 13 as the designated ball entry port is high.

The time-saving state can be realized, for example, by executing one of the following four controls, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal pattern variation game compared to the non-time-saving state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning a normal win (normal win probability) in the normal pattern winning lottery to a higher probability than in the non-time-saving state. The third control is an opening time extension control that lengthens the total opening time of the second start port 13 based on winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery compared to the non-time-saving state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of a control that increases the number of times the second start port 13 is opened based on winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery compared to the non-time-saving state, and a control that lengthens the opening time of one opening of the second start port 13 based on winning a normal win in the normal pattern winning lottery compared to the non-time-saving state. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time reduction control that makes the fluctuation time of the special game (e.g., the average fluctuation time) more likely to be shorter than in a non-time-saving state.

The time-saving state is granted, for example, until the next big win game is granted, or until the special game is played the specified maximum number of times after the time-saving state is granted. The specified maximum number of times in this embodiment includes a first specified maximum number of times, a second specified maximum number of times that is greater than the first specified maximum number of times, and a third specified maximum number of times that is greater than the second specified maximum number of times. In this embodiment, the first specified maximum number of times is 100 times. The second specified maximum number of times is 150 times. The third specified maximum number of times is 1000 times. In the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 that can play a first special game and a second special game, the specified maximum number of times is the combined number of times of the first special game and the second special game.

In this embodiment, the time-saving state includes a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state. The first time-saving state is controlled when the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, the second time-saving state is controlled when the number of times the special game is executed in the low probability state reaches a specific number of times. In this embodiment, the second time-saving state has a longer total opening time of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal win in the winning lottery for the normal pattern compared to the first time-saving state. More specifically, the second time-saving state is a state in which the ball entry rate into the second start hole 13 is slightly higher than the first time-saving state. For example, when a normal win is won in the winning lottery for the normal pattern in the first time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5 seconds, while when a normal win is won in the winning lottery for the normal pattern in the second time-saving state, the second start hole 13 is opened for 5.2 seconds. In addition, when a normal winning is won in the winning lottery for the normal pattern, the second starting hole 13 may be opened multiple times. In this case, when the total opening time of the second starting hole 13 is the same, the fewer the number of times the second starting hole 13 is opened, the higher the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 13. The first time-saving state corresponds to the first specific ball entry state, and the second time-saving state corresponds to the second specific ball entry state.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a low-probability non-time-shortening state, a first low-probability time-shortening state, a second low-probability time-shortening state, and a high-probability time-shortening state as controllable gaming states. The low-probability non-time-shortening state is a gaming state that is a low-probability state and a non-time-shortening state. The first low-probability time-shortening state is a gaming state that is a low-probability state and a first time-shortening state. The second low-probability time-shortening state is a gaming state that is a low-probability state and a second time-shortening state. The high-probability time-shortening state is a gaming state that is a high-probability state and a first time-shortening state. In the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment, the degree of advantage for the player increases in the following order: low-probability non-time-shortening state < first low-probability time-shortening state < second low-probability time-shortening state < high-probability time-shortening state. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not have a gaming state that is a high probability state and a non-time-saving state, and a gaming state that is a high probability state and a second time-saving state.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the pachinko game machine 10, after the end of a jackpot game, the game state is controlled according to the type of jackpot symbol. Specifically, after the end of a jackpot game based on a first time-saving winning symbol (hereinafter referred to as a first time-saving winning game), the game is controlled to a first low-probability time-saving state until the end of the first specified upper limit number of special games or the next jackpot game is awarded. Also, after the end of a jackpot game based on a second time-saving winning symbol (hereinafter referred to as a second time-saving winning game), the game is controlled to a first low-probability time-saving state until the end of the second specified upper limit number of special games or the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, after the end of a jackpot game based on a probability-changing winning symbol (hereinafter referred to as a probability-changing winning game), the game is controlled to a high-probability time-saving technique state until the next jackpot game is awarded.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the second time-saving state is controlled when a specific transition condition is met. The specific transition condition is met when a specific number of special games are played in a situation controlled to a low probability state. For example, the specific number is 900 times. In this embodiment, the second time-saving state is controlled when a specific number of special games are played, and the second time-saving state is controlled until the third specified upper limit number of special games is ended or the next jackpot game is awarded. The third specified upper limit number of times corresponds to the special number of times. Also, the execution of a specific number of special games corresponds to the first condition being met, and the awarding of the next jackpot game corresponds to the second condition being met. In addition, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine 10 that can play the first special game and the second special game, the specific number of times is the combined number of the first special game and the second special game. In the following explanation, when there is no distinction between the first time-saving winning game and the second time-saving winning game, they may simply be referred to as time-saving winning games.

In this way, when the time-saving game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the first time-saving state with the first specified maximum number of special games being played as an upper limit. At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the non-time-saving state when the first specified maximum number of special games are played before the next jackpot game is awarded. Also, when the time-saving game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the first time-saving state with the second specified maximum number of special games being played as an upper limit. At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the second time-saving state when the second specified maximum number of special games are played before the next jackpot game is awarded.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also equipped with various boards including a main control board 30 and a sub-control board 31 as shown in FIG.
The main control board 30 has a main control CPU 30a capable of executing control operations in a predetermined sequence, a main control ROM 30b for storing the control program of the main control CPU 30a, and a main control RAM 30c capable of writing and reading necessary data. The main control board 30 also has a random number generation circuit 30d.

The main control CPU 30a inputs detection signals from various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, GS, and OS. The main control CPU 30a also controls the display contents of various display devices (special symbol display devices 23a and 23b, reserved symbol display devices 24a and 24b, normal symbol display device 25, etc.) and controls the operation of each actuator AC1 and AC2.

The information stored in the main control ROM 30b includes a main control program for executing processing related to the game, information for identifying the variation pattern (main variation pattern) of the special game, and various judgment values. The main variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time (performance time) from when the special pattern starts to vary until the special pattern is derived. In other words, the main variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time of the special game. In this embodiment, the main variation pattern can be classified into a main variation pattern for jackpot variation and a main variation pattern for miss variation. The jackpot variation is a performance that is performed when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, and the jackpot pattern is ultimately derived in the special game. The miss variation is a performance that is performed when a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery, and the miss pattern is ultimately derived in the special game. In the following description, the jackpot fluctuation from which the first time-saving winning pattern is derived is referred to as the first time-saving winning fluctuation, the jackpot fluctuation from which the second time-saving winning pattern is derived is referred to as the second time-saving winning fluctuation, and the jackpot fluctuation from which the probability winning pattern is derived is referred to as the probability winning fluctuation. In addition, the various judgment values include a winning judgment value used in the winning lottery, a normal winning judgment value used in the winning lottery for normal patterns, and the like. In addition, the main control RAM 30c stores various information (random value, timer value, flag, start hold number, etc.) that is appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10.

The main control CPU 30a executes a random number update process (software random number generation process) that updates the values of various software random numbers at each predetermined control period (interrupt period) and stores them in the main control RAM 30c. The software random numbers include a jackpot pattern random number used to determine the jackpot pattern of a special pattern, and a main fluctuation pattern allocation random number used to allocate the main fluctuation pattern. The random number generation circuit 30d generates hardware random numbers by updating the value by 1 every period of the internal system clock (e.g., 10 MHz) supplied from a clock circuit (not shown) mounted on the microprocessor. The hardware random numbers include a winning random number used in the lottery for winning special patterns, and a normal winning random number used in the lottery for winning normal patterns (normal winning lottery).

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also equipped with a backup function. In this embodiment, the main control board 30 is equipped with a backup function. A pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a backup function retains information about game control stored in the main control RAM 30c of the main control board 30 for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply is stopped (hereinafter referred to as backup information), and can recover based on the backup information when the power supply is started again.

The backup information includes information about the special game, information about the jackpot game, and information about the game state. The information about the special game includes, for example, information that can identify the result of the winning lottery, information that can identify the variation pattern of the special game, and information that can identify the special pattern derived in the special game. The information about the jackpot game includes information that can identify the progress of the jackpot game. The information about the game state includes information that can identify whether it is a low probability state or a high probability state (hereinafter referred to as probability information), information that can identify whether it is a non-time-saving state, a first time-saving state, or a second time-saving state (hereinafter referred to as winning rate information), and information that can identify the number of times the special game has been executed in the low probability state (hereinafter referred to as the cumulative number of games). The specified period is the period from when the backup power source (for example, an electric double layer capacitor) is discharged until the backup power source is unable to supply power. Note that the main control RAM 30c is a non-volatile memory that can retain the memory contents even when power is not being supplied, so that the backup information may be retained even after the power supply is stopped.

When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on and started (including when power is restored), the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not to initialize the backup information stored in the main control RAM 30c. For example, the main control CPU 30a determines to initialize when an operation signal is input from an initialization switch (not shown). When it is determined not to initialize the backup information, it determines whether the backup information stored in the main control RAM 30c is normal. When the backup information is normal, the main control CPU 30a executes a process to restore the machine based on the backup information. As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is restored based on the backup information in the main control RAM 30c. The determination of whether the backup information is normal or abnormal is made, for example, by checking the state of the backup flag and checking whether the checksum of the backup information matches. When restoring the machine based on the backup information, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a restore command) that can identify that the machine has been restored based on the backup information to the sub-control CPU 31a.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the backup information should be initialized, or if the backup information stored in the main control RAM 30c is abnormal, the main control CPU 30a initializes the backup information. The main control CPU 30a then executes a startup process based on the initialized backup information. When initializing the backup information, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can identify that the backup information has been initialized to the sub-control CPU 31a.

The sub-control board 31 is electrically connected to the main control board 30 so that control commands are output in one direction from the main control board 30. The sub-control board 31 has a sub-control CPU 31a that can execute control operations in a predetermined sequence, a sub-control ROM 31b that stores the control program of the sub-control CPU 31a, and a sub-control RAM 31c that can write and read necessary data.

The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 can input control commands output from the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30, and performs control according to the input control command. For example, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a control command to start a presentation game, it controls the display content so that a presentation game is played on the image display device 11. The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the lighting/non-lighting of various decorative lamps La provided on the frame and game board YB of the pachinko game machine 10, and controls the audio output of the speaker Sp. Presentations using these decorative lamps La and speaker Sp are performed in a presentation style according to the presentation mode in accordance with the presentation game, or when the machine is controlled to a standby state.

Next, the process (normal process) performed by the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 to control the game will be described.
First, the process (input process (reception process)) for inputting detection signals of the game ball from the various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, GS, and OS will be described.

When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE1 due to a ball entering the first start hole 12, it determines whether the start pending number of the first special game is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the start pending number of the first special symbol is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a newly reserves the execution of the first special game. After that, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the start pending number of the first special game by adding 1, and controls the reserve display device 24a to display the start pending number after the increment. In this embodiment, the reserve condition for the first special game is met when a game ball is detected by the start sensor SE1 when the start pending number of the first special game is less than the upper limit number.

In addition, when the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE2 due to a ball entering the second start hole 13, it determines whether the start reservation number of the second special game is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the start reservation number of the second special game is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 30a newly reserves the execution of the second special game. After that, the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the start reservation number of the second special game and rewrites it, and controls the reservation display device 24b to display the start reservation number after the addition. In this embodiment, the reservation condition of the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the start sensor SE2 when the start reservation number of the second special pattern is less than the upper limit number. Note that the main control CPU 30a does not add the start reservation number when the start reservation number has reached the upper limit number. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a adds the start reservation number, it outputs a control command (such as a reservation designation command) that can specify the start reservation number after the addition to the sub-control CPU 31a. The sub-control CPU 31a, which has received a control command capable of identifying the start hold number, causes the image display device 11 to display an image corresponding to the start hold number that can be identified from the information. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to the hold means for holding the special game.

In addition, when a game ball enters the ball when the number of start reserves is less than the upper limit, the main control CPU 30a uses the ball entry as a trigger to acquire the values of various random numbers and stores random number information that can identify the acquired values of various random numbers in the main control RAM 30c. The random number information may be composed of random number values, or may be composed of information in which the random number values are converted into other information that can identify the values. In addition, when storing random number information, the main control CPU 30a stores the random number information so that it can identify whether the information is random number information for the first special game or random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In addition, when acquiring random number values, the main control CPU 30a acquires the value of the winning random number from the random number generation circuit, and acquires the value of the jackpot pattern random number and the value of the main fluctuation pattern allocation random number from the main control RAM 30c.

Furthermore, when the main control CPU 30a puts the execution of a special game on hold, it generates control information (hereinafter referred to as a look-ahead command) capable of identifying the variable content of the special game.
Specifically, the main control CPU 30a pre-determines whether the value of the acquired random number will result in a big win in a winning lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. The main control CPU 30a also pre-determines which variation pattern will be determined in the variation pattern determination lottery described later for the acquired random number. The main control CPU 30a then generates a look-ahead command based on the result of the pre-determination. That is, the look-ahead command is information that can identify whether the special game whose execution has been newly suspended is a big win special game. The look-ahead command is also information that can identify the variation pattern of the special game whose execution has been newly suspended. The main control CPU 30a outputs the generated look-ahead command to the sub control CPU 31a.

When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor GS, the main control CPU 30a outputs a gate passing command to the sub control CPU 31a, which can identify that the game ball has passed through the operating gate 18. When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the gate sensor GS, the main control CPU 30a performs a process of storing the normal reserved number (the number of normal games) and a process of acquiring various random numbers used for normal winning lotteries. The normal reserved number has an upper limit (4 in this embodiment) as does the start reserved number for the first special game and the second special game. Therefore, when the normal reserved number is less than the upper limit, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the normal reserved number by adding 1, and controls the normal reserved display device (not shown) to display the normal reserved number after the addition.

When the main control CPU 30a receives detection signals from the start sensors SE1, SE2 and the count sensor CS, it performs prize ball processing to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. In the prize ball processing, it generates and outputs a payout designation command (payout signal) to be output to a payout control board (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout control board that receives the payout designation command operates a ball payout device (not shown) provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls.

When the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the count sensor CS, if the current ball entry state is a non-time-saving state, the main control CPU 30a outputs information (hereinafter referred to as a right-hit error command) that can identify that a situation has been detected in which the game ball has been shot into the right area when it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the left area, to the sub-control CPU 31a. Also, when the main control CPU 30a receives a detection signal from the start sensor SE2, if the current ball entry state is a non-time-saving state, the main control CPU 30a outputs information (hereinafter referred to as an illegal entry error command) that can identify that a situation has been detected in which the game ball has illegally entered the second start hole 13, to the sub-control CPU 31a.

The main control CPU 30a also counts a base value during processing when detection signals are input from the various sensors SE1, SE2, CS, and OS. The base value is a value indicating the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the total number of valid balls. In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 counts a base value indicating the total number of prize balls in the normal gaming state to the total number of valid balls in the normal gaming state as the base value, and reports the base value on a specified display device (not shown). In this embodiment, the normal gaming state is a low-probability non-time-saving state when no jackpot game has been awarded. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a valid ball counting means that counts the number of gaming balls (valid balls) used in the game.

Next, we will explain the process (special chart change process) for executing the special game to derive the lottery result of the winning lottery. The main control CPU 30a executes the special chart change process every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms).

As shown in FIG. 6, in the special chart change processing, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the conditions for executing the special game have been met (step S01). In the processing of step S01, the main control CPU 30a determines that the conditions for executing the special game have been met when the special game is not being executed and a jackpot game is not being played. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a determines that the conditions for executing the special game have not been met when the special game is being executed or a jackpot game is being played. If the conditions for executing the special game have not been met (step S01: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart change processing.

If the execution condition of the special game is met (step S01: YES), the main control CPU 30a reads the start pending number of the second special game and determines whether the read start pending number is greater than zero (step S02). If the start pending number of the second special game is greater than zero (step S02: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts one from the start pending number of the second special game (step S03). In addition, in the process of step S03, the main control CPU 30a outputs a pending designation command that can specify the start pending number of the second special game after subtraction to the sub-control CPU 31a. Next, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the current probability state is a low probability state (step S04). For example, the main control CPU 30a specifies whether the current probability state is a low probability state or a high probability state based on the probability information stored in the main control RAM 30c. If the current probability state is a low probability state (step S04: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S05). At this time, the main control CPU 30a outputs information that can identify the cumulative number of games after the addition (hereinafter referred to as a cumulative number of games command) to the sub control CPU 31a. In this embodiment, the low probability state corresponds to the case where a specific condition is established. Next, the main control CPU 30a judges whether or not the specific transition condition is established (step S06). In this embodiment, the main control CPU 30a judges that the specific transition condition is established when the cumulative number of games after the addition in the process of step S05 matches the specific number. If the specific transition condition is established (step S06: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the second time-shortening state (step S07). In addition, the main control CPU 30a updates the winning rate information so that it can be identified that the control is in the second time-shortening state in the process of step S07. Also, in this embodiment, the processing of step S07 is executed when the current probability state is a low probability state, so the game state when controlled to the second time-saving state in the processing of step S07 is the second low-probability time-saving state.

If the current probability state is a high probability state (step S04: NO), if the specific transition condition is not established (step S06: NO), or if the processing of step S07 is terminated, the main control CPU 30a acquires the first stored random number information among the random number information for the second special game (step S08). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the processing of step S08, it erases the first stored random number information from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S09). In the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information with the jackpot determination value, and determines whether or not a jackpot has been won in the winning lottery. At this time, the main control CPU 30a determines whether or not a jackpot has been won with a winning probability according to the current probability state. For example, the winning probability is 218/65536 (approximately 1/300) in a low probability state. For example, the winning probability is 1010/65536 (approximately 1/65) in a high probability state. In addition, if the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S09 that a jackpot has been won, it determines the special jackpot pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 30a determines in the process of step S09 that a jackpot has not been won, it determines the special losing pattern. The jackpot pattern or losing pattern determined in the process of step S09 becomes the fixed stop pattern derived in the special game. The special jackpot pattern is associated with the type of jackpot. Therefore, determining the jackpot pattern determines the type of jackpot. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a pattern command) capable of specifying the special pattern determined in the process of step S09 to the sub-control CPU 31a.

After that, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number specified from the random number information acquired in the processing of step S08 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the processing of step S09 (step S10). Specifically, when the main control CPU 30a wins a jackpot in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern from among the main fluctuation patterns for jackpot fluctuation that can be determined when a jackpot is won in the winning lottery of the second special game, based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a does not win a jackpot in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern from among the main fluctuation patterns that can be determined when a jackpot is not won (in the case of a loss) in the winning lottery of the second special game, based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number. At this time, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the current game state. In this embodiment, the main fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the low probability non-time-saving state, the main fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the first low probability time-saving state, the main fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the second low probability time-saving state, and the main fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the probability time-saving state are at least partially different. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a fluctuation pattern command) that can identify the main fluctuation pattern determined in the processing of step S10 to the sub-control CPU 31a. The symbol command and the fluctuation pattern command are commands that instruct the start of the performance game. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special symbol fluctuation processing. In addition, when determining the main fluctuation pattern for the miss fluctuation, the main control CPU 30a determines either the main fluctuation pattern with reach or the main fluctuation pattern without reach.

If the start pending number of the second special game is zero (step S02: NO), the main control CPU 30a reads the start pending number of the first special game and determines whether the read start pending number is greater than zero (step S11). If the start pending number of the first special game is zero (step S11: NO), the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart change process. If the start pending number of the first special game is greater than zero (step S11: YES), the main control CPU 30a subtracts 1 from the start pending number of the first special game (step S12). In addition, in the process of step S12, the main control CPU 30a outputs a reservation designation command to the sub control CPU 31a that can specify the start pending number of the first special game after subtraction. Next, the main control CPU 30a determines whether the current probability state is a low probability state (step S13). If the current probability state is a low probability state (step S13: YES), the main control CPU 30a adds 1 to the cumulative number of games stored in the main control RAM 30c (step S14). Next, the main control CPU 30a judges whether a specific transition condition is met (step S15). That is, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the cumulative number of games after the addition in the process of step S14 matches the specific number. If the specific transition condition is met (step S15: YES), the main control CPU 30a controls to the second time-saving state (step S16). In addition, the main control CPU 30a updates the winning rate information in the process of step S16 so that it can be specified that the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. In this embodiment, the process of step S16 is executed when the current probability state is a low probability state, so that the game state when it is controlled to the second time-saving state in the process of step S16 is the second low-probability time-saving state.

If the current probability state is a high probability state (step S13: NO), if the cumulative number of games does not match the specific number (step S15: NO), or if the process of step S16 is terminated, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random number information for the first special game that was stored first (step S17). When the main control CPU 30a acquires the first random number information in the process of step S17, it erases the first random number information stored from the main control RAM 30c. Next, the main control CPU 30a performs a winning lottery (step S18). Also, if the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has been won in the process of step S18, it determines the jackpot pattern of the special pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 30a determines that a jackpot has not been won in the process of step S18, it determines the losing pattern of the special pattern. The winning symbol or losing symbol determined in the process of step S18 becomes the fixed stop symbol derived in the special game. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a symbol command capable of identifying the special symbol determined in the process of step S18 to the sub-control CPU 31a.

After that, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern determination random number identified from the random number information acquired in the processing of step S17 and the result of the winning lottery performed in the processing of step S18 (step S19). Specifically, when the main control CPU 30a wins a jackpot in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern from among the main fluctuation patterns for jackpot fluctuation that can be determined when the jackpot is won in the winning lottery of the first special game, based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 30a does not win a jackpot in the winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern from among the main fluctuation patterns that can be determined when the jackpot is not won (in the case of a loss) in the winning lottery of the first special game, based on the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number. In addition, the main control CPU 30a determines the main fluctuation pattern based on the current game state. In addition, the main control CPU 30a outputs a fluctuation pattern command that can identify the main fluctuation pattern determined in the processing of step S19 to the sub control CPU 31a. After that, the main control CPU 30a ends the special chart change process.

When the special symbol variation process is completed, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for executing a special game. Specifically, if the start condition of the first special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a to start the first special game. Also, if the start condition of the second special game is satisfied in the special symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23b to start the second special game. Also, the main control CPU 30a measures the variation time set in the main variation pattern of the special game to be started. After that, when the elapsed time from the start of the special game reaches a predetermined variation time (the time set in the main variation pattern), the main control CPU 30a controls the special symbol display device 23a or the special symbol display device 23b to end the corresponding special game.

When the special game is ended, the main control CPU 30a controls the game to a low-probability non-time-saving state if the transition condition to the low-probability non-time-saving state is satisfied. That is, the main control CPU 30a controls the game to a non-time-saving state when the specified upper limit number of special games is ended while controlling the game to a time-saving state. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a ball-entering state control means that can control the game to a time-saving state and a non-time-saving state. The main control CPU 30a also corresponds to a lottery means that executes a winning lottery when a game ball enters the second starting hole 13 (and the first starting hole 12). The main control CPU 30a also corresponds to a fluctuation pattern determination means that determines a fluctuation pattern that can specify the fluctuation time of the special game based on the result of the winning lottery. The main control CPU 30a also corresponds to a special game execution means that executes a special game based on the result (fluctuation pattern) of the winning lottery. The main control CPU 30a also corresponds to a game counting means that counts the cumulative number of games when a specific condition is satisfied.

Next, we will explain the process related to the progress of the jackpot game that is carried out when the jackpot lottery is won. When a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, the main control CPU 30a executes the process related to the progress of the jackpot game and awards the jackpot game upon the completion of the special game that derived the result of the jackpot lottery.

The jackpot game in this embodiment is composed of an opening accompanying the start of the jackpot game, a round game in which the jackpot winning hole 14 is opened, and an ending accompanying the end of the jackpot game. In other words, the jackpot game progresses in stages, such as opening → round game → ending. The main control CPU 30a performs a jackpot information generation process for generating a control command to instruct the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 to control the game presentation, and a jackpot game control process for opening and closing the jackpot winning hole, as a process related to the progress of the jackpot game. In the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command that can specify the start of the opening in association with the start of the opening, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an opening command so that it can specify whether the opening of the first time-saving winning game, the opening of the second time-saving winning game, or the opening of the probability winning game has started.

In addition, in the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command that can specify the start of each round game with the start of each round game, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates a round command so that it can specify which round game the newly started round game is since the start of the jackpot game. In addition, in the jackpot information generation process, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command that can specify the start of the ending with the start of the ending, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 31a. At this time, the main control CPU 30a generates an ending command so that it can specify whether the ending of the first time-saving hit game, the ending of the second time-saving hit game, or the ending of the special hit game has started. The main control CPU 30a corresponds to a jackpot game granting means that grants a jackpot game.

When the jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 30a initializes the cumulative number of games. That is, the number of times the special game has been played, counted by the main control CPU 30a, is initialized when the jackpot game is played. After that, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state according to the type of jackpot game. That is, after the first time-saving hit game ends and after the second time-saving hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the first low-probability time-saving state, and after the probability-changing hit game ends, the main control CPU 30a controls the game state to the high-probability time-saving state.

Next, processing related to the game state will be described.
In this process, the main control CPU 30a generates a control command capable of identifying the game status as a control command, and outputs it to the sub control CPU 31a.

When the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 1 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a low-probability non-time-shortening state. When the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 2 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a first low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 3 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a second low-probability time-shortening state. When the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state, the main control CPU 30a generates a state designation command (hereinafter referred to as a state 4 designation command) that can identify that the game state is a high-probability time-shortening state.

In this embodiment, the state designation command is generated when power supply is started (at initialization and when power is restored) and when the game state changes. The generated state designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, if the game state after the end of a jackpot game is to be a high-probability time-shortening state, the game state is controlled to the high-probability time-shortening state upon the end of the jackpot game, and a state 4 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, if the game state is controlled to the second time-shortening state in the processing of steps S07 and S16, the game state is controlled to the second low-probability time-shortening state, and a state 3 designation command is output to the sub-control CPU 31a. The state designation command is not limited to the control command illustrated, and may be set for each game state that needs to be recognized by the sub-control CPU 31a.

Next, a process (regular symbol variation process) for executing a regular symbol variation game that derives the lottery result of a regular winning lottery will be described.
In the normal symbol variation process, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established. In this judgment, the main control CPU 30a judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has been established when the normal symbol variation game is not being executed and the normal symbol winning game is not being played, while the main control CPU 30a judges that the start condition of the normal symbol variation game has not been established when the normal symbol variation game is being executed or the normal symbol winning game is being played. If the start condition of the normal symbol variation game is not established, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

When the conditions for starting the normal symbol variation game are met, the main control CPU 30a reads the normal reserved number and determines whether the read normal reserved number is greater than zero. If the normal reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 30a performs a predetermined process to start the normal symbol variation game. On the other hand, if the normal reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 30a ends the normal symbol variation process.

When starting a normal symbol variable game, the main control CPU 30a rewrites the normal reserved number by subtracting 1. Then, the main control CPU 30a acquires the random number information (normal hit random number) stored first in the random number information stored in the main control RAM 30c. Then, the main control CPU 30a compares the value of the normal hit random number specified from the acquired random number information with the normal hit determination value, and performs a normal hit lottery. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a ball winning rate improvement function. Therefore, when configured to execute probability fluctuation control of normal symbols in a state in which the ball winning rate improvement function is activated (time-saving state), the main control CPU 30a performs a normal hit lottery with a different winning probability depending on whether the time-saving state or non-time-saving state is in effect at the time of the normal hit lottery.

In this embodiment, the probability of winning when not in the time-saving state is zero (no normal win), and the probability of winning when in the time-saving state is 100% (no miss). The probability of winning a normal win in a normal win lottery can be determined by the ratio of the number of values that result in a normal win (normal win judgment value) to the possible values of the normal win random number. Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal win in the first time-saving state is the same as the probability of winning a normal win in the second time-saving state.

Returning to the explanation of the normal pattern variation process, in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a judges whether the value of the normal winning random number acquired from the main control RAM 30c matches the normal winning judgment value. If the value of the normal winning random number matches the normal winning judgment value, the main control CPU 30a judges that a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery. If a normal winning has been won in the normal winning lottery, the main control CPU 30a performs normal winning processing. In the normal winning processing, the main control CPU 30a determines the winning pattern of the normal pattern and determines the variation pattern of the normal pattern that can specify the variation time of the normal pattern variation game. This determined winning pattern of the normal pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the normal pattern variation game. On the other hand, if the normal winning lottery does not win a normal winning (in the case of a loss), the main control CPU 30a performs normal loss processing. In the normal loss process, the main control CPU 30a determines the losing pattern of the normal pattern and determines the variation pattern of the normal pattern. The determined losing pattern of the normal pattern becomes the determined stop pattern derived in the normal pattern variation game.

Then, the main control CPU 30a executes a normal pattern variation game on the normal pattern display device 25 according to the result of the normal winning process or normal losing process, which is performed based on the result of the normal winning lottery, and derives a winning normal pattern or a losing normal pattern after the variation time has elapsed. Furthermore, if the normal winning lottery is won, the main control CPU 30a generates a normal winning game after the normal pattern variation game ends. In the normal winning game, the second starting hole 13 is opened in a predetermined opening manner, thereby controlling it to be in an allowable state that allows the game ball to enter.

In this way, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it can be in an open state by the power of the actuator AC1 in the time-saving state. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it does not take an open state in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the main control CPU 30a controls the second start port 13 so that it continues to be in a closed state (non-open state) in the non-time-saving state. Note that the main control CPU 30a may also control the second start port 13 so that it can be in an open state in the non-time-saving state with a lower probability than in the time-saving state. In other words, the main control CPU 30a may make it so that in the non-time-saving state, the probability of winning a normal win in the normal win lottery is lower than the probability of winning in the time-saving state.

Next, we will explain the various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 based on the performance control program. When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a control command from the main control CPU 30a, it executes various processes according to the control command.

First, the power-on process performed by the sub control CPU 31a will be described.
The power-on process is executed when power supply is started to the pachinko gaming machine 10. The power-on process is executed by the sub-control CPU 31a inputting either an initialization command or a return command.

In the power-on process, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to execute an effect that can identify that power supply has started. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display an image that resembles a string of characters such as "Power has been turned on." After that, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a state designation command, it controls the presentation mode to stay in a presentation mode based on the game state that can be identified from the state designation command.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the presentation modes include a normal presentation mode, a first chance presentation mode, a second chance presentation mode, a third chance presentation mode, and a probability variation presentation mode. When a low probability non-time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 1 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the normal presentation mode. When a first low probability time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 2 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the first chance presentation mode. When a second low probability time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 3 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the third chance presentation mode. When a high probability time-saving state is specified from the state designation command, that is, when a state 4 designation command is input, the sub-control CPU 31a controls to the probability variation presentation mode. In this embodiment, when power supply is started, the sub-control CPU 31a is controlled to one of the normal presentation mode, the first chance presentation mode, the third chance presentation mode, and the probability variation presentation mode, but is not controlled to the second chance presentation mode. In addition, when the power supply is cut off and then started again while in the second chance presentation mode, the state 2 designation command is input to stay in the first chance presentation mode. In other words, when the power supply is cut off and then started again while in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode, the same presentation mode is stayed. The sub-control CPU 31a corresponds to a mode control means that controls the transition of presentation modes.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 31a displays an image that can identify the currently-stayed presentation mode on the image display device 11. For example, the image that can identify the currently-stayed presentation mode includes a mode name image that indicates the name of the currently-stayed presentation mode and a background image that corresponds to the currently-stayed presentation mode. When the player is in the normal presentation mode, for example, a mode name image Gm1 that imitates the character string of "normal presentation mode" and a background image Gh1 that imitates "sea" are displayed on the image display device 11. When the player is in the first chance presentation mode, for example, a mode name image Gm2 that imitates the character string of "first chance presentation mode" and a background image Gh2 that imitates "mountain" are displayed on the image display device 11. When the player is in the second chance presentation mode, for example, a mode name image Gm3 that imitates the character string of "second chance presentation mode" and a background image Gh3 that is different from the background image Gh2 and imitates "mountain" are displayed on the image display device 11. In addition, when the player is in the third chance presentation mode, a mode name image Gm4 imitating the characters "Third Chance Presentation Mode" and a background image Gh4 imitating a "river" are displayed on the image display device 11. In addition, when the player is in the probability variation presentation mode, a mode name image Gm5 imitating the characters "Probability Variation Presentation Mode" and a background image Gh5 imitating "Space" are displayed on the image display device 11.

In this way, in the first chance presentation mode, the mode name image Gm2 and the background image Gh2 are displayed, and in the second chance presentation mode, the mode name image Gm3 and the background image Gh3 are displayed. On the other hand, in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode, a background image resembling a "mountain" is displayed. In other words, the same type of background image is displayed in the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode. In this embodiment, the first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode are the same type of presentation mode.

Returning to the explanation of the power-on process, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 in the power-on process to display a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) used in the effect game. There are three columns of effect symbols used in the effect game: a left column, a center column, and a right column. In this embodiment, the symbol combination displayed when power supply is started differs depending on the type of effect mode when power supply is started. This will be explained in detail below.

In this embodiment, the identification information constituting the performance pattern of each column is composed of different designs depending on the type of performance mode. For example, in the normal performance mode, the identification information is composed of a design imitating Arabic numerals. For example, in the normal performance mode, the identification information of each column is Arabic numerals from [1] to [9]. Also, for example, in the first chance performance mode and the second chance performance mode, the identification information is composed of a design imitating small-sized Chinese numerals. For example, in the first chance performance mode and the second chance performance mode, the identification information of each column is small-sized Chinese numerals from [1] to [9]. Also, for example, in the third chance performance mode, the identification information is composed of a design imitating large-sized Chinese numerals. In the third chance performance mode, the identification information of each column is large-sized Chinese numerals from [壱] to [玖]. Also, for example, in the special probability performance mode, the identification information is composed of a design imitating Roman numerals. For example, in the special probability performance mode, the identification information of each column is Roman numerals from [I] to [IX].

In this embodiment, the symbol combination when the normal performance mode is controlled at the start of power supply is, for example, a combination in which the identification information of each column is [1], [2], and [3]. Also, the symbol combination when the first chance performance mode is controlled at the start of power supply is, for example, a combination in which the identification information of each column is [2], [3], and [4]. Also, the symbol combination when the third chance performance mode is controlled at the start of power supply is, for example, a combination in which the identification information of each column is [3], [4], and [5]. The symbol combination when the probability change performance mode is controlled at the start of power supply is, for example, a combination in which the identification information of each column is [IV], [V], and [VI]. In the following description, the symbol combination displayed at the start of power supply may be referred to as the initial symbol combination. Also, in the following description, Arabic numerals, small Chinese numerals, large Chinese numerals, and Roman numerals may be collectively referred to simply as numbers. Also, in this case, for convenience of explanation, Arabic numerals are used when indicating numbers.

Next, the process of changing the performance symbols will be described.
In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 31a receives a symbol command, it determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbols specified by the symbol command. In this embodiment, deriving a combination of effect symbols means stopping and displaying the combination of effect symbols.

In this embodiment, the presentation game derives a symbol combination for three columns consisting of the left column, the center column, and the right column as a result of the presentation game.
As described above, in this embodiment, in any presentation mode, the identification information of each column is composed of the numbers [1] to [9]. Therefore, the symbol combination is, for example, a combination such as [1], [1], [1], where the identification information of all columns is the same, or a combination such as [4], [7], [9], where the identification information of all columns is not the same. In the presentation game, a reach is formed by deriving (stop displaying) the same presentation symbol such as [1], [2], [1] in the reach formation column (in this embodiment, the two columns, the left column and the right column), and a reach presentation is performed to derive (stop display) the remaining column (in this embodiment, the middle column).

When a special jackpot pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a jackpot pattern combination according to the type of the special jackpot pattern. Specifically, when the first time-saving pattern or the second time-saving pattern is specified as the special jackpot pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a time-saving pattern combination. On the other hand, when a special jackpot pattern is specified as the special jackpot pattern, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a jackpot pattern combination. For example, the time-saving pattern combination is a combination such as [2], [2], [2], where the identification information of all columns is the same even number. Also, for example, the jackpot pattern combination is a combination such as [3], [3], [3], where the identification information of all columns is the same odd number. In other words, when a special jackpot pattern is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a pattern combination where the identification information of all columns is the same. In addition, when a losing symbol of a special symbol is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination to be derived in the variation game of the performance symbol based on the main variation pattern specified by the variation start command. Specifically, when a main variation pattern of a losing reach variation is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination including a reach formation symbol. In addition, when a main variation pattern of a losing variation is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach formation symbol. For example, a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which at least one column of the identification information of each column is not the same. In other words, when a losing symbol of a special symbol is specified, the sub-control CPU 31a determines a symbol combination in which the identification information of all columns is the same. In this embodiment, a losing symbol combination including a reach formation symbol is, for example, a combination such as [6], [7], and [6]. In addition, a losing symbol combination that does not include a reach formation symbol is a combination such as [8], [3], and [6].

The reach effects executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 include normal reach effects and super reach effects that develop from normal reach effects. Normal reach effects are effects in which, after a reach is formed, the effect symbols of the remaining columns (one of the columns) are derived (displayed stationary) to derive (display stationary) a pattern combination. Super reach effects are effects in which, after the effect symbols of the remaining columns are derived (displayed stationary) by the normal reach effect, or the effect is developed from the middle of the normal reach effect, and a pattern combination is derived (displayed stationary) by the effect after the development. Super reach effects are positioned as effects with a higher chance of winning than normal reach effects. The chance of winning can be calculated as the ratio of the appearance rate in the case of a big win to the total appearance rate, which is the sum of the appearance rate in the case of a miss and the appearance rate in the case of a big win.

When the sub-control CPU 31a receives a fluctuation start command, it determines a sub-fluctuation pattern for controlling the display contents of the image display device 11, etc., based on the type of main fluctuation pattern that can be identified from the command. The sub-fluctuation pattern can identify the fluctuation contents (presentation contents) of the presentation game.

The sub-control CPU 31a, which has determined the sub-variation pattern, controls the display content of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is executed with the variation content specified by the sub-variation pattern. The sub-control CPU 31a then controls the display content of the image display device 11 so that the presentation game is terminated and a symbol combination is derived (stopped display) as the variation time specified from the main variation pattern elapses. In this embodiment, the presentation game is terminated when the variation stop command is received, but the presentation game may be terminated by timing the variation time specified from the main variation pattern under the control of the sub-control CPU 31a. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to control the end of the presentation game without transmitting a variation stop command from the main control board 30. The sub-control CPU 31a corresponds to a presentation game execution means capable of executing a presentation game in response to a special game.

In addition, in controlling the image display device 11, the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 selects an image to be executed and reads out data necessary for the selected image from ROM. The sub-control board 31 may also be provided with a character ROM that pre-stores character image data to be displayed on the image display device 11, specifically people, characters, figures or symbols (including decorative designs), and read out necessary data from the character ROM. The sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 then outputs the read out data to a VDP (video display processor). The VDP executes display control based on the input data, and displays the image in the image display area GH of the image display device 11.

In addition, when the sub control CPU 31a receives a control command sent from the main control CPU 30a, it executes control according to the control command.
For example, during a jackpot game, a control command capable of identifying that the game is a jackpot game is transmitted to the sub-control CPU 31a. For example, such control commands include an opening command capable of identifying the start of an opening, a round command capable of identifying the start of each round game, and an ending command capable of identifying the start of an ending. The sub-control CPU 31a that receives these commands executes the opening performance, each round performance, and the ending performance in the image display area GH of the image display device 11. In addition, in this embodiment, in the ending performance, a warning about addiction is displayed in the image display area GH of the image display device 11. For example, the warning about addiction is executed by displaying a character string such as "Pachinko and Pachislot are games to be enjoyed in moderation" or an image imitating a character string such as "Be careful not to get addicted." As described above, after the end of a jackpot game, the first time-saving state is controlled. That is, in this embodiment, when the first time-saving state is controlled, a warning about addiction is executed.

Next, the transition of the presentation modes will be described.
As shown in Fig. 9, in this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the backup information stored in the main control RAM 30c is initialized. The pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the first chance presentation mode after the first time-saving winning game ends, even if the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode. The pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the normal presentation mode when the first specified upper limit number (100 times) of special games are executed in the first chance presentation mode.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the second chance presentation mode after the second time-saving winning game ends, regardless of whether it is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode.In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the special chance presentation mode after the special chance winning game ends, regardless of whether it is in any presentation mode including the normal presentation mode.

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 stays in the third chance presentation mode when the specific transition condition is met and the machine is controlled to the second low-probability time-saving state. As described above, the specific transition condition is met by the execution of a specific number of special games in the low-probability state. Therefore, in this embodiment, the specific transition condition is met when the machine is in the normal presentation mode (low-probability non-time-saving state). Specifically, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is initialized, the specific transition condition is met by the execution of a specific number of special games (900 times) until a jackpot is hit in the normal presentation mode. In addition, after the end of the first time-saving hit game, the machine stays in the first chance presentation mode, but transitions to the normal presentation mode when the first specified upper limit number of special games (100 times) are executed before a jackpot is hit in the first chance presentation mode. Therefore, after transitioning to the normal presentation mode, when the special games are executed the number of times (800 times) that is the difference between the specific number and the first specified upper limit number before a jackpot is hit, the specific transition condition is met. In addition, after the second time-saving hit game ends, the game remains in the second chance presentation mode, but transitions to the normal presentation mode when the special game is played the second specified upper limit number of times (150 times) before a jackpot is hit in the second chance presentation mode. Therefore, if the special game is played the number of times (750 times) that is the difference between the specific number of times and the second specified upper limit number of times before a jackpot is hit after transitioning to the normal presentation mode, the specific transition condition is met.

In this way, the normal presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be stayed in when the game state is a low-probability non-time-saving state. The first chance presentation mode and the second chance presentation mode are presentation modes that can be stayed in when the game state is a first low-probability time-saving state. The first chance presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be stayed in when the game state is a first low-probability time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the game with the first time-saving hit, and the second chance presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be stayed in when the game state is a first low-probability time-saving state that is controlled after the end of the game with the second time-saving hit. The third chance presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be stayed in when the game state is a second low-probability time-saving state. That is, in this embodiment, the presentation modes that can be stayed in when the game state is controlled in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) are more than the presentation modes that can be stayed in when the game state is controlled in the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state). In addition, the types of presentation modes that can be stayed in when controlled to the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) are different from the types of presentation modes that can be stayed in when controlled to the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state). And, among the presentation modes that can be stayed in when controlled to the non-time-saving state (low-probability non-time-saving state), there are presentation modes that cannot be stayed in when controlled to the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) and when controlled to the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state).

Next, various effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
First, the game count display effect will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the game count display effect is executed during the normal effect mode. For example, the game count display effect is an effect that displays a cumulative count image Gr. The cumulative count image Gr is an image that can specify the cumulative number of special games executed since the start of the previous jackpot game. For example, the cumulative count image Gr is an image that imitates a character string indicating the cumulative number of special games executed since the start of the previous jackpot game. In this embodiment, during the period from when the power supply is started to when the first jackpot game is awarded, the cumulative number of special games executed since the power supply is started can be specified from the cumulative count image Gr. That is, during the period from when the power supply is started to when the first jackpot is awarded, the cumulative count image Gr can be an image that can specify a number different from the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a, while after the first jackpot is awarded, it becomes an image that can specify the cumulative number of games. The game count display effect is an example of a special effect.

Next, the countdown effect will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, during the normal presentation mode, a specific transition condition is satisfied, and a countdown presentation capable of specifying the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the second time-saving state can be executed. For example, the countdown presentation is a presentation that displays a remaining number image Gl indicating the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the second time-saving state. In this embodiment, the countdown presentation is executed when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the second time-saving state reaches a predetermined trigger number. In addition, in this embodiment, the trigger number includes a first trigger number and a second trigger number. For example, the first trigger number is 100 times. Also, for example, the second trigger number is 10 times. In the following description, the countdown presentation executed when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the second time-saving state reaches the first trigger number may be referred to as the first countdown presentation. In addition, the countdown presentation executed when the remaining number of special games to be executed before being controlled to the second time-saving state reaches the second trigger number may be referred to as the second countdown presentation. In this embodiment, the execution of the countdown effect is restricted during a restricted period from when power supply is started until a predetermined restricted number of special games are executed. The countdown effect is an example of a special effect.

Next, we will explain the specific transition effect that notifies the transition to the third chance effect mode.
As shown in FIG. 12(a), when transitioning to the third chance presentation mode (when controlled to the second time-saving state), a specific transition presentation is executed. In this embodiment, the specific transition presentation is executed when the remaining number of special games to be executed before control to the second time-saving state reaches 1. When the specific transition presentation starts, the image display device 11 displays a first transition image Gc1 indicating a transition to the third chance presentation mode. For example, the first transition image Gc1 is an image imitating the string of characters "Waiting for third chance presentation mode."

As shown in FIG. 12(b), after the specific transition effect is started, a new special game is started, and the image display device 11 is triggered by the transition to the third chance effect mode, and the first transition image Gc1 is hidden and the second transition image Gc2 is displayed to notify the user of the transition to the third chance effect mode. For example, the second transition image Gc2 is an image imitating the character string "Entering the third chance effect mode". After that, the image display device 11 is triggered by the establishment of an end condition, and the second transition image Gc2 is hidden and the specific transition effect ends. For example, the end condition of the specific transition effect may be established when a predetermined number of special games have been executed since the start of the specific transition effect, or when a predetermined time has passed since the start of the specific transition effect. In this embodiment, when the device is controlled to a standby state (a state waiting for customers) before the start of a new special game after the start of the specific transition effect, the first transition image Gc1 continues to be displayed even in the standby state. The specific transition effect is an example of a special effect.

Next, we will explain the zone presentation as a look-ahead presentation.
The look-ahead effect is an effect in which whether or not the effect is executed is determined based on one special game that is on hold. In the following description, when the special game that is the target of the look-ahead effect is indicated, it refers to the special game involved in the decision of whether or not the look-ahead effect is executed. The look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed during the period from when the target special game is put on hold to when the special game ends. In other words, the look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed with the pending special game as the target. Also, the look-ahead effect is an effect that can be executed with the running special game as the target. Also, in this embodiment, the look-ahead effect is an effect that suggests the jackpot expectation of the target special game. In other words, in this embodiment, the special game that is the target of the look-ahead effect can be said to be a special game whose jackpot expectation is suggested by the look-ahead effect.

As shown in FIG. 13, when a zone presentation is executed as a look-ahead presentation, a zone image Gz is displayed on the image display device 11. For example, the zone image Gz is an image that imitates the characters "Chance Zone." In this embodiment, the zone presentation is executed from the start of the zone presentation until the target special game ends.

Next, the right hit notification will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14(a) and (b), in this embodiment, there is a right hit notification that suggests (instructs) the launch of the game ball toward the right area. In this embodiment, the right hit notification includes a first right hit notification and a second right hit notification. The first right hit notification is, for example, a notification that displays a first right hit notification image Gi1 on the image display device 11. The first right hit notification image Gi1 is, for example, an image that imitates the character string "right hit" and an arrow indicating the right area. The second right hit notification is, for example, a notification that displays a second right hit notification image Gi2 on the image display device 11. The second right hit notification image Gi2 is, for example, an image that imitates the character string "right hit" and an arrow indicating the right area, and is an image larger than the first right hit notification image Gi1. That is, the second right hit notification image Gi2 is an image that is easier for the player to recognize than the first right hit notification image Gi1.

The right hit notification is executed in a situation where it is recommended to fire the game ball towards the right area. In this embodiment, the situation where it is recommended to fire the game ball towards the right area is when the time-saving state is in effect or during a jackpot game. The first right hit notification is always executed in a situation where it is recommended to fire the game ball towards the right area. On the other hand, the second right hit notification is executed when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. Also, in this embodiment, the first right hit notification is executed in different notification modes in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state.

Next, notification of an error will be described.
As shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), this embodiment has a right hit error notification and an illegal winning error notification. The right hit error notification is triggered by a game ball being shot into the right area in a situation where it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the left area. The right hit error notification is executed for a predetermined right hit error notification time. The illegal winning error notification is triggered by a game ball entering the second starting hole 13 in a non-time-saving state. The illegal winning error notification is executed for a predetermined illegal winning error notification time.

The right hit error notification is, for example, a notification that displays a right hit error notification image Ge1 on the image display device 11. The right hit error notification image Ge1 is, for example, an image that imitates the character string "Please return to left hit" and an arrow indicating the left area. The illegal winning error notification is, for example, a notification that displays an illegal winning error notification image Ge2 on the image display device 11. The illegal winning error notification image Ge2 is, for example, an image that imitates the character string "Illegal winning has been detected." In this way, the right hit error notification and the illegal winning error notification are notifications of special errors that can be executed in a non-time-saving state. The right hit error notification and the illegal winning error notification correspond to the special error notification. The image display device 11 corresponds to the notification means that executes the error notification.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the above-mentioned effects and notifications will be described.
First, the process executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the game count display effect will be described.

When the sub-control CPU 31a starts a presentation game, it adds 1 to the display game count information stored in the sub-control RAM 31c, and controls the image display device 11 to execute the game count display presentation based on the display game count information after the addition. In addition, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs an opening command, it initializes the display game count information. That is, the sub-control CPU 31a initializes the display game count information when a jackpot game is awarded. In this way, the game count display presentation is a presentation that is started (updated) during the execution of each presentation game, and is executed regardless of the result of the winning lottery derived in the special game corresponding to the presentation game. Specifically, the game count display presentation is executed regardless of the type of special symbol. That is, the game count display presentation is executed regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a loss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, it is executed regardless of the type of jackpot.

In addition, the presentation mode of the game count display effect is the same regardless of the result of the winning lottery. Specifically, the presentation mode of the game count display effect is the same regardless of the type of special pattern. In other words, the presentation mode of the game count display effect is the same regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, it is the same regardless of the type of jackpot.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the countdown performance will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs the cumulative game count command, it judges whether the cumulative game count that can be specified from the command matches the trigger count. If the cumulative game count matches the trigger count, the sub-control CPU 31a judges whether it is a restricted period. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 31a judges that it is a restricted period when a special game has not been executed a predetermined number of times since the start of power supply. If it is not a restricted period, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to execute a countdown effect based on the cumulative game count. In this way, the countdown effect is an effect that is started during the execution of a predetermined effect game, and is executed regardless of the result of a winning lottery derived in a special game corresponding to the predetermined effect game. Specifically, the countdown effect is executed regardless of the type of special symbol. That is, the countdown effect is executed regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a big win or a loss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a big win, it is executed regardless of the type of the big win.

In addition, the presentation mode of the countdown effect is the same regardless of the result of the winning lottery. Specifically, the presentation mode of the countdown effect is the same regardless of the type of special pattern. In other words, the presentation mode of the countdown effect is the same regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, it is the same regardless of the type of jackpot.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute a specific transition performance will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs the cumulative game count command, it judges whether the cumulative game count that can be specified from the command is one less than the specific number. If the cumulative game count is one less than the specific number, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to start a specific transition presentation. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to display the first transition image Gc1. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to hide the first transition image Gc1 and display the second transition image Gc2, triggered by the control being controlled to the second time-saving state. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may judge that the control has been controlled to the second time-saving state based on the input of a state 3 designation command, or may judge that the control has been controlled to the second time-saving state based on the input of a control command instructing the start of a new presentation game. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to end the specific transition presentation, triggered by the establishment of an end condition for the specific transition presentation. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine that the end condition of the specific transition effect is satisfied when a predetermined number of performance games have been executed since the start of the specific transition effect, or may determine that the end condition of the specific transition effect is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific transition effect. In this way, the specific transition effect is an effect that is started during the execution of a predetermined performance game, and is executed regardless of the result of a winning lottery derived in a special game corresponding to the predetermined performance game. Specifically, the specific transition effect is executed regardless of the type of special symbol. In other words, the specific transition effect is executed regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a big win or a loss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a big win, it is executed regardless of the type of the big win.

In addition, the presentation mode of the specific transition effect is the same regardless of the result of the winning lottery. Specifically, the presentation mode of the specific transition effect is the same regardless of the type of special pattern. In other words, the presentation mode of the specific transition effect is the same regardless of whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss, and when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, it is the same regardless of the type of jackpot.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the zone presentation will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 31a inputs a look-ahead command, it executes a process for executing a zone presentation. The sub-control CPU 31a identifies the variable content of the newly reserved special game based on the look-ahead command, and determines whether or not to execute a zone presentation based on the variable content, and the presentation mode when executing the zone presentation. At this time, the sub-control CPU 31a decides not to execute a zone presentation when the zone presentation is already being executed, and when the zone presentation is waiting to be executed. Here, waiting to be executed means a state in which the execution of the zone presentation has been decided, but the zone presentation has not yet been executed. In addition, when deciding whether or not to execute a zone presentation, the sub-control CPU 31a decides not to execute a zone presentation if it is expected that the game state will change when the newly reserved special game is executed. Specifically, the cases in which it is expected that the game state will change when the newly reserved special game is executed are when a special game with a jackpot is already being reserved, and when a special game that triggers the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a to reach a specific number is being reserved. In addition, when determining whether to execute the zone effect, the sub-control CPU 31a determines not to execute the zone effect if the newly reserved special game is the second special game if the current game state is the non-time-saving state. In addition, when determining whether to execute the zone effect, the sub-control CPU 31a determines not to execute the zone effect if the newly reserved special game is the first special game if the current game state is the time-saving state. In this way, when a special game with a jackpot is reserved, the execution of a look-ahead effect (zone effect) targeted at at least a special game reserved after the special game is restricted. In addition, when a special game that triggers the main control CPU 30a to count a specific number of times is reserved in a low probability state, the execution of a look-ahead effect (zone effect) targeted at a special game that is executed based on the result of a winning lottery that is executed at least when a game ball enters the first starting hole among the special games executed after the special game is restricted for a period until the third specified upper limit number of special games is executed. The jackpot special game corresponds to a specific special game. The period until the third specified upper limit number of times of the special game is played corresponds to a specific period. Also, the period until the third specified upper limit number of times of the special game is played corresponds to a special period.

Next, the processing executed by the sub-control CPU 31a to execute the right-hit notification will be described.
The sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to execute the first right-hit notification when the current ball-entering state is a time-saving state or when a jackpot game is awarded. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a determines that the current ball-entering state is a time-saving state during the period from inputting a state 2 designation command, a state 3 designation command, or a state 4 designation command to inputting a state 1 designation command. Also, for example, the sub-control CPU 31a determines whether a jackpot game is awarded based on inputting a control command that can identify a jackpot game. Also, when controlled to the second time-saving state, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to execute the second right-hit notification. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a determines that the control is controlled to the second time-saving state based on inputting a state 3 designation command.

Next, the process executed by the sub control CPU 31a to execute error notification will be described.
The sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to start a right-hit error notification when a right-hit error command is input. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to end the right-hit error notification when a predetermined notification time for the right-hit error notification has elapsed. In this embodiment, when the time-saving state is entered while the right-hit error notification is being executed, the sub-control CPU 31a ends the right-hit error notification that is being executed.

The sub-control CPU 31a also controls the image display device 11 to start an improper winning error notification when the improper winning error command is input. After that, the sub-control CPU 31a controls the image display device 11 to end the improper winning error notification when a predetermined improper winning error notification notification time has elapsed.

Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 configured as above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 16(a) shows a state in which the normal presentation mode is in effect. At this time, the image display device 11 is executing a game count display presentation. By executing the game count display presentation, the player can guess the remaining number of special games to be executed before the control is made to the second time-saving state. In other words, the game count display presentation is a presentation that suggests that the control is made to the second time-saving state. In this embodiment, the number of times that the special games are executed from the end of the first time-saving game among the jackpot games until the main control CPU 30a counts the specific number is the same as the number of times that the special games are executed from the end of the second time-saving game among the jackpot games until the main control CPU 30a counts the specific number. Therefore, the player can easily guess the remaining number of special games to be executed before the control is made to the second time-saving state from the execution mode of the game count display presentation.

Figure 16 (b) shows a situation where the cumulative number of games has reached the first trigger number. At this time, the image display device 11 executes a countdown effect in response to the cumulative number of games reaching the first trigger number. By executing the countdown effect, the player can determine the remaining number of special games to be executed before control is entered into the second time-saving state. In other words, the countdown effect can be said to be an effect that suggests control will be entered into the second time-saving state.

Figure 16 (c) shows a situation where the cumulative number of games has become one less than the specific number. At this time, the image display device 11 starts a specific transition effect when the cumulative number of games has become one less than the specific number. More specifically, the image display device 11 displays a first transition image Gc1. When the specific transition effect starts, the player can specify that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state. In other words, the specific transition effect is an effect that notifies the player that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state.

Figure 16 (d) shows a situation where the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. At this time, in the image display device 11, the first transition image Gc1 is hidden and the second transition image Gc2 is displayed as a trigger for the game being controlled to the second time-saving state. By displaying the second transition image Gc2, the player can identify that the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state (transition to the third chance presentation mode). In other words, the specific transition presentation can be said to be a presentation that can identify that the game has been controlled to the second time-saving state. Also, at this time, the image display device 11 executes the first right-hit notification and the second right-hit notification. As described above, the second right-hit notification is a notification that is executed when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. That is, in this embodiment, the presentation (notification) that can be executed is different between at least a part of the period controlled to the second time-saving state and at least a part of the period controlled to the first time-saving state. Also, in this embodiment, when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, a warning regarding addiction is not executed. Also, as mentioned above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not count the base value in the second time-saving state. Therefore, the main control CPU 30a does not count the number of game balls (valid balls) used in the game during the period from when the machine is controlled to the second time-saving state until the third specified upper limit number of special games are executed.

Figure 17 (a) shows a state in which the device is in the normal presentation mode. At this time, the image display device 11 is executing the game count display effect. Then, as shown in Figure 17 (b), it is assumed that the power supply is cut off and then started again. During the period from the start of the power supply to the award of the first big win game, the game count display effect notifies the player of the cumulative number of special games that have been executed since the power supply was started. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to guess from the game count display effect how many special games remain to be executed before the device is controlled to the second time-saving state. Also, as described above, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state (while in the normal presentation mode) and then the power supply is started again, the same identification information is displayed when the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a is initialized and when the cumulative number of games is not initialized.

Figure 17(c) shows a situation where the cumulative number of games has reached the first trigger number. Also, at this time, it is assumed that the special game has not been executed the predetermined restricted number of times since the power supply was started. That is, Figure 17(c) shows a situation where the cumulative number of games has reached the first trigger number during the restricted period. At this time, while the cumulative number of games has reached the first trigger number, since this is a restricted period during which the special game has not been executed the predetermined restricted number of times since the power supply was started, the execution of the countdown effect triggered by the cumulative number of games reaching the first trigger number is restricted. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to guess the remaining number of special games to be executed before the control to the second time-saving state is entered.

Figure 17(d) shows a situation where the cumulative number of games has reached the second trigger number. Also, at this time, it is assumed that a specified number of special games have been played since power supply was started. In Figure 17(d), a countdown effect is executed when the cumulative number of games has reached the second trigger number after the restriction period ends. Therefore, by executing the countdown effect, the player can determine the remaining number of special games that will be played before control is entered into the second time-saving state.

After that, as shown in FIG. 17(e), the image display device 11 displays the first transition image Gc1 when the cumulative number of games becomes one less than the specific number, and as shown in FIG. 17(f), when the device is controlled to the second time-saving state, the first transition image Gc1 is hidden and the second transition image Gc2 is displayed. In this way, when the device is controlled to the second time-saving state, the game count display effect, the countdown effect, and the specific transition effect are executed for a predetermined period. Then, when the power supply is cut off during the predetermined period and the power supply is started thereafter, the execution of at least a part of the game count display effect, the countdown effect, and the specific transition effect may be restricted. In particular, the execution of the countdown effect is restricted during the period from when the power supply is cut off during the predetermined period and the power supply is started thereafter until the special game is executed a predetermined number of times. In other words, the execution of the countdown effect is restricted during the period from when the power supply is cut off during the predetermined period and the power supply is started thereafter until the special game is executed a predetermined number of times. Here, if the power supply is cut off and then started again when the cumulative number of games has reached the trigger number, the execution of the countdown effect is restricted. In other words, when a specific effect game is being played and it has been decided that a countdown effect will be executed in that effect game, but the countdown effect has not yet been executed, if the power supply is cut off and then started again, the execution of the countdown effect is restricted.

Figure 18 (a) shows a situation in which a right-hit error notification is executed. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 18 (b), a specific transition effect is started when the cumulative number of games becomes one less than the specific number before the notification time of the right-hit error notification has elapsed. At this time, the right-hit error notification continues to be executed on the image display device 11. Also, the image display device 11 is allowed to display the first transition image Gc1. In other words, the execution of the specific transition effect is allowed.

Figure 18 (c) shows a situation where the right-hit error notification is controlled to the second time-saving state before the notification time has elapsed. At this time, in the image display device 11, the first transition image Gc1 is hidden and the second transition image Gc2 is displayed as a trigger for control to the second time-saving state. On the other hand, even before the notification time for the right-hit error notification has elapsed, the right-hit error notification ends as a trigger for control to the second time-saving state.

After that, as shown in FIG. 18(d), it is assumed that the notification time for the right-hit error notification has elapsed. At this time, the image display device 11 has not yet executed the right-hit error notification, so the effects being executed before and after the notification time for the right-hit error notification has elapsed do not change. In this way, in this embodiment, the execution of the game count display effect, countdown effect, and specific transition effect is permitted even during the period from when the right-hit error notification begins until the notification time has elapsed.

Figure 19 (a) shows a situation in which an illegal winning error notification is executed. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 19 (b), the specific transition presentation is started when the cumulative number of games played becomes one less than the specific number before the notification time for the illegal winning error notification has elapsed. At this time, the illegal winning error notification continues to be executed on the image display device 11. Also, the image display device 11 is permitted to display the first transition image Gc1. In other words, the execution of the specific transition presentation is permitted.

19(c) shows a situation where the device is controlled to the second time-saving state before the notification time of the improper winning error notification has elapsed. At this time, in the image display device 11, the first transition image Gc1 is hidden and the second transition image Gc2 is displayed as a result of the device being controlled to the second time-saving state. In addition, since the notification time of the improper winning error notification has not yet elapsed, the improper winning error notification continues to be executed even after the device is controlled to the second time-saving state. After that, as shown in FIG. 19(d), it is assumed that the specific transition effect has ended in a situation where the notification time of the improper winning error notification has not yet elapsed. At this time, since the notification time of the improper winning error notification has not yet elapsed, the image display device 11 continues to execute the improper winning error notification. In this way, in this embodiment, the execution of the game count display effect, the countdown effect, and the specific transition effect is permitted even during the period from when the improper winning error notification started to when the notification time has elapsed.

As described above in detail, this embodiment has the following advantages.
(1) According to this embodiment, even in a situation where a jackpot game is not awarded, it is possible to increase interest by making the player expect that the time-saving state will be awarded. In addition, it is possible to increase the player's motivation to play by predicting the game balls to be used until the game is controlled to the second time-saving state. In addition, in this embodiment, the expectation of being controlled to the second time-saving state can be increased by executing a performance that notifies the player of control to the second time-saving state and a performance that suggests control to the second time-saving state. Under such a premise, the performance that notifies the player of control to the second time-saving state is executed regardless of whether the performance game in which the performance that notifies the player of control to the second time-saving state is executed is a jackpot performance game, so that if the performance game in which the performance that notifies the player of control to the second time-saving state is executed is a jackpot performance game, the player can be surprised. Furthermore, since the effect suggesting control to the second time-saving state is executed regardless of whether the presentation game in which the effect suggesting control to the second time-saving state is executed is a jackpot presentation game or not, if the presentation game in which the effect suggesting control to the second time-saving state is executed is a jackpot presentation game, it can give the player a surprise.

(2) According to this embodiment, since it is impossible to guess from the presentation mode of the presentation notifying the control to the second time-shortened state whether the presentation game in which the presentation notifying the control to the second time-shortened state is executed is a jackpot presentation game, if the presentation game in which the presentation notifying the control to the second time-shortened state is executed is a jackpot presentation game, a player can be given a surprise. Also, since it is impossible to guess from the presentation mode of the presentation suggesting the control to the second time-shortened state whether the presentation game in which the presentation suggesting the control to the second time-shortened state is executed is a jackpot presentation game, a player can be given a surprise.

(3) According to this embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state and then power supply is started, when the cumulative number of games played of the special game counted by the main control CPU 30a is initialized, it is less likely to be controlled to the second time-saving state compared to when the cumulative number of games is not initialized. For this reason, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state and then power supply is started and the cumulative number of games played is initialized, if the player can easily tell that it has been initialized, there is a risk that the player's motivation to play will decrease. In this embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the non-time-saving state and then power supply is started, it is difficult for the player to tell whether the cumulative number of games played has been initialized, so that a decrease in the player's motivation to play can be suppressed.

(4) According to this embodiment, in a situation where the power supply is cut off for a predetermined period and then started, a part of the effects suggesting control to the second time-saving state is restricted, making it difficult for the player to recognize that the game machine will be controlled to the second time-saving state or that it has been controlled to the second time-saving state. In other words, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize whether the state of the gaming machine when the power supply is started is advantageous to the player. When the power supply is cut off and then started, it is assumed that the business of the gaming center will end and the next business will start. Therefore, if the configuration is such that the player can easily recognize that the game machine will be controlled to the second time-saving state, depending on the state of the gaming machine when the power supply is started, there is a risk that the player's motivation to play will decrease. In this embodiment, in a situation where the power supply is cut off for a predetermined period and then started, a part of the effects suggesting control to the second time-saving state is restricted, making it possible to suppress a decrease in the player's motivation to play.

(5) According to this embodiment, in a situation where the power supply is cut off for a predetermined period of time and then restarted, the execution of the effects suggesting or informing the player of the number of special games to be played before control is given to the second time-saving state is restricted, thereby further suppressing a decline in the player's motivation to play.

(6) According to this embodiment, the variation patterns that can be determined when controlled to the second time-saving state include variation patterns that cannot be determined when controlled to the non-time-saving state, thereby enhancing the sense of exclusivity of the second time-saving state. Furthermore, the executable effects during at least a portion of the period controlled to the first time-saving state are different from those during at least a portion of the period controlled to the second time-saving state, thereby creating a stronger impression that the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are different states.

(7) In this embodiment, the number of times the special game needs to be played before the game is controlled to the second time-saving state is the same regardless of whether the game is a first time-saving hit game or a second time-saving hit game. Therefore, even if a player does not know whether the previous big win game was a first time-saving hit game or a second time-saving hit game, he or she can imagine the game balls to be used before the game is controlled to the second time-saving state.

(8) According to this embodiment, the second time-saving state is maintained until a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, or until the third specified maximum number of special games are played even if a jackpot is not won. Therefore, when the second time-saving state is maintained, it is possible to expect that a jackpot will be awarded until the third specified maximum number of special games are played.

(9) According to this embodiment, a warning regarding addiction is issued according to the situation, so that the warning can be issued effectively.
(10) According to this embodiment, the number of game balls (valid balls) used in a game is counted only when necessary, thereby reducing the burden associated with counting.

(11) In this embodiment, when the power supply is cut off, it is assumed that the player is not playing. In this embodiment, by restricting the execution of the effect suggesting control to the second time-saving state in such a situation where the player is not playing, it is possible to surprise a player who has just started playing.

(12) In this embodiment, the right-hit error and the illegal winning error are errors that can occur when the game is not controlled to the time-saving state. Therefore, if the right-hit error notification or the illegal winning error notification is being executed when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, if the execution of the effect of notifying the game of the control to the second time-saving state by performing the error notification is not permitted, the player may not recognize that the game is being controlled to the second time-saving state, which may result in the player being disadvantaged. In this embodiment, where there is such a risk, the effect of notifying the game of the control to the second time-saving state is executed even during the execution of the right-hit error notification or the illegal winning error notification, so that the player can be made aware that the game is being controlled to the second time-saving state. This makes it possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged. Also, in this embodiment, the effect of suggesting the control to the second time-saving state is executed even during the execution of the right-hit error notification or the illegal winning error notification, so that the player can be made aware that the game is being controlled to the second time-saving state. This makes it possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

(13) According to this embodiment, the execution of right-hit error notifications is restricted during special periods, thereby preventing players from becoming confused.
(14) According to this embodiment, in a situation where it is possible to specify in advance that the game will be controlled to the first time-saving state because a special game for a big win is reserved, and in a situation where it is possible to specify in advance that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state because a special game that triggers counting a specific number of times is reserved, the execution of the look-ahead effect (zone effect) is restricted according to the situation. This makes it possible to prevent a decline in interest.

(15) In this embodiment, if a special jackpot game is already on hold, it is assumed that the game state will change as a result of the jackpot game being awarded before the newly reserved special game is executed. Also, for example, if a special game that will trigger the cumulative number of games counted by the main control CPU 30a to reach a specific number is on hold, it is assumed that the game state will change as the game is controlled to the second time-saving state before the newly reserved special game is executed. In such a situation, it is possible to prevent player confusion by restricting the execution of the look-ahead effect (zone effect).

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
In the above embodiment, the number of triggers may be consecutive. In this case, if the number of remaining special games to be executed before the second time-saving state is entered falls below a predetermined number, a countdown effect may be executed each time a special game is executed.

- In the above embodiment, when power supply is cut off and then started again, the effect (specific transition effect) that notifies the user of control to the second time-saving state for a specific period of time may be restricted.

- In the above embodiment, the executable effects may be changed arbitrarily. For example, an effect suggesting that the device will be controlled to the second time-saving state may be executable as an effect separate from the various effects described above. Also, for example, an effect notifying the device that the device will be controlled to the second time-saving state may be executable as an effect separate from the various effects described above. Also, for example, an effect suggesting that the device has been controlled to the second time-saving state may be executable as an effect separate from the various effects described above. Also, for example, an effect notifying the device that the device has been controlled to the second time-saving state may be executable as an effect separate from the various effects described above. Also, these other effects may be restricted or permitted for a specific period of time when the power supply is cut off and then started again.

In the above embodiment, a zone effect is given as an example of a look-ahead effect, but this is not limiting and any look-ahead effect may be executable.
In the above embodiment, the errors that may occur when the second time-saving state is not controlled may include, in addition to or instead of, the right-hit error and the illegal winning error. In this case, it may be possible to execute a notification of another error. In this case, the notification of the other error may be restricted or permitted during the special period.

- In the above embodiment, the game count display effect may be determined whether to be executed based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the game count display effect may be determined whether to be executed based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the effect may be determined based on the type of jackpot. Also, the game count display effect may be determined in a presentation mode based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the game count display effect may be determined in a presentation mode based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the effect may be determined based on the type of jackpot.

- In the above embodiment, the countdown effect may be determined whether to be executed based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the countdown effect may be determined whether to be executed based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the countdown effect may be determined whether to be executed based on the type of jackpot. Also, the presentation mode of the countdown effect may be determined based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the presentation mode of the countdown effect may be determined based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the presentation mode of the countdown effect may be determined based on the type of jackpot.

- In the above embodiment, the specific transition effect may be determined whether to be executed based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the specific transition effect may be determined whether to be executed based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the specific transition effect may be determined whether to be executed based on the type of jackpot. Also, the specific transition effect may have a presentation mode determined based on the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game being executed. In other words, the specific transition effect may be determined based on whether the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot or a miss. Also, when the result of the winning lottery is a jackpot, the presentation mode may be determined based on the type of jackpot.

- In the above embodiment, the presentation modes may include other presentation modes in addition to or instead of the normal presentation mode, the first chance presentation mode, the second chance presentation mode, the third chance presentation mode, and the special chance presentation mode. In other words, the presentation modes available in each game state may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the first time-saving play may be different from the type of presentation mode available in the first time-saving state controlled after the end of the second time-saving play.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state (first time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the low-probability non-time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state (second time-saving state). Also, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the first low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- For example, there may be multiple types of presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state. In this case, some of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the second low-probability time-saving state may be the same as some or all of the presentation modes that can be maintained in the high-probability time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, when power supply is started, a notification may be given as to whether the cumulative number of games has been initialized. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a may give a different notification when an initialization command is input during the power-on process than when a return command is input.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in a non-time-saving state (low-probability non-time-saving state), it may be possible to remain in a different presentation mode when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started again and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started again.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in a non-time-saving state (low-probability non-time-saving state), different initial symbol combinations may be displayed when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state), it may be possible to remain in the same presentation mode when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state), the same initial symbol combination may be displayed when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state), it may be possible to remain in the same presentation mode when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the second time-saving state (second low-probability time-saving state), the same initial symbol combination may be displayed when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off during the high probability time-saving state, it may be possible to remain in the same presentation mode when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started again and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started again.

- In the above embodiment, the power supply may be cut off during the high probability time-saving state, and the same initial symbol combination may be displayed when the cumulative number of games played is initialized when the power supply is then started again, and when the cumulative number of games played is not initialized when the power supply is started again.

- In the above embodiment, when the power supply is cut off in the first time-saving state (first low-probability time-saving state) and the power supply is then started again, it may be possible to remain in a different presentation mode depending on the type of the previous jackpot game. For example, the main control CPU 30a may be configured to output a different state designation command depending on the type of the previous jackpot game when the power supply is started.

- In the above embodiment, it may be suggested that the cumulative number of games played has been initialized when power supply is started. For example, when the sub-control CPU 31a inputs an initialization command during the power-on process, it stores information that can identify that the cumulative number of games played has been initialized (hereinafter referred to as initialization information) in the sub-control RAM 31c. In addition, the sub-control CPU 31a may determine whether or not to execute a specified presentation, and if so, the presentation style, based on the initialization information.

- In the above embodiment, the cumulative number of games may be suggested or notified. For example, the sub-control CPU 31a notifies the number of times the special game has been played during the period from when the power supply is started to when the first jackpot game is started, regardless of whether the cumulative number of games has been initialized when the power supply is started. After the first jackpot game, the number of times the special game has been played may be notified during the period from when the jackpot game ends to when the next jackpot game is started. In this case, the number of times the special game has been played during each period may be displayed on the image display device 11, or may be notified by a device separate from the image display device 11.

- In the above embodiment, when the difference between the cumulative number of games played and the specific number of games reaches a predetermined number, a pre-effect may be executed to suggest or notify in advance that the game will be controlled to the second time-saving state. That is, when the game is controlled to the second time-saving state, a pre-effect may be executed, whereas when the game is controlled to the first time-saving state, a pre-effect may not be executed. For example, the pre-effect may be an effect that suggests or notifies the difference between the cumulative number of games played and the specific number of games. Furthermore, when the pre-effect is configured to be executable, the pre-effect may be executed over multiple effect games. In this case, the pre-effect may continuously suggest or notify the predetermined number of games, or may suggest or notify the difference between the cumulative number of games played after the change and the specific number of games.

- In the above embodiment, in the first time-saving state, the difference (remaining number of times) between the specified upper limit number of times and the number of special games that have been played since control was placed in the first time-saving state may be notified. In this case, the remaining number of times is the number of times that indicates the period during which control can be placed in the first time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, in the second time-saving state, the difference (remaining number of times) between the specified upper limit number of times and the number of special games that have been played since control was entered into the second time-saving state may be notified. In this case, the remaining number of times is the number of times that indicates the period during which control into the second time-saving state is possible.

When the remaining number of times in the first time-saving state and the remaining number of times in the second time-saving state can be notified, when the remaining number of times is greater than the first specified upper limit number and the second specified upper limit number, the remaining number of times can be said to be a presentation that suggests or notifies that the state is controlled to the second time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have the same opening manner of the second start opening 13 based on winning a normal winning combination in the winning lottery for the normal symbol.

- In the above embodiment, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have different probabilities of winning a normal hit in a winning lottery for a normal symbol. For example, the first time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal hit in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the second time-saving state. Also, for example, the second time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a normal hit in a winning lottery for a normal symbol than the first time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the non-time-saving state and the first time-saving state may have the same probability of winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols. In this case, in the first time-saving state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 is selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to the low-probability non-time-saving state. Also, for example, the non-time-saving state and the second time-saving state may have the same probability of winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols. In this case, in the second time-saving state, an opening mode in which a game ball is likely to enter the second start hole 13 is selected or easily selected as the opening mode of the second start hole 13 based on winning a normal hit in the winning lottery for normal symbols, compared to the low-probability non-time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the second starting hole 13 as a specific ball entry hole may be provided in any area of the game area YBa. For example, the second starting hole 13 may be provided in the left area of the game area YBa. In this case, in the time-saving state, it is recommended to launch the game ball into the left area. For this reason, the hitting method notification in the time-saving state may be a notification that encourages the game ball to be launched toward the left area.

In the above embodiment, multiple types of hitting method notifications may be executed simultaneously. In this case, it is preferable that at least some of the hitting method notifications are the same in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state.

- In the above embodiment, the specific number of times may be changed arbitrarily. For example, the specific number of times may differ depending on the type of jackpot game that was awarded immediately before. In this case, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when power supply is started, the game may be controlled to the second time-saving state in response to the execution of the maximum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers. Also, when the cumulative number of games is initialized when power supply is started, the game may be controlled to the second time-saving state in response to the execution of the minimum number of special games among the multiple types of specific numbers.

- In the above embodiment, the first specified upper limit number, the second specified upper limit number, and the third specified upper limit number may be changed as desired. For example, the first specified upper limit number may be the same as the specific number, or may be greater than the specific number. The second specified upper limit number may be less than the specific number, or may be greater than the specific number. The third specified upper limit number may be less than the specific number, or may be the same as the specific number.

- In the above embodiment, each symbol combination may be changed as desired. For example, some or all of the symbol combinations for time-saving wins and the symbol combinations for special wins may be the same.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may be capable of executing a left-hit notification that suggests (instructs) the game ball to be shot toward the left area. For example, the left-hit notification may be executed when the situation changes from one in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the right area to one in which it is recommended to shoot the game ball toward the left area. Specifically, when the machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the notification may be executed when the special game is executed a specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded. At this time, if the special game that is executed the specified maximum number of times is a jackpot special game, the jackpot game is awarded after the special game that is executed the specified maximum number of times, so the left-hit notification may not be executed. In other words, when the machine is controlled to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the left-hit notification may be executed when the special game is executed a specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded, and the special game that is executed the specified maximum number of times is not a jackpot special game. In addition, when the left hit notification is configured to be executable, the notification mode may be the same or different when the device is controlled to the first time-saving state and is executed in response to the special game being played the specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded, and when the device is controlled to the second time-saving state and is executed in response to the special game being played the specified maximum number of times before the next jackpot game is awarded.

- In the above embodiment, the conditions for the specific condition to be met may be changed as desired. For example, the specific condition may be met simply when a special game is executed, or when a special game is executed in a high probability state. The specific condition may be met when one of the first and second special games is executed, but not when the other special game is executed. The specific condition may also be met when a specific result is obtained in a specific lottery, such as a winning lottery.

In the above embodiment, the type of big win game may be changed arbitrarily.
In the above embodiment, the second time-saving state may be controlled when a special game ends. In this case, the main control CPU 30a may determine whether or not a specific transition condition is established when the special game ends.

- In the above embodiment, once a specific transition condition is met, the cumulative number of games played (the number of times a specific condition is met) may not be counted until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times a specific condition is met) is initialized.

- In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, the fact that the specific transition condition has been met may be notified during the period until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized. For example, after a specific transition condition is met, an external signal may be output until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized.

- In the above embodiment, after a specific transition condition is met, if the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) has not been initialized, a notification that the specific transition condition has been met may be sent when power supply starts. In this case, the notification may be sent until the cumulative number of games played (the number of times the specific condition is met) is initialized.

The game components may be arranged to restrict balls from entering the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made, or to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the first starting hole 12 when a right hit is made compared to when a left hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low). The game components may also be arranged to restrict balls from entering the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made, or to make it more difficult for a ball to enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, and the operating gate 18 when a left hit is made compared to when a right hit is made (making the probability of the ball entering extremely low).

- In addition to the sub-control board 31, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps La, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speakers Sp, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the image display device may be provided. Furthermore, the sub-control board may include such a sub-sub-control board and boards that control other effects and notifications.

-Furthermore, the main control CPU 30a of the main control board 30 and the sub-control CPU 31a of the sub-control board 31 may be mounted on a single board. Furthermore, in the above alternative example, the light emission control board, the audio control board, and the display control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or multiple boards.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a gaming machine that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball passes through a specific area (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine).
The pachinko game machine 10 equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state until the next big win is won, a specification that provides a probability variation state until the player wins a fall lottery (fall machine), or a specification that provides a probability variation state until a predetermined number of variation games are completed (ST machine). In addition, the pachinko game machine equipped with the probability variation function may be of a specification that provides a probability variation state when the game ball passes through a specific area (V probability variation machine). The pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko game machine of any of these specifications. In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 may be a pachinko game machine of a specification that combines the above-mentioned fall machine and V probability variation machine.

- It may be configured to be possible to create a state that utilizes a small win lottery or a small win game (for example, a small win rush). For example, a state that utilizes a small win lottery or a small win game may be a more advantageous state than a high base state.

The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(A) A gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a game ball can enter; operation means capable of taking an operation state in which a game ball can enter the specific start port and an inoperation state in which a game ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means for executing the winning lottery when a game ball enters the specific start port; special game execution means for executing the special game based on the result of the winning lottery; jackpot game awarding means for awarding the jackpot game; ball entry state control means capable of controlling the operation means to a specific ball entry state in which the operation means can take the operation state and a non-specific ball entry state in which the rate at which the operation means takes the operation state is lower than that of the specific ball entry state or the operation means continues to take the inoperation state; and game counting means for counting the number of times the special game is executed when a specific condition is established. a special effect that is at least one of an effect that notifies a player that a ball has been controlled to the second specific ball entry state, an effect that notifies a player that a ball has been controlled to the second specific ball entry state, an effect that suggests a player that a ball has been controlled to the second specific ball entry state, and an effect that suggests a player that a ball has been controlled to the second specific ball entry state, and the special effect is an effect that is started during the execution of a predetermined effect game and is executed regardless of the result of the winning lottery derived in a special game corresponding to the predetermined effect game.

(B) In a gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game from which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises a specific start port into which a gaming ball can enter, an operating means capable of taking an operating state in which a gaming ball can enter the specific start port and an inoperative state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port, a lottery means for executing the winning lottery when a gaming ball enters the specific start port, a fluctuation pattern determination means for determining a fluctuation pattern capable of specifying the fluctuation time of the special game based on the result of the winning lottery, and a means for determining the fluctuation pattern based on which the special game is executed. a special game execution means for executing a special game, a big win game awarding means for awarding the big win game, a ball entry state control means capable of controlling a specific ball entry state in which the operation means can be in the operation state and a non-specific ball entry state in which the operation means is in the operation state at a rate lower than that of the specific ball entry state or the operation means is in the non-operation state continuously, a game counting means capable of counting the number of times the special game is executed in a situation in which a specific condition is established, a presentation game execution means for executing a presentation game corresponding to the special game, a presentation execution means for executing a presentation, and a mode for controlling the transition of presentation modes. and a game control means for controlling the specific ball-scoring state, the specific ball-scoring state includes a first specific ball-scoring state and a second specific ball-scoring state, the first specific ball-scoring state is controlled when the jackpot game ends, and the second specific ball-scoring state is controlled when the game counting means counts a specific number of times, and the effects include at least one special effect that notifies the player that the ball will be controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, notifies the player that the ball has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, suggests that the ball will be controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, and suggests that the ball has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state. The special effect is an effect that is started during the execution of a specified effect game and is executed regardless of the result of the winning lottery derived in a special game corresponding to the specified effect game, and the variation pattern that can be determined when controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state is partially or completely different from the variation pattern that can be determined when controlled to the non-specific ball-scoring state, and the effects that can be executed during at least a portion of the period controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state are different from those during at least a portion of the period controlled to the first specific ball-scoring state.

(c) The number of times the special game is executed counted by the game counting means may be initialized when the jackpot game is executed, and the number of times the special game is executed from the end of the first jackpot game among the jackpot games until the game counting means counts the specific number of times may be the same as the number of times the special game is executed from the end of the second jackpot game among the jackpot games until the game counting means counts the specific number of times.

(ii) The performance execution means may be configured to issue a warning regarding getting stuck when the ball is controlled to the first specific ball-entry state, and to not issue a warning regarding getting stuck when the ball is controlled to the second specific ball-entry state.

(e) A valid ball counting means for counting the number of game balls used in a game may be provided, and the valid ball counting means may be configured not to count the number of game balls used in a game for a specific period of time after the game counting means has counted a specific number of times.

(F) During the execution of a specific presentation game, when it has been determined that the special presentation will be executed in that presentation game, but the special presentation has not yet been executed, the power supply may be cut off, and when the power supply is subsequently started again, the execution of the special presentation may be restricted.

(G) In a gaming machine in which, when a jackpot is won in a winning lottery, a jackpot game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived, the gaming machine comprises: a specific start port into which a gaming ball can enter; operation means which can take an operation state in which a gaming ball can enter the specific start port, and an inoperation state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the specific start port; lottery means which executes the winning lottery when a gaming ball enters the specific start port; and special game execution means which executes the special game based on the result of the winning lottery. a ball-entering state control means for controlling the operation means into a specific ball-entering state in which the operation means can be in the operating state and a non-specific ball-entering state in which the operation means is in the operating state at a rate lower than that of the specific ball-entering state or the operation means is in the non-operating state continuously; a game counting means for counting the number of times the special game is executed when a specific condition is established; a performance execution means for executing a performance; and a notification means for notifying an error, The states include a first specific ball-scoring state and a second specific ball-scoring state, the first specific ball-scoring state is controlled when the jackpot game ends, and the second specific ball-scoring state is controlled when the game counting means counts a specific number of times, and the effects include special effects that are at least one of the following: an effect that notifies the player that the ball has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, an effect that notifies the player that the ball has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, an effect that suggests the player has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state, and an effect that suggests the player has been controlled to the second specific ball-scoring state; the errors include special errors that may occur when the ball is controlled to the non-specific ball-scoring state, and a special error notification is started when the special error occurs, and the special error notification ends when a predetermined notification time has elapsed since the special error notification started, and the special effect is allowed to be executed even during the period from when the special error notification started to when the notification time has elapsed.

(h) The execution of the special error notification may be restricted during a special period when the game counting means counts a specific number of times.

10... Pachinko gaming machine, 11... Image display device, 30... Main control board, 30a... Main control CPU, 30b... Main control ROM, 30c... Main control RAM, 31... Sub-control board, 31a... Sub-control CPU, 31b... Sub-control ROM, 31c... Sub-control RAM.

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine in which, when a winning lottery is won, a winning game is awarded after the end of a special game in which the result of the winning lottery is derived,
A first starting hole as a starting hole through which a game ball can enter;
A second starting hole as a starting hole through which the game ball can enter;
An operating means that can take an operating state in which a game ball can enter the second starting hole and a non-operating state in which a game ball cannot enter the second starting hole;
A lottery means for executing the winning lottery when a game ball enters the starting hole;
a special game execution means for executing the special game based on the result of the winning lottery;
A reservation means for reserving the special game;
A winning game awarding means for awarding the winning game;
a game state control means capable of controlling between a specific game state in which a second special game may be executed, the second special game being a special game in which the result of the winning lottery executed in response to a game ball entering the second starting hole is derived, and a non-specific game state in which the second special game is less likely to be executed than the specific game state, or the second special game is not executed;
a game counting means for counting the number of times the special game is executed;
A performance execution means for executing a performance,
The specific game states include a first specific game state that is controlled when the winning game ends, and a second specific game state that is controlled when the game counting means counts a specific number of times.
When the second specific gaming state is controlled, the second specific gaming state ends when at least one of a first condition, which is established when a predetermined number of special games have been played since the second specific gaming state was controlled, and a second condition, which is established when the winning game is awarded, is established;
The above performance includes:
A special effect suggesting that the game will be controlled to the second specific game state;
A pre-reading effect that notifies or suggests the winning probability of a special game on hold.
When a special game which is a trigger for the game counting means to count a specific number of times is held, regardless of the result of a winning lottery derived in the special game, execution of a pre-reading performance targeted at a special game which is executed based on the result of a winning lottery which is executed at least when a game ball enters the first starting hole among special games executed after the special game is restricted for a specific period of time;
When the second specific gaming state is controlled, a plurality of special effects can be executed during execution of a plurality of consecutive special games ,
When the power supply is cut off and then the power supply is started, the execution of the special effects is restricted until a restriction period ends, so that the execution of at least some of the special effects among the plurality of special effects is restricted,
A gaming machine characterized in that after being controlled to the second specific gaming state, the power supply is cut off, and then when the power supply is started again, if the number of times the special game is executed counted by the game counting means is not initialized, the game counting means is capable of notifying that the game counting means has counted the specific number of times until the number of times the special game is executed counted by the game counting means is initialized .